Eastlake ends state bid with 27-14 loss to Puyallup
On Friday, Nov. 8, the Eastlake Wolves were knocked out of the state tournament in a heartbreaking 27-14 loss to the Puyallup Vikings.
With palpable energy in the air, both teams took to the field. Impeccable defense from the Vikings forced a quick three-and-out for the home team, giving Puyallup control of the ball. Early in the possession, Luke Parker found wide receiver Jayden Woodland, who out-maneuvered the Eastlake defense for a 30-yard touchdown and the first 7-point lead of the night.
Not to be out-done, Wolves quarterback Ryder Barrysmith immediately answered back with a 50-yard toe-scraping touchdown pass to receiver Bryson Hodges, tying the game, 7-7.
With momentum on their side and seconds remaining in the quarter, the Wolves strategically kicked a low punt to the Viking defense, forcing a chaotic grab for the ball by both teams. Eastlake prevailed, giving the Wolves excellent field position and control of the ball to start the second quarter.
Using the momentum to their advantage, Barrysmith found Myles Johnson for the carry and an exciting start to the second quarter. Johnson battled his way through the Viking defense, twisting and turning to get to the end zone, putting 7 more points on the board and giving Eastlake the 14-7 lead.
The early illusion of success did not stop there for the Wolves. After the Vikings attempted a long bomb, Eastlake’s Chase Dannemiller intercepted in the end zone and blocked the tie.
However, the Wolves’ momentum did nothing to douse the Puyallup spirit. With 12 seconds remaining, Kyson Douglas crossed into the end zone for the Vikings and the 14-14 tie, keeping Puyallup in the hunt for victory as the buzzer rang, concluding the first half.
The second half marked a turn for the Vikings and mounting frustration for the Wolves. Puyallup received the ball to open the second half and wasted no time putting points on the board. Parker quickly found a gap in the Eastlake defense and ran up the middle for a 7-point Viking addition. Luck and play repeatedly broke for Puyallup throughout the quarter, including an interception by Jasiah Denmark. Fortunately for the Wolves, Puyallup failed to convert that mistake into additional points. The quarter ended with a Viking lead, 21-14.
Opening the final quarter, the Vikings had possession of the ball. Despite exhaustion taking a toll on both teams, the Wolves prevented the Vikings from another touchdown but could not stop the field goal. Puyallup took the 10-point lead for 24-14 advantage.
Another frustrating failed possession for the Wolves returned control to the Vikings. Once again, unable to cross into the end zone, Puyallup settled for one more field goal and a 27-14 lead.
A final push by Eastlake resulted in an interception by Puyallup’s Jacek Garden, sealing the Wolves fate with a 27-14 loss and an end to their postseason bid for the state title.
