Varsity Photos

Eastlake v. Graham-Kapowsin


No Livestream Available Due to NFHS Coverage

Eastlake: 24-

Graham-Kapowsin: 27

Saturday, November 25, 2023 - 2:00p

Art Crate Field, Spanaway, WA


There are 2,800 seconds in a football game and for 2,794 of them, the Eastlake Wolves went toe-to-toe with #1 seed, undefeated Graham-Kapowsin. After the Wolves rallied back 3 times to tie or take the lead, the teams appeared headed to overtime to decide the trip to the State championship. But GK used all those seconds and made winning plays in the last 6 seconds to defeat the Wolves 27-24 on a spectacular sunny November afternoon. The Wolves’ road ended in the state semi-finals with an 11-2 record. The Wolves’ 11 wins are the 2nd most in school history and the semifinal appearance equals the longest playoff run in school history.  

The game was a back-and-forth battle that kept both teams' raucous crowds on the edge of their seats the whole game. The Wolves took the opening kickoff and Grady Woodward was a shoestring tackle away from taking it to the house. Sparked by a Landon Renfroe scramble, the Wolves drove into GK territory before an interception gave the ball to the Eagles. 

GK's 12-0 record is due primarily to their explosive offense, and they went right to work, putting together a methodical touchdown drive for an early 7-0 lead. The Wolves took the ball and got near midfield on a Renfroe to Woodward slant, but the drive broke down and the Wolves punted. GK attacked again, using a tush push for a first down unleashing quarterback Daveon Superales as a runner. The Eagles were inside the Wolves ten and threatening to take a two-touchdown lead but Colby Johnson turned a Jabez Woods jet sweep into a tackle-for-loss, Grady Woodward made a stop and Caleb Mohrhardt tackled Woods one-on-one in space to force the Eagles to kick a field goal and a 10-0 lead. 

Down two scores to the #1 seed didn't faze the Wolves who have played in so many close games. Renfroe found Kade Haroldsen for short gain. Woodward ran for 5, the Renfroe connected with Marcus Angiuli for 10. Caden Cross took a hit but held on to a pass near the sticks and Woodward carried for the first down. RJ Abedi took a screen pass 8 yards and then Woodward finished the drive with a 13-yard TD run, running between Carter Thompson and Jack Beardall. In the mid-second quarter, the Wolves were on the board, although still training 10-7. 

With the Wolves’ defense containing the GK downfield passing, the Eagles went back to the ground game. The Eagles drove to Wolves territory but Mohrhardt, Aryan Ramdas and Carter Thompson teamed up to turn GK's signature receiver screen into a 6-yard loss. Superales took a shot downfield, but Woodward intercepted the ball at the 5-yard line, stopping the drive and giving the Wolves one more offensive possession before halftime. From the shadow of their own goal, the Wolves went ground-and-pound, hammering the GK front with runs from Jack Edmunds and Woodward. A screen to Edmunds got the Wolves to the 22 and Renfroe lofted a perfect spiral to Kade Haroldsen for the touchdown and a 14-10 Wolves halftime lead.  

The Eagles got the ball out of halftime and drove the length of the field. The Eastlake defense stiffened near the goal line but GK ran a toss to the back who threw a TD to the tight end. The entire Wolves defense and the neutral NFHS announcers all saw the receiver push the Wolves defender to the ground before making the catch, but the officials didn't make a call. The Eagles converted the PAT to retake the lead 17-14.  

The Wolves responded with another power-run based drive, with a fired-up Woodward and steady Edmunds leading the Wolves down the field. From the GK 46, Renfroe hit Angiuli on a slant with Marcus fighting through PI and catching the tipped ball for a 31-yard gain. On 3rd down, a shoestring tackle brought Woodward short of the line to gain. Alex Dreher converted a 33-yard field goal to tie the game again at 17 all.  

GK wasted no time striking back, aided by a kickoff return that brought the ball all the way to the Eastlake 43-yard line. As the clock rolled to the 4th quarter, Superales carried into the red zone. The Wolves almost caught a break when Mohrhardt forced a fumble on the five-yard line but the Eagles kept possession and finished the TD drive to go up 24-17.  Needing a score, the Wolves brought a fresh Abidi into the backfield, and he immediately ripped off gains of 18, 6, 12 and 4 yards on successive runs. Renfroe went to the air, hitting Woodward for 13 yards. After a couple of plays broke down, Renfroe scrambled for 15 yards, near the first down marker. Edmunds carried for a enough to set the Wolves first at 10 at GK 15 yard line. Two plays later, facing a 3rd and 14, the Wolves ran their first trick play of the season, a hook-and-lateral, Renfroe to Woodward to Edmunds. The play worked but Edmunds was pushed out of bounds after 9 yards, putting the Wolves in 4th down with just four minutes left in the game. Renfroe calmly stepped back and fired a laser to Woodward who made a spectacular leaping catch with a defender draped on him for an 11-yard touchdown. Alex Dreher continued his perfect day, hitting the critical PAT to time that game at 24-all. 

 The GK offense took the field, no doubt confident that they could drive the field for the win. As they have all year, the Wolves defense was ready for the 4th quarter challenge. After a big first down gain, the Wolves got the stop they needed when Carter Thompson sacked Superales on 3rd down. With two minutes left in the game, the Wolves had the ball on their own 34 and a plan for their own winning drive. Now it was the Eagles defense that stepped up, stopping the run, and forcing two incompletions. Alex Dreher got off a good punt, putting the Eagles on their own 21 with 1:13 on the clock. On first down, the Wolves got a stop for no gain. On 2nd down, GK ran to their own 32 and used a timeout with 16 seconds on the clock. The Eagles ran the ball again, this time all the way to the Wolves 45 with 8.6 seconds left. The Eagles took one shot and found an open receiver on the 8-yard line with 1 second left on the clock. The Eagles kicked a 25-yard field as time expired to win the game 27-24 and take their place in the State Championship game. 

The 2023 Wolves delivered one of the best seasons in Eastlake history, running the table through Kingco and losing only a one-score game to defending state champion Lake Stevens during a 8-1 regular season. In the post season, the Wolves crushed Kentwood, then won tight battles against Sumner in the round of 16 and Skyview in the Quarterfinal. In the end, the Wolves came up one second short against the top seed Eagles in a thrilling, heartbreaking State semi-final. The Wolves 11 wins are the second most in school history and while it’s premature to look ahead, Eastlake fans should be very excited about the future of Coach Scott Hare's program.  

While the GK loss will sting, this team and its seniors will look back with incredible pride on all they accomplished and the legacy they leave. The class of 2024 began their high school careers with a 3-game freshman season due to Covid. Over their three years as varsity players, they went 31-6, including an incredible 17-1 in Kingco games. They lost two games their senior year – both one-score losses to the two teams matched up in the state championship The seniors leave with 2 Kingco championships, 3 State Playoff appearances and 2 State Semi-finals. And incredibly, they accomplished all they did this year with a new coaching staff coming onboard just two months before fall football. Seniors, thank you for your legacy and all you've given to the Eastlake football community. Well done, Wolves!!!

Eastlake v. SKYVIEW


Livestream

Eastlake: 17-

Skyview:14

Saturday, November 18, 2023 - 4:00p

Eastlake High School, Sammamish, WA


There's no easy road to the State semi-finals and the Eastlake Wolves earned their second trip ever with a stirring come-from-behind 17-14 win over the Skyview Storm. With the win, the Wolves earn a trip to Art Crate field where the Wolves take on Graham Kapowsin (12-0).

The Wolves hosted a state quarterfinal game for the second time in three years, taking on the 10-1 Skyview Storm, the #2 team from the Greater St. Helen's League (GSHL). Despite Skyview's 3-hour bus ride from Vancouver, it was the Storm who looked like the fresher team early, jumping out to a 14-0 just minutes into the game. Despite a first half in which Skyview got every break and seemingly every official's call, the Wolves defense locked in and shut out the Storm for the next three and a half quarters while the offense found the points to gut out a 17-14 win.

The Storm's brought a big-play offense to Sammamish and exploded on their fourth play with a 64-yard pass completion - the longest scrimmage play the Wolves have given up this season. Trailing 7-0, the Wolves appeared to have an answering drive, using their bevy of playmakers with Marcus Angiuli, Grady Woodward, Kade Haroldsen and RJ Abedi all getting touches on the drive. However, penalties stalled the drive and the Storm blocked the Wolves 29 yard field goal attempt to keep a 7-0 lead. The pumped-up Storm offense piled onto their lead with another touchdown drive sparked by big plays. The Storm ran a flea flicker for 32 yards  - and play was even more costly for the Wolves because All Kingco receiver/safety Bryson Hodges left the game with an injury. The Storm finished the drive with a 23 yard seam route TD for a fast 14-0 lead. Just minutes into the game, the Skyview fans were rockin' and the Wolves were staring at their biggest deficit of the season.

Having faced adversity in many games this year, the Wolves went to work. Landon Renfroe connected with Woodward; then the Wolves went to the ground game with Abedi, Jack Edmunds and Woodward. As the game rolled to the second quarter, Renfroe found Brady Cardwell on the Wolves own seam route and Cardwell ran inside the five. Grady punched in the TD and Eastlake fans exhaled just a little bit, having cut the deficit to 14-7.

 So, the offense could move the ball; now the question was could the Wolves defense slow down the speedy Storm?  Playing in their coach's image, the Wolves didn't panic. Instead, they remembered the mantra for the week ("get off my field"), strapped their helmets a little bit tighter and went to work. Caleb Mohrhardt stopped a stretch play for no gain. The Storm went back to the trick plays, running a reverse but Trevor Galvin stayed home, Carter Thompson beat his man and Jack Beardall pursued from the backside. On 3rd down, Beardall got another stuff and Skyview was 3-and-out.

The Wolves offense went back to work and drove down the field, leaning on Woodward out of the backfield. As the Wolves drove inside the 2, the home crowd anticipated tying the game but on 4th down Woodward was called short of the goal line by inches. The Storm held their 14-7 lead and once again had the momentum. With 3 minutes left in the half, Skyview assembled a potentially back-breaking drive, but Galvin stepped up again, intercepting a pass inside the Wolves 35 to turn back the threat. The Wolves went to the half trailing 14-7 but confident that they had their sea legs and would come back strong in the second half.

The Wolves opened the 3rd quarter looking again like they would tie the game with more Woodward running, supplemented by some new wrinkles including more running from Renfroe and option runs. The Wolves drove inside the Storm 30 yd line, but fumbled the ball away. With the season in the balance, the defense had to be great, and they were. Aryan Ramdas made his presence felt with two straight tackles and when the 3rd down pass fell incomplete, Skyview brought out their punt team. Having already run a flea-flicker and a reverse, the Storm went back to the trick plays with a fake punt. An alert RJ Abedi stopped the ballcarrier short of the line and the Wolves offense had a short field opportunity to tie the game.

 An option pitch to Abedi went for 10 yards. Renfroe ran 10 yards to pay dirt and the Wolves had tied the game, 14-all, in the middle of the 3rd quarter. The defense really had their flow now and got another quick stop with a Beardall tackle and Colby Johnson blowing up a screen for a tackle-for-loss. Skyview punted again and it felt like the Wolves were set to take over the game. But two penalties and a pass break up by Skyview forced the Wolves' first punt of the game.

Skyview opened the 4th quarter with a 34 yard completion, deep into Wolves territory. The Storm drove inside the 5 but the Wolves got the stop they needed when the Storm quarterback rolled right and threw to the end zone - right to Kade Haroldsen for an interception.

With eight minutes left on the clock, the Wolves now had their own chance for a game winning drive. And this was the drive when "get off my field" kicked in. "Get off my field" was a shorthand reminder to the Wolves that if they were the more physical team all game, they would wear down the Storm and ultimately push them off the field in winning time. And the bigs up front were ready for the challenge. RJ ran for 5. Landon scrambled for 13, followed by an option to Grady for 4. Landon scrambled for 2 but a targeting penalty against Skyview added 15 yards and the Wolves were in Skyview territory. Edmunds ran for 8, followed by an Abedi 13-yarder. After a Wolves penalty, RJ ran for 4, Landon 8 and Grady for 5 more giving the Wolves first and goal. The drive broke down with two incomplete passes, so the Wolves brought out Alex Dreher to try a field goal. Dreher drilled the ball straight through the uprights and the Wolves had their first lead with two and a half minutes left in the game.

Skyview had a chance. The Storm fielded the squib kick to set their offense at the 43-yard line. After a run-stuffing tackle by Ramdas, Skyview completed a 17-yard pass into Wolves territory. But with a trip to the semi-finals on the line, the Wolves made the winning plays. Aryan Ramdas batted down the first down pass. RJ blew up a wide-receiver screen (incomplete). On 3rd down, Mohrhardt dropped the receiver after a 4-yard gain. On 4th and 6, the Storm pass fell incomplete and the Wolves took over, going into victory formation.

When the seconds ran off the clock, so did the home field careers for the Eastlake Seniors as the semi-finals will be on the road. Although their journey is not done yet, the seniors finished their home career with one of the biggest wins in school history. Trailing 14-0 to a Skyview team that had scored 40 or more points seven times this year, the defense held the Storm scoreless for 3 1/2 quarters. Against a Skyview defense that held nine opponents to 10 of fewer points, the Wolves drove the ball up-and-down down the field, dominating the time of possession, threatening to score on six of eight drivers and getting just enough points to punch a ticket to the next round.

 Many of the players started on the Eastlake field with I-9 flag football, then played their youth games there and on through their varsity careers. The Seniors finished the home portion of their careers with a 19-1 record at Eastlake Stadium. But its not yet time to rest on laurels as this team has bigger things ahead. On Saturday November 25th, the Wolves travel to Art Crate Stadium to take on the #1 seed Graham-Kapowsin Eagles with a trip to the state championship on the line. Go Wolves!

Eastlake v. SKYVIEW


Livestream

Eastlake: 17-

Skyview:14

Saturday, November 18, 2023 - 4:00p

Eastlake High School, Sammamish, WA


There's no easy road to the State semi-finals and the Eastlake Wolves earned their second trip ever with a stirring come-from-behind 17-14 win over the Skyview Storm. With the win, the Wolves earn a trip to Art Crate field where the Wolves take on Graham Kapowsin (12-0).

