Class B-11 -- Raymond Title Crowns Friendship

The memories between Kalin Makaiwi and Matt Halpin date back to preschool. The stories they tell are numerous, detailed and sometimes off color.

The Raymond High School seniors are lifelong friends who have shared just about everything.

But it is football that bonds them in a special way. And it is fourth-ranked Raymond's 20-6 victory over No. 2 Reardan in the Class B state championship that will forever forge their friendship.

"We will never forget this day," said Makaiwi, his head dripping with sweat and eyes filled with tears, as he carried the state-championship trophy off the field at the Kingdome.

Makaiwi is the quarterback. Halpin is his receiver.

Makaiwi's dad, Doug, is the head coach. Halpin's dad, Cale, is an assistant coach.

The two young men have played football almost all their lives. They began as grade-school managers for the Raymond football team and started the past three years.

Last season, an 8-7 loss in the state semifinals, ended Raymond's season.

Soon after, Halpin promised Makaiwi an appearance in Kingbowl.

"We've wanted this all of our lives, I knew it would happen," said Halpin after catching three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Halpin's definitive moment, sure to be a worn-out tale, was his reception of a 29-yard touchdown pass lofted over the outstretched hands of Reardan defender Damon Dewey.

In unison, Halpin and Dewey went airborn for the pass. Halpin crashed into the end zone with the ball cradled in his arms.

He sprang to his feet and struck a Hulk Hogan-like pose for the roughly 2,000 Seagull fans who made the 140-mile trip from Raymond, which is along the coast.

"I didn't know he (Dewey) was that close. I just looked it in and hauled it in," said Halpin.

Halpin's touchdown gave Raymond (12-1) an insurmountable 20-6 lead.

The Seagulls, who three Class A titles from 1973 to '75, are the second team to win four state football titles.

It looked as if Reardan (10-2) would control the game after Josh Graham scored on a 54-yard run in the first quarter. Graham, who gained 145 yards on 17 carries, was stopped short on the two-point conversion, but Reardan led 6-0.

Reardan, located 21 miles east of Spokane, never seriously threatened again.

Halpin capped a 10-play, 71-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown dive over a pile of defenders in the first quarter that tied the game. Makaiwi's 49-yard pass to Bill McVey keyed the drive.

Makaiwi completed six of 10 passes for 158 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Just before halftime, Makaiwi caught a punt and ran right before handing the ball to Jesse Buchanan, who got a good block from Tracey Maneman. Buchanan raced 83 yards for a touchdown. Tyrus Walker scored on the two-point conversion to give Raymond a 16-6 halftime lead.

"I thought that was the key," Reardan Coach Dan Graham said. "We wanted that score before halftime. Instead they got it and they had momentum going into the second half."