Busy day at the VFW Hall in The Triangle for day 1 of the two-day West Seattle Ski Swap, coordinated by Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor), whose Noah, Reese, and Luke were on duty when we visited:
The hall is full of skis, snowboards, boots, and related gear so you can get ready for snow-sports season:
The team tells us it’s been busy all day, and they’ve got “a ton of steals”:
The Ski Swap is on at 3601 SW Alaska until 5 pm, but if you can’t get there by then, it’s open tomorrow too, 10 am-4 pm. And here’s a reminder that mountain snow is on the way – a screengrab a few minutes ago from a camera at Stevens Pass:
WSHS senior LJ Moody (#3) catches a deep pass near the end zone on Senior Night vs O’Dea
Story and videos by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin For West Seattle Blog
Seniors from the West Seattle High Schoolfootball and cheer squads were honored Thursday night as the Wildcats took on O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium, in a special matchup of the season’s top two Metro League football teams.
After a hard-fought scoreless first quarter, followed by a very-not-scoreless second quarter (with 6 combined touchdowns!) made it 28-14 O’Dea at halftime, the Fighting Irish steadily pulled away in the second half and topped the Wildcats by a final score of 56-14, handing WSHS their first loss of the season.
WSHS came in undefeated at 6-0 and on top of the Metro League Sound Division football standings, while O’Dea (the defending 3A state champions, current top-ranked 3A team in WA, and tops in the Metro League Mountain Division) were 6-1 with their only defeat coming in a non-conference season-opening narrow loss to 4A powerhouse Graham-Kapowsin.
As we previewed yesterday, the Thursday game represented a change of plans due to the fact that both the schools’ opponents had to forfeit their respective games this week, opening the door for a last-minute opportunity to shuffle schedules and have WSHS and O’Dea square off in a marquee late-season contest (for WSHS, it’s their final game of the season before the playoffs).
It was Senior Night for both schools, and the game was moved from Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complexto West Seattle Stadium (which is O’Dea’s home field). The rain held off and it was a nice night for football, with a good crowd on hand for both schools.
WSHS coach Anthony Stordahl (pictured below during Thursday’s game) told us that he couldn’t be prouder of how his team played against one of the best football programs in the state, under tough scheduling circumstances. “The kids on this team showed resilience and a lot of heart; we could have just taken a forfeit and moved on, but these kids love to compete.”
Now, Stordahl’s squad moves on to the playoffs, and after tonight’s area high school football action they’ll know who their next opponent will be.
Stordahl added that this game had extra-special significance for him personally, as he was able to share the field as a coach for the first time with Monte Kohler, who has coached O’Dea since the mid-1980s and last month reached 395 career wins to become the all-time winningest high school football coach in Washington state. Stordahl played for Kohler as part of O’Dea’s 1994 state championship team.
On Thursday night, the senior class was in the spotlight, and Stordahl told us that he’s “very thankful we got a chance to celebrate the seniors; they deserve a lot of credit in building the culture of this team.” He added that WSHS will be moving up next year to the Mountain Division of the Metro League, competing with programs like O’Dea and Seattle Prep, and that this is possible “because of the standard this senior class has set.”
An hour before the game, WSHS introduced and honored its senior football players and their families:
Elena Allen (student manager)
Esayas Brigham (#2)
LJ Moody (#3)
Breck Estep (#4)
Miles Guidry (#5)
Sorin Smith (#6)
Jonah Pelander (#7)
Logan Imel (#8)
Jackson Evans (#23)
Scott Bremen (#34)
Daniel Waters (#35)
Ford Fitterer (#40)
Jesse Hansen-Wilson (#43)
Isaiah Hoskins (#53)
Rafi Fein-Wallace (#54)
Nolan Polaski (#56)
Ari Fein-Wallace (#58)
Jaykel Warwick (#75)
Jack Freeborne (#71)
Gabe Crawford (#79)
Here are photos of some of the football seniors and their families, including Rafi and Ari Fein-Wallace:
Sorin Smith:
Gabe Crawford:
Esayas Brigham:
Jack Freeborne:
And Ford Fitterer:
Here’s our full video of the ceremony:
At halftime, the WSHS senior cheer squad members and their families were also recognized:
Amaya Stagi
Sophie McNamara
Ella McNamara
Hannah Niguidula
Reese Bailey
Luka Jaramillo
Sadie Stover
Lilli Athan
Nayeli Martinez
Izzy Baber
Annaleise Heinrichs
KC Martinez
AJ Nackviseth
Ariana Trevino
Izzy McKamey
Alex Call Terrazas
WSHS cheer coach Nadine Nguyen told us that this senior class “has been the heart of our team, showing dedication, leadership and spirit every step of the way,” and that they truly have inspired the team with their hard work and unity, leaving a lasting legacy for the program.
