SEQUIM — Olympic League leader Olympic’s blend of experience along the offensive and defensive lines and athletic talent at the skill positions will make tonight’s football showdown in Sequim a challenge for the Wolves (2-1, 4-1).
“Offensively, they have a good, experienced line and a good mix of running backs,” Sequim head coach Erik Wiker said. “They have a combination of some big and tough running backs and some and quick and agile guys and whenever you have talented backs and experienced linemen, it will be a test.”
The Trojans have shown resilience after some early season injuries. Lead back Malcom Dewalt is out for the season and Olympic also has absorbed injuries to senior quarterback Zeke Gillick and speedster wide receiver Adam Johnson, who both missed last week’s game against Port Angeles.
If healthy, Johnson’s speed is a major threat. He finished second as a sophomore in the 100-meter dash and fifth last season as a junior. He has garnered some Big Sky Conference football scholarship offers as well.
The Trojans are relatively ground-based offensively, averaging more than 250 rushing yards per game and throwing for just over 80 yards a contest.
Trent Feistner stepped up at running back in last week’s 48-14 win over Port Angeles, rushing for 333 yards and three TDs in the win over the Roughriders. Bigger back Cameron Bailey added 88 yards on 10 carries.
Sequim also has had its share of injuries — quarterback Taig Wiker hurt his knee two weeks ago against North Mason and sat out last week’s win over Kingston.
“It’s been kind of up-and-down with him, so I’m not really sure,” Erik Wiker said of his son’s injury status. “It’s going to be a game-time decision.”
Sophomore Kobe Applegate has filled in admirably in Wiker’s absence, going 18 for 23 for 255 yards and two TDs stepping in against North Mason and completing 10 of 19 passes for 122 yards with an interception against Kingston last week.
Wiker said the team as a whole is relatively healthy.
“We are pretty darn good injury-wise, it’s just a matter of being super thin to begin with. We may not have that next man up.”
• The Pick: Sequim.
• Other games: Bremerton over Port Angeles; Port Townsend over Bellevue Christian; Cascade Christian over Chimacum; Forks over Tenino; Quilcene over Evergreen Lutheran; Naselle over Crescent; Neah Bay over Darrington.
• Last Week: 8-0
• Season-to-Date: 30-3.
________
Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
