MERCER ISLAND – Junior quarterback Jacob Kaepernick threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in a 28-14 Mariner win over Mercer Island on Friday night.
After giving up a 63-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, Sehome scored on two passing plays of its own in the second quarter. The first came on a 13-yard slant route by senior wide receiver Melloy Nelson. That touchdown reception marked the 13th in his career, tying Gary Gould’s 20-year old school record for career touchdown receptions. The second touchdown of the quarter was a deep ball from Kaepernick that found junior Tim Malo streaking down the sideline on a 47-yard go route with 1:38 left until halftime.
As Whatcom County’s leading receiver, Malo has shown great hands all season, but in this game he was able to showcase his phenomenal speed as well.
After a scoreless third quarter the Islanders took a 14-13 lead with 10:28 remaining in the game after an 8-yard touchdown run.
Sehome quickly struck back, and answered with a 69-yard bomb from Kaepernick to Malo down the left sideline. Senior Dawson Smith converted the following 2-point play on a powerful run.
With a 21-14 lead in the fourth quarter, it was time to run the clock. The improving running game looked good in the fourth quarter as Smith provided the thunder to Colin Dorsch’s lightning. They combined for 85 yards rushing, with a large majority of that coming in the final period. Kaepernick topped off the long sustained drive with a 6-yard touchdown run.
The Mariners also had inspired play from their defense and special teams. Nelson intercepted a pair of passes, and Malo also intercepted a pass and blocked a field goal.
Sehome (2-2) will begin conference play this Friday at 8PM against Mountlake Terrace (1-2) at Edmonds Stadium.
Sehome 28
Mercer Island 14
SEH 0 13 0 15 – 28
MI 7 0 0 7 – 14
MI – 63 yard touchdown pass (kick good)
SE – Nelson 13 pass from Kapernick (Nelson kick)
SE – Malo 47 pass from Kaepernick (kick failed)
MI – 8 yard touchdown run (kick good)
SE – Malo 69 pass from Kaepernick (Smith run)
SE – Kaepernick 6 run (Nelson kick)
SEH MI
33-83 Rushing Att-Yards 29-101
11-22-1 Comp-Att-Int 9-27-3
207 Passing yards 162
Individual Leaders
RUSHING – SEH: Dorsch 8-44, Smith 13-41, Kaepernick 12-(-2). MI: N/A.
PASSING – SEH: Kaepernick 11-22-1-207. MI: N/A.
RECEIVING – SE: Nelson 4-52, Malo 3-123, L. Evans 2-10, Ryan 1-12, Chisolm 1-10. MI: N/A.
