TACOMA — Even quarterback Kevin Stringer’s return to the starting lineup couldn’t snap the North Kitsap Vikings football team’s losing streak.
The Wilson Rams (5-4 overall) defeated the Vikings (3-6 overall) 33-21 in a Narrows League cross-over contest Friday night at Stadium Bowl in Tacoma. The loss to Wilson was North’s fourth in a row.
Stringer, who missed the past two games with an injured shoulder, completed 10 of 16 passes for 112 yards, but it wasn’t enough as the Vikings turned the ball over four times (three fumbles, one interception).
“We came out a bit flat and didn’t come out ready to play,” said Vikings coach Steve Frease. “I think being out of the playoff picture had something to do with it. We played a lot better later in the game.”
Frease said turnovers have been a problem throughout the season.
“We’ve been averaging three to four turnovers every game. That’s way too many,” he said. “That’s something that is hard to overcome. It’s been a problem for us all season.”
The defense has been hampered by turnovers on the offensive side of the ball this year, Frease said.
“Our defense has been put in spots quite a bit this year because of turnovers,” he said.
Wilson sprinted out to a 14-0 first quarter lead. The Vikings cut Ram’s lead to 14-7 when Stringer connected with Jamaal Smith in the endzone on 23-yard touchdown toss with 11:52 remaining in the second quarter.
“Jamaal made an acrobatic catch and Kevin made a good throw,” Frease said. “Having Kevin back in the lineup gives us a whole new dimension to our offense. We can attack more areas of the field when he’s under center.”
Wilson extended its lead to 33-15 in the fourth quarter, before Vikings kick returner Ryan Cleaver ran back a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown slicing Wilson’s lead to 33-21 in the middle of the fourth quarter.
“He probably ran 300 yards to get those 90 yards he got. He was running all over the field until he found a way to score. That kid doesn’t quit,” Frease said. “The score kept us in the game. He’s one of our best special teams players.”
Unfortunately, Cleaver’s TD would be the last of the evening for North.
Frease said he’s looking forward to North’s final game of season against Port Angeles. Gametime is slated for 7 p.m. Friday at North Kitsap Stadium.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for our season to end on a good note,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us to finish up our season well and do a great job.”
Port Angeles boasts one of the premier passing attacks in the state, Frease said.
“Eric Lane is good quarterback and they have four good receivers,” he said. “Our defensive backfield will have their hands full.”
Frease said the Vikings will pound the ball between the tackles in an attempt to keep PA’s high powered offense off the field.
“We’re want to control the ball and keep our defense and their offense off the field,” he said. “It should be a fun game.”
North Kitsap High School Individual Statistics
Passing – Kevin Stringer 10 of 16 for 112 yards and two touchdowns
Rushing – Jamaal Smith 10-81, Kyle Brose 13-60, Greg Ottele 2-13, Taylor Chisholm 1-10, Ryan Cleaver 3-1.
Receiving – Evan Tidball 4-41-1, Jamaal Smith 2-32-1, Kyle Brose 2-15, Ryan Cleaver 1-19, Matt Cordell 1-5.
Sacks – Jamaal Smith (1).