The Wolves hosted a state quarterfinal game for the second time in three years, taking on the 10-1 Skyview Storm, the #2 team from the Greater St. Helen's League (GSHL). Despite Skyview's 3-hour bus ride from Vancouver, it was the Storm who looked like the fresher team early, jumping out to a 14-0 just minutes into the game. Despite a first half in which Skyview got every break and seemingly every official's call, the Wolves defense locked in and shut out the Storm for the next three and a half quarters while the offense found the points to gut out a 17-14 win.

The Storm's brought a big-play offense to Sammamish and exploded on their fourth play with a 64-yard pass completion - the longest scrimmage play the Wolves have given up this season. Trailing 7-0, the Wolves appeared to have an answering drive, using their bevy of playmakers with Marcus Angiuli, Grady Woodward, Kade Haroldsen and RJ Abedi all getting touches on the drive. However, penalties stalled the drive and the Storm blocked the Wolves 29 yard field goal attempt to keep a 7-0 lead. The pumped-up Storm offense piled onto their lead with another touchdown drive sparked by big plays. The Storm ran a flea flicker for 32 yards  - and play was even more costly for the Wolves because All Kingco receiver/safety Bryson Hodges left the game with an injury. The Storm finished the drive with a 23 yard seam route TD for a fast 14-0 lead. Just minutes into the game, the Skyview fans were rockin' and the Wolves were staring at their biggest deficit of the season.

Having faced adversity in many games this year, the Wolves went to work. Landon Renfroe connected with Woodward; then the Wolves went to the ground game with Abedi, Jack Edmunds and Woodward. As the game rolled to the second quarter, Renfroe found Brady Cardwell on the Wolves own seam route and Cardwell ran inside the five. Grady punched in the TD and Eastlake fans exhaled just a little bit, having cut the deficit to 14-7.

 So, the offense could move the ball; now the question was could the Wolves defense slow down the speedy Storm?  Playing in their coach's image, the Wolves didn't panic. Instead, they remembered the mantra for the week ("get off my field"), strapped their helmets a little bit tighter and went to work. Caleb Mohrhardt stopped a stretch play for no gain. The Storm went back to the trick plays, running a reverse but Trevor Galvin stayed home, Carter Thompson beat his man and Jack Beardall pursued from the backside. On 3rd down, Beardall got another stuff and Skyview was 3-and-out.

The Wolves offense went back to work and drove down the field, leaning on Woodward out of the backfield. As the Wolves drove inside the 2, the home crowd anticipated tying the game but on 4th down Woodward was called short of the goal line by inches. The Storm held their 14-7 lead and once again had the momentum. With 3 minutes left in the half, Skyview assembled a potentially back-breaking drive, but Galvin stepped up again, intercepting a pass inside the Wolves 35 to turn back the threat. The Wolves went to the half trailing 14-7 but confident that they had their sea legs and would come back strong in the second half.

The Wolves opened the 3rd quarter looking again like they would tie the game with more Woodward running, supplemented by some new wrinkles including more running from Renfroe and option runs. The Wolves drove inside the Storm 30 yd line, but fumbled the ball away. With the season in the balance, the defense had to be great, and they were. Aryan Ramdas made his presence felt with two straight tackles and when the 3rd down pass fell incomplete, Skyview brought out their punt team. Having already run a flea-flicker and a reverse, the Storm went back to the trick plays with a fake punt. An alert RJ Abedi stopped the ballcarrier short of the line and the Wolves offense had a short field opportunity to tie the game.

 An option pitch to Abedi went for 10 yards. Renfroe ran 10 yards to pay dirt and the Wolves had tied the game, 14-all, in the middle of the 3rd quarter. The defense really had their flow now and got another quick stop with a Beardall tackle and Colby Johnson blowing up a screen for a tackle-for-loss. Skyview punted again and it felt like the Wolves were set to take over the game. But two penalties and a pass break up by Skyview forced the Wolves' first punt of the game.

Skyview opened the 4th quarter with a 34 yard completion, deep into Wolves territory. The Storm drove inside the 5 but the Wolves got the stop they needed when the Storm quarterback rolled right and threw to the end zone - right to Kade Haroldsen for an interception.

With eight minutes left on the clock, the Wolves now had their own chance for a game winning drive. And this was the drive when "get off my field" kicked in. "Get off my field" was a shorthand reminder to the Wolves that if they were the more physical team all game, they would wear down the Storm and ultimately push them off the field in winning time. And the bigs up front were ready for the challenge. RJ ran for 5. Landon scrambled for 13, followed by an option to Grady for 4. Landon scrambled for 2 but a targeting penalty against Skyview added 15 yards and the Wolves were in Skyview territory. Edmunds ran for 8, followed by an Abedi 13-yarder. After a Wolves penalty, RJ ran for 4, Landon 8 and Grady for 5 more giving the Wolves first and goal. The drive broke down with two incomplete passes, so the Wolves brought out Alex Dreher to try a field goal. Dreher drilled the ball straight through the uprights and the Wolves had their first lead with two and a half minutes left in the game.

Skyview had a chance. The Storm fielded the squib kick to set their offense at the 43-yard line. After a run-stuffing tackle by Ramdas, Skyview completed a 17-yard pass into Wolves territory. But with a trip to the semi-finals on the line, the Wolves made the winning plays. Aryan Ramdas batted down the first down pass. RJ blew up a wide-receiver screen (incomplete). On 3rd down, Mohrhardt dropped the receiver after a 4-yard gain. On 4th and 6, the Storm pass fell incomplete and the Wolves took over, going into victory formation.

When the seconds ran off the clock, so did the home field careers for the Eastlake Seniors as the semi-finals will be on the road. Although their journey is not done yet, the seniors finished their home career with one of the biggest wins in school history. Trailing 14-0 to a Skyview team that had scored 40 or more points seven times this year, the defense held the Storm scoreless for 3 1/2 quarters. Against a Skyview defense that held nine opponents to 10 of fewer points, the Wolves drove the ball up-and-down down the field, dominating the time of possession, threatening to score on six of eight drivers and getting just enough points to punch a ticket to the next round.

 Many of the players started on the Eastlake field with I-9 flag football, then played their youth games there and on through their varsity careers. The Seniors finished the home portion of their careers with a 19-1 record at Eastlake Stadium. But its not yet time to rest on laurels as this team has bigger things ahead. On Saturday November 25th, the Wolves travel to Art Crate Stadium to take on the #1 seed Graham-Kapowsin Eagles with a trip to the state championship on the line. Go Wolves!

Eastlake v. Sumner


Livestream

Eastlake: 21-

Sumner:18

Saturday, November 11, 2023 - 6:00p

Eastlake High School, Sammamish, WA


The Wolves outstanding regular season gave them a #4 seed in the state playoff bracket and a Round-of-16 home game against the Sumner Spartans. Eastlake vs Sumner was also a rematch of the 2021 State Quarterfinal, won by Eastlake.  The Kingo champion Wolves came into the game 9-1 while the Spartans came in 7-3, having finished 4th in the rough South Puget Sound League with close losses to state playoff teams Curtis, Emerald Ridge and Graham-Kapowsin. The Spartans also came into the game riding a five game winning streak, having scored 40 or more points in each of those games.  

The game was expected to be ground-and-pound, physical battle in the trenches and it lived up to its billing, although supplemented by game-breaking big plays from both offenses. In the end, the Wolves made the winning plays to seal a 21-18 win. The Wolves winning plays late include a defensive stop, and a few moments later a 4th down offensive conversion with just 90 seconds left in regulation. The Wolves moved to 10-1 on the season and look forward to a State Quarterfinal matchup with the Skyview Storm (10-1) next Saturday.  

The Wolves offense was carried by the bigs in this game - Jonah Park, Blake Sehlin, Connor Ware, Carter Thompson and Jack Beardall won the trench battles with a tough Sumner front line. Grady Woodward ran for 121 yards and a beast-mode like 4th down touchdown scamper. The Wolves supported the run with timely passing from Landon Renfroe, in particular three highlight-reel, game changing catches by Marcus Angiuli. 

Defensively, the Wolves gave up running yards but held Sumner's workhorse back to small gains by making first contact at the line and rallying to the ball. The defense was a true team effort that led to critical 4th down stops. The defense forced two turnovers with Kai Brown recovering a Sumner fumble and safety Bryson Hodges intercepted a Sumner pass. 

The Wolves offense opened the game and put together a steady drive into Sumner territory, getting touches for RJ Abedi, Angiuli, Woodward and Jack Edmunds before the drive broke down at the Sumner 41. The Sumner offense drove to the Eastlake 31 but a stuff by Carter Thompson stopped the momentum. Sumner kicked a 38 yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead. The Wolves appeared to be on track to answer when Woodward exploded for a 33 yard run, then tacked on 15 more on the next two carries. But a Wolves fumble was recovered by Sumner at the 10 yard line, ending the drive early in the 2nd quarter, with Sumner clinging to a 3-0 lead.   

After the turnover, the defense had to step up and they did. Sumner's Spurbeck ran for 23 yards on first down. But then Hodges made a stop for no gain, then Asir Jackson stopped another run. Colby Johnson got off a block to stuff another run. Bending, but not breaking, the Wolves forced the Spartans to grind and finally got a 4th down stop deep in their own territory. Hodges, Caleb Mohrhardt and Johnson all read a receiver screen and tripped up the receiver short of the line to gain. The Sumner receiver fumbled the ball forward but an alert Brown pounced on it to give the ball back to the offense. The Wolves had the ball but still trailed 3-0 and needed to cash in some points with only five minutes left in the first half.  

Renfroe went to the air, finding Angiuli for a leaping 22 yard gain. The two connected again for 12 more to midfield. Then Woodward took over, running for 13, 9, and 8 yards on successive carries. On 3rd down, Renfroe scrambled for 9, putting the Wolves at 4th and 1 from the 14 yard line. Taking the handoff, Woodward ran off tackle and ran through six Sumner defenders to the end zone. Alex Dreher converted the PAT and the Wolves led 7-3 with time running out in the half. It looked like the Wolves would go to the locker room with a modest lead but the first half action was just getting started with 92 seconds still on the clock. 

The Sumner offense went to the air and drove quickly down the field but Hodges made a leaping interception to stop the drive in Wolves territory. Renfroe got the ball with 34 seconds to go and 66 yards to the end zone. The best case seemed to be getting in range for Dreher field goal attempt. Renfroe scrambled to buy time and hit Angiuli for 9. Abedi then ran for 20 yards to the Sumner 41. With seconds remaining, a long Renfroe scramble ate up most of the clock, leaving the Wolves with 1.7 seconds left and still 41 yards away from the endzone. With the horn sounding mid-play, Renfroe threw a perfectly placed ball to a leaping Angiuli who out jumped two defenders for a toe tapping touchdown. The Wolves went to the locker room with a bounce in their step and a 14-3 lead.  

Despite giving up the late TD, Sumner came out of halftime with a bounce of their own and took the opening kickoff the length of the field. The Spartans capped the drive with a 38 yard touchdown pass and a 2 point conversion, cutting the Wolves lead to 14-11. Needing to make a statement, the Wolves put together their best offensive drive of the season starting from their own 12 yard line. Coach Hare put the team on Woodward's back and Grady delivered. Woodward carried seven consecutive plays for gains of 5, 2, 6, 2, 5, 13 and 12 yards. Edmunds burst up the middle for 12, then 2. After a short catch by Angiuli, Edmunds carried 3 consecutive times for 6 yards. Needing a first down, Grady split out wide and Renfroe hit him for 8 yards. After 3 runs inside the five netted no gain, Renfroe threw to  Angiuli for a 3 yard touchdown and a 21-11 lead early in the 4th quarter.  

Despite the punishing Wolves drive, there was no give up in the Spartans who drove quickly down the field, scoring on an 11 yard quarterback keeper to cut the lead to 21-18 with 9 minutes left in the game. On the Wolves ensuing drive, Renfroe found Woodward for 15 yards to move the ball near mid field. Renfroe recovered a nearly disastrous fumble to save the drive and on the next play threw another rainbow to Angiuli for a 40 yard gain to the Sumner twelve. A holding penalty backed up the Wolves and on 4th and 19, the Wolves passed up the field goal opportunity for a shot at the end zone. Renfroe's pass carried Woodward out of bounds and Sumner got the ball back with 4:31 and a game winning drive opportunity.  

This time, the defense never let Sumner move the ball. With Sumner facing a 3rd and 3, Carter Thompson penetrated the backfield and Jack Edmunds finished the tackle, setting up 4th down. Despite having 3 ½ minutes on the clock, Sumner decided to go for it from their own 27. On the 4th down play, Edmunds, Ware, Hodges, Woodward and the whole pack of Wolves stuffed Spurbeck giving the Wolves offense an opportunity to clinch the game.  

After the Spartans stuffed a first down run, Renfroe connected with Angiuli for first down yardage. But you can't win a playoff game without drama to the last second and when the Spartan defense forced Woodward out of bounds, it stopped the clock and saved valuable seconds for the Spartans. On 3rd down, Renfroe connected with Edmunds but Jack was stopped short of the line to gain, putting the Wolves in 4th and 4. With a first down, the Wolves would clinch the win but with a stop, the Spartans would have a shot. Woodward made one last play, carrying off tackle very close to the sticks. After an extended look and measurement, the officials signaled "first down" and the Wolves went into a hard-earned victory formation.  

The Wolves advanced to the quarterfinals for the 2nd time in 3 years. As the #4 seed, the Wolves will host the #5 seed Skyview Storm next Saturday, November 18th. The Storm are 10-1 and the second place team from the Greater St Helens league. Skyview advanced by beating Skyline 42-7 in the round of 16. This will be the first matchup between the two long-time powers. 

Eastlake v. Kentwood


Livestream

Eastlake: 56-

Kentwood:7

Saturday, November 4, 2023 - 5:00p

Eastlake High School, Sammamish, WA


Seven years to the day after Eastlake beat Kentwood 49-0 in a week ten game, the teams matched up again with a trip to the state tournament on the line. Like their predecessors, this year's Wolves left no doubt about their worthiness for a top seed as they jumped on top 21-0 in the first quarter en route to a highlight-filled 56-7 win. The Wolves (9-1) did whatever they wanted against Kentwood, leading 42-0 at halftime. By game's end, six different Wolves had touchdowns while the defense overwhelmed the Conquerors offense.

The Wolves got off to a fast start with RJ Abedi running for 30 yards on the second play from scrimmage. Three plays later, RJ followed Jack Beardall for an 8 yard TD and a 7-0 lead. On Kentwood's first possession, Aryan Ramdas recovered a fumble deep in Kentwood territory. On 3rd and 2, RJ ran through Kentwood tackles for a 10 yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead. On the Wolves 3rd possession, Grady Woodward reeled in a Landon Renfroe pass for 6 yards, then moved to the backfield and took a handoff 69 yards for a touchdown and a 21-0 first quarter lead.

