Central Kitsap’s Joshua Willis left his mark on his school’s brand new athletic field in week one. His huge rushing performance helped the Cougars to a 41-17 victory over Olympic in the 42nd Battle of Bucklin Hill.

Willis spent his sophomore season as a backup running back and saw limited action. In his first chance to be the starter, he carried the ball 36 times for 254 yards and scored two touchdowns.

His first of the game came in the first quarter with Central Kitsap trailing 14-0. Willis broke a tackle near the left sideline and sprinted free to the end zone from 42 yards out to cut his team’s deficit in half. He also scored a 70-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that put Central Kitsap ahead 35-17.