by Martin Barrett
The 6th-ranked Highline Pirates rolled to a 68-0 win over the Evergreen Wolverines last night in the Battle on Ambaum. Pirate domination was overwhelming. Evergreen did not make it onto the Pirate side of the field the entire game. With a 49-0 halftime lead, Head Coach Deontae Cooper did not even suit up many of his starters for the second half.
Highline struck early, the defense stopping the Wolverines on their first drive with a three and out on their first drive. Marquawn McCraney took the punt on the 49-yard line and ran it to the 35. Quarterback Ronan Rasmussen hit McCraney for a 23-yard pass. Three plays later, Nate Clay ran it in from the 2-yard for a touchdown at 9:53 in the first quarter. The Wolverines were able to pick up one first down on 10 possession in the first half. In contrast, the Pirates did not punt during the entire game.
The scoring came in rapid succession:
Q1 9:53 Clay runs in from the 2-yard line
Q1 7:45 Tevita Angilau intercepts and runs in from the 22 for a touchdown
Q1 5:47 McCraney takes Wolverine punt on the 46 and runs in for a touchdown
Q2 10:38 Running back Jermaine Matthews scores from the 2-yard line
Q2 8:12 Junior Houth replaces Rasmussen at QB and immediately throws a 52-yard touchdown strike to Adam Estrada
Q2 2:36 New transfer MJ Baker scores on a 12-yard run for a touchdown
Q2 0:55 Houth hits McCraney for a 40 yard touch down pass
In the first half, kicker Josiah Maginniss is a perfect 7 for 7 on point after the touchdown
Highline 49, Evergreen 0
In the second half, the Pirates allowed their Junior Varsity and backup players to get some snaps. Some real bright spots became visible. Freshman Jabarri Crawford saw time in the defensive and offensive backfields showing some gritty running. Wide Receiver Simon Habte, who spent much of last season injured, showed speed on a 19-yard score late in the fourth quarter. Junior Roger Williams showed great hands on a one-hop punt scope and some great moves returning the ball to the Evergreen 19.
The Pirates scored three times in the second half, including a second score by Angilau on a fumble recovery and 28-yard scamper to the end zone. The Pirates took a knee on the next play.
The Pirates’ next game is at home on Friday, September 29 versus Sammamish. Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m.
