Olympic charges past Bremerton, 49-14, to solidify playoff chances

The Trojans have clinched at least a tie for one of the three district playoff spots

BREMERTON — All season long, the Trojans have been able to pick up huge chunks of yards on the ground thanks to a strong offensive line and a deep stable of running backs. Olympic has the distinction of having not one, but two running backs go for 300 or more yards in two different games.

Against Bremerton on Friday night, the coaching staff spread around the carries a little more, but the result was the same. A dominant effort in the trenches led the Trojans to a 49-14 victory over the Knights and at least a tie for one of the three district playoff spots.

“We’re going to be able to grind on these guys and have multiple plays to get down the field,” said Olympic head coach Sal Quitevis of the team’s game plan. “What we can’t do is give them three plays all the way back. It could have went the other way if they scored on that one.”

Clayton Talarico led the way with 114 yards on 18 carries and Cameron Bailey scored four total touchdowns — two rushing, two receiving — as Olympic racked up 390 yards from scrimmage. Trent Feistner also added 60 yards on eight carries and lineman Calvin Grant chipped in a 1-yard touchdown run from the jumbo package.

“Our goal is to wear you down,” said quarterback Zeke Gillick, who missed the previous three games with an injury. “We’re going to wear you down with the run game, with the pass game, in every aspect; with special teams, all the way across the board.”

Gillick’s return provided his team with an ingredient that had been missing from their attack — the ability to go down the field through the air. And it made a big difference as a key time.

The Trojans took a 28-6 lead into halftime and Bremerton opened the second half with a long drive capped by a Darick DeJesus 10-yard touchdown run.

On the next drive, Gillick dropped back and hit a wide-open Adam Johnson on a long pass as he crossed over midfield. Johnson and his electric speed took it from there for an 84-yard touchdown. Gillick finished the night with 164 passing yards and three touchdowns. Johnson hauled in three passes for 108 yards and also had an interception and a pair of pass breakups on defense.

“With [Gillick] back, that obviously adds another dimension,” Quitevis said. “When you can suck up the secondary a little, our receivers can get past them.”

Meanwhile, Bremerton struggled with injuries and turnovers. Several players exited over the course of the game and three first half turnovers all turned into Trojans touchdowns.

After Olympic scored on the opening drive, the Knights went straight down the field in three plays thanks to a 57-yard run from freshman Jayden Quenga. But a third down pass attempt ended up in the hands of Johnson. Bailey’s subsequent 14-yard touchdown run gave Olympic a 14-0 lead.

A first quarter Bremerton fumble turned into Grant’s 1-yard touchdown plunge and an interception by freshman Tristan Bluitt ended with Gillick’s 1-yard quarterback sneak for a score that gave Olympic a 28-0 lead.

“Our plays worked, but you can’t turn the ball over,” said Bremerton head coach Paul Theriault.

With the victory, Olympic can finish no worse than tied for third in the Olympic League and the race for the three district playoff spots. The Trojans welcome North Kitsap to Integrity Stadium next week and a victory would give them a tie for first place. A three-team tie for the last two spots is also possible if North Kitsap beats Olympic and Bremerton beats Sequim. The Vikings would win the league title and the other three teams would all have two losses.

But the Trojans aren’t interested in the latter scenario. After the game, the Trojans and their coaches gathered at the north end of Bremerton Memorial Stadium to chant their mantra: “we’re not satisfied.” They were thrilled to beat their rival, but they are focused on getting their first victory over North Kitsap since 2015 and earning a share of the Olympic League title.

“It’s great because we set the tone for North Kitsap and the league title,” Johnson said. “It was beautiful. Great team win.”

Olympic 49, Bremerton 14

Oly 7 21 14 7 — 49

Brem 0 6 8 0 — 14

Scoring summary

First Quarter

Olympic — Cameron Bailey 20 pass from Zeke Gillick (Kennedy kick)

Second Quarter

Olympic — Bailey 14 run (Kennedy kick)

Olympic — Calvin Grant 1 run (Kennedy kick)

Olympic — Gillick 1 run (Kennedy kick)

Bremerton — Kelo Logova 1 run (run failed)

Third Quarter

Bremerton — Darick DeJesus 9 run (Logova run)

Olympic — Adam Johnson 84 pass from Gillick (Kennedy kick)

Olympic — Bailey 12 pass from Gillick (Kennedy kick)

Fourth Quarter

Olympic — Bailey 3 run (Kennedy kick)

Individual Statistics

Rushing — Olympic: Talarico 19-114, Feistner 8-60, Bailey 10-49, 2 TDs; Grant 2-2, TD; Gillick 1-1, TD; Guadiz-Macadangdang 5-7, Olmo 1-0. Bremerton: DeJesus 13-92, TD; Logova 13-77, TD; Ja. Quenga 2-62, Taylor 3-28, Ki. Retome 4-25, Je. Quenga 1-10, Penitusi 1-3.

Passing — Olympic: Gillick 8-9-164, 3 TDs. Bremerton: Logova 0-4-0, 2 INTs; Jackmon 0-1-0.

Receiving — Olympic: Johnson 3-108, TD; Bailey 2-32, 2 TDs; Turso 1-13, Talarico 1-9, Feistner 1-2.