Squalicum QB Spencer Lloyd returns to the sidelines after leading the Storm on touchdown drive versus Central Kitsap. PHOTO: Doug Lange
Lloyd Runs Squalicum Past Central Kitsap to State
11/3/18:Squalicum QB Spencer Lloyd barks out the signals versus Central Kitsap at Civic Stadium in Bellingham. PHOTO: Doug Lange
November 3, 2018
Run, run and run some more. That was the game plan that moved the Squalicum football team on to 3A state as the Storm thumped Central Kitsap 53-13 Saturday night at Civic Stadium in Bellingham.
Quarterback Spencer Lloyd spearheaded a Squalicum offense that racked up 636 yards of total offense with 572 coming on the ground. Whatcom County's leading rusher rambled for 226 yards on 18 carries with 3 touchdowns.
The senior also added a 58 yard touchdown reception on a double pass play with Devante Powell. The trick play gave Squalicum their first lead at the 10:31 mark of the second quarter and they never looked back.
The victory sends Squalicum (8-2) back to the state playoffs after missing out last season
"This means so much to me. We came out last year, it was a little bit of a disappointment, " said Lloyd. "But, I know that all the upperclassmen and the underclassmen, we worked so hard this offseason to make it happen and it just feels so good that it's a reality now."
Squalicum coach nick Lucey had had nothing but high praise for Lloyd. "
"What fun to watch him, it just speaks to his character and how hard he works. He's just a heads down guy, said Lucey. "He's confident, but not cocky. He knows who he is, he's going to run the ball, but he does so many other good things."
Powell scored two touchdowns and rushed for 129 yards on 15 carries. Sophomore Steven Owens added a 75 yard TD run while freshman Ben Schlenbaker scored on a 65 yard scamper into the end zone.
Central Kitsap opened up strong behind the play of RB Alex Refilong and QB Elijah McGee. Refilong scored an 11-yard rushing touchdown on the Cougars first possession. McGee added a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jeven Keel to stretch their 1st quarter lead to 13-to-6.
According to Squalicum senior defensive lineman Jackson Campbell that's when things turned and the defense stepped up their game and held Central Kitsap without another point the rest of the way.
"We looked at them all week and we said if we don't keep our outside leverage on that quarterback, he's going to make us look silly and a couple of times he did," said Campbell. "It comes down to the preparation, I've been working on that all week, doing a little outside pursuit training...it really paid off."
Squalicum now waits to find out who they will play next week. That will be decided by the Football Seeding Committees who are scheduled to meet at the WIAA office in Renton Sunday morning.
- Doug Lange
(L-R) Squalicum DL Jackson Cambell & QB Spencer Lloyd
PHOTO: Tyler Anderson
