KINGSTON — The Olympic High School Trojans were near the first touchdown of the night Sept. 14 at Buccaneer Field, that is, until junior defensive back We-Laka Chiquiti got his hands on the ball.

With the Trojans one pass away from being first on the board in the first quarter, We-Laka made the interception. Gaining more than 20 yards on the play, We-Laka setup the Bucs for their first touchdown of the night.

But the touchdown that resulted from the interception was more than the first of the night. The touchdown was the first the Bucs have earned in a first quarter this season.

“Our confidence in general was higher and our offensive line played well,” Buccaneer coach Todd Harder said.

Starting  junior quarterback Bobby Reece and senior quarterback Ben McMullen were back. On defense Reece and McMullen play defensive back.

Though its hard to know for sure, Harder said Reece’s competitive nature and “refuse-to-lose mentality” could have had an impact on the Bucs’ game. It was Reece’s first start as varsity quarterback.

The Bucs (1-2) went on to win the game 20-14. It was a game that could reflect more on the Bucs’ season than their two previous losses, Harder said. As the season rolls on, the team will also continue to gain more varsity players returning from suspensions.

Harder said the Bucs still need to work on giving the quarterback more time in the pocket. At times, the Trojans would have nine players lined-up attempting to pressure Reece.

“We still are not protecting [Reece] as much as we can,” Harder said of enabling quarterbacks to be effective passers.

The Bucs are preparing for their second league game Sept. 21 at home against Klahowya. Klahowya is rebounding from a 28-7 loss to the North Kitsap Vikings Sept. 14.

Klahowya (2-1) was able to force multiple turnovers against the Vikings, which means the Bucs can’t underestimate the team, Harder said. However, having played two larger schools in the preseason — Bainbridge and Squalicum — may give the Bucs an edge, especially when it comes to their physicality, Harder said.

The Bucs face Klahowya at Buccaneer Field Sept. 21. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

Scoreboard

KHS 7 13 0 0 — 20

Oly 0 7 7 0 — 14

VIkings snatch victory from Klahowya Eagles

Defensively the Vikings are looking great.

During the Friday night game against the Klahowya Eagles Sept. 14, the Vikings kept their opponent down to about 50 yards on offense, if you take away the Eagles’ final drive.

“Defense has been outstanding the last two games,” VIkings coach Jeff Weible said.

The team used a steady combination of rushing and passing to defeat the Eagles 34-14. Weible said the Vikings’ run game looked good.

The Vikings did throw four interceptions, however, which Weible said needs to change.

The Vikings (1-2) could be adding two more seniors to its starting lineup soon.

Landon Young is expected to play Sept. 21 at offensive guard.

Brenden Best, too, will be returning to the team and could become the team’s center. Best is recovering from knee surgery.

If the team can boost its consistency on offense and limit turnovers, the Vikings’ next game against Sequim could be another league victory.

Sequim, which has taken the Olympic League title for the past few years, will play its first home game against the Vikings Sept. 21. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

Sequim (0-3) most recently lost to Bremerton, 21-6. But playing its first home game could change Sequim’s pace.

In order to win over Sequim, Weible said the Vikings will have to battle an aggressive defense. Sequim’s running and passing games are both potential threats.

However, if the Vikings just need to “clean up a few things” to be ready for the Sept. 21 game.