Eatonville Cruises Past No. 3 Lynden Christian, Will Play For First State Title Since 1992

The #2 seeded Eatonville Cruisers would score first and hold #3 Lynden Christian to a season-low six points as they cruised to a 38-6 victory in the semifinals of the WIAA 1A State playoffs on Saturday evening at Art Crate Field to secure a spot in the title game next week.

Eatonville players and fans celebrate following Eatonville's 38-6 victory over Lynden Christian in the WIAA State Semifinal playoffs. Photo: Vince Miller Photography

It’s been almost three decades since the Eatonville Cruisers played for a state title. In 1992, they would defeat the Zillah Leopards 26-23 to secure a state title behind the arm of sophomore quarterback Bobby Lucht. Fast forward 29 years and that sophomore quarterback is now an assistant coach for the Cruisers and his son Jakob is now going to play for a state title.

“It is really special that Eatonville returns to the title game 29 years later. I was starting quarterback then and Jakob is the starting wide receiver now,” Eatonville’s Bobby Lucht said. “I am so proud of the entire team and the coaches. The community is coming together. I can’t wait until next week for the opportunity to bring home the trophy to Eatonville and the community.”

Eatonville’s defense came into the game only allowing opponents to score an average of eight points per game. Well, that defense bested that by only giving up 6 points to a team that normally averages 35 points per game.

The Cruisers would hold the Lyncs, who averaged 181 yards rushing per game, to only 48 yards on 26 carries.

“Our defense played outstanding, it is great to see them playing at such a high level when it matters the most.” Head Coach Gavin Kralik said. “There is so much leadership on that side of the ball.”

It was not only Eatonville’s ferocious defense that gave the Lyncs fits all night. The Cruiser up-tempo offense had Lynden Christian on their heels.

From the opening drive, the Cruiser offense showed they would waste no time moving down the field on the Lyncs.

On their first possession, Eatonville would only need seven plays to go 63 yards and cap the drive when Dylan Norman would plow his way through the Lyncs defense for a 3-yard score. Job Kralik’s extra point attempt would be no good and the Cruisers would take an early 6-0 lead.

After a Lynden Christian punt, the Cruisers would go 73 yards to the Lynden Christian 1-yard line before a fumbled snap would thwart another scoring opportunity.

Another Lyncs punt would set the Cruisers up at their 45-yard line where they would drive 55 yards before quarterback Kevin Wulff would cap the drive with a 4-yard QB keeper for the score to put the Cruisers up 13-0.

Eatonville’s Kevin Wulff hoists the ball in the air in triumph after scoring one of his three rushing touchdowns in Eatonville’s 38-6 victory over Lynden Christian in the WIAA State Semifinals. Photo: Vince Miller Photography

After the Cruiser defense forced the Lyncs to turn it over on downs at the Cruiser 47-yard line, Eatonville wasn’t able to do anything with it and punted the ball away.

Starting at their 20-yard line, the Lyncs would string together an eight-play, 80-yard drive that would end with a Tyler Sipma 14-yard carry for the score. Eatonville's Job Kralik would block the extra point attempt. The Cruisers would still hold the lead at 13-6.

On their next possession, the Cruisers would only need 6 plays to respond. They would drive 53 yards and cap the drive with another Wulff keeper, this time from 3 yards out to extend their lead to 20-6.

Two plays into Lynden Christian’s next possession, Eatonville’s Chase Grant would intercept a Will Conwell tipped pass at the Lyncs 36 yards line. One play later, the Cruisers would find the end zone again when Wulff would connect with a wide-open Kralik for the 37-yard score. After an unsuccessful extra point attempt, the Cruisers would extend their lead to 26-6 going into halftime.

The Cruisers would light up the scoreboard again. After Wulff connected with Kralik on a 61-yard pass that brought them to the 6-yard line, Wulff would pick up his third rushing touchdown of the night when he kept the ball and scampered 6 yards for the score. The extra point attempt would be blocked and Eatonville would lead 32-6.

After the Cruiser defense forced their sixth punt of the night, Eatonville would score their last touchdown of the night when Wulff would connect with Jakob Lucht on a screen pass that Lucht would take to the house. Sebastian Molina’s extra point attempt would be unsuccessful and the score would be 38-6. That is where the game ended.

Eatonville’s Kevin Wulff would account for all five of the Cruiser’s touchdowns. He would finish the game 13-16 passing for 324 yards and two touchdowns while running the ball 21 times for 87 yards and three scores.

Jakob Lucht would lead the Cruiser receivers with five passes for a season-high 135 yards and a touchdown.

Eatonville's Jakob Lucht hauls in one of his five receptions on the night. Lucht would finish the game with a season-high 135 yards. Photo: Vince Miller Photography

Despite continuing to play with an injured hand, Job Kralik still caught four passes for 133 yards and a score. He also blocked the Lyncs' lone point after touchdown kick attempt.

Dylan Norman would run the ball 21 times for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Eatonville’s defense and special teams would set the offense up with great field position all night. “They (defense and special teams) gave the offense great field position throughout the game. It all starts with the offensive line, Waylan Mettler, and Jake Wood. They controlled the line of scrimmage this game and throughout the playoffs,” commented Head Coach Gavin Kralik. “They are the foundation to our team’s success on that side of the ball. Offensive line Coach Potter has done a great job developing that group.”

Kralik took over the Eatonville program four years ago after long-time Cruiser coach George Fairhart decided to take the head coaching job at Gig Harbor. When asked what the key was to land his team in the state title game after only four years, Kralik had this to say.

“There are so many things that go into a successful run. Great administrative support in our school district, highly committed families, great player leadership, and hardworking coaches and players.”

Eatonville will now set its sights on the title game against perennial powerhouse and 9-time state champ Royal. The Knights have won four of the past five 1A state titles. Kralik knows it will be a task for his team.

“Royal is extremely well-coached, their kids play smart, and are very disciplined. In high school football that is a formula for success. They have created a great culture. I think the two best teams in the state are going to play next Saturday, and I think it’s going to be a great contest,” Gavin Kralik said. “Obviously, they haven’t been in a ballgame in a really long time, and we’re hoping to give them a game.”

The WIAA State Championship game will be held on December 4th at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood. The kickoff will be at noon. As a reminder, tickets to this game must be purchased online. Ticket information can be found on the Eatonville Sports News website at www.eatonvillesportsnews.com