The Conks briefly found life when they intercepted a pass on the Eastlake 27. The stout Wolves defense, led by Aryan Ramdas and Colby Johnson pushed Kentwood backwards before Jack Edmunds intercepted the Kentwood 4th down pass. Abedi went back to work, running behind Jonah Park for 36 yards. Landon Renfroe scrambled 18 yard for a TD and a 28-0 lead. Not content, the Wolves piled up more first half points when Renfroe hit Bryson Hodges for a 33 yard touchdown pass (35-0). A couple plays later, Caleb Mohrhardt picked of a pass and returned it to the Kentwood 22. Running behind Connor Ware, Finn Waldron and Blake Sehlin, RJ carried three straight times, scoring his third TD of the half. The Wolves went to the locker room up 42-0.

The Wolves used the second half to build valuable game experience throughout the roster. Among the Wolves defensive highlights were Druv Venkatesh with two tackles on the defensive line and Matthew Secrist with two tackles. On offense, quarterback Steven Plummer led two touchdown drives. Plummer's first drive was highlighted by a leaping 22 yard catch from Chase Dannemiller and a 20 yard completion to Thomas Crandall. Plummer capped of the drive with a five yard touchdown run. Moments later, William Hughes recovered a fumble at the Kentwood 14 and Asir Jackson ran in the Wolves 8th touchdown of the night, extending the lead to 56-0.

In the 4th quarter, Junior running back William Hughes clinched the game by running for first downs. Sophomore call ups Cayden Eaton, Henry Volpone and Brady Painter made their varsity debuts.

Alex Dreher and Daniel Ferreira anchored an outstanding special teams night converting 8 of 8 PATs while Ben Weintraub and Ethan Schimke made special teams tackles. One additional team highlight was senior receiver Jack Morgan making his season debut after nine weeks on the injured list.

The Wolves season record improved to 9-1, heading into the State Playoff. Eastlake earned a #4 seed in the State Tourney and will host the Sumner Spartans (7-3), next Saturday at 6 PM. The teams last played in the 2021 State Quarterfinals, with Eastlake coming out ahead 46-29.

Eastlake v. North Creek


Livestream

Eastlake: 24-

North Creek:14

Saturday, October 28th, 2023 - 4:00p

Pop Keeney Stadium, Bothell, WA


In their last regular season game, the Wolves came to Bothell with little to gain but a lot to lose. A win over North Creek wouldn't significantly boost the Wolves post-season outlook but a loss would drop them from a top 8 seen (and a potential round of 16 playoff home game). To compound matters, the Wolves started with two defensive starters, Kaleb Grant and Caleb Mohrhardt in street clothes and by the end of the first half they were joined by two-way starters Grady Woodward and Carter Thompson. Unfazed, Coach Hare went into his depth chart and got big minutes and impactful plays from Jimmy Schoenleber, Caden Cross, JJ Maxwell and Thomas Crandall. The shorthanded Wolves took care of business, securing a workman-like 24-14 win over the over-matched North Creek Jaguars. The Wolves finished the regular season as undefeated (6-0) Kingco Champions and a 8-1 record overall.

 The Wolves looked in control early, taking the opening kickoff and drove for an early 7-0 lead. On the opening drive, RJ Abedi carried the load, supported by a Landon Renfroe keeper and short passes to Woodward and Kade Haroldsen. The defense then took the field and forced a quick 3-and-out for the Jags. The ensuing Wolves offensive drive ended in a fumble, putting the Jags in business at the Eastlake 11 yard line. The Jabs scored immediately and the game was suddenly knotted up 7-7.

 The Wolves retook the lead on their next possession. Running a balanced mix of run and pass, Renfroe connected with both Woodward and Haroldsen on the drive before finishing it off himself with a 5 yard QB keeper. Alex Dreher converted the PAT and Wolves went up 14-7.

 For the rest of the game, the Jags were able to run for yardage and first downs but the Wolves consistently made big plays to kill the drives. On the Jags 2nd possessions, Bryson Hodges made a tackle-for-loss and Carter Thompson and Colby Johnson combined to force another big loss. After a Jags punt, the Wolves set up in North Creek territory looking to take a two score lead. Three Renfroe scrambles moved the ball to the red zone. Dreher converted a 27 yard field goal, giving the Wolves a 17-7 2nd quarter lead.

 On the Jags next drive, Thompson went out of the game but Schoenleber checked in and immediately made an impact with hard hitting and a sack for a 15 yard loss. A couple plays later, Woodward picked off the Jags pass, ending the first half with the Wolves up 17-7.

 On the Wolves opening possession of the 2nd half, Abedi ripped off a 23 yard run into Jags territory. After a pass interference on Hodges gave the Wolves a first down, Renfroe hit Hodges on a slant for a 26 yard touchdown. The score put the Wolves in front 24-7 early in the 3rd quarter.

 North Creek's next drive went into Wolves territory but an almost-interception by Caden Cross led to a turnover on downs. On the Wolves next offensive snap, Abedi ran 38 yards to set up another Wolves threat. Unfortunately, a Wolves penalty and sack/fumble put the Wolves into 3rd-and-1000 and the drive ended without points.

 On the Jags next possession, Thomas Crandall made his impact, flying up from safety for a tackle-for-loss. On the next play, the Jags QB threw the ball right to Hodges for the Wolves second interception. Despite a three score 4th quarter lead, the Wolves opted to throw the ball instead of running clock and a series of incompletions gave the ball back to the Jags with 8 minutes left in the game. Then, things got interesting. Crandall nearly picked a pass but instead it turned into a 38 yard gain for North Creek's biggest gain of the game. The Jags went to the ground game, driving to the three yard line. But with the Jags about to score, JJ Maxwell picked off the Jags pass and returned it 87 yards to the North Creek 10 yard line. With North Creek loaded to stop the run, Eastlake went to the air but a series of incompletions led to another turnover on downs with time left on the clock. The Wolves defense appeared tired as the Jags running game put together back-to-back solid gains, then capped it off with a 57 yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 24-14.

 Down two scores, North Creek kicked and recovered an onside kick, keeping their hope alive. A Jags receiver got behind the Eastlake defenders for a 33 yard pick up. A Jack Edmunds hard hit broke up a pass. With the Jags near the end zone again, Caden Cross the intercepted the North Creek pass near the goal line, ending the threat and giving the Wolves their 4th interception of the night -- and securing the win.

 Some games you just have to survive and after all the Wolves thrillers and heroics this season, this was a needed, full-team victory. It was fun to see new players step into the limelight and perform at a high level. And, this should be a confidence boosting win, knowing that the Wolves can leverage their full roster as needed and find a path to victory.

 Next Saturday, they Wolves enter the round of 32 by hosting the Kentwood Conquerors from the North Puget Sound League. The winner will be seeded in the 16 team state playoff tournament. The Conks went 3-6 and are the 4th place team from the North Puget Sound League. The teams last played in 2021 when the Wolves overwhelmed the team 53-0.

Eastlake v. Mt Si


Livestream

Eastlake: 30-

Lake Stevens:28

Friday, October 13th, 2023 - 7:00p

Mt Si HS Stadium, Snoqualmie, WA


Exciting, thrilling, incredible, amazing, unbelievable, resilient, historic - the Eastlake Wolves broke the thesaurus Friday night with an improbable come-from-behind 30-28 win over the Mt Si Wildcats. Facing a packed Mt Si crowd and former Wolves Coach Don Bartel on a windy, rainy Friday the 13th evening. The Wolves trailed by two touchdowns with 5 five minutes left in the game but when senior kicker Alex Dreher drilled a 37-yard field goal as time expired, the Wolves and their fans went into delirious celebration while the Mt Si sideline crumbled in shock. With the win, the Wolves moved to 6-1 on the season (4-0 KingCo), alone in first place in the conference.

 The Wolves got off to a good start, scoring easily on their first drive. Running room was hard to come by against a stout Wildcat front but Grady Woodward got loose for catches of 11, 30 and 12 yards on the opening drive. Jack Edmunds powered in the touchdown and the Wolves took an early 7-0 lead. On the ensuing possession, Mt Si established a powerful ground game and their own TD to cut the lead to 7-6.  The see-saw of the first 2 drives was a precursor of the 40 minutes of back-and-forth action to follow.

On the Wolves second drive, Bryson Hodges beat one-on-one coverage (Hodges first big play in what would be the biggest game of his varsity career) for a 50-yard gain.  On 4th down of the drive, an improvising Renfroe connected with Marcus Angiuli for a 27-yard TD and a 14-6 Eastlake lead. Carter Thompson led the defense in forcing a Mt Si punt and the Wolves went back to work, picking up big gains on a screen pass to RJ Abedi and an Edmunds tough catch in traffic for 36 yards. The drive broke down and the Wolves turned the ball over on downs.

Late in the 2nd quarter, the Wolves defense took the field, looking to give their offense a chance to extend the lead before the half. Trevor Galvin made a nice tackle in space and the Wolves forced the punt. However, a missed catch interference call on the punt return pinned the Wolves inside their own 10-yardline with just two minutes left in the half. With running yard hard to come by, the Wolves offense went to their passing game. On 3rd down, the Wildcats intercepted the Wolves pass which was the perfect scenario for the simplified Mt Si offense. Mt Si do-everything star Beau Phillips weaved his way 10 yards for a touchdown, and the Wildcats tacked on a 2-point PAT. The teams headed to the locker room tied at 14 with Mt Si inspired by its late scores and the rowdy senior night crowd.

The fired-up Wildcats received the 2nd half kickoff, but Carter Thompson stepped up again, spinning Phillips 1080 degrees by the tail of the jersey before the rest of the defense rallied for the stop. It looked like the Wolves would flip the field, but the Mt Si punter uncorked a 61 yarder that pinned the Wolves at the five-yard line. On the next snap, Phillips took an interception to the house for a Wildcats touchdown and 21-14 Mt Si lead. For a moment, it looked like the adversity was getting to the Wolves as they quickly went 3-and-out on a 0-yarddrive. But the Wolves defense rose to the challenge as Caleb Mohrhardt combined with Hodges and Colby Johnson on back-to-back tackles for no gain to force another Wildcats punt.

It looked like the Wolves would seize back the momentum and tie the game as Renfroe quickly worked down the field, connecting with Hodges and Woodward for chunk plays. But the Wolves fumbled (the 3rd turnover of the game) and gave the ball back to Mt Si. After a couple short gains, Mt Si went for it on 4th down but Mohrhardt, crashing down from his flex position tackled Phillips a half yard short and put the Wolves offense in great field position. As the clocked rolled to the 4th quarter, the Wolves took their shot, but Mt Si defense intercepted their 3rd pass of the night, taking the momentum right back.

Now the Wolves interior defense stepped up, especially Jack Beardall at the nose tackle position, forcing another Mt Si 3-and-out. When Woodward fielded the punt at the Wolves 45, it gave the Wolves another shot at the game tying drive. But the Wildcats picked off their 4th pass of the game and took it 69 yards for a touchdown and a 28-14 lead with just 5:58 left in the game.

Most young quarterbacks would be shell shocked from throwing 4 interceptions, but Renfroe shook it off and went right to work. Working with urgency but not rushed, the Wolves drove steadily down the field. Hodges for 10 yards. A holding penalty sent the Wolves back 10 yards. Angiuli for 10. Woodward for 9. Renfroe then did his best Pat Mahomes impression, dodging, ducking and high-stepping over 3 defenders before rolling out and finding Woodward open 28 yards downfield. He found Hodges for 10 more, then Renfroe ran a quarterback draw to the 3. Two plays later, Renfroe jump cut, then carried two defenders across the goal line. With the TD, the Wolves cut the score to 28-21 with 3 minutes left in the game.

For the Wolves to have a chance, the defense had to step up again. Things looked dire when Phillips ripped off a 28-yard run into Wolves territory. The defense stiffened one more time and forced Mt Si to punt. Trailing by 7 With less the 2 minutes, the Wolves took the field for one last shot to tie the game.

Nothing was easy for the Wolves - A fumble on 2nd down was nearly disastrous but the Wolves recovered to keep hope alive. On 3rd down, Renfroe lofted a pass 37 yards to a leaping Woodward who took the ball away from two defenders. Kade Haroldsen picked up 10 more yards. Renfroe ran for 12 on another QB draw. With 18 seconds left on the game clock, Renfroe scrambled before lofting a perfect pass to Hodges in the endzone who outleapt two defenders for the touchdown. Still trailing 28-27 but with all the momentum on the Wolves side, Coach Hare decided to go for the 2-point conversion and the win. When Edmunds was stopped short of the goal line, the Mt Si fans broke into "I believe that we have won".

What the never-say-die Wolves realized, and the Mt Si fans didn't was that the game wasn't over because there were 18 seconds left on the clock.  Dreher bounced a textbook perfect onside kick and Angiuli leapt high in the air to come down with the ball at the 44-yardline. On the first play, the Wildcats intercepted the pass but a blatant late hit on Renfroe wiped out the pick and gave the Wolves 15 yards. A holding penalty moved the Wolves back to the 39 with just seconds on the clock. With one snap to get close enough for a kick, Renfroe found Woodward who picked up 19 yards and ran out of bounds to stop the clock. With six seconds on the game clock and a split second on the play clock, holder Steven Plummer called for the ball. Snapper Ben Weintraub delivered a strike and Dreher hit the kick of his life, one that would have been good from 50 yards. The Wolves stormed the field in delirium while the Mt Si fans fell into a crushed silence.

With the win, the Wolves moved to 6-1 on the season (4-0 KingCo). Next week, the Wolves host 5-2 (3-1) Bothell with a chance to clinch at least a share of the KingCo championship. Go Wolves!

Eastlake v. Lake Stevens


Livestream

Eastlake: 27-

Lake Stevens:35

Friday, October 6th, 2023 - 7:00p

Eastlake HS Stadium, Sammamish, WA


On a perfect fall homecoming night, the Eastlake Wolves hosting the Lake Stevens Vikings in the biggest match on the state schedule. The Wolves came into the game 5-0, riding a five game home winning streak. The Vikings came in 4-1 with their only blemish against top-ranked West Linn of Oregon. This was the 3rd consecutive year the teams matched up with the Vikings having won the two prior match ups. The Wolves were out to prove they could play with anyone, and the Vikings were looking for a signature road win.