Here are photos of some of the senior cheer members alongside their families, including Nayeli Martinez:
EllaMcNamara (left) and sister Sophie:
Hannah Niguidula:
Ariana Trevino:
And Izzy McKamey:
Here’s our video of the cheer seniors (apologies for the audio quality; the organizers had to use a portable PA system and it was overpowered by the halftime crowd noise):
The cheer squad entertained the crowd throughout the game:
WSHS had also been planning to honor their senior band members on Thursday night, but the decision was made to recognize them at a future WSHS sporting event.
As for the big game itself, it began with a hard-fought scoreless first quarter, as both teams traded possessions but couldn’t convert points. WSHS missed a field goal with 8 minutes left in the 1st quarter, and the Wildcats played stout defense and recovered O’Dea fumbles on two consecutive possessions to stall drives by the Irish:
Early in the second quarter, O’Dea scored on a touchdown run, and with the extra point took a 7-0 lead with 11 minutes left in the quarter.
About 5 minutes later, the scoring flurry began as the two teams combined for 5 TDs in the last 7 minutes of the first half, starting with an O’Dea TD run to take a 14-0 lead with 6:24 left in the 2nd quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, WSHS senior LJ Moody (#3) took a long return to midfield to give the Wildcats great field position. Not long after, Moody struck again, hauling in a long pass from junior QB Desmond Parkinson (#12):
The Wildcats couldn’t convert in the red zone, and attempted a field goal, but it was blocked and returned by O’Dea all the way to the WSHS 20-yard-line. A couple of plays later, O’Dea scored on short run to extend their lead to 21-0 with just over 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.
After the kickoff, WSHS put together a nice drive and then cashed in on long TD pass from Parkinson to junior Justice Nguyen (#1). The extra point was blocked, and the score was 21-6 with 1:36 left before half.
O’Dea took the kickoff and wasted no time, hitting a long TD pass to make it 28-6 with 1:25 left in the 2nd quarter.
WSHS then put together a quick drive (featuring several pass connections between Parkinson and Moody), capped off by going for it in the red zone on 4th down in the final seconds of the 1st half, as Parkinson and Nguyen connected on another TD pass:
Then the Wildcats pulled off a successful 2-point conversion on a pass to junior Aidan Croppi, to make the score 28-14 in favor of O’Dea at the halftime break.
O’Dea struck quickly in the opening minutes of the 2nd half, scoring on a TD run to take a 35-14 lead. This was followed by another TD with 8:20 left in the 3rd quarter to make it 42-14, which was the score after three quarters.
In the final quarter, the Irish defense continued to bottle up the Wildcat offense, and O’Dea added two more TDs to make the final score 56-14.
Up next for the Wildcat squad: Playoffs! Details and opponent are TBD; we will post game information as soon as it’s confirmed, dependent on tonight’s area high school football results.
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.
Two days after the Mariners‘ postseason ended one win short of a World Series trip, their mascot was in West Seattle tonight spreading consolation cheer. The Mariner Moose visited Ounces, whose proprietor Laurel Trujillo explained, “I figured everyone needs that extra high-five and hug right now.” That’s Laurel, above, with son Asher, 7.
Much of the crowd there tonight for The Moose’s ~45-minute visit was from Asher’s school, Fairmount Park Elementary, whose PTA is getting part of the proceeds from tonight’s beverage/food sales.
