South Kitsap High’s football team proved it could compete with one of Washington state’s toughest 4A squads in its first opening South Puget Sound League game on Sept. 2.
The Wolves, however, have yet to show they have the manpower to keep pace with a ranked team over four quarters.
Up 30-28 midway through the second quarter, South Kitsap ran out of gas as the game wore on into the second half, ultimately losing 62-38 to second-ranked SPSL powerhouse Graham-Kapowsin at Art Crate Field in Graham.
The conference game started out in electrifying fashion when Wolves quarterback Siaosi Soto tossed a 33-yard touchdown pass to receiver Izaiijha Byrd. The pair combined again for a two-point pass conversion that allowed the Wolves to take an 8-0 lead.
On top 41-32 at the half, Graham-Kapowsin’s potent offense took over and answered with 28 unanswered points evenly spaced in the third and fourth quarters.
“We got some kids dinged up, which made it difficult for us to keep up the pace,” Wolves coach Gavin Kralik said. “We just failed to get the stops we needed against their offense.”
the lopsided defeat, Kralik came away generally satisfied with his team’s effort. “I was pleased with how we competed, but we’ve got to improve on both sides of the football to be prepared for this week.”
“There’s a lot we’ve got to work on offensively and defensively. Teams usually improve the most between weeks one and two. But you can’t downplay their effort. Our kids came out and competed.”
Kralik was especially pleased with a defensive goal-line stand by the Wolves at the end of the first half that kept the Eagles from the end zone.
Soto, the Wolves’ quarterback, will miss the next game with Sumner after suffering a broken collarbone that will force him to miss at least four games.
“That was a big blow for us,” Kralik said.
Byrd, a senior, was particularly effective in the game. He made 5 receptions for 114 yards.
Kralik said the receiver also is improving his football skill set. “He’s really growing in terms of his leadership skills, consistency and focus.
“He’s off to a great start.”
Kralik also praised Nathan Marin, who had 9 tackles, and J.J. Leota, who recorded 8 tackles.
South Kitsap junior running back Izaiah Davis gained 97 rushing yards on 15 carries. Byrd also tallied 78 rushing yards on 4 carries.