 The Wolves played a tough, resilient four-quarter game but came up one play short in the end with Lake Stevens taking home a 35-27 win. Battling from two touchdowns back in the 4th quarter, the Wolves had the ball inside the Lake Stevens 30-yard line with 90 seconds left on the clock. But after being shredded through the air all night, the Vikings defense got the stop they needed to stifle the Eastlake comeback and take home the win.

 On offense, the Wolves introduced a new double tight-end formation which gave quarterback Landon Renfroe time and protection, and he picked apart the Lake Stevens defense all night. The Wolves started hot with a 2-play, 78-yard drive for an early 6-0 lead. Renfroe hit Marcus Angiuli who broke through tackles for a 12-yard gain and the Wolves tacked on 15 more when Marcus was hit out of bounds. From mid-field, Renfroe hit Grady Woodward in stride down the sideline. Grady outran two defenders to the end zone. The catch was the 103rd of Grady's varsity career, tying Hank Pladson for the school's all-time record (a record Grady would break on the next drive).

 The Wolves defense took the field. The Vikings run one of the best offenses in the state with lots of formations and motion. Lake Stevens is also patient, willing to consistently take 4, 5 and 6 yard gains and methodically work their way down the field. That means the defense has to get off the field on 3rd and 4th downs and the Wolves had a hard time getting those stops. On the first drive, the Wolves put Lake Stevens in 4th down but then jumped offsides to give a free first down. The Vikings finished the drive to take a 7-6 lead.

 Undaunted, the Wolves offense came back. Renfroe hit Bryson Hodges for a 15-yard gain, then Grady for 15 and 9 yards on consecutive plays. Running behind sophomore Finn Waldron making his varsity debut, Renfroe scrambled for 7. From 24 yards out, Woodward beat his man one-on-one and Renfroe hit him in stride to retake the lead 13-7.

 In this rapid see-saw game, the Wolves lead lasted only one drive as the Vikings drove the length of the field to retake the lead 14-13 on the last play of the first quarter. The Wolves 3rd drive started promising with a 10-yard screen to RJ Abedi followed by an 8-yard completion to Angiuli but the drive stalled, and Eastlake punted. On the ensuing Lake Stevens drive, the Wolves thought they got a 4th down stop near mid-field but a generous spot gave the Vikings a first down. The Vikings converted two more 4th downs including 4th and goal for a touchdown to extend their lead to 21-13.

 With the chance to tighten the score before halftime, the Wolves offense took the ball, but the drive was undone by a series of penalties. The Wolves went to the locker room trailing 21-13.

 The Vikings opened the second half on what felt like a must-win drive for the Wolves defense. However, Lake Stevens put together another methodical march down the field, capped by a one yard rushing touchdown and extending the lead to 28-13. While the Wolves had plenty of time to get back into the game, they needed something - a spark, a break, a lucky bounce. Renfroe went to the air, finding Angiuli with back-to-back completions, before finding Grady for an 18 yard pick up. A Kade Haroldsen grab moved the ball to the Vikings 36. On 4th down, Renfroe powered for 2 yards and a 1st down to sustain the drive. Abedi took a screen pass to the 8-yard line, then Renfroe connected with Jack Edmunds all alone in the end zone to close the gap to 28-20 with 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

 The Lake Stevens offense was relentless. On the next drive, the Vikings drove to the red zone. Once again, the Wolves forced Lake Stevens into a 4th and goal. Unfortunately, after 3 stops, the Vikings cashed in on the 4th to re-extend the lead to two scores, 35-20 just seconds into the 4th quarter. With their backs against the wall, the resilient Wolves fought back. The Wolves converted their own 4th down and then RJ Abedi found running room behind Jonah Park and Blake Sehlin. The Wolves didn't cash in the drive but flipped the field before turning the ball over on downs. An inspired Wolves defense held the Vikings to 3 offensive plays and forced their first punt of the game, giving the Wolves the ball and life. 

Renfroe went to work, finding Abedi for 18 yards out of the backfield. Abedi then ran behind Connor Ware and Aryan Ramdas to the 10-yard line. On 4th down, Edmunds powered in the touchdown, Dreher converted the PAT and cut the Vikings lead to 35-27 with 3:39 left in the game.


The Wolves tried an onside kick, but Lake Stevens recovered the ball at mid-field. In desperation mode, the Eastlake defense once more rose to the challenge. On 2nd down, Ramdas got a tackle-for-loss and on 3rd down he batted down the pass. On 4th down, Lake Stevens went for it but Jake Arens broke up the pass and the Wolves took over at mid-field with 2:09 on the clock and a game-winning drive opportunity. Passes to Hodges and Angiuli on consecutive plays moved the Wolves to the 28-yard line but facing 3rd down, Lake Stevens made two defensive stops to seal the win.

While the Wolves went home disappointed with the loss, they proved to themselves and anyone watching that the Eastlake Wolves can go toe-to-toe with any team in the state. Renfroe continued the strong start to his varsity career with three TD passes. He has not thrown an interception this season. Woodward posted on another big game on a night when he shattered the school record for career receptions. The line was stout on both sides of the ball and the Wolves continued their strong tackling, making Lake Stevens earn every yard.

Next week, the Wolves return to Kingco play, traveling to Mount Si to battle the 5-1 (3-1 Kingco) Wildcats for first place in the conference. The Wildcats rely on their stingy defense which has given up just 40 points on the season.

Eastlake v. Woodinville


Livestream

Eastlake: 28-

Woodinville:18

Friday, Sept 29, 2023 - 7:00p

Eastlake HS Stadium, Sammamish, WA


With King 5's Big Game of the Week crew in town, Eastlake and Woodinville matched up with undefeated records. Both teams were seeking a statement win and pole position in the conference standings. Eastlake had beaten Woodinville the last two years in close, physical battles and this year's edition was no different. Much like the last two years, the first half was a low scoring tight affair, but the Wolves took over in the second half to take home a 28-18 win.

Woodinville started hot, utilizing a four-receiver screen and power running game to drive into Wolves territory. But Jack Beardall stiffened against the run and Connor Ware batted down a 3rd down pass, forcing the Falcons to settle for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. On the Wolves second series, a Landon Renfroe-to-Marcus Angiuli connection moved the ball to mid field. Aided by a roughing the passer penalty, the Wolves drove to the red zone. On 3rd and 20, Woodinville interfered with Bryson Hodges in the end zone putting the ball on the 10-yard line. Landon Renfroe threw a beautiful ball to a leaping Angiuli who outfought two Woodinville defenders for a touchdown. Alex Dreher converted the PAT for a 7-3 Wolves lead early in the 2nd quarter.

 With the lead, the Wolves defense dialed up the intensity. A Carter Thompson sack wrecked one Falcons drive. After a penalty gave the Falcons a fresh set of down, Hodges broke up a pass downfield and the Falcons went 3-and-out. A big hit by Grady Woodward broke up Woodinville's 4th down play to end another Falcons drive. Woodinville mounted one more challenge before the half. But Bryson Hodges made another huge play, intercepting a Woodinville pass in the end zone to end a threat just before halftime. The Wolves headed to the locker room with a 7-3 lead.

 To open the 2nd half, the Flacons looked like a team ready to take home a big road win. The Wolves started 3-and-out and Woodinville partially blocked the Wolves punt, giving the Falcons great field position. The Falcons ran right at the Wolves, driving to the end zone and taking a 3rd quarter lead, 10-7. The Wolves fought back quickly, sparked by a 60-yard from RJ Abedi run but came away without points when they couldn't convert a field goal try. 

 With the Falcons going back to the ground game someone had to step and Aryan Ramdas said "I got this, fellas". He stuffed a run for no gain and then batted down a pass on the very next play to wreck a Woodinville drive. When the Wolves offense got the ball back, they put the game on the big beef up front and RJ out of the backfield. After a couple of RJ runs, Renfroe hit Caden Cross who took a big hit and a penalty but held on to move to mid field. On 3rd and 10, Grady Woodward kept the drive alive with a diving catch for 23 yards. RJ ran inside the 20 for another 1st down, then carried 16 yards more to the 2-yard line. On the first play of the 4th quarter, RJ punched in the TD, giving the Wolves a 14-10 lead.

 In the 4th quarter, the Wolves defense locked down the Falcons, getting a 3-and-out. The Wolves went right back to the running game. The big front line of Jonah Park, Jack Beardall, Blake Sehlin, Connor Ware and Carter Thompson dominated the Falcons front. Finding running lanes, RJ juked and dived for 5+ yard gains throughout the drive. Renfroe took a shot downfield to Angiuli who was interfered with for a 15-yard gain. On a critical 3rd and 8, Renfroe threw a laser to Bryson Hodges at the two-yard line for a first-and-goal. Two plays later, Jack Edmunds punched in the TD, extending the Wolves lead to 21-10 with six minutes left in the game.

 With the Wolves holding a two-score lead, a Colby Johnson close-out tackle put Woodinville into 3rd and 10. After a QB scramble, Jack Edmunds pushed the ball carrier out for a one-yard loss. And on 4th down, Kai Brown locked down the Falcon receiver resulting in a turnover on downs. With a two-score lead, the ball and just five minutes to go, it looked like Wolves fans could start making post-game victory plans. But Woodinville wasn't quite done, forcing and recovering a Wolves fumble on the next play. When the Wolves defender fell down a couple plays later, Woodinville completed its longest play of the night, 37 yards to the 2-yard line. The Falcons ran in the TD and a 2-point PAT, shrinking the Wolves lead to 21-18 with 3:20 left on the clock.

 Woodinville chose to kick the ball deep and count on their defense to get a stop. That decision would come back to haunt Woodinville as the Wolves took the ball and clinched the game. RJ returned the kickoff to the 30-yard line. On second down Renfroe made a clutch throw to Woodward for the first down yardage.  Landon ran for 12 and another first down. RJ then took a handoff 40 yards for the clinching touchdown, extending the Wolves lead to 28-18 with 2:36 left in the game. The Falcons mounted one more threat, but Kaleb Grant intercepted a tipped pass to seal the game for the Wolves.

The Wolves moved to 5-0 for the season and 3-0 in KingCo, tied with Bothell for the league lead. With a big win under their belts, Eastlake turns to an even bigger game with the Wolves hosting defending state champion Lake Stevens (4-1) next Friday.

Eastlake v. Issaquah


Livestream

Eastlake: 41-

Issaquah:21

Friday, Sept 22, 2023 - 7:00p

Issaquah HS Stadium, Issaquah, WA


 In the Army football team’s locker room there is a list of the team's schedule. The opponent listed every week is "Army" with the message being that Army just needs to play its game and if they do, the opponent doesn't matter. For a while at a rockin' Issaquah homecoming game, the Wolves looked like they were playing against themselves as much as Issaquah, struggling with turnovers and penalties. However, if this Wolves team has learned anything in their early schedule, they have learned to play through adversity. The Wolves defense tightened the screws, and the offense used its bevy of playmakers to take over the game and come away with a big victory. With the win, the Wolves moved to 4-0 (2-0 Kingco) setting up a big home game against undefeated Woodinville next week.

Offensively, the Wolves used their variety of explosive playmakers to pile up the points, aided by their defense which consistently gave the team good field position. After falling behind 7-0 early and facing 3rd and 23, Landon Renfroe found Grady Woodward behind the defense for 63-yard touchdown pass to tie the game 7-all. On the Wolves next possession, they drove easily down the field, highlighted by a 42-yard Renfroe to Woodward connection and capped off by Jack Edmunds 1 yard TD run. Daniel Ferrera converted the PAT and the Wolves took a 14-7 lead. Two plays later when Issaquah's starting quarterback left the game, many assumed the rout was on. But after a long injury delay, the Eagles came out with their backup QB and ready for a fight. On the next play, the Eagles committed a blindside block, and the game was chippy the rest of the way. Aided by two Eastlake personal fouls, the Eagles drove the length of the field to tie the game at 14 early in the 2nd quarter. 

 After the teams traded possessions, Issaquah lined up for a field goal which would have given them the lead and the momentum. Grady Woodward blocked the kick and Bryson Hodges returned it to the 50, flipping the field and holding the tie score. On Eastlake's next possession, Renfroe found Brady Cardwell down the seam for a 24-yard gain and 3rd-and-23 which put the Wolves in scoring range. Renfroe then hit Bryson Hodges for a 10-yard TD pass and the Wolves took the lead (for good) at 21-14. With time running down in the first half, Caden Cross intercepted an Issaquah pass, giving his offense great field position and a chance to grow the lead. After an RJ Abedi run, Renfroe found Hodges again, this time from 42 yards out to extend the Wolves lead to 27-14 at the half. 

 After the legendary Isssaquah homecoming halftime fireworks, the Wolves delivered more fireworks throughout the second half. Grady Woodward intercepted a pass to end one Issaquah drive. Renfroe began using his legs to move the offense and threw a pinpoint 10-yard touchdown pass that Marcus Anguili grabbed off the top of the defender's helmet (31-14 Wolves). Shortly thereafter, Caleb Mohrhardt grabbed the Wolves 3rd interception of the night. The Wolves turned the turnover into points when Asir Jackson powered into the end zone for a 41-14 Wolves lead. 

 The Wolves finished the win behind strong defense from Lucas Deggens, JJ Maxwell, and especially Jimmy Schoenleber who added a quarterback sack and several hard hits. The Eagles added a late touchdown, but it was the Wolves who went home with the convincing win. 

 For the game, the Wolves piled up nearly 500 yards of offense. RJ led the rushing attack with 81 yards supplemented by Asir (54) and Landon (46). Landon threw for 312 yards and 4 TDs. Grady led the receivers with 147 yards, with Bryson adding 71 and 2 TDs. In all seven different receivers caught balls on the night. Defensively, the Wolves picked off Issaquah passes (Woodward, Cross, Mohrhardt) and Ferrera carried the kicking duties.  

 With another big night, Grady Woodward continued to move up the Eastlake record book. Woodward now has 99 career receptions which puts him just 4 catches behind the legendary Hank Pladson for the school's all-time record. Grady's 1,178 career receiving yards are tied for 4th all time with a good chance to pass Jeffrey Feinglas for 3rd place this week.  

On the season, the Wolves are 4-0 (2-0 Kingco) and return home next week to host undefeated Woodinville.  

Eastlake v. Skyline


Livestream

Eastlake: 9-

Skyline:6

Saturday, Sept 16, 2023 - 5:00p

Eastlake HS Stadium, Sammamish, WA


For the second straight week, the Wolves won a thriller with a late interception to seal an exciting win. Skyline came into the game 2-0, having blown out their first 2 opponents with a high scoring offense. The Wolves also came in 2-0 fresh off their exciting victory over Mount Tahoma.  

