It was a last minute pick-up game to fill an unexpected empty spot in the schedule that turned into a battle between the small, quick Pirates and the behemoth Sun Devils from South Delta, British Columbia whose starting lineup looked like a Divison I collegiate team.
The average weight of the Sun Devils starting lineup was an intimidating 225 pounds. The Sun Devils were last year’s B.C. regional champions, and yet, it was a game much closer than any expected. The teams clashed at a neutral site: King’s High School in Shoreline on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Much like the Sept. 18 game against Charles Wright Academy, the Pirates continued to put up huge offensive numbers, scoring 46 points but losing the contest by a two-score margin: 61-46.
Once again, turnovers made the difference in the outcome with the Pirates coughing up the ball five times, twice within 10 yards of the goal line.
Vashon’s quick, attack-style offense clearly rattled the Sun Devils, who allowed Vashon to score the first two touchdowns of the game. The Pirate defense was fired up early with a big sack by senior Clyde Pruett. On the next play, Bryce Hoisington ripped and tipped the ball away, dropping it in Adrian St. Germain’s lap for a nice run. Hoisington went on to score in that series, and with the subsequent two-point conversion Vashon was on top 8-0. Vashon senior Logan Nelson capitalized on a South Delta fumble early in the first quarter, but on the very next play, the Pirates handed it right back to them. Two plays later, the turnover game continued when Chester Pruett forced a huge fumble that was recovered by Anthony Gateman. Not long after, Hoisington took the pitch out and scampered around the end for the second score of the night. The conversion was no good, but the Pirates were up 14-0.
Near the end of the first quarter, South Delta gathered themselves and quickly scored off a huge run by their star running back Grant McDonald. The extra points were good and the score was 14-8 Vashon at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter got off to a rocky start when the Sun Devils intercepted a pitch out on the 4-yard line. But on their next possession, the Sun Devils were forced to punt thanks to a big sack by Hoisington and Chester Pruett, followed by a huge sack for a loss of 23 yards by Pruett. After a solid move down field behind four first downs, the Pirates again coughed the ball up with a fumbled pitch. South Delta went on to score the touchdown and extra points, bringing the score to 16-14 with four minutes to go in the half.
After a Vashon possession to nowhere, South Delta took over on downs and proceeded to bust a 52 yard run for a touchdown. With the extra points, the score was 24-14 South Delta, with two minutes to go in the half. But the Pirates weren’t done yet. A complete pass from quarterback Connor Hoisington to senior Logan Nelson gave the team the momentum it needed as they pushed down field. After strong running by both Hoisington’s, Connor found Nelson in the end zone for a touchdown with 22 seconds to go in the half. With the extra points, the score at the half was a tight 22-24. On the kick off, the Sun Devils ran it all the way back for a score that was negated by a costly personal foul penalty in the backfield.
The Sun Devils posted two quick scores in the third quarter, with the two point conversion being good on the second, brought the score to 40-22 with eight minutes to go in the quarter. The Pirates weren’t dead, and settled down behind the sound running of quarterback Connor Hoisington. A lobbed pass and insane reception by Nelson who rolled into the end zone got the Pirates back on the score board and with the two point conversion the score was 30-40 with 6 minutes to go in the third. South Delta quickly scored on their next possession, 48-30 with 5 minutes to go in the third.
Connor Hoisington continued running the ball making first downs into the red zone before having a pitch intercepted . Three plays later the Sun Devils were in the end zone again and the score was 54-30 through the end of the third quarter. Just twenty two seconds into the fourth quarter South Delta took the ball into the end zone for their last score of the night and with the point after kick going through they were up a daunting 61-30 and started to put in their second string.
The Pirates had them rethinking that strategy when the Pirates quickly scored on a Connor Hoisington run and two point conversion; score 61-36. After taking over on downs, the Pirates worked back downfield behind the running of St. Germain, and both Hoisingtons. A crucial pass completion play to Clyde Pruett set Vashon in great field position. After one sack and a Bryce Hoisington run, Clyde Pruett ended up with the touchdown reception. After the two point conversion it was 46-61 with 4 minutes to go in the game.
Vashon’s defense rose up in an amazing stand with a monstrous sack by both Pruett’s and an assist from Colin Voynick, and the pressure by Chester Pruett on the next play forced a South Delta punt. Vashon took the ball with 2:39 to go and thanks to a pass interference call on South Delta the team had worked it’s way down field before giving up the last turnover of the game with just two minutes to go. The Sun Devils ran out the clock and took the game.
Head Coach Brynie Robinson was pleased with the game,”I was grateful to have a game this week, and also grateful to see what we look like against great competition.”
Seniors Simon Perrin and Arthur Moore both had a great night on kick returns, converting into good field position for the Pirates. Adrian St. Germain continued to tear the field up with numerous tackles and stellar pass defense, as senior lineman Hunter Stanley made several key tackles. Seeing action for the first time this season were seniors Ron Krieger and Adam Clark and junior Colin Voynick.
Pirate fans be aware! This week’s home game is one hour earlier. Vashon will play Earl Marriott Secondary School of B.C. at 6 p.m. Pre-game tailgate at Sporty’s 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Parade to stadium leaving Chamber of Commerce parking lot at 5:20 p.m.
— Cheryl Pruett is the parent of two VHS football players.
