In a game of inches, the Spartan defense gave up little more for a 14-0 throttling of Seattle Prep last Friday at West Seattle Stadium.
The Spartans D recorded seven turnovers – six of them interceptions – against a Prep offense that jettisoned the run for an increasingly desperate passing game as the contest wore on.
Bainbridge was led by Scott Burkland, who recorded a fumble recovery and two interceptions, then tacked on a late-game scoring run for good measure.
“He had a real good game,” coach Andy Grimm said. “Solid technique in both of his picks, and great positioning.”
Nose tackle Chris Pierce, Liam Maher and Mike North buttressed the effort with nine tackles each. Mike Errser, Chris McKay, Liam Maher and David Underwood added interceptions.
“(Prep) kind of had to throw, because we were stuffing the run so well,” Grimm said.
The Spartans’ 14-point offensive output proved sufficient for the win, although turnovers and red-zone penalties stalled several drives.
Also, fullback Andy Aversano was denied a 1-yard touchdown plunge on a questionable spot by the referee, and the Spartans surrendered the ball on downs at the Prep goal line.
The duo of Spencer Evans and Aversano churned out nearly 200 yards on the ground.
Evans carried 11 times for 95 yards, including a 47-yard rumble. His 8-yard run for a score broke a second-quarter deadlock.
Aversano picked up 91 yards on 17 carries, while Burkland added 67 yards on 12 tries, and iced the win with a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Joe Picha completed 7 of 17 passes for 57 yards, and was picked off twice.
The Spartans close out home play this Friday, with a 7 p.m. contest against Blanchet at Spartan Stadium.
After that comes an interconference “crossover” game, with the opponent to be determined based on the results of this weekend’s contests. Interconference games will be held Thursday through Saturday at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium.
With their record standing at 2-2 in league play, 4-3 overall, they can still make the playoffs.
Spartan JVs 21, Seattle Prep 14: In junior varsity competition, the Spartans defeated Seattle Prep 21-14 to bring their league record to 5-2.
Prep got on the board in their opening drive but couldn’t score again in what coach Mike Roe called a “back and forth game.”
Angelo Ritualo carrried in two touchdowns for the Spartans, who ended the half ahead 13-7 after missing the extra point.
A touchdown by Tyler Bural and a missed two-point conversion in the third took the Spartan total to 19.
In the fourth quarter, Bainbridge benefited from a fumble by the Prep quarterback when Seattle pounced on the wayward ball to give Bainbridge a two-point safety.
Spartan Defensive honors went to defensive end Scott Rasmussen, who “did a really good job containing their outside running game,” Roe said.
The JV team plays its last game of the year Monday when it travels to Blanchet.
Cross country takes third
Both boys and girls teams finished a strong third at the Metro League Championships Thursday at Lower Woodland.
Junior Nolan Amy was the top finisher for the boys, taking fourth place overall. Nolan’s 16:32, a personal best, won him a slot on the Metro Championship Meet Sub -17 List, started in 1990.
Tim Freeman placed 14th with 17:27; Joey Tarbill was 16th at 17:33; Jason Rowley came in 20th at 17:42; and Max Suffis was 34th , running 18:35. Trubee Davison, 19:28, and Colin O’Keefe, 19:31, finshished up the Spartan varsity entry, with notable personal bests run by Dan Bachen, Jack Replinger and Travis Gallup.
In the girls varsity race, junior Rachel Belt finished second overall in 20:05.
A Spartan pack swept 16th-18th, with Meghan Colkitt at 22:07, Bea White at 22:08 and Lizzy Corbin 22:10. Kylie Dardis placed 24th, with 22:51.
Freshman Erika Bergman delivered an impressive second-place finish in the JV race. Her time of 22:08 puts her right in the middle of the varsity pack for next week’s District race. Also scoring in the varsity race was Kayley Turkheimer at 23:10 and Amy Paeth in 24:17.
Both boys and girls teams will advance to Districts this Thursday at Lower Woodland. Boys start at 2:00, girls at 2:45, followed by an open race.
Senior golfer heads to state
For the second year, Spartan senior James Toepel assured himself a spot in the boys’ state golf tournament, shooting a four-over par 76 in Monday’s District 2 championships.
The other likely qualifier from Bainbridge – the only team in District 2 with five players at districts – was Bobby Campbell, at 78. The exact number of state slots – 23 or 24 – will be determined during the spring golf season. Freshman Paul DeBarros finished 25th.
Other Spartans Hans Olson shot 79, followed by Austin Hurt with 85.