Grady Woodward starred for Eastlake, in particular on defense where he shone with two interceptions and three pass break ups. Marcus Angiuli made his first appearance of the year, reeling in a highlight quality 41 yard touchdown from Landon Renfroe for the Wolves only TD of the game. While the receivers made spectacular plays, nose tackle Jack Beardall may have made the most important play when he stonewalled the running back one-on-one at the six inch line on Skyline's best touchdown opportunity. For the outstanding Wolves defense, this was a true team effort. Defensively, the Wolves also got big contributions from Carter Thompson and Jack Edmunds (who made the game-sealing interception). Linebackers Colby Johnson and Caleb Mohrhardt ran sideline to sideline and the back end was anchored by sure tackling from Bryson Hodges and shut down pass defense from Kai Brown. Aryan Ramdas batted down a pass. Kaleb Grant made a huge tackle-for-loss, Asir Jackson had a key sack and Trevor Galvin's blitz forced an errant throw on Edmunds game-sealing interception. 

 Skyline opened the game strong, putting together an eighty yard drive. But with the Spartans threatening, Woodward broke up an almost-touchdown pass at the goal line and Thompson ruined a screen play, forcing the Spartans to settling for a 32 yard field goal and a 3-0 lead. The Wolves offense went three-and-out, giving the Spartans the ball back at the Eastlake 26 yard line. Skyline drove to second-and-goal at the 1 yard line but then the Wolves made their first stand. Jack Beardall met the ballcarrier one-one-one in an open hole and stuffed the ballcarrier while Mohrhardt and Thompson rallied to push the ballcarrier back. Beardall's big play inspired the Wolves to force a turnover on downs. In the shadow of his own goal, quarterback Landon Renfroe found Marcus Angiuli for a spectacular 36 yard fingertip catch. The Wolves drove to their own 44 but then turned the ball over on downs, trusting their defense to once again protect a short field.  

 On the Spartans first snap of the series, Grady Woodward intercepted the Skyline pass and returned the ball 33 yards into Skyline territory. Three plays later, a scrambling Renfroe connected again with Angiuli for another spectacular grab, this one resulting in a 41 yard touchdown and a 6-3 Eastlake lead. For the remainder of the first half the teams traded possessions. The Wolves highlights included another spectacular catch, this one by Woodward and sacks by Ramdas and Thompson. Eastlake went into halftime leading 6-3.  

 The second half picked up where the first half left off - The Wolves drove to mid-field but couldn't convert the 4th down, giving Skyline a short field. The Wolves defense initially stopped the Spartan drive and forced a field goal try but in hitting the snapper, the Wolves gave Skyline a first down inside the ten yard line. After a nice stop by Mohrhardt and Thompson, Asir Jackson sacked the QB on a corner blitz, knocking the Spartans back 12 yards and Kaleb Grant made a diving pass break-up to force another field goal try. The Spartans converted, tying the game 6-6 midway through the 3rd quarter. 

 On the last play of the 3rd quarter, Grady thwarted a Skyline drive when he made his second interception and returned it 65 yards to set up the offense. On 4th down the Wolves turned to their star kicker Alex Dreher to attempt a 49 yard field goal. The kick was just a couple of feet short and the teams stayed tied 6-6. Later in the quarter, Bryson Hodges set up the Wolves with a leaping 17 yard catch and Dreher finished the drive with 25 yard field goal for an 9-6 lead. With six minutes left in the game, Eastlake Stadium was rocking and the intensity went to an entirely new level. 

 Looking to chew up clock and grind out a score, the Spartans ground their way down the field. The Wolves defense rallied to the ball, holding Skyline to short gains. On 4th and 1 the Wolves celebrated what they thought was a stop at the Skyline 40, but the officials measured and awarded the Spartans a first down. Kai Brown made a nice defensive pass coverage to slow the Spartans and a Hodges tackle brought up another 4th and 1 however Skyline converted again. With time running low, Skyline got aggressive, throwing to the 5-yard line but a crushing hit from Woodward knocked the ball loose. Undeterred, on the next play Skyline completed a pass to the 7-yard line with 42 seconds to go. A running play was stopped by Edmunds after 2 yards, but an Eastlake penalty moved the ball to the 2 ½ yard line with 22 seconds left. With the game on the line, Trevor Galvin blitzed off the edge and hit the quarterback, who fluttered a pass to the end zone. Edmunds intercepted the pass and sprinted delirious celebration out the side of the end zone. The Wolves and their fans went crazy celebrating an all timer in the Eastlake-Skyline rivalry.  

For the game, Renfroe completed 14 passes for 193 yards and a TD. RJ Abedi ran 12 times for 4 yards per carry. Angiuli led the receivers with 11 catches for 114 yards and a TD in his first varsity start while Woodward added 44 yards receiving. On special teams, Dreher, Ben Weintraub and Jimmy Schoenleber had another big game. Special shout out of Daniel Ferriera, who did a great job getting the snap down for Dreher's winning kick. 

While football is the most team of games, it's worth reflecting on the sheer variety of Grady Woodward contributions through the first 3 weeks. In week 1, he ran for 192 yards and 3 TDs. In week 2, he posted 36 yards rushing, 92 yards receiving and 3 receiving TDs. And in week 3, he broke up three passes and intercepted two which he returned for 98 yards. What will week 4 hold?!? 

With the victory, the Wolves moved to 3-0 (1-0 in Kingco). Next week, the Wolves travel to Issaquah to take on the 2-1 Eagles (0-1 Kingco). 

Eastlake v. Mt Tahoma


Livestream

Eastlake: 35-

Federal Way:28

Friday, Sept 8, 2023 - 7:00p

Mt. Tahoma Stadium, Tacoma, WA


The Wolves went on the road for the first time this season bringing a 1-0 record to Tacoma to challenge the Mount Tahoma Thunderbirds (0-1). The T-Birds are a much improved team from the group that lost to Eastlake by 40 last season, and they gave the Wolves all they could handle. But in the end, the Wolves put together a gritty, gut-check performance to pull out a thrilling 35-28 win, taking the lead with 30 seconds left and clinching the 35-28 win with an interception as time expired.

Offensively, the Wolves were led by quarterback/receiver Grady Woodward and received a game-changing boost from junior quarterback Landon Renfroe who made his first appearance of the year and threw 2 second half touchdown passes, including a game-winning drive in the last minute of the game. On defense, Carter Thompson played another monster game against the run and came up with a huge sack on the T-Birds final drive.  The Wolves special teams also contributed, highlighted by junior Chase Dannemiller's punt and kick returns. Dannemiller's last kickoff return gave the Wolves great starting field position for their game winning drive.

After a two-hour bus ride, the game kicked off an hour late due to a preceding game running long. Nonetheless, when the ball kicked off, the Wolves looked ready to go. RJ Abedi led the way on the opening drive with Grady finishing it off with a nine-yard TD run. Alex Dreher converted the PAT and the Wolves took an early 7-0 lead. The defense forced a 3-and-out giving the offense a short field but that drive ended without points as Dreher's 52-yard field goal attempt came up just short.

On this night, Mount Tahoma came to play, and they showed it on the next drive, as they combined dynamic running from their quarterback Deonjae Ervin and running back Brison Bailey to work their way steadily down the field and tie the game 7-7. The T-birds then forced their own 3-and-out and took advantage of a short field to put another TD on the board and take a 14-7 lead.

The Wolves came right back with more RJ and Grady with a nice Grady-to-Kade Haroldsen reception thrown in. In the middle of the drive, junior Landon Renfroe checked in at quarterback and finished it with an eight-yard back shoulder TD toss to Woodward. However, the Thunderbirds blocked the PAT to cling to a 14-13 second quarter lead. The T-Birds mounted one more drive before halftime but aided by a monster hit from senior Eli Deguzman, the defense held. The Wolves went to halftime trailing 14-13.

The second half started with both teams looking hungry to win the half and the game. In what was to be a see-saw half, the Wolves struck first. With Renfroe back at QB, he worked the field, using Woodward as his primary receiving target. RJ finished the drive with a ten-yard run and the Wolves regained the lead 20-14. The T-birds came right back with a long, clock eating drive to retake the lead 21-20 in the opening seconds of the 4th quarter.

The Wolves answered immediately. The line of Park, Sehlin, Ramdas, Beardall and Ware created running lanes for RJ and Renfroe connected repeatedly with Woodward who powered for hard fought yards-after-catch. Eastlake finished the drive with Landon finding Bryson Hodges all alone for a 30-yard TD. On the PAT, Landon then went right back to Bryson for a two-point conversion and a 28-21 lead with nine minutes left in the game.

The T-Birds responded with a methodical six-and-a-half-minute drive to tie the game. Mount Tahoma utilized their elusive quarterback and cutback running to grind out yards against a fast-pursuing Eastlake defense. The T-Birds's QB scrambled to buy time and found open receivers on broken plays. The Wolves' defense stayed tough but ultimately the Birds scored with a chance to tie the game with the all-important PAT. The kick was wide of the mark and the Wolves began celebrating but the officials both signaled that the PAT was good, tying the game at 28-all with 90 seconds on the clock.

The Wolves had a minute and a half to take their final exam and on the first week of school, they aced the test. The winning drive started with Chase Dannemiller returning the kickoff to the 44-yard line. Renfroe, playing his first meaningful varsity minutes, took command of the offense. On first down, Landon found Chase for 23 yards. He then connected with Grady for 12 more. Renfroe then hit Brady Cardwell on a seam route; Cardwell made a great adjustment to pull in the ball and carried the entire Mount Tahoma defense to the nine-yard line. On first-and-goal, Landon rolled right and hit Grady in the endzone for the go-ahead score. Dreher converted the all-important PAT and the Wolves had a 35-28 lead with 34 seconds left on the clock.

 The situation did not set up well for Mount Tahoma's ground-and-pound offense, but the T-Birds didn't go away easily. Even after Carter Thompson's bone-crushing sack on first down, the T-Birds scrambled their way down the field. But with one last play within scoring range, the T-Bird QB threw a jump ball which Bryson Hodges intercepted, securing the win as time ran out. The Wolves celebrated with a  burst of enthusiasm and a whole lot of fatigue after emerging as winners in a classic high school football game on a perfect September evening in Tacoma.

With the win, the Wolves are 2-0 on the season and they return home to host the Skyline Spartans (2-0) in the opening of the KingCo season schedule.

Eastlake v. Federal way


Livestream

Eastlake: 20-

Federal Way:6

Friday, Sept 1, 2023 - 7:00p

Eastlake Stadium, Sammamish, WA


The Wolves opened a new era of football by hosting the Federal Way Eagles under a perfect late summer sky. Despite the game falling on a holiday weekend before the school year, Wolves fans filled the stadium to greet the Wolves and new head coach Scott Hare.

In a match up of top 20 pre-season teams, the Wolves showed up and showed out in a dominant performance, crushing the Federal Way Eagles 40-6. The Wolves 3-headed rushing attack of seniors Grady Woodward, RJ Abedi and Asir Jackson ran for six touchdowns while the starting defense held the Eagles to a single (one!) first down that didn’t come from a penalty.

After punting the ball away on their first drive, the game was all Wolves. The defense started with a four play turnover-on-downs, and the offense rolled with six touchdowns in their next eight drives. Senior Grady Woodward played quarterback after being a first-team all KingCo receiver his junior year. Woodward powered the Wolves with 192 yards (and 3 TDs) on the ground supplemented with long pass completions to Bryson Hodges and Kade Haroldsen. Grady was supported by shifty running from senior running backs RJ Abedi (57 yards, 2 TDs) and Asir Jackson (42 yards, TD).

Under new line coach Eric Plummer, the big fellas up front controlled the line of scrimmage and created running lanes. The Wolves line is stout and experienced led by seniors Jonah Park, Blake Sehlin, Connor Ware, Carter Thompson and junior Jack Beardall. The Wolves ran for 325 yards on the ground, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Kicker Alex Dreher converted 4 of 5 PATs.

The Wolves defense dominated the Eagles, looking prepared, aggressive and physical. The Wolves starting D held the Eagles offense to a single first down (excluding penalties) and -5 yards rushing. The defense forced the Eagles to 3-and-out on five drives. They also forced two turnovers on downs and Bryson Hodges added an interception.

The defensive front line of Jonah Park, Carter Thompson and Aryan Ramdas controlled the line of scrimmage with Thompson recording two sacks and Ramdas bringing pressure in his first varsity start. The linebackers were led by defensive captain Jack Edmunds running the show with aggressive pursuit from outside backers junior Jake Arens, senior Caleb Mohrhardt and sophomore Colby Johnson. Edmunds, Arens and Mohrhardt are all seasoned returners with a lot of varsity minutes under their belt while young Johnson flashed with speed and physicality against the run.

The back end was led by Hodges who was all over the field, supplemented by seniors Kai Brown and Caden Cross. Seniors Kaleb Grant, Mohrhardt and Trevor Galvin shut down the outside and flats.

The Wolves couldn't have scripted a more well executed opener against a quality south sound opponent and have to be excited about the possibilities ahead. Block your calendars and head to Tacoma next Friday to root on the Wolves! The Wolves take their 1-0 record on the road to play Mount Tahoma Friday, September 8th at 7 PM. In week 1, the T-birds (0-1) lost a thriller to top ranked 2A North Kitsap.

2022 season

Eastlake v. Emerald Ridge


Eastlake: 9-

Emerald Ridge: 21

Saturday, November 12, 2022 - 7:00p

Sparks Stadium, Puyallup, WA


Eastlake vs Emerald Ridge, Nov 12, 2022

The Wolves 2022 season ended on a cold, clear night in Puyallup at the hands of a dominant Emerald Ridge run defense and the Wolves season-long turnover bugaboo. The Wolves end the season 8-3 (5-1 KingCo) with their loss in the State Playoff round of 16. The season resulted in the Wolves fourth consecutive State Playoff appearance and a number of individual school records.

 The 9th seeded Wolves started strong, when Cole Hunt intercepted a Jaguars 4th down pass to set up his offense at mid-field. Hunt came out throwing the ball, finishing the drive with a fifteen yard touchdown pass to Colby Marsh for an early 6-0 lead. On the Jags next offensive play, Ben Carollo recovered a Jags fumble giving the Wolves another short field and a chance to pull away early. However, the Wolves couldn't convert the drive into points. The Eastlake defense quickly forced a Jags punt but the Eastlake offense immediately fumbled the ball right back the Jags, stymying the offensive momentum.