By the way, the “pumpkin patch photo booth” in which Laurel, Asher, and The Moose are shown, above, is open for drop-in pics (sorry, no Moose) through month’s end. Ounces is in North Delridge at 3809 Delridge Way SW.
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.
The West Seattle Junior Wildcats organization wants families to know that it’s registration time for winter skills training – and they’re looking for volunteers too. Here’s their announcement:
Winter Football Skills Training is here!
We’re building a strong foundation for our athletes with year-round football and athletic training. This winter program is designed for our future 7v7 two-hand touch Jr Wildcats competition team, launching in the Spring under Coach Brooks.
Who can join?
5th–8th graders
With or without football experience — everyone is welcome!
Led by an Experienced Coach:
Coach Brooks is a staff member and coach at Kennedy Catholic High School, bringing proven expertise and a passion for developing young athletes in both high school and collegiate environments.
Why join? Benefits for your kids:
Skill Development: Learn advanced football techniques and improve athletic performance.
Teamwork & Leadership: Build confidence and strong social connections through team play.
Year-Round Fitness: Stay active and healthy during the off-season.
Path to Competition: Prepare for the exciting Spring 7v7 two-hand touch Jr Wildcats team and/or our Fall tackle season.
Positive Coaching: Focused on growth, sportsmanship, and fun.
💰 Register now for discounted pricing through October 31!
We need YOU!
To make this program a success, we need 10+ more athletes to add to our roster. This is a pure volunteer effort, and your support matters.
✅ Register today
✅ Reach out with any questions
✅ Volunteer to help us grow
Let’s give our boys the training they deserve and build something amazing together!
📩 Contact us now to get involved or if you have any questions!
Alison Mitchell (acavenee@yahoo.com) or Laura Close (laura.close@gmail.com)
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.
We weren’t able to get photographers to last night’s high-school football games but wanted to let you know that both teams won big: West Seattle HS remains undefeated, now 6-0, with a 58-6 win at Ingraham; Chief Sealth IHS is 4-3 after a 57-0 home win against Nathan Hale at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Next week, WSHS plays Hale at 7 pm Thursday at NCSWAC; CSIHS plays on the road Friday vs. Lincoln.
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!
Just in from Alki Community Council president Charlotte Starck, word that tomorrow night’s scheduled monthly meeting is outta there:
We’ve heard the powerful voice of baseball fans. :) We are canceling tomorrow night’s 7 pm Alki Community Council meeting to allow everyone to enjoy the Mariners playoff game. We look forward to rescheduling with our presenters and seeing you in person at our next meeting Thursday, November 20th.
After their 13-4 loss to Toronto tonight at T-Mobile Park, the M’s are still up 2-1 in the best of seven American League Championship Series; first pitch Thursday is just after 5:30 pm.
Everyone’s cheering for the Mariners. Even the statues! But you’d probably like to watch them in American League Championship Series Game 3 tomorrow with some people who are a little less, well, stony-faced. We’re getting questions about West Seattle watch parties, so maybe you can help us build a list. First one sent to us:
SEASIDE GRILL:Alki Beach Pride is hosting this watch party, with appetizer and drink specials. (2820 Alki SW)
Added Wednesday:
ARTHUR’S: “At Arthur’s we will have the game on with sound! Happy hour for the first portion and our fresh sheet with specials throughout.” (2311 California SW)
THE NEIGHBORHOOD: “We will be playing the M’s game with sound!” They’re open 3 pm-9 pm. (6503 California SW)
ADMIRAL PUB (2306 California SW): Watching.
THE WESTY (7908 35th SW): Watching.
WEST WINGS (2329 California SW): It’s also Wing Wednesday, half off second order.
WHISKY WEST (6451 California SW): Half-price wings too.
BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB (6413 California SW): Watching.
LARRY’S TAVERN (3405 California SW): Watching (and skipping trivia in favor of the game).
Game time is 5 pm Wednesday – we’ll add to this list with anyplace we hear about from you – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – and anyplace we find while looking around!
