Nov. 8, 2023
ISSUE 45
75¢
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Survive and advance: Eatonville Cruisers secure state playoff spot By Skip Smith
Contributing Writer
The late basketball coach Jim Valvano coined the phrase “Survive and advance” back in 1983 during his team’s miraculous run to the NCAA basketball championship. Survive and advance is exactly what the Eatonville Cruisers did this past Thursday night. They were able to survive three turnovers and defeat the Castle Rock Rockets, 1514, in the 1A SWW District 4 playoffs to advance to the state playoffs. The Rockets would win the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff where they promptly marched 62 yards on 13 plays and ended the drive when quarterback Trever Rogen connected with Ryker Heller from 10 yards to put the Rockets up 7-0. After both teams traded several punts and turnovers on downs, the Cruiser offense would finally get revved up. With great field position at the Rocket 38-yard line, Eatonville would get on the board five plays later. Hunter Klumpar would take the shotgun snap and hand it off to Payton Hanly who would then toss it to Ky Nation going the other way. Nation would then roll out to his right and hit a wide-open Riley Hill for the 38-yard score. In the eventual game-deciding decision, Head Coach Rex Norris signaled to go for two, which the Cruisers have done a lot this season. Out of the classic “Swinging Gate” formation, senior Hanly took the snap and on the play had a run/ pass option. He saw the defenders were covering his receivers so he took off running to the endzone untouched to put Eatonville up 8-7 with 2 minutes left in the half. Castle Rock, not liking the fact they lost the lead would respond immediately. With the PLAYOFFS Page 8Æ
Courtesy Annie Norman The Eatonville Cruiser football team kneels for a moment of silence for fallen teammate Jason Naro following the field goal that put the score at 33, Naro's jersey number.
EMOTIONAL VICTORY
Cruisers honor fallen teammate with victory By Skip Smith
Contributing Writer
The Eatonville Cruisers, carrying the weight of a tragic loss that struck their team earlier, marched into Hoquiam's Olympic Stadium with heavy hearts and took care of business, shutting out the Grizzlies 40-0 in a poignant and emotional regular-season finale. Upon entering the stadium, fans were met with a touching tribute as Hoquiam had painted blue number 33 on each of the 33-yard lines in memory of Eatonville player Jason Naro, who wore #33 and tragically lost his life in a car accident earlier in the week. Both teams donned #33 stickers on their helmets to honor their fallen teammate. Eatonville Head Coach Rex Norris expressed his gratitude for the support and compassion shown by the Hoquiam program, saying, "It was really special to see what Coach McKinnon and the Hoquiam program did for our families and players. To be thoughtful and understanding was amazing and appreciated. It has been a very hard week for all impacted." The Cruisers initially sputtered on their first possession and turned the ball over on downs, but
Courtesy Trinity Potter Hoquiam painted "33's" in honor of Jason Naro at both 33-yard lines prior to the game. they quickly turned the tide. Fueled by a burning desire to "Win for Jason," the Cruisers embarked on a 90-yard march down the field on their next possession, highlighted by an 80-yard catch and run by Griffin Clevenger, taking them to the 5-yard line. Dylan Norman capped the drive with a 3-yard rush into the end zone. Payton Hanly added a two-point conversion, giving the Cruisers an early 8-0 lead. The Cruiser defense was relentless, forcing the first of many three-and-outs, and the Grizzlies VICTORY Page 4Æ
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