In their 3rd possession, the Emerald Ridge high powered offense found some life and scored to take a 7-6 first half lead. For the remainder of the first half, the teams traded short possessions as both defenses made their plays and both offenses were bitten by frequent penalties. After a quarter full of punts, the teams headed to the halftime locker room with Emerald Ridge clinging to a 7-6 advantage.

This Wolves team has been a dominant 3rd quarter team and the offense received the ball to open the second half. It looked like the Wolves 3rd quarter magic would strike again as they drove to the Emerald Ridge 23-yard line. But the Jags defense made their biggest play of the game, forcing and recovering a fumble to stop the Eastlake drive. 
The Eastlake defense rose up again and again in the 3rd quarter, allowing no momentum for the Emerald Ridge offense. Late in the 3rd quarter the Wolves put together an offensive drive highlighted by a tough catch from Luke Westmoreland to get into scoring range. On 4th down, Alex Dreher converted a 37 yard field goal to put the Wolves back on top 9-7. The defense had one more strong series but near the end of the 3rd quarter the Jags offense finally found a rhythm. With a nice mix of run and pass, Emerald Ridge drove for a  touchdown and converted a two point PAT to take a 15-9 lead. With almost a full quarter left in the game, the game set up for a thrilling finish.

However, the Emerald Ridge defense had no interest in keeping things close and they put a stranglehold on the Eastlake offense throughout the 4th quarter. The Wolves could find no running room, so they continued to throw the ball. However, on the Wolves next possession, Emerald Ridge intercepted the Wolves 4th down pass near mid-field with 8:35 left in the game. A tired Eastlake defense couldn't rise up for one more stop. The Jags used 4 minutes of clock and found their best running hole of the game for a ten-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 21-9 with four minutes left.  With the Eastlake offense in desperation mode, the Jags intercepted one more pass to seal the game - and finish the Wolves season.

With the loss the Wolves finish 8-3 for the fourth consecutive season with eight or more wins and their fourth consecutive state playoff appearance (excl 2020 non-season). Congratulations and thank you to this year's seniors who helped lead the program to never achieved heights including a 20-4 (11-1 in KingCo) record during their last two seasons and two State Playoff trips. 

Eastlake v. Tahoma


Eastlake: 28-

Tahoma: 0

Friday, November 4, 2022 - 7:00p

Eastlake Stadium, Sammamish, WA


Eastlake vs Tahoma, Nov 4, 2022

With a trip to the state playoff on the line, the Wolves defense posted a dominant performance, shutting out the Tahoma Bears 28-0 on a windy night in Sammamish. The Wolves continued their season-long pattern of starting slow, leading just 7-0 at halftime. But the offense woke up in the second half and the defense completely stifled the Bears giving the Wolves their 8th win of the year (8-2 overall, 5-1 KingCo).

Offensively, the Wolves leaned on their horses to get the job done. KingCo Offensive Player of the Year Blake Borup ran for two touchdowns. All KingCo first team quarterback Cole Hunt hit all KingCo first team receiver Grady Woodward for two more touchdowns. The Wolves offense battled penalties which slowed their scoring but never turned the ball over, thus giving the Bears no chance for easy points.

On the opening drive, the Wolves chewed up yards as Borup found running room behind Jack Porter and Andy Villegas. But three holding penalties and two dropped passes killed the drive short of the goal line. The teams traded possessions for a while with flags flying on seemingly every play. Balazs Dancshazy intercepted a Tahoma pass but the offense couldn't build on the momentum. While waiting for the offense to find its rhythm, the defense just got better and better. Coomes and Porter sacked the quarterback. Balazs blocked a punt which Caleb Mohrhardt jumped on to give the offense their best field position of the night, at the Tahoma 34 yard line. Hunt ran for 10 yards, the Borup added 16 more, putting the ball on the 1 yard line. Borup followed Jonah Park and Connor Ware into the endzone, giving the Wolves a 7-0 lead late in the 2nd quarter.

Coming out of halftime, the Wolves offense woke up, scoring three 3rd quarter touchdowns. After a Hunt scramble moved the ball to the Bears 38, Woodward made a fingertip catch off a Hunt pass for a 38-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. After a strong defensive stand, the Wolves set up just short of mid-field. Eastlake ran a reverse for the first time this year and Woodward picked up 10 yards. On a keeper, Hunt tip-toed down the sidelines for 18 more. Hunt ran the ball inside the 5 and then Borup powered in for his 2nd TD of the night and a 21-0 Eastlake lead. On the Bears next drive, Porter and Thompson combined for a sack. When the Bears went for it on 4th down, Harry Reid dropped the receiver short of the line to gain, giving the offense a short field once again. After Hunt started with a run, he connected with Woodward for 11 and 32 yards, the later resulting in Woodward's 2nd touchdown and a 28-0 lead.

With the game in hand, the Wolves dialed back the offense but not before Jack Edmunds ripped off a 19 yard run.

On defense, the Wolves got sacks from Coomes, Porter thrice, Andrew Painter and Jonah Park in an impressive performance from the front three. Kicker Alex Dreher continued his All KingCo first team performance with a perfect 4-for-4 on PAT conversions.

With the win, the Wolves advance to the State Playoff Round of 16. The 8-2 Wolves are the #9 seed and will travel to Sparks Stadium in Puyallup to take on the #8 seed Emerald Ridge Jaguars. The two teams met in a post-season bout at Sparks in 2014, a game the Wolves won 40-0.

The Wolves players, coaches and fans all honored Coach Clay who is retiring after so many great years of coaching Eastlake players. Thank you so much Coach Clay!

Eastlake v. North Creek


Eastlake: 28-

North Creek: 24

Friday, October 28, 2022 - 7:00p

Eastlake Stadium, Sammamish, WA


Eastlake vs North Creek, Oct 28, 2022

With a week ten home game hanging in the balance, the Wolves came back from a 10 point fourth quarter deficit to beat North Creek 28-24. North Creek controlled much of the game as the Wolves struggled to build offensive momentum and the defense missed Kai Lane's speed. Trailing late, Balazs Danchazy intercepted a pass and Colby Marsh and Blake Borup scored 4th quarter touchdowns. The Wolves defense then turned back the Jaguars last gasp effort when Carter Thompson intercepted a pass to seal the win. With the victory, coupled with Skyline's loss, the Wolves tied for the KingCo championship with a 5-1 conference record (7-2 overall). Next Friday, the Wolves host former Eastlake Coach Zack Myers and his Tahoma Bears in the week 10 district crossover round. The Wolves need to win next week to continue their season and be seeded in the state playoff bracket.

Before the game, Eastlake celebrated its twenty seniors and their families on the field. Senior night is always emotional and throws the team off its normal pre-game routine. Once the ball kicked off, the Jaguars were more prepared to play and attacked the Wolves from the first play. North Creek returned the opening kick off inside the Eastlake ten yard line and took an early 7-0 lead on a trick play halfback pass. The Wolves failed to muster a first down on their opening drive and gave the ball right back to the Jaquars who chewed up the entire first quarter. North Creek mixed pass and run, fooled Eastlake on a fake punt and converted a 4th down on the drive. The Wolves defense stiffened just in time. North Creek made it to the one-yard line but on 4th down Colby Marsh blanketed his receiver and the Wolves trailed just 7-0.

In the second quarter, North Creek continued moved the ball but the defense got another 4th down stop  on the Wolves side of the field. The Eastlake offense finally got in gear as Blake Borup ran for 25 yard to cross midfield. Cole Hunt then ran 20 more on a quarterback keeper. The Wolves finally broke through on their own 4th down conversion when Hunt found Kai Brown for a 15 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7. With just 90 seconds left in the half it looked like the Wolves would go to halftime tied and with momentum. However, the Jaquars had other plans, hitting a long pass and scoring quickly before the half to reclaim the lead 14-7.

The Wolves have started slow before (Union, Woodinville) before but flipped the script at halftime. This game didn't go that way though as Eastlake received the second half kickoff but had to punt before reaching mid-field. The defense held and a short North Creek punt put the Wolves offense back in business. A great block from Kai Brown set up a nice gain from Hunt on a keeper. A Hunt-to-Grady Woodward pass got the Wolves near the goal line and a Hunt-to-Borup TD pass tied the game 14-14. The tie didn't last long. North Creek immediately responded, hitting a 50-yard pass. A Carter Thompson tackle-for-loss stopped the Jaguars drive short of the endzone, but they kicked a field goal, extending their lead to 7-14, still in the 3rd quarter.

Before the Wolves could answer, they fumbled the ball away and the Jaquars took over on the Eastlake 30-yard line. As North Creek drove toward the goal line, it looked like the Wolves finally got their big break when Andrew Painter forced a fumble which the Wolves recovered. However, the play drew a questionable blindside block flag which gave the ball back to North Creek with a gain and first down. North Creek converted the second chance into touchdown, extending their lead to 24-14 with less than a quarter remaining.  To go home with a win, the Wolves were going to have to find some magic, a game-changing play to turn the tide.

On Eastlake's next possession, Grady Woodward's kick return brought the ball to the Wolves 45. Blake Borup found running room as the Jaguars defense wore down from trying to tackle the big back. When Woodward drew a pass interference penalty in the endzone, the Wolves got to the 15-yard line. When found Marsh in the end zone (Hunt's 3rd TD pass of the night), the Wolves cut the lead to 24-21 with ten minutes remaining in the game.

The defense would have to rise up one more time. As the fog thickened in the night, it was senior safety Balazs Dancshazy who made the game changing play when he intercepted the Jaguars pass at the North Creek 27-yard line. With the offense back on the field, Borup bounced a run outside, scoring from 15 yards out and giving the Wolves their first lead of the game 28-24 with five minutes remaining. The defense pushed North Creek to a 4th-and-10 and with three minutes to go, Jaguars punted the ball back to Eastlake. The Wolves would have to grind out first downs on the ground to put the game away. When Jack Edmunds ripped off a 28-yard run to near mid-field, it looked like the Wolves had sealed the win. However, a fumble on the next play gave the ball back to North Creek in Eastlake territory with a chance to go ahead. Once again, the defense rose to the occasion, getting a 4th down stop and give the ball back to the offense. The Wolves couldn't get a first down to seal the game but a 55-yard punt by Hunt put North Creek on their own 10-yard line with no time outs remaining. The Jaguars had one more big pass completion to get near mid-field, but the Wolves forced and recovered a fumble to secure the win.

The Wolves didn't play their best game of the year, but a win is a win and on this night, the team scrapped out the W. With the win, the Wolves ran their season record to 7-2 (5-1 KingCo) and secured a share of the KingCo championship for the second consecutive year.

Eastlake v. Bothell


Eastlake: 45-

Bothell: 14

Saturday, October 22, 2022 - 5:00p

Pop Keeney Stadium, Bothell, WA


Eastlake vs Bothell, Oct 22, 2022

Despite a short week and just one day of practice due to air quality issues, the Eastlake Wolves traveled to Pop Keeney and ran away with a 45-14 win over the Bothell Cougars. With the victory, the Wolves are 6-2 (4-1 in KingCo) with one game remaining in the regular season. Wearing player-organized pink-out drip in support of Coach Snell's mom Julie, the team put together a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.

Eastlake took it to the Cougars early and often while rolling up 42 first half points. The Cougars opened with the ball and a suffocating Eastlake defense shut them down to force a punt. The Wolves took advantage of a short field to score quickly. On the first snap, Jonah Park and Jack Porter got their blocks and Blake Borup took a handoff 22 yards to the end zone (7-0). After the teams traded possessions, linebacker Harry Reid intercepted a Bothell pass and returned it near mid-field. Another Park block helped Borup rip off a big run. Cole Hunt found Grady Woodward with back-to-back pass completions. Woodward, benefitting from a hustling Connor Ware block, got the ball to the one-yard line. Borup scored his second touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. Moments later an unblocked Carter Thompson strips-sacked Bothell QB and former teammate Ryder Jacobson. Owen Coomes recovered for the Wolves to bring the offense back on the field. Hunt went back to Woodward for a 20-yard pickup. Hunt then ran for 15 yards to the five-yard line behind a crushing block from Coomes. Borup picked up his 3rd touchdown just seconds into the second quarter (21-0 Wolves).

The Cougars showed some fight and scored to cut the lead to 21-7 but the Wolves answered quickly and decisively. Hunt connected with his favorite target Woodward for a 14-yard gain. Jack Edmunds bounced a run outside for a 52-yard touchdown (28-7). On defense, Reid knocked down a pass to force a Bothell punt. On the next offensive play, Borup took a pitch 50 yards to the endzone (35-7 Wolves).

Bothell intercepted a pass to set up their second scoring drive (35-14) but with 2 minutes left in the first half, the Wolves offense wasn't done. Borup took a pitch 35 yards on first down. Edmunds converted a 4th down run and then Hunt found Woodward for a 20-yard touchdown. Alex Dreher converted his sixth PAT and the Wolves went to halftime with a commanding 42-14 lead.

In the second half, the Wolves piled on the yards as Borup ran roughshod through a tired Bothell defense. Alex Dreher continued his excellent kicking, hitting a 31-yard field goal (45-14 Eastlake). The defense continued to pour on the pressure. Jack Edmunds has emerged as a playmaking, spirited leader. Andrew Painter had a game and Coomes showed why he's the reigning KingCo lineman of the year with his sideline-to-sideline pursuit. Balazs Dancshazy gave the Wolves a presence at safety that they've been searching for and Reid continued his return to pre-injury form. Ben Carollo teamed up with Jack Porter for a sack that ruined one Bothell drive and late in the game, Caleb Mohrhardt and Blake Sehlin tacked on a combo sack.

At the end of the game, Julie and Olivia Snell joined the team for a group photo in support of Julie's health battle. The Wolves headed to the locker room with a 6-2 record (4-1 Kingco), to prep for senior night next Friday vs. the North Creek Jaguars (4-3 overall, 2-3 KingCo). The Wolves will be playing for their seniors, to secure KingCo second place and hopefully a Week ten home game.

Eastlake v. Mount Si


Eastlake: 24 -

Mount Si: 0

Monday, October 17, 2022 - 7:00p

Eastlake Stadium, Sammamish, WA


Eastlake vs Mt Si, Eastlake Stadium, Oct 17, 2022

Playing their homecoming game on Monday night due to the prior weekend's smoke out, the Wolves put together their most complete performance of the season, dominating the Mt Si Wildcats 24-0. With the win, the Wolves pushed their record to 5-2 overall, 3-1 in KingCo.

