HS Football: Puyallup Upsets Yelm in SPSL Crossover

11/3/2024

Puyallup 28, Yelm 17

(Puyallup, WA) Last month the Puyallup Vikings seemed headed towards a forgetful season. With an opening 50 point loss to 2A Tumwater, and a dismal record of 1-4, it seemed as if Puyallup’s season was dead in the water. Fast forward to today, the Puyallup Vikings have turned their season around, capped off with a 28-17 against powerhouse Yelm in the SPSL Crossover. Puyallup seizes momentum on a four game winning streak heading into the playoffs. Yelm, a finalist in the 3A Championship the last two years, will look for answers starting next week in the Round of 32.

The game began with Puyallup punting on their first possession. But Yelm muffed the punt, and Puyallup recovered. On the ensuing play from scrimmage, Quarterback Luke Parker called his own number and ran in a 23 yard touchdown to put the underdog Vikings up 7-0 seventy seconds into the game. Yelm on their ensuing possession drove down the field and settled for a 31 yard field goal from Sterling Temple. The hometown Vikings led 7-3 after one quarter of play.

Midway through the 2nd quarter, Yelm downed a punt at the Puyallup 3. Three plays later, Puyallup broke the game open. Backup QB Luke Parker dialed a deep pass for Jayden Woodland who made the catch and zoomed down the sideline 94 yards for the touchdown. Puyallup led Yelm 14-3 with five minutes left in the half. Yelm answered late in the half with a touchdown run from Nathan Ford. After converting a two point conversion, Yelm trailed Puyallup 14-11 at the half.

After Yelm punted on their opening possession of the the half, Puyallup embarked on a 98 yard drive. Lawson Looker finished the drive on a 23 yard TD reception. Yelm turned the ball over on downs on their ensuing drive. Puyallup drove down to the Yelm 5. Head Coach Brian Grout decided to dig into the bag of tricks. Tailback back Kyson Douglas took the direct snap, gave to Seanje’ Finister, who handed off to QB Luke Parker, who threw to a wide open Kyson Douglas for the touchdown. The score gave Puyallup added insurance with 8:14 left. Yelm scored with a Jameson Patin touchdown catch two minutes later to close out the scoring. Puyallup secured the victory 28-17.

Yelm struggled throwing the football with quarterback Parker Myers going 10/27 for 96 yards and a touchdown and an interception. Jay Sumich was the leading receiver for Yelm with 43 yards off 3 catches. Jacob Ford caught five passes for 17 yards, and Jameson Patin had two receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Parker Myers accounted for 76 yards and Nathan Ford for 74 yards and a score. Marcus Ronquillo had 44 yards on the ground as well for the Tornados.

For Puyallup, Luke Parker was named our Eli Sports Network dot com Game MVP with 184 yards and 3 TD passes while leading the Vikings in rushing with 78 yards and a touchdown run. Jayden Woodland finished with 104 yards receiving while Nick Neil had 48 yards off four catches. Kyson Douglas had 63 yards on the ground. Douglas and Lawson Looker each had one catch on the night, both for touchdowns.

Puyallup and Yelm will wait for the release of the WIAA Playoff Brackets to see where they will embark on their playoff journey in the round of 32.

Here is our ESN Postgame Show followed up by highlights of the game.

ESN Postgame Show