There were times at Kitsap Bank Stadium Oct. 4 that you could feel hope and see glimpses of a potentially dangerous South Kitsap football team in the years to come.
For once in what feels like forever, that team stood on the home sideline, but too many second-half mistakes ultimately cost the Wolves a tremendous upset, falling to SPSL foe Bellarmine Prep Lions 35-28.
Coach Sean Banks took the loss on himself, giving glory to his players for their efforts and especially calling out what he believes is the future of SK football. “I want to honor the seniors. They’re doing a great job, but the future looks bright,” he said.
An opening touchdown in Bellarmine’s first drive could have signaled a beginning to the common trend that has plagued SK this year, an overwhelmed defensive core paired with a spotty offense that has hurt itself.
That’s when Banks, in a premeditated move festering in the minds of his coaching staff for the past two weeks, gave those out of the know quite a shock when sophomore backup quarterback Franklin Fox took the field, the first snap and every snap after that. Senior Jordan Lee, who had started every game prior behind center, was still on the field, but back to his former position of running back.
It was by no means a demotion, Banks making it clear following the game that his appreciation for Lee’s willingness to fill the shoes of any position needed was, as he put it, “freaking phenomenal. He didn’t ask to go running back. We just talked about it, and I said (to him) that we should try Franklin out, and let’s try you at running back. Jordan’s response was, ‘Whatever you need.’”
Fox’s first series ended quickly, a three-and-out, and the first quarter proved uneventful. However, it was defense and special teams that gave the Wolves their first real chance at points after coming inches away from a safety and forcing a bad punt that gave them the ball inside the red zone.
The offense took full advantage, knotting the game up on Fox’s first touchdown pass to senior wideout Braden Skovold. Both offenses would trade scores to make it 14-14 when the defense would come in clutch again, forcing a reckless pass from the Lions quarterback straight into the hands of junior defensive lineman Josaiah Asuega, who took it to the endzone for a touchdown and the lead.
A late first-half score sent the teams into the locker room with a 21-21 tie at the break, but offensive struggles carried on into the second half while the Wolves’ defense kept the damage limited to just a seven-point deficit through the third quarter.
A disastrous goal line set of downs, including an airmailed pass on third and fourth downs, signaled the potential end to SK’s hopes.
Yet again, the defense came through, and with a renewed sense of confidence, Fox threw a perfect pass to Asuega in the middle of the end zone to tie the game at 28-28.
As exciting as that play was, Bellarmine quickly regained control on a quick possession and took the lead for good with just 1:16 to go.
“I like the big plays, but we have to execute on defense. I’m more concerned about knowing our job and doing our job. That’s what I want SK football to be,” Banks said.
As for Fox’s performance, Banks did not specify whether or not it would lead to a permanent switch behind center but credited the young quarterback for taking his team so close to a victory.
