by Kyle Howard, photos by Kurt Howard

Highline and Evergreen faced off Friday night, Oct. 28, for a Seamount League matchup. It was the final game of the season for both teams and Evergreen’s senior night. It could possibly be the last game any of the seniors may ever play. Highline’s league record stood at 1-4, as Evergreen remained winless at 0-5 at the start of the game.

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Highline fumbled on their second possession as Evergreen’s Alex Tautua recovered it on the 50 yard line. Evergreen made its way toward the end zone on several plays as the drive was finished by a 3-yard touchdown run by Maletino Hola, who also kicked the point after making it 7-0.

Highline went three and out on their next possession and punted to Evergreen, setting them up on their own 49-yard line. Evergreen stretched their lead when quarterback Alex Tautua connected with Manu Tuitoelau for a 51 yard touchdown pass. Highline blocked the point after and the score stood at 13-0.

Highline stayed composed on its next drive. They were down 13-0 and had to make something happen. They started on their own 31 yard line and after a few plays drove down field to the 3-yard line. Injured running back Hassan Al Hassan ran the ball up the middle for the touchdown, with the point after good. Highline inched closer to Evergreen’s lead. That wouldn’t last long. On the kick off Larry Peneueta returned the ball, ducking and dodging Highline defenders. He found himself in the end zone for an 81 yard kickoff return for the touchdown. Highline put together a nine play drive to march down field one last time before the half. Tight end Breylin Kalauli received an 8-yard pass from quarterback Erik Anderson for the touchdown with 30 seconds left on the clock.

The second half started with an Evergreen fumble that was recovered by Highline’s Josh Conrad, setting them up on the 50-yard line. The Pirates found themselves on the 23-yard line on fourth and one and decided to go for it, but were stopped by the Wolverine defense for a turnover on downs. After another punt from Evergreen, the Pirates would set up on their own 33-yard line. After four first downs during the drive they were now within the red zone. Quarterback Erik Anderson found tight end Armando Ortiz open in the end zone for a touchdown to tie the game at 20.

The fourth quarter would prove to be a nail biter. With the game tied Evergreen began their possession in Highline territory. After three first downs Evergreen was set up on the 4-yard line. Quarterback Alex Tuatua ran the ball to the left, breaking two tackles before leaping into the end zone for the go ahead touchdown. There was a flag on the play that would cost them 15 yards that would be assessed on the point after kick. The point after was missed, keeping Evergreen’s lead at six with three and a half minutes left on the clock. After starting on their own 37-yard line Highline was able to get within striking distance. With 51 seconds left Erik Anderson made a pass toward the end zone that was intercepted by Evergreen’s Tuan Le at the 3-yard line, sealing the victory. Or would it?

The Wolverines rushed the ball as Larry Peneueta broke free down the field when he was hit hard, causing a fumble that was recovered by Highline at the 4-yard line with 33 seconds left, giving the Pirates one last shot to win it. Highline lost eight yards on a sack from Feagai Tuiolemoto. Highline passed the ball over the middle but Evergreen was called for pass interference, giving Highline even better field position. On the next play another pass over the middle was incomplete when Evergreen laid a hard hit on the receiver, causing him to flip head over heels and resulting in an injury.

The Pirates had one last chance on one play when Erik Anderson dropped back as the receivers went down field. Not seeing anybody open he scrambled out of the pocket trying to break free but was stopped at the 15-yard line to end the game. Evergreen's players and fans went wild as the Wolverines picked up their first victory in two years.

Despite the loss, Pirates quarterback Erik Anderson had a great game. He was 10-for-17 passing with 126 yards and two touchdowns.

Evergreen head coach Mark Becker said, “This was the best and most intense game we’ve played all season, and just our second win in the last four years, and hats off to Highline for coming in and playing with new players”.

On the other side Highline head coach Juan Cotto had this to say, “We played a great game and I never question the effort our guys give. They played a fantastic football game and we came up a little short tonight. Our offense executed real well. We had some guys step up who haven’t played much this year.”

He added he was proud of Evergreen and his former coaching assistant Mark Becker saying, “They played a classy football game tonight, but we just came up short."