POULSBO — If last week’s scores are any indication of the upcoming game between North Kitsap and Kingston, then spectators should be in for an intense spectacle against these crosstown rivals.
North Kitsap handily defeated Bremerton 44-27; Kingston ruthlessly lost to Olympic 7-46, Oct. 9.
“North has a very good defense, and defensive linebackers. If we can take one of them, then I expect we can move the ball,” said Kingston High school head coach Todd Harding.
Although the Kingston Buccaneers have high hopes of running the ball for the win, details of the Oct. 9 game vs. Olympic show they’re in for a hard match.
Kingston QB Max English had 4 complete passes for 60 yards total, but was intercepted twice and sacked three times. With multiple fumbles and failed attempts, Kingston running back Alex Barrett was finally able to run 20 yards in the fourth quarter, for Kingston’s first and only touchdown.
Over on the other end of town, North Kitsap scored 14 touchdowns in the first quarter alone, between Sam Henden’s 16-yard dash and Sean Crowell’s 13-yard run after kickoffs by Kainen Warren.
Bremerton’s Mike Barber hauled in a 9-yard pass from Savante Perrigo.
Despite a few failed passes by Crowell and a failed 3-yard run by Tristin Newman, North Kitsap dominated the field as the third quarter left them with a score of 38-7.
The final quarter brought a slight turn as Bremerton managed to rack up an additional 20 points to end the game 44-27.
“We certainly expect a tough game,” North Kitsap head coach Jeff Weible said of Kingston. “Every time we play each other, it’s pretty close. We certainly don’t want them to have the upper hand.”
Harding said of North, “There’s a lot of history between Kingston and North. This is our biggest rivalry game. It’s a ton of fun for the kids because they all know each other. We always look forward to playing with North.”
Kingston is 2-2, 2-4 in Olympic League 2A. North Kitsap is 3-0, 4-2.
Although emotions are high between teams, both coaches feel confident in their abilities of scoring a good game.
“Our defense is great, and our offense is getting better each week,” said Weible. “We had a good practice yesterday. We’re very prepared, they are learning to adjust on the fly without having to think it through.”
Harding said confidently, “Our athleticism and team speed is the best it’s ever been.”
Although North has had a great season thus far, Weible stressed, “It’s going to be a tough game for sure. Hopefully, they’re gonna give it what it takes to win this one.”
The game will be hosted by Kingston at North Kitsap Stadium, 7 p.m. Oct. 16.
