BELLINGHAM – One of the few things that can overcome a pirate is a torrential storm. Last night at Civic Stadium it was just that as the Storm downed the Pirates 49-14 in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs.
After a decently balanced first quarter, Squalicum’s attack during the second quarter was something that you just don’t see very often. The Storm lit the scoreboard up for 35 points in the second, mostly behind long touchdown runs by Djouvensky Schlenbaker.
The 6-foot-1 215-pound senior scored four of his six touchdowns of the game during the second quarter, including recovering a fumble in the end zone, with seven seconds left in the first half, while playing his outside linebacker position. He finished with 231 yards rushing on just 15 carries, and he passed Whatcom County legends Dave Longoria (Nooksack Valley) and Matthias Wilson (Ferndale) to become the 4th leading career rusher in Whatcom County history.
Senior quarterback Leyton Smithson was also on point for most of the night, completing eight of his 10 passing attempts, including an 18-yard strike to fellow senior Kai Posey. The touchdown reception put Posey in a tie with Damek Mitchell for third most in school history.
Senior outside linebacker Bryson Lamb had another stellar performance, this time with 5.5 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Senior Jaymeson Thompson also had two stops behind the line of scrimmage from his new nose tackle position.
Next week, the Storm will host the winner between Ridgefield and Orting. The time and location has yet to be determined, but I would imagine Civic Stadium will be lit up once again!
Highline 14 Squalicum 49 HLN 0 0 0 14 - 14 SQU 7 35 7 0 - 49 SQU - Schlenbaker 63 run (Smith kick) SQU - Posey 18 pass from Smithson (Smith kick) SQU - Schlenbaker 11 run (Smith kick) SQU - Schlenbaker 17 run (Smith kick) SQU - Schlenbaker 50 run (Smith kick) SQU - Schlenbaker recovered fumble in end zone (Smith kick) SQU - Schlenbaker 45 run (Smith kick) HLN - 14 yard touchdown pass (kick blocked) HLN - 31 yard touchdown pass (2-pt run good)
HLN SQU 28-45 Rush Att-Yards 26-252 13-24-1 Comp-Att-Int 8-10-0 176 Passing Yards 84 Individual Leaders RUSHING - HLN: N/A. SQU: Schlenbaker 15-231, Smithson 4-7, Morris 1-7, Dunmore 1-5, Brown 2-2, Richardson 2-2, Nixon 1-(-2). PASSING - HLN: N/A. SQU: Smithson 8-10-0-84. RECEIVING - HLN: N/A. SQU: Hawkinson 4-47, Posey 1-18, Richardson 1-12, Thompson 1-11, Morris 1-(-6).
