Discover more from The Journal 425
The Vikings came out hot and physically dominated an inferior Monroe team. Brennan Frost was again the story, as the elusive back rushed for nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns before halftime. Frost finished with 14 carries for 223 yards, giving way to backups in the third quarter. On the season, Frost now has 74 carries for 730 yards - a 9.9 average - and seven touchdowns.
The new offensive linemen - Gunnar Ecklund at left tackle and Kody Dinh making his second start at right guard - seemed to perform admirably and helped to create the physical advantage at the point of attack.
The patchwork defensive line - missing Garek Stuart, Jesse Porter and Justin Grow was excellent. Jordan Eckstrom had two sacks, Josh Berg had one, and Chase Crowley shot up from his linebacker position for another.
Despite the early dominance, the Lake offense continued to struggle in the passing and drive-sustainment departments. Coach Tom Tri used an awkward quarterback rotation that seemed to leave everybody off-kilter. In fact, with two minutes to go in the first quarter, Tri had already used three QBs.
Chameron Lackey started the game and ran once, threw a 40-yard screen pass to Arvid Isaksen and then handed off the Frost who finished the deal. Bryson Daggett was in next, handing off to Frost who scored on the first play.
I left before the game finished, but midway through the fourth quarter Daggett was 2 for 11 passing for 10 yards, with a 13 yard TD pass to Tyler Reside. Nelson was 1-3 for 8 yards.
Playoff Picture:
The Vikes couldn't have arranged things better tonight as their two top opponents for the second spot in the Wesco North standings went down tonight. Oak Harbor lost to Arlington and Snohomish fell to Stanwood. The Wesco North standing look like this:
1. Marysville-Pilchuck 4-0
2. Lake Stevens 3-1
3. Stanwood 3-2
4. Arlington 2-2
T-5. Snohomish 1-3
T-5. Oak Harbor 1-3
7. Monroe 1-4
The top three teams advance, but the third team will open at Skyline, so let's try and avoid that, shall we? The Vikings effectively have a 1.5 game lead on Stanwood and a two game lead on Arlington due to head-to-head victories. The Vikings can lock up the second spot with a win at Oak Harbor next Friday, and would play at the SPSL South #2 team - currently Bethel.
Injury report:
Bad news on the injury front as starting defensive tackle Justin Grow broke his foot in early action and is likely lost for the season. Shortly thereafter, senior captain Chameron Lackey went down with a serious knee injury, thought to be an MCL strain or tear. Another captain, LB Alex Moon also exited the game with a knee injury, but he was at least able to walk on it. Finally, Brennan Frost left the game with a slight knee injury, but thought he would be okay. Tonight's injured players join senior left tackle/defensive end Garek Stuart, who tore his ACL and MCL Monday in practice and senior right tackle/defensive end Jesse Porter who is out with a viral infection. More on this situation Monday.
Notebook: Sophomore Christian Gasca had a nice interception and 40 yard return from his safety position...other sophomores who saw playing time before the game was decided include CB/WR Quincy Carroll, RB Shae Giddens and LB Korey Young, who returned from sickness last week. The game featured an extended halftime with the unveiling of the Homecoming Court, the parading of the Chicken, and a lengthy fireworks show...Rain was a constant factor. The downpour began just prior to kickoff and did not let up. According to the National Weather Service, Lake Stevens received and inch and a half of rain this evening.