For the last several years, the Eastlake-Mt. Si game has been season-defining, particularly in the era when the winner was in the driver’s seat for the Crest Division title. Despite no longer having a division title implication, it was a critical week for a Wolves team searching for consistency and a signature win over a strong opponent. The Wolves defense, buoyed by the return of senior linebacker Harry Reid played inspired ball and carried to the team to a convincing and critical win.

Mt Si took the opening kick and moved into Eastlake territory. But a fired-up Jack Edmunds made two tackles in the backfield, so Mt Si settled for an unsuccessful field goal try. The Wolves took over and showed a new balance in their offense with several playmakers touching the ball on the drive. Starting out with bread-and-butter (Hunt to Grady Woodward screen pass, Borup inside runs), the Wolves threw in some new twists with Hunt connecting twice with Colby Marsh for gains for 13 and 22. The Wolves also ran two option plays. The drive stalled out at the 20-yard line so the Wolves set up for a long-but-makeable 37-yard field goal. After a delay of game penalty, Coach Snell had to decide whether or not to try a 42-yard field goals. Coach sent his strong-legged junior Kicker Alex Dreher out and Dreher's kick was money, easily clearing the bar and giving Eastlake an early 3-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, sophomore Kade Haroldsen got his first varsity action, dropping the Mt Si returner at the 24-yard line. The Wolves defense got a quick stop, the offense took over marching quickly down the field, aided by 35 yards of Mt Si penalties. Hunt connected with Luke Westmoreland to the one-yard line but just as the Wolves looked to go up by double digits, they fumbled the ball and the Wildcats recovered. But the Wildcats momentum was short lived as the defense rose to the challenge as it would all night. A Carter Thompson/Edmunds sack put Mt Si behind the chains and an Edmunds pass break up forced a punt.

Hunt continued moving the ball around, finding Eli DeGuzman for 11 yards, then scrambled for 15 more. After a sack put the Wolves in 3rd and 25, Hunt through a perfect ball to Borup for a 25-yard touchdown and a 10-0 lead. Mt Si got the ball back but an Andrew Painter sack immediately the Wildcats in long down-and-distance. The Eastlake defense forced another Mt Si punt from their own endzone, putting the Wolves in business with a short field. Hunt continued his democratic passing, finding Kai Brown for 12 yards, followed by 2 connections with Woodward. Aided by yet another Mt Si unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Hunt found Borup for the second time on an 8 yard touchdown and a 17-0 halftime lead.

To open the second half, Eastlake picked up where it had left off when Hunt found Woodward for a 24 yard completion but the drive stalled after crossing mid-field. But it really didn't matter as the Mt Si offense could get nothing going.  Reid clearly sparked the team emotionally as well as lifted the defense's overall play, recording his first tackle-for-loss to stymie the Mt Si drive.

Eastlake put the game away in the late 3rd quarter. Hunt found Westmoreland for 20 yards, followed by a 10 yard gain on a terrific catch by Marsh put the Wolves in scoring range. Hunt to Borup from 10 yards out capped the drive and extended the margin to 24-0.

The Wolves ran out the game with their stifling defense. Carter Thompson added a tackle-for-loss. Painter sniffed out a screen. Ben Carollo tallied a sack and Edmunds intercepted a pass in the end zone. The Wolves took over and Borup punished the Wildcats with physical runs to the 1 yard line. But in a classy move, the Wolves took a knee rather than tacking on meaningless points.

Behind suffocating defense and Hunt's best game of the year (21 completions for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns), the Wolves posted a critical win heading into the last two games of the year. Next week, the Wolves take on Bothell in a rematch of last year's KingCo championship. Eastlake takes their 5-2 (3-1 KingCo) record to Pop Keeney Saturday night to visit the Cougars come into the game 3-4 overall (2-2 in KingCo) in a key matchup for both teams' playoff hopes.

Eastlake v. Lake Stevens


Eastlake: 16 - Lake Stevens: 41

Friday, October 7, 2022 - 7:00p

Lake Stevens Stadium, Lake Stevens, WA


Eastlake at Lake Stevens, Lake Stevens Stadium, Oct 7, 2022

The Wolves traveled to Lake Stevens searching for a signature win in a rematch of last year's state Semi-finals. The Wolves started hot when Grady Woodward scored on the first drive to take a 7-0 lead. However, the celebration was short-lived as the Vikings tied the game on their first possession and then piled on the points, rolling to a 41-16 win.

On the opening drive the Wolves established a strong running game with Blake Borup running behind Connor Ware and Jack Porter. When Cole Hunt hit Grady Woodward with a quick pass, Grady took it 34 yards for a touchdown behind downfield blocking from Eli DeGuzman. Alex Dreher converted the PAT and the Wolves took an early 7-0 lead. However, the Vikings struck back on just 3 plays as poor Wolves tackling resulted in a short pass turning into a 75-yard Vikings play. The Vikings scored two plays later to tie the game.

On the Wolves second offensive possession they went three-and-out. The Vikings took over and methodically drove down the field behind an effective run-pass mix in which every play seemingly went for 5+ yards. The Vikings finished the drive in the end zone to take a 14-7 first quarter lead. The Wolves crossed midfield on their next drive but a fumble gave the Vikings the ball back with a short field. The Eastlake defense couldn't keep up with the speed and elusiveness of Lake Steven's elite back Jayden Limar who ran in a 28 yard touchdown and extended the lead to 21-7.

The Wolves held serve for the remainder of the half but couldn't score to close the gap. One promising drive was undone by a holding penalty. Just before the half, the Wolves drove to the Vikings 37 yard line with just a minute left in the half but punted the ball away on 4th and 11.

Lake Stevens took the 2nd half opening kickoff ran a reverse on the first play. The action fooled the entire Wolves defense and resulted in a 55 yard gain for the Vikings. Limar ran in another touchdown (on his way to a five touchdown night) and Lake Stevens extended its lead to 28-7. Despite the 3 touchdown gap, it looked like the Wolves had a chance after Owen Coomes recovered a fumble near mid-field. Hunt scrambled for a 4th down conversion and Borup finished the drive to briefly shrink the gap to 28-14. But on Lake Stevens next possession, Limar took a handoff 80 yard to paydirt to extend the lead to 35-14 and effectively end the game. The Wolves would tack on two points late when Kai Lane blocked a punt resulting in a safety. But on this night Eastlake just didn't have the explosive plays to keep up with Lake Stevens offense nor the defensive speed and tackling to contain Limar.

Bright spots for the Wolves included the power running of Borup, the Hunt-to-Woodward short passing connection and the return of senior linebacker Harry Reid playing his first football of the season. Reid's return is a critical boost to a defense facing a stretch of tough opponents that will determine the Wolve playoff fate.

With the loss, the Wolves fall to 4-2 on the season (2-1 in KingCo) and are seeking their first victory over a team with a winning record. Friday, October 14th the Wolves return home for homecoming and a critical conference game. The Wolves host the Mt Si Wildcats (4-2 overall, 3-1 KingCo) in what should be a close, competitive game.

Eastlake v. Woodinville


Eastlake: 27 - Woodinville: 0

Saturday, October 1, 2022 - 5:00p

Pop Keeney Stadium, Bothell, WA


Eastlake vs. Woodinville at Pop Keeney Stadium, Oct 1, 2022

On October 1st, the Eastlake Wolves went on the road for an unusual Saturday 5 pm game at Woodinville/Pop Keeney Stadium. In a game that was 0-0 at halftime, the Wolves eventually pulled away for a 27-0 win. With the victory, the Wolves moved to 4-1 on the season (2-1 in Kingco).

Games at Pop Keeney always have a big game feel and this one felt no different as the Wolves enter the gauntlet portion of their schedule. The Wolves brought their 3-1 record into the game against Woodinville (2-2). The Wolves needed a win to stay in the KingCo championship race.

The 27-0 final score doesn't reflect how close the game was for much of the night. In the first half, the Wolves battled penalties and turnovers every bit as much as the Falcons. Eastlake moved the ball behind running from Blake Borup and Cole Hunt supplemented by quick hitting passes to Grady Woodward. But every time the Wolves threatened to score, a penalty put them in reverse, or a turnover bailed out the Falcons. However, the Eastlake defense put together its best effort of the year. The defensive line of Owen Coomes, Kai Lane and Andrew Painter controlled the run and the defensive backs, Kai Brown in particular were able to cover their receivers downfield. On the Falcons first offensive possession, Kai Lane wrecked the drive with a quarterback sack. Two possessions later an Eastlake fumble gave Woodinville momentum but a big hit and pass breakup by Ben Carollo slowed the Falcons. Later, a hustling Grady Woodward downed an Eastlake punt at the one-foot line, giving Woodinville a long field. But as both offenses continued to scuffle and the teams went into halftime tied 0-0.

Eastlake took the second half kickoff and ran the same basic offense (Borup, Borup, Borup) but cleaned up the penalties. As the big fellas up front (Jonah Park, Connor Ware, Jack Porter, Owen Coomes and Andy Villegas) wore down the smaller Woodinville front, Borup found more creases and finished his runs with punishing toughness. A sixteen-yard Hunt run put the Wolves inside the five-yard line. Finally, Jack Edmonds punched in a two-yard touchdown run to get the Wolves on the board with a 7-0 lead.  After the Wolves defense forced a quick 3-and-out, the offense went right back to the same playbook and a pounding Borup scored his second TD of the quarter (13-0 Wolves).

 The game went to the fourth quarter with the Wolves clearly the better team but nursing a modest lead. After a strong performance for three quarters, the Wolves defense finally got their backbreaking play to put the game out of reach. Carter Thompson made two stops to force another Woodinville punt attempt from deep in their own territory. Caleb Mohrhardt then blocked the Woodinville punt, giving Eastlake the ball and a short field. Hunt quickly connected with Borup on a fifteen-yard TD pass to extend the Wolves lead to 20-0.

With a shutout in the works, the defense went right back to work and Andrew Painter added a quarterback sack. The offense got the ball back quickly and an inspired Borup promptly ripped off a 34-yard run into the red zone. Hunt followed with a 21-yard gain and then Borup scored his third touchdown of the night from two yards out. Alex Dreher converted the PAT to push the lead to the final margin, 27-0.

With the win, the Wolves move to 4-1 on the season. Next Friday, they travel to Lake Stevens in a rematch of last year's State Playoff semifinals.

Eastlake v. Issaquah


Eastlake: 54 - Issaquah: 13

Friday, September 23, 2022 - 7:00p

Eastlake Stadium, Sammamish, WA


Eastlake vs. Issaquah at Eastlake Stadium, Sept 23, 2022

Licking their wounds from a week 3 loss to Skyline, the Wolves figured to come out on hungry to beat up on the visiting Issaquah Eagles. No doubt the returning players from both teams remembered 2021's laugher when the Wolves buried Issaquah in the first five minutes.

For a quarter, the Eagles hung with Eastlake,, taking an early 6-0 lead. When the Wolves scored twice to go up 10-6, once again the Eagles struck again, retaking the lead 13-10 late in the first quarter. The Wolves struggled to handle the Eagles passing game and no doubt many fans flashed back to the Skyline loss with a sense of dread as the Wolves tried several different defensive backs, including a are defensive appearance for quarterback Cole Hunt.

But down 13-10, the Wolves offense started pouring it on while the defense found its footing. Blake Borup found big holes between the tackles, taking the ball inside the 30-yard line. Then against soft coverage, Hunt hit Grady Woodward with a 2-yard quick pass, which Grady took through two arm tackles and crossed the entire field for a 28 yard touchdown (16-13 Wolves). On the next defensive position, some of the younger Wolves stepped up. While the Eagles found continued successfully throwing the ball, the interior line of Owen Coomes, Andrew Painter and Kai Lan stymied the Eagles rushing attack. A Coomes sack on 3rd down ended the Eagles drive and forced a punt.

The Wolves took over, looking to extend their lead. Woodward took another short pass for 20 yards, breaking tackles. Borup ripped of a 23 yarder, running between Jonah Park and Jack Porter. Porter cleared another path for Hunt to gain 15 more. Borup for 12. On the next play, pulling Connor Ware and Andy Villegas paved the way for Borup run in a 20-yard touchdown pass. Alex Dreher tacked on the PAT and Wolves extended to 23-13. On the next possession, Eastlake recovered a fumble and Hunt immediately hit Grady Woodward with a 51-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 30-13. The defense took over the next series with back-to-back sacks from Carter Thompson and Kai Lane gave the Wolves the ball one more time before halftime. Hodges beat his man, drawing a pass interreference call in the endzone and giving Dreher the opportunity to hit a career long 32-yard field goal. The Wolves went to halftime up 33-13 and I full control.

The second half was a highlight reel for the Wolves. Safety Balazs Dancshazy picked up an interception. Borup gashed the Eagles defense with repeated 10+ yard runs and two more touchdowns. Hunt found Woodward for their 3rd touchdown connection on a terrific diving catch by Woodward. When Borup's ran his 3rd TD for 35 yards through an exhausted Issaquah defense and sophomore kicker Daniel Ferreira tacked om the PAT, the score was 54-13. The Wolves had scored the last 44 points and the teams played with a running clock for the last quarter.

Standouts for the Wolves included Borup who ran for 3 touchdowns, Hunt-to-Woodward who connected for 3 TDs, Carter Thompson who had his best game defensively and kicker Dreher to kicked two field goals to go with five PATs.

Up next, the Wolves take their 3-1 record on the road to Pop Keeney, Saturday at 5 PM to take on Woodinville.

Eastlake v. Skyline


Eastlake: 7 - Skyline: 21

Friday, Sept 16, 2022 - 7:00p

Skyline Stadium, Sammamish, WA


In their KingCo conference opener, the Wolves were dominated by their rivals up the hill. Skyline had too much perimeter speed, a brilliant scheme and a bully's attitude in taking it to the Wolves. Eastlake mustered only a 4th quarter touchdown to avoid the shutout but this one was all Skyline. The seven points was Eastlake's lowest scoring output since 2019 and only their second game under ten points since 2015

The Wolves had one chance to get in the game. Down 14-0, early in the 3rd quarter, the Wolves put together a drive to the Skyline 10 yard line. A touchdown would have made it a one-score game with plenty of time. But a personal foul penalty (one of several on the Wolves) moved the ball back to the twenty five yard line and the possession ended with a fourth down interception.

