SK eliminated at state after Kentridge storms back in 2nd half

Published 1:30 am Monday, February 9, 2026

The No. 7-seed South Kitsap Wolves (14-5) were eliminated by the No. 10-seed Kentridge Chargers (15-4) 21-14 Feb. 7 in the first round of the 4A girls state flag football tournament at Sunset Stadium in Sumner.

The Wolves led 14-0 at halftime, but let up 21 unanswered points in the second half, including a game-sealing interception return by Kentridge late in the contest.

“The girls fought hard,” SK coach Cody McCulley said.”I just say they made more plays than we did.”

SK quarterback Erin O’Shaughnessy led the Wolves downfield on their opening drive of the game, dinking and dunking the ball to various receivers and eventually delivering a touchdown pass to wide receiver McKenzie Finn.

The Wolves’ defense stood tall on the Chargers’ opening drive, forcing a punt after Kentridge had managed to accrue two first downs.

O’Shaughnessy took the Wolves downfield again on their next offensive drive, replicating much of what she was doing on the first drive. O’Shaughnessy completed another touchdown pass to Finn, her second of the game.

SK led 14-0 entering halftime.

“We felt good coming out of halftime; they [Kentridge] had to work all the way down the field,” McCulley said.

The Wolves went three-and-out on their first drive out of halftime, and the Chargers then drove downfield and scored their first touchdown of the game, making the score 14-7.

Kentridge took their next drive after an SK three-and-out and drove it down the field through jet sweeps and consistent rushes for five-plus yards, allowing the Chargers to eventually tie the game at 14 apiece.

O’Shaughnessy led the Wolves downfield on their next offensive drive for another chance to score and take back the lead, but the Wolves couldn’t convert, turning the ball over on downs.

But the Wolves’ defense stood strong, recording two sacks on the drive, and forcing Kentridge to punt, giving SK another opportunity to drive down the field and win the game. However, O’Shaughnessy threw a pick-six on the first play of their next drive, giving the Chargers the lead at 21-14, and ultimately sealing the game.

“Any time you get a pick six, that’s a huge momentum changer,” McCulley said.

2A state action

No. 2 seed Klahowya beat No. 7 seed Cedarcrest 28-14 at home Feb. 7 to advance to the 2A state semifinals against No. 3 seed Squalicum 10 a.m. Feb. 13 at Federal Way Memorial Stadium.

No. 5 seed Kingston lost in a close road game to No. 4 seed Port Angeles 15-14 Feb. 7, ending the Buccaneers’ season.