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| #88 Robbie Oxford defends against the pass |
Although the Shorecrest Scots have one final game remaining on their 2019 schedule against Cascade, their pursuit of a WesCo 3A Championship came to an end last Friday Night in Ferndale. A season that many had expected to be one of their best, was over much too soon.
Still there is much to be celebrated. A 2019 Rotary Cup win over Shorewood, a last-minute upset of Snohomish on the road, a 42 – 0 drubbing of Stanwood and a glimpse at what promises to be a strong Senior Class of 2021.
No one expected that traveling to the little town 14 miles south of the Canadian border and returning home with a victory would be an easy task. Known for years as a strong program, from their side of the field the Scots were forced to acknowledge the banner reading (Ferndale Golden Eagles) “Home of the 2005 3A State Champions”.
Early in the week, most of the scuttlebutt seemed to center around 6’5 280lb. Senior Lineman Geirean Hatchett. The word in the locker room surrounded his being highly recruited and having already committed to the UW. Something he and his parents are most certainly proud of I’m sure. However, from the seat I was occupying in the rustic wooden bleachers of Ferndale Field, I was as impressed with the Scots 6’0 285lb. Junior Lineman Jordan Glesener and how he handled his assignment for the night as I was the Golden Eagles Blue Chipper. Going toe-to-toe with Mr. Hatchett all night and looking good doing it, one would hope the scouts were also taking notes on Shorecrest's #58.
The Highlanders took the opening kickoff and it appeared may have some success moving the ball early on. Unfortunately, dropped passes would be the nights Achilles heel. Some due to passes thrown a bit too low, some due to defensive pressure, but each of the Scots main receivers would have trouble finding the handle on the pigskin.
The first Offensive series for the Golden Eagles was uneventful to say the least. On 3rd and 13, Senior Linebacker James Huffman blew up the line of scrimmage and Ferndale was forced to punt, managing only 20 yards on the kick. Subsequently, Shorecrest would have the ball in good field position.
A short time later on a gutsy call, the Scots went for it on 4th down and 4, completing a screen pass for a first down. However, failing to advance the ball any further during the series, on 4th and 1 the Scots sent Gavin Dalziel on to attempt a short field goal which he missed. Considering they had just converted on 4th and 4, the decision to now attempt a field goal puzzled some in the crowd including this reporter.
It wouldn’t be until 10 minutes into the contest that the first points would be tallied by either side. A burst through the Scots Defense would find Golden Eagles RB #20 Jacob Broselle breaking tackles and sprinting towards the end zone. The extra point was made and the home crowd was instantly a bit louder than they had been for much of the first quarter.
With Shorecrest unable to mount any type of offense, Ferndale took possession of the ball again and two plays later scored another touchdown. This time on a 54-yard pass play.
Having been present for every game this season, it is strictly an opinion, but the Scots seem to have difficulty bouncing back after spotting their opponent more than 14 points. Despite a few completed passes and a touchdown to Des Fox, the visitors fell into a 28 – 7 hole and unfortunately, couldn’t quite find a way to dig themselves out.
Another touchdown gave the Golden Eagles a 35 – 7 lead and shortly thereafter, another offensive possession put them in position to score yet again. Credit Ferndale Head Coach Jamie Plenkovich for showing some obvious class by sending out his field goal unit instead of attempting to rack up another 6 points. There are many coaches, given the same opportunity, who would have chosen a much different path to victory.
The Scots managed to score another touchdown in the final few minutes, but failed to convert on the 2-point conversion.
On the ensuing kickoff, in an attempt to salvage some sense of accomplishment from what was destined to be a heartbreaking loss, the kicking team recovered an onside kick, ironically their first attempt all season. Although too little too late, its perfect execution signaled a never-say-die attitude one can only hope will carry over into next season.
With Shorecrest unable to mount any type of offense, Ferndale took possession of the ball again and two plays later scored another touchdown. This time on a 54-yard pass play.
Having been present for every game this season, it is strictly an opinion, but the Scots seem to have difficulty bouncing back after spotting their opponent more than 14 points. Despite a few completed passes and a touchdown to Des Fox, the visitors fell into a 28 – 7 hole and unfortunately, couldn’t quite find a way to dig themselves out.
Another touchdown gave the Golden Eagles a 35 – 7 lead and shortly thereafter, another offensive possession put them in position to score yet again. Credit Ferndale Head Coach Jamie Plenkovich for showing some obvious class by sending out his field goal unit instead of attempting to rack up another 6 points. There are many coaches, given the same opportunity, who would have chosen a much different path to victory.
The Scots managed to score another touchdown in the final few minutes, but failed to convert on the 2-point conversion.
On the ensuing kickoff, in an attempt to salvage some sense of accomplishment from what was destined to be a heartbreaking loss, the kicking team recovered an onside kick, ironically their first attempt all season. Although too little too late, its perfect execution signaled a never-say-die attitude one can only hope will carry over into next season.
The ride back home to Shoreline was most likely quiet, but for this group of athletes it was a good season and one for which they should be extremely proud.
Always a Scot.
The 2019 Shorecrest Scots will play their final game of the season Friday Nov. 8th at Shoreline Stadium against Cascade.
--Rob Oxford
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