Top-seeded Tumwater booked its spot in the 2A State Tournament on Friday night, shutting out No. 32 Chief Sealth 49-0 in a Round of 32 victory.
The Thunderbirds took a commanding 28-0 lead in the first and added 14 more in the second to go into the break up 42-0 before adding another touchdown in the fourth.
Easton Cole finished with 57 yards and a touchdown on three carries, Cameron Briscoe added 53 yards and a TD on two carries, Logan Budd tallied 48 yards and scored on both of his rushing attempts, and Christian Bracken added 40 yards on six carries.
Jake Reid went a perfect 3 for 3 with 88 yards and two touchdowns through the air, both of which went to Ethan Bello, who caught two passes for 50 yards.
Jenner Betschart completed his only pass of the day for an 18-yard touchdown to Colton Terry.
Jayden Hinchcliffe collected eight tackles, including three for loss, and two sacks, while Ethan Marson logged six tackles, including two for loss, and a sack, and Grady Wall came away with an interception.
“I thought our team executed well throughout the ballgame,” Tumwater coach William Garrow said. “We were able to get a lot of the younger players a ton of reps on both offense and defense throughout the second, third, and fourth quarters, and we were able keep the older guys healthy by giving them some time off. The older guys did a nice job executing the limited time they were on the field.”
Tumwater (10-0) will learn its state seed and Round of 16 opponent on Sunday, when the WIAA announces the state tournament brackets. Tumwater is expected to be in contention for the No. 1 seed.
“We are looking forward to finding out where the committee places us in the bracket,” Garrow said.
Prior to the game on Friday, Tumwater held a ceremony to remember assistant coach Paul Snow, who recently passed away. Snow’s wife and family were able to attend the game.
“It was a terrific night for our football program and for our T-Bird Football Family as we were able to honor Assistant Coach Paul Snow,” Garrow said. “Tonight was our first real opportunity to recognize him and remember him publicly as a program. Our program was able to honor him in a way befitting a man of his character and impact. We miss him deeply.”
