PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB

As the regular fall-sports season approaches the end, it’s time to celebrate those for whom this is the final season – the seniors. Last night, Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-soccer team paid tribute to the Class of 2026 – including team support (above) as well as players (below with head coach Mike Rillo) –

Leslie Nunez Castro:

Lucinda Leviton:

Kimberly Ramirez:

Harlee Wahl:

Mariah Rillo:

Nasra:

The match was at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex against Nathan Hale.

The Seahawks led 1-0 after Nunez Castro, #4, scored early in the second half on a shot outside the box that sailed over the keeper’s head.

Then Hale scored two goals in the final five minutes to get the win.

The team’s last regular-season match is tonight at Cleveland, 5 pm.

(Photo by Dave Estep)

When the West Seattle High School Wildcats take the field Thursday night for the game that includes the Senior Night celebration for football, cheer, and band, it won’t be at their home field, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. And it won’t be against the originally scheduled opponent, either. They’re now scheduled to play O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium (4470 35th SW) at 7 pm Thursday. Thanks to parent Allison for circulating word of the changes – which also include plans for the football seniors to be recognized with a pre-game ceremony, at 6 pm, and the cheer and band seniors to be recognized at halftime. It’s not only WSHS’s senior night, it’s a “huge game” because it’s also a matchup of the top two teams in the Metro League – West Seattle is undefeated; O’Dea has only one loss, against a non-conference opponent, and this is scheduled as their Senior Night too (WS Stadium is their home field). Allison says they’re hoping to fill the stands for the Wildcats – you can buy your ticket with cash at the stadium or online in advance.

WSHS senior Adriana Havens

Story, photos, video by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

It was all about the seniors on Friday, as the West Seattle High School girls’ soccer team hosted Seattle Academy for a special match at Hiawatha Playfield.

The visiting team from Seattle Academy came out on top 3-0 in the match, which was the second-to-last regular-season home game of the year for WSHS. With the loss, the Wildcats now have a season record of 5-4-2.

WSHS usually plays home matches at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point, but as we had previewed here, program manager Sarah Heitman told us that they held this game at Hiawatha (right after school, next door), hoping for a big community turnout to help celebrate “senior night” as a tribute to the WSHS players who are graduating after this school year.

And what a turnout it was, with fans packed into the sideline area east of the field…

…with proud family members and fellow students holding signs honoring the soon-to-be-graduates:

In all, there are nine seniors on the WSHS girls’ soccer squad:

From left to right, that’s Claire Murray, Adriana Havens, Grace Reasoner, Lillian O’Claire, Grace Carroll, Layla Ho, Anna Sievertson, Kate Russell and Ellie Miller. 

To show love to the seniors, there were two ceremonies on Friday, one at halftime and one after the game.

During halftime, WSHS head coach Dan Carew read comments that each of the seniors had written about their favorite WSHS teacher or staff member who had a particularly profound impact on them:

 Here are the seniors with their favorite WSHS educators:

The honored staffers, from left to right in the back row of the photo above, are Chris Harris (chosen by senior Kate Russell), Jessica Mathews (Sievertson), Julia Harper (Ho), Tom Burggraff (Miller), Alex Cordero (O’Claire), Rachel Myers (Carroll), Mary Logel (Reasoner), Kyle Glover (Havens), and Mallory Neuman (Murray).

The second ceremony was after the match, and there wasn’t a dry eye on the field as Wildcat teammates gave heartfelt speeches in honor of each of the nine outgoing seniors.

Here’s our video of all of the student speeches (a bit over 20 minutes):

Here are some photos of the Wildcats in action during Friday’s game. 

Senior Layla Ho:

Senior Grace Reasoner:

Senior Ellie Miller:

Senior Adriana Havens:

Junior Ava Wheatley:

Sophomore Ella Curtis:

Sophomore Juliette Harding:

Sophomore Brooklyn Crowe:

Running off the field through a “tunnel of teammates” were seniors Claire Murray and Lillian O’Claire:

A corner kick by junior Izzy Waite:

Post-match “good game” exchanges:

And an enthusiastic tunnel of classmates:

The Wildcats’ next game is at home (Walt Hundley) on Tuesday (October 21) vs Lakeside at 4pm, followed by their regular-season finale on the road on Thursday (October 23) at Ingraham.

(WSB photo from September match)

The West Seattle High School girls’ soccer team (5-3-2) usually plays home matches at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point.

Tomorrow, their second-to-last regular-season home match of the year is set for Hiawatha Playfield, right next to the school. Program manager Sarah Heitman tells WSB they’re hoping for a big community turnout for this game, as they’re celebrating “senior night” – a tribute to the players who will graduate after this school year – right after the match.

