The Timberline football team’s 2026 season came to a close on Saturday, Oct. 31, as the Blazers were rocked by Lincoln 41-6 in a Puget Sound League crossover win-and-in matchup at the Lincoln Bowl.
The banged-up Blazers defense struggled to contain the high-octane Lincoln offense powered by Stanford commit quarterback Sione Kaho, who connected on three touchdown passes in the first half to build a 27-0 halftime lead.
Timberline trailed 34-0 early in the fourth quarter before senior Cooper Jones scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown in his final game in green and gold.
“Those guys can play some football,” Timberline head coach James Jones said of Lincoln. “They were able to wear us out. We just ran out of bodies. It’s part of our story.”
Timberline finishes the season with a 5-4 record and 2-4 mark in the Puget Sound League. The Blazers started 5-1 but lost three in a row to finish the season. A win over Lincoln wouldn’t secured their spot in the 3A Round of 32.
“We had a lot of potential. At times, we were the team that I hoped we’d be,” Jones said. “I’m proud of our guys. They played hard all year.”
Timberline graduates 19 seniors, including Oregon State commit and standout defensive lineman Kataferu Galoia, Washington commit and defensive back Maurice Williams, linebacker Caleb Bacon, Cooper Jones, and more.
James Jones thanked his senior crew for helping raise the standard for Timberline football, especially for those who endured a 1-9 season just two years ago.
“Some of them were sophomores and weren’t ready to play varsity, but yet here they were starting and playing major roles and getting their teeth kicked in,” Jones said. “They worked. They didn’t quit. They could have quit.”
Jones highlighted Galoia in particular as a game-changer both on and off the field. He said Lincoln’s offensive coordinator told him on Saturday that the Abes had to change their game plan to stay away from Galoia.
“He’s just been a good guy to have around. I love that kid,” Jones said.
Timberline will return plenty of experienced players in 2027, including running back King Pridgen, quarterback Cameron Vongdara, tight end/defensive lineman CJ Duenas, and wide receiver/defensive back Lome Fatilua.
