By MARY ANN KALL

For The Beachcomber

Last Saturday, the Rhodie brought Vashon Pirate Youth Football’s favorite league rival and recently crowned Northwest Youth Football league champions, the Eatonville Cruisers, to the Island for the eagerly anticipated annual Sportsmanship Bowl.

Players from both teams recommitted themselves to the goal of always doing their best and being gracious in both victory and defeat.

The lightweight teams opened the festive competition, warmed by a glorious autumnal sun.

A good, old-fashioned rout ensued, as Bud’s Bombers unleashed the season’s strongest offensive drive against the Cruisers and blasted their way to a 25-6 Pirate win.

Logan Hawkins was given Bud’s Bombers’ sportsmanship award.

“What a great ending to the season,” beamed Bomber coach Sean Donnelly.

A rising moon lifted above the tree line as The Heavies met The Eatonville Heavies team. Eatonville displayed championship form in its 44-0 victory against Vashon.

Josh Tillman was given the Heavies’ sportsmanship award.

After the games, both teams and fans feasted on hot pizza, salad and ice cream sandwiches, celebrating good sportsmanship all around.

— Mary Ann Kall is a football mom.