Bainbridge breaks North, 41-21 in season opener

Published 7:00 am Wednesday, September 6, 2006

POULSBO — The first game of the season is typically a test of wills, for North Kitsap it was a learning experience and a measuring stick that should track the team’s progress throughout the fall schedule.

The Vikings’ attitude was on cue as they began the game with tenacity, but over the course of the first 40 minutes of the 2006 campaign, NK’s late game mistakes and bad breaks doused its fire. With three straight touchdowns punctuating the final quarter, the Bainbridge Island Spartans secured a win in the season opener, chalking up their third straight in the yearly Agate Pass rivalry, 41-21.

“Everyone knows you learn more from losing than you do from winning,” Vikings head coach Steve Frease said, contemplating the loss. “It doesn’t feel very good, but the benefit comes from fixing your mistakes.”

The heart of North’s defense has been revamped after the linebacker core departed to graduation last year. That inexperience showed at times as the defense lacked intensity and subsequently offered opportunities for Bainbridge to seal the game.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Spartans were clutching a 7-point lead with a rallied home team putting up an all out fight. Then North’s defense stalled as Bainbridge put together a 90-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a 5-yard skirt by Dayton Gilbreath.

NK’s next drive was thwarted by Spartan Alex Carter, who snagged an interception, which he carried 32 yards into the end to make the score 35-14.

After North failed a fourth and five shot at securing ground for a quick score, the Spartans took over and drove for their final touchdown.

Still the Viking offense was not to be denied as Paul Stock delivered a final touchdown pass to Eric Hedin before the final buzzer.

North came in to the game with no varsity experience across its offensive front line, but Frease noted the Vikings’ offensive progress as one of the solid positives under Friday night’s lights.

“We moved the ball, I thought we threw the ball well, at least better than last year so that was a plus,” Frease said. “Our energy was good, and our kids were ready mentally.”

Behind an offensive line in it’s first collective varsity game, NK sophomore Taylor Chisholm scooted to 38 yards on nine carries in his varsity debut as junior Levi Pixton led North’s ground game with 44. Senior Brian Cleaver also ran for 37, but Bainbridge instigated multiple sacks resulting in negative 21 yards on the ground for Stock.

Seniors Stock and Steven Kirk split time at the helm of the Vikings’ offense as North’s coaching staff searches for 2006’s offensive pivot — Stock threw for 95 yards and one touchdown, while Kirk was 3/5 for 38 yards on the game with one interception and a QB sneak touchdown.

North has more depth at quarterback than many other positions this year. Six qualified candidates have the ability to step in if called upon, Frease said. That depth should be a particular benefit for North this year as its current starter, Stock, is also handling linebacker duties on defense.

“I like the sense that we can throw the ball, and though we didn’t rack up a ton of yards, I feel confident in our passing game,” Frease said, noting an expected bolster to the team’s running game when a few of the Vikings reach eligibility. “When all those factors come together, we’ll be alright.”

Beginning the season Friday night, North was short-handed by a few players due to ineligibility from some without enough practice and some not yet making the grade. Frease said that when those players are back in full effect, the Vikings options and intensity will only increase.