Orting Ends Eatonville’s Playoff Hopes in 61-36 Shootout

The Eatonville Cruisers entered Orting Cardinal Stadium Friday night with playoff hopes on the line, needing a victory over Orting and a Steilacoom win over Fife to keep their postseason dream alive. But Orting’s relentless offense ultimately overpowered Eatonville in a 61-36 showdown, ending the Cruisers' season and playoff hopes in the process.

Members of Eatonville's offensive and defensive line group pose with line coaches Wes Potter and Memphis Barney following the team's season ending loss to Orting. The line is what does the dirty work in the trenches that allows for the team's offensive explosion and defensive stops. From L to R: Coach Barney, Hebron Leasiolagi (67), Brett Hutchings (74 - back row), Sam Reece (63), Nate Smith (76 - back row), Jose Cruz Diaz (52 - back row), Anthony McChesney-Berube (72), Zach Beane Perdue (75 - back row), Coach Potter, Aaron Tozer (73), Nicholas Shipman (55), Christian Clay (66), Isiah Whatley (56), Ellis Sarpy (78), Ethan Rogers (64), and Anthony Thorlacius (60). Not pictured - Asher Bamford. Photo: Trinity Potter

The matchup started with Eatonville aiming to strike first after Orting deferred the coin toss, but their opening drive stalled, forcing a punt. Orting took advantage, marching 78 yards to an early 7-0 lead after Brock Armstrong’s 1-yard touchdown run. Eatonville countered quickly on their first play from scrimmage as Ky Nation took a 65-yard touch pass from sophomore quarterback Cole Fowler to the end zone, tying the game 7-7.

Orting struck back with a swing pass to Mason Belvedere, who rambled 58 yards to regain the lead at 14-7. The Cruisers responded with a powerful 55-yard drive, capped by Fowler connecting with Jacob Simons for a 30-yard touchdown. Ethan Stogsdill executed a perfect two-point conversion, putting Eatonville up 15-14 at the start of the second quarter.

The game remained a fierce back-and-forth, with both teams trading punches like seasoned fighters. Orting’s next drive saw Carson McCall haul in a 13-yard pass, reclaiming the lead at 20-15. Eatonville answered with a 68-yard march, capped by another Fowler-to-Nation connection for a 25-yard score, putting them up 22-20. But Orting responded with a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Israel Jensen to take the lead for good at 26-22. By halftime, Orting’s defense had forced a turnover and extended their lead to 33-22.

Orting came out swinging in the second half, with Dominic Harris returning the kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown, pushing their lead to 40-22. Eatonville struggled to keep up as Orting capitalized on turnovers and defensive stops, adding several touchdowns, including a 29-yard reception by Belvedere. Despite Eatonville’s attempts to claw back with touchdowns by Nation and a final score by Axel Stammen, in the closing minutes, Orting’s offense had secured a decisive 61-36 victory.

Reflecting on the game, Eatonville’s head coach Rex Norris acknowledged Orting’s prowess while lamenting the crucial errors that proved costly. “We knew Orting was going to have some big plays during the game, like they have had all year, but we felt we could match them offensively,” Norris said. “We were able to take a 15-14 lead going into the 2nd quarter. So we felt things were going as planned. However, the loss of a few key players coupled with some timely mistakes would take its toll and lead to a situation that quickly got out of hand.”

Although the loss ended Eatonville’s season, it marked a remarkable campaign for sophomore quarterback Cole Fowler, who finished only 221 yards short of breaking Eatonville’s 30-year-old single-season passing record held by Bobby Lucht at 2,629 yards. Fowler’s achievements drew high praise from Eatonville’s offensive coordinator, Jazel Riley.

“The fact that Fowler finished the season as the number 3 passer in yardage statewide as a first-time starter is big. The fact that he was so close to breaking a school record is amazing,” Riley said. “If we get that playoff spot, he definitely gets that record. There was not one game we played this season where someone—a referee, opposing coach, or fan—didn’t check with me to verify that he is just a sophomore. While most people got to see the strong arm and video game-type numbers he and that group put up, I got to see the constant improvement. As we work into the offseason, I hope we realize the opportunity in front of us and put in the work needed to take advantage of it.” While being the third ranked passer in all classifications, Fowler was the state leader in passing yards in the 2A classification.

Head coach Rex Norris also reflected on the impact of his senior class, who played a crucial role in the team’s success. “It is important to mention that the senior class played a key role in the success we experienced this year,” Norris said. “We had several who came out for either the first time or hadn’t played in a while. Out of the seventeen seniors, players like Kellen Wilkie, Hebron Leasiolagi, and Nate Smith were playing for the first time in their high school careers, with Smith having not played since 7th grade. They didn’t just come to participate; they came to compete.”

Norris praised returning players like Wyatt Weichsler, Cole Bamford, and Clay Christian, who were either coming back from an injury or having taken a year off from playing.  All of them played a key role in the success as a team.  They helped by creating depth and adding leadership to our team. 

The team captains, Ky Nation, Riley Hill, Anthony Thorlacious, and Aaron Tozier, were instrumental in guiding the younger players. “The captains did a great job of being role models and communicating with coaches on how to improve the program,” Norris said.

Reflecting on the season’s challenges, Norris noted the impact of injuries to key players, such as Michael Stogsdill and Riley Hill, who missed games due to a collarbone injury and concussion, respectively. Despite these setbacks, seniors like Dylan Sullivan, Logan Shipman, Nick Shipman, Anthony McChesney, Ellis Sarpy, and Mark Devera played with consistency, helping lead the team to a winning record.

“Even though the season ended early, the boys can be proud of creating memories that will last a lifetime,” Norris added. “Our coaching staff would like to thank the seniors and the rest of the team for a quality season and for creating such wonderful memories.”

Looking back on the season, offensive coordinator Jazel Riley also had a message for the seniors, reflecting on both their accomplishments and the legacy they leave behind. “I just hope that the seniors enjoyed their final season in the Blue and White. It didn't end the way we wanted, but they did some things that I think they’ll look back on, years from now, and be proud of,” Riley said. “That group added a lot to what is already a rich football tradition that we hope the returning group will build on. We have some pieces that a lot of teams do not have the luxury of having, but that means very little if the work does not come with it. I have faith in these guys and cannot wait to get to work. There is a quote attributed to J.J. Watt that I love: ‘Success is not owned, it’s leased, and rent is due every day.’”

Although Eatonville’s playoff run came up short, the team’s dedication, talent, and growth this season set the foundation for a promising future, building on the legacy left by its senior leaders and the rising potential of its younger stars.

Key Performances:

Cole Fowler: 26/44 341 yards, 5 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Ky Nation: 8 catches, 144 yards, 3 touchdowns

Jacob Simons: 2 catches, 38 yards 1 touchdown

Axel Stammen: 2 catches, 38 yards, 1 touchdown

Ben Smith: 1 Fumble recovery