The Vashon Pirates faced league-leading Charles Wright at an away game on Friday, coming away with a 33-14 loss.
Vashon received the opening kickoff and was forced to punt on fourth down. The Tarriers drove deep into Pirate territory, but on fourth and five at the 10-yard line, Owen Brenno stopped them short, and the ball was turned over on downs to the Pirates.
The Pirates, using the I-formation, concentrated on their running game, moved the ball past midfield, then on fourth down attempted a fake punt that was stopped short.
Charles Wright had a three-play drive for a touchdown, putting them ahead at 7-0.
Starting the second quarter, both teams failed attempts at converting on fourth down, leading to Vashon getting the ball at the 45-yard line.
Strong running from Nick Betz behind the blocks of Ezra Ende took the Pirates into Charles Wright territory. After a 10-yard pass to Garrett Starr, quarterback Nick Amundson took a keeper in for a Vashon touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good, and the score was close at 7-6.
Charles Wright scored one more time in the first half, with Nick Betz blocking the extra point kick, and the Tarriers widened their lead to 13-6.
Charles Wright took over the game in the second half, scoring twice in the third quarter and started the fourth quarter leading 27-6.
Vashon had a nice drive to begin the fourth quarter, but again was unable to convert on fourth down. Charles Wright then drove in for a touchdown, bringing their lead to 33-6.
Kevin Thomas recovered a Charles Wright fumble at the 45-yard line, leading to a Vashon drive ending with a 40-yard run for a touchdown by Nick Amundson. The two-point conversion was good, and the game ended with a final score of Charles Wright 33, Vashon 14.
While not happy with losing, head coach Clay Eastly said he felt “the team had taken a big step forward” in the quality and intensity of their play.
The Pirates will play their last home game at 7 p.m. Friday against Cedar park Christian.
— Brian Brenno is the president of the Vashon Bounty Club.
