By Dashaun Coutee
Homecoming. A week filled with school-spirited events, bonding activities, and competitive sports. But perhaps the most anticipated event for Anacortes High Schools’ homecoming week will be on October 7th. The homecoming varsity football game under the all too bright Friday night lights. Where every player’s and fan’s heart is pounding, as the drums thump after the national anthem. Where the home team will attempt to represent their school fashionably, by sending the away team home with a loss. While the away team is desperately craving to become the villain and ruin the opposing team’s homecoming in front of their fans.
This week the 5-0 Anacortes Seahawks will face the 3-1 Sehome Mariners. The Mariners are currently 1-1 in 2A northwest conference play. Placing them as the #4 seed in the conference. However, the Mariners’ single loss was delivered to them by the Lynden Lions, who are the defending state champions.
The Anacortes Seahawks are 3-0 in conference play, placing them at the #1 seed. With the undefeated Lynden Lions right behind them. The Hawks are coming off of a statement 42-20 win against the Sedro Woolley Cubs, where sophomore receiver Brady Beaner racked up 171 receiving yards for the Hawks. And the Seahawks student section made waves throughout the conference by chanting “we want Lynden,” Who the Hawks will face for their regular season closer.
Andre Watson, a sophomore wide receiver, appears to be the X factor for the Mariner’s offense. He has been demonstrating his capability all season long, most recently returning a punt 52 yards for a touchdown against the Lynden Lions. Junior cornerback Landon Schafer for the Anacortes Seahawks gave his opinion on what it’s going to take to stop Watson.
“Play Physical,” Shafer said. Landon Schafer also referred to the size disadvantage that may be at play for Watson. As he is listed at 5’9 ft, 165lbs. Though Watson has proven to be a rising talent, the cornerback core of the Seahawks believes being mentally and physically tougher than Watson will get the job done.
Shifting to the Defensive side of the ball, the Mariners will be relying on the pressure created by outside linebacker Max Malo. Who has had a lot of success coming off the edge this season. Senior Tackle Chase Moel of the Anacortes Seahawks told us what he believed to be the key to containing Max Malo.
“I think the key to stopping someone that’s fast off the edge is a quick kickstep. It’s vital to get in front of the rusher for a good punch to slow his rush. I need to keep my feet moving, and I can’t lean.”
Chase has been part of the highly effective offensive line of the Seahawks. Which also features Senior Guard Garret Bickley, and Junior Guard Kyle Lesman. This Offensive line has helped sophomore running back Brock Beaner rush for 516 yards, and 10 touchdowns through 5 games. Showing that the Seahawks can beat you through the air, or through the run game.
The history between these two teams will create an entertaining game for Anacortes’s homecoming. Sehome was the only loss on the Seahawks’ 9-1 record last season, in a sluggish 17-0 victory for the Mariners. The Seahawks will have their chance at revenge on October 7th, as they hope to deliver Sehome their second loss of the season. Will the Seahawks continue their winning streak in the season, or will the Mariners go 2-0 in the last 2 years against the Seahawks?
Love, Compete, Win! Go Hawks!