Cardinals Spoil Cruiser Homecoming

In a long-standing rivalry dating back to 1940, the Eatonville Cruisers took the field against the Orting Cardinals on their much-anticipated homecoming night.

The Cardinals delivered an imposing defensive performance, confounding the Eatonville Cruisers and ultimately leading to a 24-12 loss on their special homecoming night. This loss marked the conclusion of Eatonville's impressive seven-game winning streak against their rivals.

Quarterback Hunter Klumpar found himself under constant pressure, scrambling throughout the game in an attempt to evade the relentless Cardinal defenders. The lack of protection left Klumpar with limited opportunities to connect with open receivers. The Cruisers' run game was also stifled by the Orting defense, resulting in negative yardage for the team.

Ky Nation, undoubtedly a standout performer in this game, was a force to be reckoned with. He hauled in six passes for an impressive 176 yards and found the end zone with a spectacular 56-yard touchdown reception. Nation's incredible speed and determination were evident in his two long receptions, covering 77 and 54 yards, with the latter resulting in a well-deserved touchdown.

Griffin Clevenger added to the Cruisers' point total with a 32-yard touchdown reception, showcasing the team's ability to make big plays even in the face of a tough opponent.

Eatonville's Max Henley (#10) celebrates after sacking Orting quarterback Zach Gelmar on a 3rd down play forcing a Cardinal punt. Photo: Trinity Potter

On the defensive side, Max Henley had an outstanding game for Eatonville. He contributed with several impactful plays in the Orting backfield, including a pair of quarterback sacks and multiple tackles for losses. Henley's defensive prowess added a layer of resilience to the Cruisers' performance.

Despite the challenges faced by Eatonville, they managed to win the turnover battle by recovering two Orting fumbles and holding their rivals to their lowest points scored in a game this season. However, the team also grappled with negative rushing yards overall, a costly interception, and a missed 27-yard field goal attempt. Even after Ky Nation's impressive 77-yard catch and run, the drive resulted in a turnover on downs at the 7-yard line.

Quarterback Hunter Klumpar completed 16 of 25 passes for 270 yards, contributing two touchdowns and one interception to his team's effort.

At halftime, the homecoming festivities saw seniors Bennet Cole and Mallory McFadden crowned as Homecoming King and Queen, adding a touch of celebration to the night.

Eatonville now looks ahead to refocus on 1A Evergreen League play, with a crucial game against the Elma Eagles on the horizon. This matchup carries significant playoff implications, and kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm on Thursday. The Cruisers will aim to rebound from this loss and regain their momentum as they move forward in their season.