QUILCENE — Last week, the Rangers scored six touchdowns on their first six offensive plays.
This week, Quilcene, ranked in the top five by both the Associated Press and the Tacoma News-Tribune, might have done one better — the Rangers managed to score 38 points while only running three offensive plays to start their game against Seattle Lutheran.
The Rangers scored 44 points in that explosive first quarter en route to a 50-12 win to complete their regular season undefeated. Quilcene had already wrapped up the Sea-Tac 1B crown last week.
Quilcene relies on a deep offense and a passel of running backs to beat teams. Against Seattle Lutheran, defense and special teams did much of the work, scoring three touchdowns and setting up the Rangers with a first-and-goal on the 5-yard line for a short TD drive.
The Rangers scored on a 31-yard interception return by Andy Johnston, just one of three TDs scored by Johnston on the day. Robert Comstock III blocked a punt, then returned the ball 19 yards for a touchdown and Olin Reynolds returned a punt 54 yards for a TD. Not to be outdone, Bishop Budneck had an interception and returned it 33 yards to set up another short TD drive.
Dustin Hughes also had an interception and fumble recovery, while Holdem Elkins had an interception. Chase Newman and Kristian Mack led the Rangers with seven tackles apiece.
“The defense played really well. Just about every time we got the ball, it was a short field,” said Beathard.
The Rangers only ran 18 offensive plays on the game as their defense dominated.
Johnston had touchdown runs of 43 and 24 yards. Coach Trey Beathard said on the first TD, the play was supposed to be a pass, but Johnston changed the play at the line to a run after seeing how the defense lined up. Johnston also had 26-yard touchdown pass to Reynolds.
The Rangers get a first-round bye in the Quad-District playoffs. They will next play either Nov. 10 or Nov. 11 against the winner of Mary M. Knight and Tacoma Baptist. The site of the game has yet to be determined.
Quilcene 50, Seattle Lutheran 12
Seattle Luth. 0 0 6 6 — 50
Quilcene 44 6 0 0 — 12
First Quarter
Q—Johnston 43 run (Reynolds pass from Johnston)
Q—Johnston 24 run (XP failed)
Q—Comstock 19 blocked punt return (Reynolds run)
Q—Reynolds 26 pass from Johnston (Bishop Budnek run)
Q—Johnston 31 INT return (Johnston run)
Q—Filmer 5 pass from Elkins (XP failed)
Second Quarter
Q—Reynolds 54 punt return (XP failed)
Individual Stats
Rushing—Q: Johnston 2-61, Alejo 7(-3), Smead 2-9, Bishop Budnek 1-5, Newman 1-3, Elkins 3-16.
Passing—Q: Johnston 1-1-26; Elkins 1-3-5.
Receiving—Q: Reynolds 1-26, Filmer 1-5.
