Saturday, October 27, 2007. The Friday Harbor Tigers Junior Football Team won their first post-season play-off game against Lakewood Maroons Saturday. The final score was Friday Harbor 30, Lakewood Maroon 0.
The final score, however, did not reflect the tough battle the Junior Tigers had in their first post-season game. At the half, the Junior Tigers led just 8-0 against a tough Lakewood Maroon defense; and having tenaciously prevented a Maroon last-ditch attempt to score with 40 seconds left in the half. The Tigers came back for the third quarter showing the heart and determination that has got the team to an 8 - 0 record this year.
An example of their grit was demonstrated in this week’s Play of the Game. In the 3rd quarter, Quarterback Donald Galt found an opening and ran 65 yards for a QB-kept touchdown. The TD was called back because of a flag on the play. The Tigers answered immediately. In the next play, backup Quarterback Alec Kurtz took the snap, pitched the ball back to Micah Powell, who threw a 35-yard halfback pass to Wide Receiver Marquis Napier. Napier ran the ball in for a touchdown.
This one-two punch proved to be the undoing of the Lakewood Maroon Defense.
The offensive lineman of the week went to Nathan Steenkolk. In a broken play, Quarterback Galt ran for a 55-yard touchdown with Steenkolk leading the block. “Nathan took out 3 or 4 Maroon players,” said Coach Cliff Switz. “He looked like a tank as he blocked down the field.” This week’s Offensive MVP went to Micah Powell.
Defensive MVP awards went to a long list of Tiger Defense over achievers: Kaleb Warner for two interceptions including one ran back for a defensive touchdown, Carson Brown for leading the team in defensive tackles, Jacob Justiniano for three QB sacks and a forced fumble, Alec Kurtz for a forced fumble and Riley Rouser for two fumble recoveries. Steenkolk and Marco Chairez-Aguayo also made great defensive contributions.
The Friday Harbor Tigers Junior Football team is practicing hard for the next post-season game this Saturday, November 3. The game, at 4 p.m., will be played under the lights in Arlington against South Whidbey. Go Tigers!
The Tiger Football and Cheer teams are sponsored by the Friday Harbor Athletic Association (FHAA).
