MARYSVILLE Tomahawks Dominate Stanwood in Convincing Victory
In a highly anticipated Wesco 3A North opener, the Marysville Pilchuck High School football team unleashed a dominant performance against Stanwood, securing a resounding 36-7 victory. The Tomahawks, driven by a fierce determination and carrying a metaphorical boulder on their shoulder, showcased their strength and tenacity on both offense and defense.
Led by senior quarterback Luke Shoemaker, the Tomahawks’ offense proved to be an unstoppable force. Shoemaker orchestrated the team’s success, completing 13 of 21 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown while also contributing 33 yards and a score on the ground. His performance demonstrated his versatility and leadership on the field.
Not to be outdone, senior running back Kenai Sinaphet delivered an exceptional performance of his own. With an average of a staggering 14.6 yards per carry, Sinaphet carved through the Stanwood defense, racking up an impressive 175 yards and three touchdowns. His explosive runs of 73 and 51 yards in the fourth quarter solidified the Tomahawks’ victory and left the opposition in awe.
The receiving corps also played a pivotal role in Marysville Pilchuck’s triumph. Sophomore Marcus Gaffney showcased his skills with a team-high 69 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Senior tight end Shane Nelson contributed to the passing game as well, amassing 63 yards on four catches.
Defensively, the Tomahawks were a force to be reckoned with. In a display of relentless intensity and superb execution, they held the Stanwood offense to a mere 61 yards throughout the game. The defense forced two turnovers, two turnovers on downs, recorded a safety, and tallied nine tackles for loss. Their dominant performance prevented Stanwood from reaching the end zone, limiting them to a solitary score on a kickoff return.
From the opening drive, it was apparent that Marysville Pilchuck was determined to assert their dominance. They embarked on a meticulous 15-play, 72-yard march down the field, culminating in Shoemaker’s one-yard touchdown run. This early statement set the tone for the rest of the game.
Stanwood had brief moments of opportunity, including a drive that took them to the red zone. However, their ambitions were thwarted by MP’s junior Dominik Kendrick, who intercepted a pass in the end zone on a crucial fourth down. The Tomahawks swiftly retaliated with an 80-yard drive, capped off by Shoemaker finding Gaffney wide open in the end zone for a 32-yard touchdown.
Despite Stanwood’s Max Mayo’s electrifying 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, Marysville Pilchuck maintained their composure and capitalized on every opportunity. A high snap by Stanwood resulted in a safety, adding to their growing lead.
As the fourth quarter commenced, Sinaphet extended the Tomahawks’ advantage with an 11-yard touchdown run. Stanwood fought to narrow the margin, but MP’s defense came up with a crucial stop on fourth-and-2, denying them any chance of a comeback.
With just minutes remaining, Sinaphet delivered the final blows to Stanwood’s hopes, sprinting for a 73-yard touchdown and later adding a 51-yard score. These electrifying runs put the game entirely out of reach for the Spartans.
Marysville Pilchuck’s convincing victory serves as a testament to their resilience and determination. It signals their dominance within the Wesco 3A North division and establishes them as a formidable force to be reckoned with. As the Tomahawks continue their season, they carry the weight of their boulder on their shoulders, inspiring fear in their opponents and leaving spectators in awe of their remarkable performances.
