October 15, 2025
ISSUE 42
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By Skip Smith
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n a game that carried major postseason implications, the Eatonville Cruisers couldn’t find enough answers to slow down the high-powered Fife Trojans, falling 48–20 Friday night at Trojan Memorial Stadium. The loss dealt a major blow to Eatonville’s playoff hopes, as the Cruisers entered the contest needing a win to stay in contention for the fourth and final district playoff berth. Fife (now 3–3, 3-1 league) struck early and often, using a balanced mix of speed and misdirection to keep Eatonville’s defense off bal-
“Fife (now 3–3, 3-1 league) struck early and often” ance. After winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, the Trojans wasted no time once they got the ball. On their first possession, Fife broke loose on a 42-yard reverse run to take a 7–0 lead with 9:25 left in the opening quarter. Eatonville’s offense struggled to find rhythm early, punting after a quick three-and-out on its opening series. The Cruisers’ best chance to answer in the first quarter came on their second drive, when they marched deep into Trojan territory. But a 30-yard field goal
attempt was blocked and returned to the Eatonville 22-yard line — setting up another Fife touchdown just moments later. The Trojans punched it in from 3 yards out to extend the lead to 14–0 with 33 seconds left in the first quarter. The deficit grew midway through the second when Fife connected on an 18-yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to 21–0. Eatonville (3–3, 2-2 league) finally broke through when quarterback Cole Fowler found Jacob Simons deep downfield for a 47-yard touchdown strike, cutting the margin to 21–7 with 6:19 left in the half. Fife responded quickly with a 19-yard touchdown run, though Eatonville blocked the extra point to keep the score at 27–7. The Cruisers showed some life before halftime, as Fowler connected with Amari Samuel in the corner of the end zone on a 28-yard scoring pass to pull within 27–13 just before intermission. But Fife’s offense kept rolling in the second half, putting the game out of reach with two more unanswered touchdowns. A 33yard touchdown reception early in the third quarter extended the lead to 34–13, followed by a 39-yard rushing score midway through the frame. Eatonville’s Connor McIlrath gave the Cruisers a brief spark with a 20-yard touchdown run to make it 41–20 with 4:23 left in the third, but Fife answered on its very next
TRINITY POTTER
Cruisers Fall to Fife, 48-20, as Playoff Hopes Begin to Fade
Eatonville's Jacob Simon runs a route against Fife this past Friday night. Simons hauled in a 47 yard Cole Fowler pass possession with a 40-yard scoring run to cap the night’s offensive explosion. Despite a late fumble recovery by the Eatonville defense early in the fourth quarter, the Cruisers couldn’t capitalize, and both teams
Eatonville Runners Post Strong Times at 2A SPSL League Meet By Skip Smith
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he Eatonville High School cross country team delivered a series of standout performances Wednesday afternoon at thWe 2A South Puget Sound League meet, held on the rugged, forested trails of Camp Arnold. Both the boys’ and girls’ squads showed strong improvement as they continue to build momentum heading into the postseason. On the boys’ side, sophomore Gabriel Kolsrud led the Cruisers with a personal
record of 11 minutes, 24 seconds, earning him a 4th place, the top team finish. Senior Colton Rush was close behind in 5th, clocking 11:31, also a personal best. Junior Titus Lowe continued Eatonville’s scoring run
with a solid 7th place finish with a personal best time of 11:40, while sophomore Blayne Cabana rounded out the team’s in 16th with a time of 12:52, also marking a new career best. In the girls’ race, senior Grace Coonrod once again set the pace for Eatonville, cruising to a time of 12:31, her fastest mark of the season to notch a first place finish. Junior Hannah Bieker followed right behind her in second with her best time if her career with a time of 13:32, with freshman Jenny Lowe crossing in 14:36 in a breakout career best performance. Sophomore Audrey Mullins posted a career best 15:36.40, while senior Alice Alexander recorded her best time with a 19:41. Seniors Savanna Price and Madi Sarpy completed the Cruiser lineup in 21:39 and 22:18, respectively, each setting personal records. The Cruisers will wrap up their regular season at the Tacoma Twilight meet at the University of Puget Sound on Thursday, Oct. 16 before heading into the SPSL League Championships on Oct 25
went scoreless the rest of the way. It was a frustrating night for an Eatonville team that showed flashes of big-play ability but struggled to sustain drives and contain the Trojans’ ground game. Eatonville will look to regroup
next weekend when they host the Washington Patriots (2-4, 2-2 league) at Franklin Pierce Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18 at noon for Senior Day.
Graham-Kapowsin Senior Center Keeps Community Connected and Active Staff Report
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he Graham-Kapowsin Community Council Senior Center continues to be a hub of friendship, fitness, and fun for local older adults, offering a full schedule of weekly activities designed to support both body and mind. Operating under the umbrella of the Graham-Kapowsin Community Council, the center serves residents from across the area, drawing seniors from Graham, Kapowsin, Eatonville, and surrounding communities. With two locations—Evergreen Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Benston Hall on Wednesdays—participants have plenty of opportunities to stay involved throughout the week. Each site is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing a welcoming space for exercise, social connection, and lifelong learning. Among the most popular offerings is Tai Chi, held twice weekly, which promotes balance, flexibility, and mindfulness. The gentle movements make it accessible for people of all fitness levels. For those looking for a little more pep in their step, Senior Exercise sessions blend stretching and light aerobics to help participants stay mobile and energized. At midday, attendees gather for lunch catered by D&D’s Grill and other local restaurants—a time for good food and conversation. Meals are available for $7 for members and $10 for non-members, and the rotating menu can be found online at
www.g-kcc.org. Seniors are asked to RSVP at least 24 hours in advance by calling or texting 253-921-2914, ensuring there’s a plate ready for everyone who joins. Afternoons bring a variety of social and enrichment activities. The Social Time hour from 12:15 to 1:40 p.m. features crafts, games, and group projects, offering a chance for creativity and connection. Once a month, the center hosts Karaoke—always a crowd-pleaser—as well as a History Social Hour, where participants explore local and world history through stories, photos, and discussion. Membership is affordable and flexible at $30 per year or $15 for six months, with barter options available for those who wish to contribute their time or skills instead. Volunteers are a vital part of the operation, helping with transportation for seniors who need rides, assisting with administrative or IT tasks, and leading group activities. Senior Center organizers emphasize that the programs aren’t just about staying busy—they’re about staying connected. Many participants say the weekly gatherings have become a cornerstone of their social lives, giving them a sense of community and belonging that’s especially important for those living alone or new to the area. The center welcomes new members and volunteers year-round. Anyone interested in joining or lending a hand can email gkccouncil@gmail.com, call 253-921-2914, or visit www.g-kcc.org for schedules and details.