Thanks to James Bratsanos for the view of the snow-dusted Olympic Mountains peaks seen from Alki after the weekend storm clouds lifted and departed. It’s not snowing low enough for skiing (the Stevens Pass cameras verify that) yet, but it gives us a reason to remind you that this year’s West Seattle Ski Swap is less than two weeks away. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) presents the Ski Swap across the street at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), and this year’s swap starts with seller dropoffs on Friday, October 24, 2-5:30 pm (snowboards and other snowsports gear, not just skis), then two days of shopping, 10 am-5 pm Saturday and 10 am-4 pm Sunday, October 25-26. If you’re interested in selling, go here to register before pre-swap Thursday (October 23).
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:
WSHS wasted no time making a big play, with senior Sorin Smith (#6) grabbing an interception just 1:30 into the game. A minute later, junior QB Desmond Parkinson (#12) found senior Miles Guidry (#5) for a TD pass:
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:
And here are some halftime photos:
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:
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).
With a Mariners playoff game Sunday night, Metro says the West Seattle Water Taxi will follow its Saturday schedule on Sunday too. First pitch for the M’s second American League Division Series game vs. Detroit will be just after 5 pm, so chances are you’ll be able to get a boat home before the last run of the night leaves Pier 50 at 10:45 pm. Metro is of course also pitching the Water Taxi as a great way to get to the weekend’s other three big games – M’s ALDS game 1 and <strong>Sounders FC vs. Portland on Saturday, Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Sunday afternoon. Read all about it here. (But don’t forget the likely parking crunch on Saturday! Metro shuttles will be runnind Water Taxi-matching schedules too.)
At the Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex courts, the Westside Pickleball League is just wrapping up the tournament that kicks off their fourth season, Rally on the Rock. Co-founder Rosina Geary told us more than 130 players were registered to compete!
They spanned a variety of age groups:
Play began around 9 am and was still going strong when we dropped by at mid-afternoon:
As noted in our original 2023 report on the league, they partner with and support high-school athletics – not just pickleball! Proceeds from this tournament are benefiting the swim team at Chief Sealth International High School; Sealth athletes served as volunteers helping out today in various roles too.
Geary says Westside Pickleball League serves more than 300 players every week. You can find out more via their website.
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).
At 5 p.m. today, all ferries underway will sound their horns to salute the Seattle Mariners on winning the American League West title — their first in 24 years! Congratulations to the team and fans as they head into the playoffs.
While they haven’t won a division title since 2001, the M’s have been to the playoffs more recently – here’s the Mariners’ full playoff history. As for this year, the brackets aren’t full yet, but they’ll give you an idea of dates.
(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.
Friday night, it’ll be a football game, but today, it was the sport the rest of the world calls football that brought Chief Sealth International HS and West Seattle HS to the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. We were able to drop in during the girls-varsity match’s early going for a few photos.
WSHS got its first win of the year, 3-0.
The Wildcats’ record is now 1-0-1; the Seahawks, 1-2-1.
You can see their next scheduled matches on the Metro League webdite. (Next Sealth /WSHS game on the field this week is Friday night at 7, when the two schools’ football teams play the annual Huling Bowl game.)
For the second consecutive Friday night, Chief Sealth International High School won their football game tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. This time, though, the Seahawks weren’t the home team – that designation belonged to their opponents, Franklin High School. The Seahawks kept the Quakers from getting close to the end one the entire night, with a final score of 20-0. They didn’t get on the board until almost literally the last second of the first quarter, when #1, senior Ogi Petronijevic, kicked the first of his two field goals:
The first TD, though, came from one of the freshmen on the Sealth squad, #3, Marquis Tovia:
That was at 7:15 to go in the first half. The Seahawks’ other TD was by senior #21 Marshawn Tovia-Ford, and the halftime score was CSIHS 17, FHS 0. The second half saw only a Sealth field goal but plenty of penalty flags as well as injuries on both sides, and though the Quakers started to make a little progress late in the game, they ran out of time. As noted earlier, Sealth plays West Seattle High School at NCSWAC next Friday, 7 pm.
WSHS senior LJ Moody (#3) catches a deep pass near the end zone on Senior Night vs O’Dea
WSHS senior Adriana Havens
Just in from 
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