Vikings rough up Olympic

The energy pushing the North Kitsap Vikings Friday night was enough to move a city bus; it was enough to spark a 50-point bang sending off the 21 North seniors in style.

North’s homecoming night packed in a full house of vigor that all seemed to derive from the beat of the pep-band bass drum. On the field, NK’s sound defense prevented Olympic’s attempts at breaking the momentum. The Trojans were rallying behind first-time starting quarterback Erik Gratz.

The Vikings scored eight touchdowns, virtually every way possible, with eight different players. The ground game was North’s strong suit; they ended with 333 yards on 49 tries. The Trojans managed only 87 yards rushing.

Jerrell Smith ran in the initial touchdown of the game early in the first quarter, setting in motion the blow-out to follow.

The Vikings started the second quarter with a pitch to Jamaal Smith that went for a first down into Oly territory. Then a double reverse sent Smith into the red-zone; James Smith capped the drive off with a 9-yard touchdown. Greg Ottele’s point-after sailed through, quickly the score was 14-0 North.

The Olympic sideline was bummed, quiet to say the least, as NK chomped away at the field relentlessly. On the defensive side of things the Vikings were nearly as solid as granite, allowing the Trojans only 113 total yards of offense. Six or seven purple shirts pursued the ball regularly.

The game reel rolled highlight after highlight for the Vikes. Sam Harris ended the first Trojan drive of the second quarter with a sack, then NK pushed the ball down for Ray Spears to sweep in the third touchdown. On a following Olympic attempt Bubby Ditmer ended their possession with a leaping interception. At the end of the first half, NK led 21-0.

Jerrell Smith started the half by putting on a tough-running exhibition, he ended the game with 60 yards on 11 carries. He carried the Vikings to the 13-yard-line, knocking at the door of another score. Paul Stock lofted 6 points into the hands of Jeff Ottele at the rim of the end-zone to cap the first drive of the half. Extra point good, 28-0 North.

Olympic could not get anything rolling. The run game proved ineffective; Jeff Boice rushed for 52 yards on 7 carries, Rashad Greene chipped in 35 more yards. But the Trojans were left hoping for a break. Searching for a big play, Gratz threw his second interception of the game into the hands of Ditmer. North’s second-string offense took over and powered into the end-zone on a fourth and two plunge by Ryan Anderson, 42-0 North.

A fumble, a touchdown, half a quarter and a missed snap later, Sean Campbell recovered the ball in the end-zone to break the 50 mark for NK. Another successful point-after, and the Viking offense rested, 56-0.

The Trojans were outplayed according to coach Eric Allen. “It was the first game all year that our kids gave up,” Allen said.

The last game of the regular season is against Port Angeles Oct. 28.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.