Shorecrest Scots vs. Marysville/Getchell Friday Night: Big Otis Is Back

Def. Coordinator Coach Petschl instructing the Scots D

Text and photos by Rob Oxford

(Official game statistics not available at press time)

Friday Night Lights are back on and the season opener for the Shorecrest Scots started off in the manner which early analysts had anticipated. 

After winning the coin toss, the Marysville/Getchell Chargers deferred to the 2nd half, and the Scots quickly began to work their magic.

In the first series of the game, protected on his blindside by 6’6 320 lb. Right Tackle Abi Sidhu, Senior QB Eladio Fountain connected on a 62-yard pass to Des Fox. Fountain then scored the first points of the game, sneaking the ball into the end zone from about the 1-foot line. Sure-footed Gavin Dalziel aced the PAT and the Scots had the early 7 – 0 lead. A lead they wouldn’t relinquish the entire game, but one that needed some outstanding defensive play to protect.

#19 Eladio Fountain looks to connect downfield

Despite some powerful running by Junior RB Cheron Smith of Marysville/Getchell, the Scots Defense clamped down and the home team was forced to punt during their first possession.

The bulk of the evening’s ground game fell on the shoulders of Scots RB’s Marcus Tidwell and Gabe Nelson who at times showed moments of brilliance and picked up enough yardage to give the Scots control of most of the first half clock.

The 2nd score on the night was another 1-yard lunge by Fountain after the Chargers prevented both Tidwell and Nelson from breaking the plane on back-to-back carries.

The following possession by Marysville/Getchell would result in a turnover on downs after the Scots Defense held the Chargers from converting on a 4th and 1. A great defensive stand highlighted by Derrick Williams, James Huffman, Elijah Schultz and Matthew Potter.

After a couple costly procedure penalties, the Scots' next possession would result in a 32-yard punt, but pinning the Chargers deep in their own territory. Getchell Running Back Cheron Smith who received All-Wesco Honors last year, ran the ball tough, but the first half belonged to the Scots. The Defense forced another 4th down punt which was blocked and recovered at midfield.

The Scots apply some pressure

For the remaining 5 ½ minutes of the first half the Highlander Offense sputtered while their Defense continued to apply pressure. Corralled in the backfield by Derrick Williams and LB Robbie Oxford, Chargers QB Josiah Koellmer attempted an errant pass to no one in particular, resulting in a penalty for intentional grounding.

Unfortunately, The Scots squandered two more opportunities to add additional points to their 14 – 0 lead when a 30-yard pass was intercepted by Charger DB Garret Devereaux with 1:43 left in the 2nd quarter. However, after another 4 and out by Marysville, it appeared the Scots might have one last shot at a field goal, but a fumble by Carlos Torres prevented Shorecrest from getting close enough to give their star kicker, Gavin Dalziel, an opportunity to show off his incredible accuracy.

With the Scots in a “prevent defense,” Charger Head Coach Davis Lura attempted to run the ball a couple more times and both teams headed to the locker room with the Scots remaining on top 14 – 0.

The 2nd half would prove a bit more exciting for Charger fans. Their first possession of the 2nd half resulted in a 31 yd. touchdown, but the PAT was blocked by Shorecrest LB Jaxon Taylor. Starting for the first time on Varsity for the Scots, the Junior - who if he was listening - would hear his name called several more times over the public address system throughout the contest. As one of his team mates aptly mentioned in the locker room following the game, “this was a breakout game for #20.”

It was quite clear that this was the first game of the season for both teams. Fatigue, costly holding and false start penalties negated much of the momentum the Scots had developed during the first half, but for those players on the field who saw limited varsity action last season, it was a promising showing indeed. 

After an injury to Schultz, Sophomore L.J. Baxter filled in quite nicely. Amadane Aboudou did a fantastic job breaking up several pass plays deep in coverage and 2 way starters Jordan Glesener, Damarious Kellogg-Duncan and James Huffman not only opened holes but closed many as well. Even Senior Andrew Pellham (who chose to focus on baseball the past few years) saw some action Friday Night and along with Maksim Takhtarev, both took full advantage of their time on the field.

Marysville would add another touchdown on a 1 yd. run by Smith, but the Scots Defense again held their ground, preventing the Chargers from tying the game with an attempted 2 pt. conversion.

Junior Running Back Marcus Tidwell, who when healthy is as powerful a back as any in WesCo, had an exciting 70 yard scramble for a touchdown that was called back for a holding penalty and the Scots would have to rely on their first quarter points to seal the deal.

The final exclamation point came with only seconds on the clock when Safety Des Fox came up big with an interception, allowing the Scots Offense to take a knee and wind down the clock.

Call it jitters, nerves or lack of chemistry, the Scots were able to hold on to their 2 point lead to start the season off with a win on the road. The nucleus of a great team is certainly intact and although the Shorecrest Coaching Staff have much to work on before next Friday’s Home Opener against Edmonds/Woodway, if you’re a Scots fan, the preseason excitement surrounding this team seems legitimate.

Following their victory, in a show of appreciation the entire Highlander team made a point to shake hands and say thank you to those fans who made the long trip to Marysville’s Quil Ceda Stadium during rush hour on a Friday. A tradition this reporter would like to see continued.

Mark your calendars for September 27, 2019 this years Rotary Cup hosted by cross-town rivals Shorewood. After last season's upset, The Scots have a chip on their shoulder and will be looking to regain possession of the cup.

[Ed. Any Shorewood parents who would like to report on games?]