Their opponent is Seattle Academy; match time is 4 pm Friday at 2700 California SW. The Wildcats hope to see you there!

Thanks to Kevin for sending the photos! The cornhole tournament happening at West Seattle High School today isn’t just for fun – it’s also for fundraising so the new WSHS Cornhole Club can buy more boards. Kevin’s daughter Dora is one of the organizers:

You’re welcome to stop by during the tournament and cheer them on and/or donate – they’re selling refreshments too. It’s on the WSHS side field until 4 pm.

No home games for our area’s two high-school varsity teams this week, but one team already has played its road game and remains undefeated: West Seattle High School is now 5-0 after defeating Lakeside last night, 24-7. That puts head coach Anthony Stordahl‘s team atop the Metro League with the best overall record. The Wildcats are on the road again next week but after that, they have one last regular-season home game, 7 pm Thursday, October 23, vs. Nathan Hale.

Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
For West Seattle Blog

In a strong showing on Friday night, the West Seattle High School football squad dominated Franklin by a score of 41-6 under the lights at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, to remain unbeaten at 4-0.

This one was all Wildcats from the opening whistle, scoring 5 touchdowns in the first half to take a 34-0 lead, and the visitors from Franklin not scoring a point until getting a touchdown as time expired at the end of the game.  The referees did a “run clock” for most of the 2nd half, with minimal stoppages, due to WSHS having a comfortable 34-point lead at the time, which meant that the game was finished before 9 pm (in just 1 hour and 55 minutes).

There was a sizable home crowd on hand for the game, and the fans had a lot to cheer about.

Here’s our video of the opening kickoff:

The extra point by senior Jonah Pelander (#7) gave the Wildcats an early 7-0 lead.

With 5:24 left in the first quarter, WSHS got another interception, this one from senior Ford Fitterer (#40), and the Wildcats offense moved down the field, with Parkinson doing work through the air:

…and on the ground, capping off the drive with a QB run:

The extra point made it 14-0, which remained the score at the end of the first quarter.

Just one minute into the 2nd quarter, the Wildcats kept the momentum going:

…with a long TD pass from Parkinson to sophomore Grady Scheff (#10):

…and the kick put WSHS in front 21-0.

The visiting Quakers couldn’t get anything going on offense in the first half, with the stout Wildcat defense keeping Franklin in check and getting the ball back quickly and repeatedly.

WSHS continued moving the ball, including work by senior Jesse Hansen-Wilson (#43):

With five minutes left in the quarter, WSHS scored again on a short TD pass from Parkinson to senior LJ Moody (#3):

…which put the Wildcats on top 28-0 after the extra point.

With 1:53 remaining in the quarter, Parkinson again connected with Moody, this time for a long TD pass:

…but the extra point was blocked, making the score 34-0 at the half.

Here’s our video of the WSHS marching band entertaining the crowd with their halftime performance:

The 3rd quarter was scoreless, with both teams trading possessions. A WSHS drive stalled with 8:02 left in the quarter after losing a fumble that was recovered by Franklin, but the Wildcat defense stepped up and forced a punt.

The 4th quarter had more of the same until WSHS freshman Lennox Parkinson (#22) broke free and scored on a TD run, and the extra point put the Wildcats up 41-0.

It wasn’t until the final minute of the contest that the Quakers made a serious threat to score, moving into the red zone and then ultimately getting a TD catch from senior Deurian McNeil (#0) as time expired, to make the final score 41-6 in favor of WSHS.

Head coach Anthony Stordahl‘s Wildcats remain undefeated at 4-0 for the season:

Throughout the game, the WSHS cheer squad and band were also hard at work:

Up next for the Wildcats: On the road against Lakeside on Thursday, October 9, at 7 pm.  (Lakeside lost 28-0 to Chief Sealth on Thursday night. Sealth had also defeated Franklin earlier in the season, 20-0).

PHOTOS AND REPORTING BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB

The Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks were in celebration mode after a 28-0 victory over Lakeside on the road last night. Chief Sealth dominated on both sides of the ball.

Sealth got on the board early thanks to a touchdown by running back #9 Jessie Gilmore II.

In the second quarter, #21 Marshawn Tovia-Ford scored on a long run, while #12 MJ Filitaula threw a deep pass to #3 Marquis Tovia for another touchdown.

Marshawn Tovia-Ford made impacts on offense and defense as he also scored a touchdown off a pick-six and recorded a sack as well.

Chief Sealth bounced back from challenges including three touchdowns taken back due to penalties.

Lakeside came closest to scoring a couple times in the second quarter. Lakeside missed a field goal and dropped a pass in the end zone heavily defended by #11 Graham Hull.

