Bremerton stays undefeated, North Kitsap wins big to keep two teams atop Olympic League
Bremerton has been a playoff contender most years since head coach Paul Theriault took over the football program in 2016, but the team's last Olympic League title came in 2012.
The Knights are now in position to halt that title drought as the only undefeated team left in West Sound. On Friday, Bremerton improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in league play with a 49-7 victory over Port Angeles at Bremerton Memorial Stadium. Up next is a showdown in Week 7 at North Kitsap.
"There's not going to be any issues getting these guys motivated," Theriault said.
The Knights know what's at stake next week in Poulsbo. Among the seven 2A teams in the Olympic League, Bremerton and North Kitsap (5-1, 4-0) are the only two teams without a loss. Every other squad has at least two league defeats. That means the Knights and Vikings are virtual locks to finish in the top-two by the end of the regular season. Now it's just a question of who's No. 1 and who's No. 2.
North Kitsap has won the last three Olympic League titles and hasn't lost to Bremerton since 2012.
"They are definitely a good team, but I think we can take them," said Bremerton senior Jalin Littleraven-Oliver, who had 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Port Angeles. Other scores came from seniors Oliver Christian (2 rushing), Alijah Logova (1 rushing, 1 block punt return) and Dillon Lovestedt (1 receiving).
Port Angeles' lone touchdown came midway through the first quarter when senior quarterback Parker Nickerson found senior tight end Ezra Townsend for a 20-yard score. Nickerson left the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle and the Roughriders (3-3, 2-2) could not overcome his absence, not with the way the Knights dominated line of scrimmage.
"Defense is what's making the difference right now," said Theriault, whose Knights finished with three interceptions.
Friday marked the debut of Bremerton senior Lars Michaelson, a two-time state wrestling champion for the Knights. Michaelson, who played football as a freshman, decided to give the sport a try again this fall, but waited until after he firmed up his commitment to wrestle at Stanford University. He became eligible to play in games after completing his 12th practice on Thursday.
Michaelson didn't look out of place at all. Starting at nose guard, the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder recorded two sacks and made life miserable for Port Angeles' offensive line.
"They had two guys that were blocking him and he was still pushing both backwards," Theriault said. "He's so stinking strong, and he's quick. He's a D-1 athlete."
Michaelson used some of the same tools he possesses on the wrestling mat to his advantage. The quick hands, the agility, the ability to use leverage.
"It definitely carries over," Michaelson said.
North Kitsap put up the same winning total as Bremerton on Friday, topping Kingston 49-7. Senior Logan Sloman finished with four touchdowns: two receiving, one rushing and one interception return. The Buccaneers fell to 1-5, 0-4.
Bainbridge, Olympic earn shutout victories
In other Olympic League 2A action, Bainbridge rebounded from its Week 5 loss against North Kitsap by blanking North Mason 41-0 on the road. Quarterback Jack Grant finished with five touchdowns for the Spartans: three passing (to Luka Dubitzky, Isaac Sellers and Isaiah Beyer) and two rushing, while running back Garrett Goade added a score. Bainbridge improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in league play. North Mason fell to 1-5, 1-3.
Olympic snapped a three-game losing streak by shutting out Sequim at home, 42-0. It was the first Olympic League win for the Trojans (3-3, 1-3). Kevin Hudson had two rushing touchdowns, while Ryan Macazo and Silas McCoy had one apiece. Luke Silva and Malachi Hampton added receiving touchdowns and Gavin Wells added a pick-six.
Sequim fell to 1-4, 1-3.
South Kitsap, Central Kitsap denied second wins
South Kitsap nearly gave its homecoming crowd a happy sendoff, but the Wolves came up short 35-28 against Bellarmine Prep to fall to 1-5 overall and 1-5 in South Puget Sound League 4A play. South Kitsap scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to tie the score 21-21 at halftime. The Wolves tied the game at 28-28 with three minutes to go before Bellarmine (3-3, 3-3) responded with the game-winning touchdown with a minute left.
Josaiah Asuega scored two touchdowns for South Kitsap, including an interception return for a score. Brayden Skovald and Jorden Lee also found the end zone.
In South Sound Conference 3A play, Central Kitsap fell on the road against Peninsula, 31-13. The Cougars (1-5, 0-4) trailed 10-7 at halftime before the Seahawks (3-3, 3-1) took control in the second half.
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Bremerton, North Kitsap football both post big wins Friday night
