by: Dashaun Coutee
The best time of the week is coming a little early this time around, as the 6-0 Anacortes Seahawks will face off against the 4-2 Squalicum Storm this Thursday (Oct, 13). The Hawks are coming off another statement win, in an emotional 34-28 victory over the Sehome Mariners. While Sehome might look better than Squalicum on paper, the Storm is looking to keep their playoff hopes alive this week. The Storm is currently ranked third in the 2A northwest conference. Meaning a loss this week could kick them out of the playoffs, and open the doors for other teams to take their place. This will make this week’s matchup a very gritty game.
The Squalicum Storm has had a lot of success with their outside zone runs. Squalicum wants to use its speed in the backfield to stretch out the field. So we asked sophomore outside linebacker & running back, who is also the Seahawk’s leading tackler, what he thinks the key to stopping the outside zone run is.
“If I can maintain outside containment and stay outside the block, then I could force him back inside to our linebackers,” said Brock. Brock Beaner has the speed to keep up with any running back the Storm can throw at him. With a 40-yard dash time of 4.55, 33 tackles, and 4 sacks on the season; Brock has the capability to punish any running back that runs his way.
Brock is also the leading rusher in the 2A northwest conference. And it doesn’t appear the Storm will have the horses to stop him. The Storm defense allowed 212 rushing yards against them when playing the Lakewood Cougars last week. It’s also important to note that the Cougars don’t have the pass game that the Seahawks have. Which is something that Brock took notice of.
“Our pass game will open up our run game,” said Brock.
One of Brock’s best linemen, Garrett Bickley, also took notice of the lack of rush defense for the Storm.
“We know that we can gash them with the run game,’’ Bickley states. “Their defensive line is in for a rough game this week,” Garret continued to say. With 0 sacks given up, and “, too many pancakes to count,” Garret has asserted himself as one of the top linemen in the conference.
The Storm’s lack of rushing defense, combined with the skilled rushing and passing attack of the Seahawks makes for a big day on the ground for the Hawks.
Though the Storm appears to be the underdogs this week, they could be making the perfect storm for a trap game for the Seahawks. This is a must-win game for the Storm. And a win for the Seahawks would guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. Will the Seahawks continue their undefeated season? Or will the Storm pull off the upset to keep their playoff hopes alive?