Graham-Kapowsin running back Michael Toa breaks through Mount C’s Colby Heiting en route to the end zone for a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter of a Week 10 playoff game Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at Art Crate Field in Spanaway, Wash. .
Pete Custer/The News Tribune
The giant inflatable eagle that Graham-Kapowsin football players run through before every game took off before GK’s playoff game against Mount Sea Friday night, falling victim to an atmospheric river of nasty sideways rain and gusty winds. The eagle that always stood proudly on Art Crate Field lay face down on the turf.
For those who worry, this could be an ominous sign, not to worry. While the inflatable Eagle battled the elements, the Eagles on the field had no such problems, rolling past Mount Si, 35-14, to advance to the 4A state tournament.
The game was close at the half, with Graham-Kapowsin leading 14-8 after a one-yard touchdown run by fullback Michael Toa and a pick-six by Demetrius Taape that was returned about 70 yards.
In the second half, Graham-Kapowsin stepped on the gas pedal. With just over five minutes left, Davon Superales found Christian Norris for a 6-yard score, Jalen Davenport threw a quarterback for a 2-point conversion, and Toa found the end zone for the second time, giving Graham-Kapowsin a 28-8 lead. Mount C’s ineffectiveness in the passing game — its Achilles’ heel all season — made the 20-point deficit insurmountable.
Graham-Kapoussin knew Mount C junior running back Beau Phillips was going to get his yards behind a strong offensive line. He had a 64-yarder in the first quarter. In the second half, Graham-Kapowsin did a better job of it.
Graham-Kapowsin won the Class 4A state title last year by going undefeated and beating Lake Stevens in the state championship game. The Eagles, who had to replace a lot of talent from last year’s dominant team, had some growing pains early in the year but played good football throughout. confident they have a chance to make a deep state tournament.
Check back tonight for an updated game story with player and coach quotes and a photo gallery from TNT staff photographer Pete Custer.
This story was originally published November 4, 2022 at 9:16 p.m.
