Earlier this season, Mount Si Wildcats senior quarterback Cale Millen revealed in an interview that he has thrown passes to senior wide receiver Jonny Barrett since they were on the same flag football team together in the third grade.
The friendship has undoubtedly paid off for the Wildcats football program.
Millen connected with Barrett on four touchdown passes (5 yards, 19 yards, 10 yards and 23 yards), leading Mount Si to a convincing 42-0 victory against the Rogers Rams in a winner-to-state, loser-out playoff game on Nov. 3 in Snoqualmie.
“I have been throwing to this guy forever,” Millen said while motioning to Barrett. “He just finds a way to get open. I trust him. He trusts me. It was just one of those days where we found each other over and over. Obviously it was hard to stop today. We hope to keep it rolling.”
Millen hit Andrew Mostofi on a 2-yard touchdown pass with 8:07 left in the fourth quarter as well. Barrett was covered tightly on three of his touchdown catches but the ball was perfectly placed by Millen.
“It is big time. Especially on a day like today with all of the rain. For him to throw those passes and me make those catches it just shows how strong of a connection we have,” Barrett said.
While the passing game was superb, the running game was just as potent for the Wildcats. Mount Si sophomore running back Cole Norah may not have scored a touchdown, but he consistently moved the chains with his hard charging running style.
“It really opens up the passing game. He is a tough runner. I’m so proud of him this year. He is a sophomore and he is stepping up as one of the biggest playmakers on our team,” Millen said of Norah.
The Wildcats defense completely stifled Rogers offense for all four quarters. Rogers never got into the red-zone against a swarming defense. Mount Si defensive lineman RJ Bell wreaked havoc in the Rams backfield throughout the duration of the contest. Mount Si cornerback Trevor Clem picked off Rogers backup quarterback Lucas Johnson in the third quarter. Rogers starting quarterback Makaio Gillespie left the game with an apparent leg injury just before halftime.
Mount Si head coach Charlie Kinnune was pleased with his team’s play in all facets.
“We have a really powerful offense and everybody talks about our offense. Our defense quietly has become an unbelievable part of our team. We’re playing 48 minutes of football in all three sides (offense, defense and special teams),” Kinnune said.
Norah credited the coaching staff for its relentless preparation.
“The zero on the scoreboard for the other team (Rogers) at the end of the game is a huge factor. Our offense put up an amazing performance too. Everything was going the way we wanted it to. The game plan worked and that is all because of the coaches,” Norah said.
Norah said his team is confident heading into the Class 4A state playoffs.
“We know we can beat anyone and we will give it our best shot. We know that everybody that plays against (us) is going to give it their best too,” he said.