#2 Kingston Cappiello intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter to seal the game.

The CSIHS Cheer Team had a lot to cheer for.

Other game scenes: #10 Yair Issack, running downfield after catching a pass for a first down:

#54 Xavius Chu-Eneliko celebrating after making a tackle:

Head coach Daron Camacho‘s team is now 3-2:

Next game for Chief Sealth: Friday, October 17, 7 pm, hosting Nathan Hale at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

As noted in our Friday event list, both high-school varsity football teams played games at Northwest Athletic Complex this week. Here’s what happened, according to the Metro League scoreboard: On Thursday night, Chief Sealth IHS was edged by Ingraham, 18-17; on Friday night, West Seattle HS beat Lincoln, 44-7. Next week, the Seahawks (2-2) have another Thursday night away game, 7 pm vs. Lakeside at Northeast Athletic Complex; the Wildcats (3-0) play at home, 7 pm Friday vs. Franklin at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

(WSHS senior Breck Estep, #4, shows off the Huling Bowl trophy to the student section)

Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
For West Seattle Blog

In the annual football battle between the area’s two largest high schools, the 2025 Huling Bowl was claimed by West Seattle High School as the Wildcats triumphed over the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks by a score of 17-10, in a hard-fought game in front of a packed house Friday night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.

The Wildcats are reclaiming the trophy this year after the Seahawks had prevailed in the rivalry game last season. For this season, coach Anthony Stordahl’s Wildcats move to 2-0 after the win, while Daron Camacho‘s Seahawks were dealt their first loss to fall to 2-1.

Both schools’ crowds and their bands and cheer squads were out in full force at NCSWAC on Friday, including many of the WSHS students decked out in neon:

The energy was high as teams took the field:

Sealth senior Kingston Cappiello (#2) celebrates after making a stop in the first quarter:

WSHS junior Justice Nguyen (#1) grabbed a key interception on a deep pass:

Senior Breck Estep (#4) caught a pass to set the Wildcats up for their first touchdown:

This was followed by a WSHS touchdown pass from junior QB Desmond Parkinson (#12) to senior LJ Moody (#3) with 6:46 left in the quarter. After a successful extra point kick, the Wildcats were on top 7-0.

Sealth answered with a drive of their own, featuring plenty of work by senior QB MJ Filitaula (#12):

As well as junior Xander Gomez (#23), running down the field after catching a pass:

And senior Jessie Gilmore II gaining yards on the ground:

The Sealth drive was capped by a Filitaula TD run with 2:10 left in the first quarter:

…and the successful extra-point kick tied the game at 7-7, which was also the score as the 2nd quarter got underway.

West Seattle reclaimed the lead in the 2nd quarter on a TD run by senior Jesse Hansen-Wilson (#43), to go ahead 14-7 after the extra-point kick. The Wildcats added a field goal by senior Jonah Pelander (#7) to extend their lead to 17-7, and then Sealth answered with their own long field goal courtesy of senior Ogi Petronijvec (#1) as time expired in the first half, with West Seattle on top 17-10.

Parkinson moved the Wildcats down the field through the air:

…and on the ground:

Moody, taking a handoff from Parkinson:

Sealth senior Shane Tino (#52) celebrates a tackle in the 2nd quarter by revealing a shirt in honor his late aunt Liz (one of many matching shirts at the game, worn by the family):

Pelander kicks an extra point:

During halftime, both schools’ bands entertained, including drummers from WSHS:

…and Sealth:

Also at halftime, special guest Councilmember Rob Saka took the field with athletic directors Ernest Policarpio of CSIHS and Corey Sorenson of WSHS, as a “proclamation” was read by the PA announcer to commemorate the Huling Bowl and the participating schools.

In the 3rd quarter, the teams traded possessions until Sealth moved deep into Wildcat territory and scored an apparent touchdown, which the officiating crew waved off due to a penalty. This was followed by another penalty and ultimately a failed pass attempt into the end zone on 4th down, which meant the Seahawks came up empty and the Wildcats took over on downs.

The score remained 17-10 as the 3rd quarter ended, and in the final quarter the teams went back and forth (including a key Sealth fumble and WSHS recovery):

…with no points scored by either team in the fourth quarter (or in the entire 2nd half), the game ended with a 17-10 West Seattle win.

After the game, the Wildcats and their fans celebrated on the field with the Huling Bowl trophy. Here’s councilmember Saka with the winning squad:

The coveted trophy:

Both teams play on the road next week: Sealth on Thursday 9/25 at Ingraham at 7 pm, and West Seattle on Friday 9/26 at Lincoln HS at 7 pm.