No. 1 Eatonville Finds Challenge From A New Direction: Vashon

The high-school football game of the week comes from the Class A ranks.

Tonight, top-ranked and defending state champion Eatonville takes the ferry to Vashon Island to play the undefeated Vashon Pirates in a Nisqually League game, which will probably decide the league championship.

Both teams are 5-0, but it's just routine for Eatonville, which is on an 18-game winning streak, the second-longest in the state behind Tumwater's 31-game streak.

"We don't look equal on paper, but that gives us incentive," said Vashon Coach John Green, in his eighth season. "We have good athletes. We match up very well with them in some spots."

Green can't remember the last time Vashon was 5-0.

"It's been at least 15 years," he said. "I think it's 26 years."

Last season, Eatonville beat Vashon 35-7. Comparing common opponents this season, Eatonville has a clear advantage. Eatonville beat Orting 36-6, Foster 59-0, Port Townsend 54-0, Steilacoom 40-0 and Granite Falls 44-11, outscoring its opponents 233-17.

Vashon beat Charles Wright 22-9, Orting 14-0, Foster 33-0, Port Townsend 23-10 and Steilcoom 28-21.

"That game (Steilacoom) was a barn-burner until the end, and Eatonville just killed them," Green said.

Said Eatonville Coach Steve Gervais: "This is the biggest game this year, with a lot of ramifications."

Vashon has senior running back Brandon Chilcoate, who has 113 carries for 906 yards. He is about 70 yards short of reaching 3,000 career yards. Chilcoate is the primary component of Vashon's veer option.

Seniors Mike Kirkland and Steve Sparks are the other running backs. The quarterback is junior Praben Martin, who has thrown six touchdown passes (five of them to receiver Al Bell) and averages about 50 rushing yards per game.

Vashon's defensive stars are defensive end Steve Radic and linebacker Jason Chorak, who has blocked five punts in five games. Martin, Chilcoate, Kirkland and Bell are Vashon's defensive backs, and they will have to contend with Eatonville's freshman quarterback, Bobby Lucht.

"He's got the best arm I've coached in 16 years," Gervais said. "He's gone way beyond our expectations."

Lucht, 6 feet 1, 165 pounds, has passed for 970 yards. Last year, he was Eatonville's ball boy at the Kingbowl. His three receivers are returning starters, all-state selection Conan Kempf, Joe Dorn and Jason Mettler.

Tracy Davis and Russell Harris split time at running back.