SPSL: Isaac's five TDs help K-M win

KENT — Charles Isaac danced his way into the end zone five times and into the hearts of Kent-Meridian football players and coaches on a breakthrough night for the Royals.

Isaac's nifty moves, in particular on his game-winning 48-yard interception return for a touchdown with 5:30 to play in the game, essentially lifted Kent-Meridian to a 39-27 hard-fought decision over Auburn Riverside and its first victory of the season in last night's Class 4A South Puget Sound League North Division clash of previously winless teams at French Field.

The 5-foot-8, 153-pound Isaac picked off Raven quarterback Bryan Alexander's deep pass with a leaping grab, raced down the right sideline and then cut back left for a clear path into the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the evening.

"It's nice to finally get some respect in this league and it's nice to get a win finally," said Isaac, a senior who finished with 307 all-purpose yards and 211 rushing yards on 21 carries in addition to his career-best five touchdowns. "We want some respect. We're looking to upset some people in our league now."

Kent-Meridian (1-4) intercepted Auburn Riverside (0-5) six times in a contest filled with 10 turnovers. The Royals outgained Auburn Riverside 307-239 in the game and limited the Ravens to 81 yards and no points after intermission.

Isaac also intercepted three passes with two coming in the pivotal fourth quarter as the Royals snapped a 27-27 tie in the final 5:30 of the game.

Royal defensive back Ocie Moore helped preserve the victory with an interception at the K-M 2-yard line with 1:54 remaining in the game as the Ravens drove for the tying TD. Two plays later, Isaac raced 97 yards up the middle for his fifth score of the game and a 39-27 K-M lead.

"It's a great night," Isaac said. "I'm so happy."

Fernando Cordova, K-M's quarterback, ran for 116 yards on eight attempts and completed 7 of 16 passes for 65 yards. Cordova had a 70-yard touchdown run. Moore finished with six catches for 53 yards to lead the Royals' receiving corps.

Junior running back Johnny Haynes led the Ravens with 153 yards on 19 carries. Haynes had two touchdowns with one rushing and one receiving.

Isaac's 3-yard touchdown run pushed the Royals in front 20-13 with 7:47 to go before halftime as Kent-Meridian answered with 13 consecutive points to wipe out a 13-7 deficit. The scoring run capped a six-play, 41-yard drive that spanned 2:15.

After Haynes hauled in a 76-yard touchdown catch from Alexander to make it 20-20 with 6:32 to play in the first half, Kent-Meridian responded with a big play of its own. The Royals forged a 27-20 advantage with 5:43 remaining before halftime on Isaac's 51-yard touchdown sprint around left end.