It was Wildcat weather. The rain rolled in from the south, cascading off the roof of Mount Si stadium and onto the visiting Issaquah Eagles and the homecoming-celebrating Wildcats.
Mount Si beat Issaquah in a well-contested 20-14 game, and an important one for the Wildcats’ playoff hopes.
Wildcat sophomore running back Cory Cotto opened the action with a 55-yard run on the first play. Issaquah’s defense held on the two yard line, repelling the Wildcat attack. So, Mount Si sophomore kicker Jake Ethington got on the boards first with a 36-yard field goal.
Then it was Mount Si’s turn to stymie the Eagles offense, and Mount Si received the punt. But an Issaquah interception turned into a 70-yard run by defensive back Ray Littles, who got the first touchdown of the night for the Eagles.
The Wildcat train got rolling, though. After more Cotto carries and JoJo Hillel passes to Parker Dumas and Jason Chapman, Mount Si sophomore Max Bonda got the first touchdown of the night, and his high-school first, to make it 10-7.
On a run up the middle, “I bounced it out, and split two linebackers, put my shoulder to the ground and scored,” Bonda said. “They spun me around, and I reached out with the ball.
“It was the best feeling I have ever felt,” the sophomore said. “I just waited for the whistle, and when the refs put their hands up, it was pure joy. I screamed in happiness.”
Then it was Issaquah’s turn, but Mount Si junior OJ Jenkins played spoiler, picking up a fumble and running 40 yards for Mount Si’s second touchdown.
In the next Eagles series, Mount Si defensive end Richard Willard snagged his latest sack, forcing Issaquah to punt on the third down.
This was Willard’s third sack of the season. He’s hungry for them.
“Ever since I got my first, sack, it’s like I’ve been going for it,” the senior said. “I’m typically pretty quick off the end.”
He’ll chop down a defender’s arm, then pounces on the quarterback.
On Friday night, “I went straight for his ribs, and it caused a fumble, too.”
Kicker Jake Ethington ended the ensuing drive with a 40-yard field goal. He then kicked off, with the ball bouncing off an Eagle and back into his arms, an unusual “squib” kick that meant the Wildcats had the ball for a few seconds before the halftime siren blew, 20-7 Wildcats.
Issaquah’s Bryce Hughes got on the boards with another touchdown midway through the third quarter.
The rest of the second half was scoreless, with Mount Si drives ending in an interception and a fumble.
Deven Lalgee got to demonstrate his strong punting in the second half. He booted a 56-yard ball in the third, and a 58-yard punt into the wind in the fourth quarter.
With Mount Si playing for time, Hillel prevented a last-minute turnover by juking and dodging to gain a final first down, gaining 11 yards with nine needed, and prevent the turnover. From there, it was game over.
“I like to run,” said Hillel. “Whenever I get outside the pocket, I like to be a threat.”
The quarterback praised his offensive line and carriers.
“Our line held them, and our running game was awesome,” Hillel said. “We ran the ball amazing today. They were getting their guys, blocking amazing. If one guy messes up, it doesn’t work. They all did their job tonight. Next week, we’re going to continue that.”
“Push was fantastic,” said senior lineman Chris Schlicting. “They were quick, but we had the size. We’re a strong, big offensive line, one of the biggest in Kingco 4A. That was a big help tonight.”
Looking back on the early season, Schlicting reflected on how the team has faced some tough league giants.
“Last week, it was just the inexperience that got to us,” he said. “But tonight, we stepped it up.”
He was happy to see retired NFL coach and player Howard Mudd back last week to help mentor the O-line.
“We realized it’s all about assignment and technique,” said Schlicting. “That’s what coach Mud has been preaching to us for two years.”
Defensive end Lalgee hasn’t gotten his coveted sacks this season, but he got a couple tackles and the above punts on the night.
“Our line came out and pushed really well, and our running game got started really early. That really helped a lot,” the senior said. “We got our run defense started pretty well. We held them, but I think we can get better.”
Mount Si is now 4-3 for the season, and faces Newport on the road, 7 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 24.
Facing Newport, “this is a playoff game,” Hillel said. “We’ve got to go in and compete. They’re a good team—we’ve got to prepare.”
“Just continue rolling,” Schlicting said. “You can’t stop now. Gotta keep the foot on the gas.”
Follow Mount Si football at http://mtsihsfootball.com/.
Max Bonda, RB
Richard Willard, DE
Mount Si High School homecoming royalty for 2014; Queen: Cheerleader and runner Mikaelyn Davis; King: Football lineman Chris Schlicting
It was Senior Night and Homecoming: Mikaelyn Davis, Homecoming queen, with substitute king Dennis, a grandpa sitting in for senior lineman Chris Schlicting, who was in the locker room at halftime.
Mount Si 2014 homecoming royalty, out back of the stadium.
