Cruisers Stumble in Season Opener, Fall to Cascade Christian 51-14

The Eatonville Cruisers’ season-opener did not go as planned, as the Cascade Christian Cougars handed them a 51-14 loss Saturday evening at Sunset Chevrolet Stadium in Sumner.

Eatonville's Amari Samuel races up field for the Cruisers. Samuel would go on to catch 3 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Photo: Heather Quirie

The Cougars struck first with a 1-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead. Eatonville answered when quarterback Cole Fowler found a streaking Colton Herbrand for a 45-yard touchdown to even the score at 7-7.

Cascade Christian seized control from there, scoring on four of their next five possessions, including a safety to build a commanding 37-7 halftime lead.

The second half started no better for Eatonville, as the Cougars returned the kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. After the Cruisers turned the ball over on downs at midfield, Cascade Christian capitalized with another score, stretching the lead to 51-7.

Eatonville showed grit despite the deficit. Fowler connected with Amari Samuel on a 70-yard strike, and the speedy receiver outraced the defense for the Cruisers’ second touchdown of the night. That would be the final score, as neither team reached the end zone in the fourth quarter.

Head Coach Gavin Kralik, back at the helm this season, said he was encouraged by his team’s response after the break. “We were proud of how our kids responded in the second half after the deficit we faced at halftime,” he said. “We are looking forward to another week of practice and the opportunity ahead of us next Friday against Black Hills.”

Fowler finished with 233 yards on 14-of-31 passing with two touchdowns and one interception. Samuel had three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Herbrand added two receptions for 58 yards and a score.

The Cruisers will look to regroup when they travel to Tumwater District Stadium to face the Black Hills Wolves on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m.