LAKEWOOD - The power and depth of Charles Wright Academy combined for a Tarrier 28-7 Class 1A Nisqually League football victory against Life Christian Academy/Seattle Christian Schools on Saturday, October 29, at Harry Lang Stadium.
As a result, the War Eagles fell out of the top four playoff spots with a record of 4-3, but still have a crossover game to close out the season. The Tarriers (6-1) finished second in the league and await playoff action.
Charles Wright opened up the contest with total domination of ball possession time. Using strong running mixed with an occasional pass, the Tarriers used a short field situation to drive 32 yards on five plays with Raheem Hughey matriculating the final two yards on a running play with 7:48 remaining in the first quarter. A successful extra point made the score 7-0.
With 2:52 left in the quarter, Jacob Lawson's three-yard blast helped the Tarriers to a 14-0 margin.
Controlling the ball for more than five minutes, CW drove to the LCA/SCS 32-yard line before the War Eagles forced an incomplete pass on fourth and eight.
Taking over ball possession at their own 32 yard line with 9:22 before halftime, the War Eagles resuscitated life back into their offense with a combination of runs from Tony Larsen and quarterback Jordan King. Key plays on this 68-yard drive were King's 14-yard quarterback keeper on the option play and an 11-yard quarterback scramble.
Facing a third and 15 to go on the CWA 38, King scampered up the middle for another 11 yards. On the 11th play of the drive, King had enough time to hit streaking wider receiver Charles Davis over the middle for a 20-yard touchdown. Corey Kuta's conversion kick brought LCA/SCS within 14-7 with 3:54 left in the quarter. The War Eagles stayed in this range at halftime.
In the third quarter, Charles Wright received the kickoff and moved the ball to the Life Christian/Seattle Christian 29, where it lost the ball on downs when six-foot, three-inch defensive lineman Kyle Pierroti knocked down a pass at the line of scrimmage.
The War Eagles took over and went four and out, including a game ending injury to King.
With the injury to King, wide receiver Kyle Goodman was pressed into service as the quarterback. Several other LCA/SCA players took over at seldom played positions.
Heading into the game with starting quarterback Kingston Kuehner, wide receiver Karson Kuehner and running back Dylan Huber out with injuries, the courageous War Eagles were just worn down by the Tarriers.
CWA played smash mouth football on an eight play, 64-yard drive capped by Hughey's 1-yard touchdown run with 2:40 left in the third quarter. Nick Ho added a 15-yard touchdown rush in the fourth quarter for the game's final touchdown.
Life Christian/Seattle Christian was unable to mount a sustained drive and Charles Wright Academy ran out the final 8:02 of regulation time,
Toiling mightily as seniors on the team were four players who still have enjoyed their individual experiences.
Running back/linebacker Tony Larsen gave out his thought about playing football for the War Eagles.
"I had to just go out and play my hardest," Larsen said. "With our missing players and the injury to our second quarterback, I knew it would be a tough game. I have no regrets about playing (for LCA/SCS). I learned about the level of commitment you need to have for other people. I played three years for Renton before this. I've truly liked this experience."
Larsen designates Philippians 3:14 as his favorite Bible verse.
Also enjoying his experience with football is Seattle Christian's Kyle Pierotti. Participating in LCA/SCS football for two years as an offensive and defensive lineman, Pierotti recalls playing at Qwest Field and making new friends at Life Christian as his favorite football memories.
"We missed some of our key players," he said. "It was still about giving 100 per cent and getting 100 per cent from each other. We just kept playing hard. This has been a fun learning experience and I had a great time with the LCA guys. It's something I won't forget."
Pierotti has attended Seattle Christian Schools for six years and cites Psalm 100:1-3 as his favorite Bible verse.
Seattle Christian has two additional seniors on the squad.
K/DB Kuta has attended SCS for six years and participated in LCA/SCS football for two years. His favorite football memory is kicking a field goal and he is inspired by Proverbs 3:5-6.
Closing out the SCS seniors is Isaac Moffit, who has attended Seattle Christian for two years and has played two years for the War Eagles. The energy of the team before a game is his favorite football memory while he lists Psalm 31:24 as his favorite Bible verse.