Eastlake's lone offensive highlight came when Eli DeGuzman got behind the defense for his first catch of the year, putting the Wolves into scoring range. Cole Hunt then connected with Colby Marsh for a touchdown to avoid the shutout. With the loss, the Wolves are 2-1 and 0-1 in KingCo conference play. The Wolves next game is Friday, September 23rd when Eastlake hosts the Issaquah Eagles.

Eastlake v. Mt Tahoma


Eastlake: 61 - Mt Tahoma 21:

Friday, Sept 9, 2022 - 7:00p

Eastlake Stadium, Sammamish, WA


Eastlake vs. Mt Tahoma on September 9th at Eastlake.

The Wolves destroyed Mount Tahoma 61-21 in their home opener Friday night in a game that was never in doubt. Grady Woodward returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for an early 7-0 Eastlake lead. Despite a couple of mistakes that gave the T-Birds a couple of first half touchdowns, this one was all Wolves as the T-Birds were thoroughly out manned and outcoached. With the win, the Wolves move to 2-0 on the season ahead of next week's matchup with Skyline.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Wolves running game wasn't great as a big T-birds front four played hard and clogged the running lanes. But the Wolves made big passing plays and Cole Hunt scrambled effectively, including two rushing touchdowns.

After Woodward opened the game with the kick return touchdown, the T-Birds fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Levi Joyce recovered for the Wolves - just the first of Levi's many special teams’ highlights. The Wolves need seven plays to get ten yards to the end zone but converted when Cole Hunt threw a one-yard TD pass to Blake Borup to extend the lead to 13-0. It looked like the rout was on but credit the T-Birds who took the next kick 88 yards for their own kick return touchdown to make it 13-7. From that point on, the first half was all Wolves. Hunt found Colby Marsh all alone for a ten-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 20-7. On the ensuing kickoff, Joyce outhustled the entire Mount Tahoma team to cover the kick and give the ball right back to his offense. Hunt found Borup from eleven yards out for their second connection and extended the lead to 27-7, still in the first quarter.

Later in the quarter, Hunt scrambled in from twenty yards out to extend the lead to 34-7. Hunt then hit the repeat button, running in from ten yards to extend the lead to 40-7. The Wolves defense broke down just before the half, allowing a Mt Tahoma TD which cut the lead to 40-14. When sophomore Jake Arens broke a big kick return, it looks like the Wolves might score one more time before the half, but this time Hunt was brought down short of the goal line. Nonetheless, the Wolves went to halftime up by 26 and in cruise control.

In the second half, the Wolves kept their starting offense on the field and Hunt found Grady Woodward for a ten-yard TD pass, aided by a nice block from Luke Westmoreland. Up 47-14, the Wolves started substituting on both sides of the ball, getting many sophomores their first varsity action. The offensive onslaught often slows down when the backups come in but not on this night. Quarterback Landon Renfroe found Bryson Hodges for a fifty-three-yard gain and RJ Abedi ran in the touchdown. RJ scored a second touchdown later in the game, capping the score to give the Wolves their final 61-21 margin.

The Wolves offensive line of Jonah Park, Connor Ware, Owen Coomes, Jack Morgan and Kai Lane gave Hunt protection and time to throw all night and he was not sacked. On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolves front of Andrew Painter, Lane and Coomes controlled the line of scrimmage. Linebackers Borup and Jack Edmunds contained the edges and Ben Carollo was stout against the run all game. The Wolves played their second team defense much of the second half, getting value reps for sophs Jack Beardall, Arens, Hodges and Dominic Miller. On special teams, Alex Dreher's leg was tired by night's end from all the PATs and kickoffs but he converted seven of nine PATs for the night and now has 12 PATs on the season.

Next Friday the Wolves (2-0) open KingCo play, taking on the 1-1 Skyline Spartans.

Eastlake v. Union


Eastlake: 35 - Union: 32

Saturday, Sept 3, 2022 - 4:00p

McKenzie Stadium, Vancouver, WA


On Saturday September 3rd the Wolves traveled to Vancouver Washington to open their season against the Union Titans. Eastlake escaped with a thrilling 35-32 win on a one-yard-line goal line stand on the last play of the game.

The game was a nearly three-hour roller coaster for the Wolves and their boisterous student section who made the long trek to support the team. Early on, the Wolves looked like they might cruise to victory. After the opening kick, the defense led by Owen Coomes and Kai Lane forced a quick three-and-out and the offense marched down the field under the rushing power of Blake Borup. But once in the red zone, the Titans forced an Eastlake fumble which was recovered by Union, briefly stemming the Wolves momentum. But on the next play, Union's center snapped the ball over the quarterbacks' head into the end zone. Andrew Painter and Carter Thompson tackled the QB in the end zone for a safety and a 2-0 Eastlake lead.

Colby Marsh took the ensuing kickoff and returned it inside the 20-yard line, creating another scoring opportunity. Eastlake settled for a 27-yard Alex Dreher field goal to extend their lead to 5-0. The Wolves looked like they might control the game but Union immediately struck back with an 80 yard touchdown run to take a 6-5 lead.

The Wolves offense retook the field and quickly drove to the red zone through a combination of Borup's running and Cole Hunt-to-Grady Woodward passing. But the Titans defense stepped up again, intercepting a pass then returning it all the way to the Wolves 30 yard line before Hunt drove him out of bounds. The Titans got inside the 10 but a 4th down tackle by Jack Edmunds stopped the Union drive short of the goal line. The offense retook the field but turned the ball over for the third time just a few plays later when the defender tipped a pass to his teammate who reeled in the interception. The Titans finally capitalized with a touchdown to extend their lead to 12-5. The Titans then punched in another touchdown just before the half to extend their lead to 18-5. The Wolves headed to the locker room fortunate to be down only two scores and would receive the second half kickoff.

Whatever adjustments the team made at halftime worked wonders because the boys came back on the field on fire in the 3rd quarter. Marsh opened the half with another dynamic kick return plus the Wolves benefited from two Union personal fouls to set up on the Union twenty yard line. Hunt connected with Woodward on a ten yard touchdown pass. Dreher boomed another PAT and the Wolves had cut the deficit to 18-12. Energized by the offense, the Wolves defense forced a 3-and-out. On the Union punt, snapper hiked the ball high into the endzone where Kaleb Grant downed the punter for another safety, cutting the deficit further to 18-14 and getting the ball right back to the offense. Hunt threw a perfect pass to Woodward for a thirty-two yard pass and giving the Wolves the lead, 21-18.  Eastlake kept up the pressure as a few plays later Union fumbled the ball and Carter Thompson picked it up and ran it back inside the Union fifteen yard line. Hunt and Borup finished the drive so the Wolves took a seemingly solid 28-18 lead.

Union battled back but a few plays later, Marsh intercepted a Union pass and it seemed that the rout was on. But credit Union who kept battling. They stymied the Eastlake offense and scored an early fourth quarter touchdown to cut the Eastlake lead to 28-26. The Titans then piled on another touchdown to retake the lead 32-28 with just three and a half minutes to go in the game.

On the winning scoring drive, the Wolves set up at their own twenty five yard line. On the first snap, Hunt scrambled for twelve yards and a first down. He then connected with Kai Brown for another twelve yard pickup putting the ball near mid-field. A Union penalty moved the Wolves across mid-field. Hunt hit Brown for another short gain, giving the Wolves a fresh set of downs at the forty-three yard line. On the next play the Union defense blew their coverage and Hunt found Woodward alone near the fifteen yard line, who than ran it in for the go-ahead touchdown (35-32) with just 90 seconds left in the game. The Eastlake fans celebrated as the Union defense had now shown the big-play ability to suggest they could go the length of the field in just 90 seconds. But things got interesting.

As the Titans moved their way down the field, Marsh had a chance at an interception to seal the game but couldn't reel it in. A tired Eastlake defensive front couldn't pressure the quarterback and the Titans steadily worked their way down the field aided by a pass interference call. When Union completed a rainbow over Brown, it looked like Union might score the winning touchdown but Trevor Galvin gave the Wolves a chance, forcing the receiver out at the one yard line. With just 12 seconds on the clock and no time-outs, the Titans had to decide whether to run and risk only getting one play off or pass and potentially have two plays. After taking a timeout, Coach Tully went to his goal line defense, bringing in a fresh Andy Villegas to provide some extra power up front. On the snap, Villegas, Jack Porter and Owen Coomes blew the Union offensive line off the ball, tackling the ballcarrier for a loss, with Porter having the savvy to lay on the ballcarrier a few extra seconds while time ticked away. Time expired and the Wolves and their fans exploded in celebration, coming away with a thrilling, memory-making 35-32 win.

Time will tell how good a team Union is, but they played hard. At game's end, two-way lineman Coomes and Kai Lane looked exhausted from battling Union's size and toughness for forty-eight minutes but on this day Eastlake was one point better and off to a 1-0 start to the season.

Credit : © Photos by Rob Veal / Team Sports Images (www.teamsportsimages.com)

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2021 Season

Eastlake v. Kentridge


Eastlake: 56 - Kentridge: 7

Friday, Sept 17 - 7:00p

Eastlake Stadium, Sammamish, WA


On Friday night, the Eastlake varsity beat the Kentridge Chargers 56-7. The Wolves had their way, running for over 400 yards on offense with Jack Peterson and Michael Lester each scoring two touchdowns. Defensively, the Wolves dominating the line of scrimmage and easily controlled the Kentridge offense.

The Wolves offensive line (Ryan Ware, Ethan Kim, Henry Isaackson, Jackson Marley, Chatinay Munjal) opened up big holes for the running backs all game. With room to run, Jack Peterson and Cole Hunt both for over 100 yards with Michael Lester, Blake Borup and Nathaniel Birchfield also chewing up big yards. On the ground, Peterson (2 TDs), Lester, Birchfield, Hunt and Harry Reid all scored touchdowns while Lester and Michael Kistner reeled in TD passes. QB Parker Barrysmith was highly efficient, throwing for 100 yards and 2 TDs.

On defense, the Wolves front seven dominated the line of scrimmage. Lineman Coomes, Marley, Isaackson, Kai Lane and Will Woodward plugged the gaps. Linebackers Reid, Griffin Miller, Logan Eller and Blake Borup cleaned up any ball carriers that got away from the linemen. With the win, the Wolves ran their record to 3-0 heading into their first conference game at Woodinville on Friday, September 24th.

Credit : © Photos by Rob Veal / Team Sports Images (www.teamsportsimages.com)

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Eastlake v. Rainier


Eastlake: 17 - Rainier Beach: 16

Saturday, Sept 11 - 5:00p

Memorial Stadium, Seattle, WA


On September 10th, the Wolves beat Rainier Beach 17-16 to run their season record to 2-0. The Wolves took an early lead when Jack Peterson punched in a 3 yard touchdown. Beach cut the margin to 7-6 with a touchdown but critically failed on their 2 point PAT. Still in the first quarter, Parker Barrysmith hit Blake Borup with a touchdown pass on 3rd and goal from the Beach 35 yard line. Noah Weintraub's second PAT extended the lead to 14-6 in a looong quarter that featured fifteen penalty flags.

Beach cut into Eastlake's lead with a bizarre 2 point play. Weintraub intercepted a desperation Beach 4th down pass at the goal line but his momentum carried him into the endzone and the play was called a safety for Rainier Beach. As fifteen more penalty flags rained down in the second quarter, Weintraub added a field goal to extend the lead to 17-8.

In the second half, the penalty flags lightened up slightly but the game intensity only increased. Beach scored and converted a 2 point PAT to cut the Wolves lead to 17-16 with a full quarter to go. The defenses stepped up on both sides and penalties continued to stifle the offenses. With just minutes left in the game, Beach forced a stop and took over the ball with a chance to win the game. As Beach drove deep into Wolves territory with the clock ticking down, Junior linebacker Harry Reid forced a fumble which was recovered by the Wolves. Michael Lester then ran for a first down to secure the win.

For the game, Barrysmith completed 12 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown. The Wolves ran for 170 yards with Lester leading the way with 83 hard-earned yards and Peterson added 69. Through the air, Weintraub was the leading receiver with 105 yards with Griffin Miller totaling 55. Defensively, Miller and Reid contained the Beach rushing attack and cornerback Colby Marsh gamely battled a much taller receiver. The teams combined to generate 43 penalties which must be some kind of galactic record.

Credit : © Photos by Rob Veal / Team Sports Images (www.teamsportsimages.com)

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Eastlake v. Kentwood


Eastlake: 53 - Kenwwod: 0

Saturday, Sept 4 - 1:00p

Eastlake Stadium, Sammamish, WA


Eastlake's seniors waited 24 months to play a football game in front of their classmates and they took full advantage overwhelming the Kentwood Conquerors, 53-0. New coach Kyle Snell's first win was delivered by a dominating defense, electrifying special teams from Will Eaton and a balanced, effective offense.

The Wolves defense held Kentwood to 57 yards, an average of just 1.4 yards per play. Defensive lineman Sam Coomes, Henry Isaackson and Jackson Marley controlled the line of scrimmage as Kentwood rushed 11 times for 10 yards. And when the Conk's took to the air, they completed 17 passes but only picked up 47 yards due to sure tackling from Colby Marsh, Noah Weintraub and Levy Joyce.

Offensively, running back Blake Borup set the tone early with punishing runs, punching in the first TD. Quarterback Parker Barrysmith threw 3 touchdowns, connecting with Eaton, and Griffin Miller who reeled in 4 catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns. As the game went on, the Wolves used several running backs (Mo Lester, Nathaniel Birchfield, Jack Edmunds) paced by senior Jack Peterson who added a touchdown on the ground.

In the kicking game, Weintraub and sophomore Alex Dreher showed strong legs but it was senior Will Eaton who electrified the crowd with 2 punt returns for touchdowns in addition to his receiving touchdown.

Quarterback Cole Hunt connected with Will Woodward for the Wolves last touchdown to cap off the big win.

 Eastlake vs. Redmond - 4/2/21

Credit : © Photos by Rob Veal / Team Sports Images (www.teamsportsimages.com)

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 Eastlake vs. Juanita - 3/27/21

Credit : © Photos by Rob Veal / Team Sports Images (www.teamsportsimages.com)

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 Eastlake @ Lake Washington - 3/20/21

Credit : © Photos by Rob Veal / Team Sports Images (www.teamsportsimages.com)

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Photos taken by ROB Veal

Credit : © Photos by Rob Veal / Team Sports Images (www.teamsportsimages.com)

Visit https://vnnphotos.smugmug.com/Eastlake-Wolves to see more of Rob’s great work.

Thank you to our photographers