Can the last remaining Western Conference 4A football team survive?
After Marysville-Pilchuck's loss at Auburn on Friday night, fourth-ranked Jackson (10-0) is the only Wesco 4A squad still alive. Tonight Jackson has a big test in its first-round state playoff clash against Issaquah (7-3) here at Everett Memorial Stadium.
Issaquah's record isn't intimidating, but the Eagles reached the state title game last year and have star running back Grant Gellatly, who rushed for 150 yards and five TDs last week.
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6:51 p.m.
I talked to Jackson coach Joel Vincent about 20 minutes ago. He said Jackson must find a way to bottle up Gellatly, Issaquah's star back.
On offense, Jackson will play without two of its starting linemen: Left tackle A.J. Coppage (knee) is out for the season after tearing his ACL last week, and center Walker Evans also has a knee injury.
I recorded a pre-game video interview with coach Vincent. It's taking a long time to upload the video but I will post it in this blog chain asap.
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7:22 p.m.
Score update: Jackson 7, Issaquah 0, 8 minutes to go in first quarter
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7:30 p.m.
Here's my pre-game interview with Jackson coach Joel Vincent.
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7:47 p.m.
Score update: Jackson 14, Issaquah 0, 7 minutes to go in second quarter
Jackson's Doran Lusby had a 24-yard interception return for a TD, and John Wilde caught a 14-yard TD pass from Andy Gay.
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8:03 p.m.
Score update: Jackson 21, Issaquah 7 2:58 to go in second quarter
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8:20 p.m.
Halftime score: Jackson 21, Issaquah 14
Jackson built a 21-0 lead but Issaquah rallied for two TDs in the final 5 minutes of the half. Issaquah already has four turnovers (two lost fumbles, two interceptions).
Halftime stat leaders JACKSON Passing Andy Gay 8 for 18, 109 yards, 1 TD Kyle Olson 1 for 2, 83-yard TD Receiving John Wilde three catches for 119 yards, two TDs Rushing Taylor Mead 27 yards on three carries
ISSAQUAH Passing Ryan Bergman 8 for 18, 117 yards, 1 TD, two INTs Rushing Grant Gellatly 130 yards and 1 TD on 21 carries
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8:53 p.m.
Score update: Issaquah 28, Jackson 21
Issaquah scored two quick TDs in the third quarter. The Eagles have scored 28 consecutive points in a span of 5:34, including the end of the first half.
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9:10 p.m.
Score update: Issaquah 35, Jackson 21 -- End of 3rd quarter
Issaquah has scored 35 straight points. RB Gellatly has rushed for 230 yards and three TDs.
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9:30 p.m.
Score update: Issaquah 41, Jackson 28 with 2:20 to go
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Final score: Issaquah 48, Jackson 28
Jackson's stellar season is over, and the biggest reason is RB Grant Gellatly, who rushed for 253 yards and three touchdowns on 39 carries for unranked Issaquah (8-3). Give credit to Issaquah's linemen, who did a great job throughout the Eagles' streak of 41 consecutive points.
The season is over for Jackson (10-1). That means that all six Wesco 4A playoff teams are finished.
Jackson QB Andy Gay completed 15 of 31 passes (including one TD and one interception) for 151 yards. T-wolves receiver John Wilde made four receptions for 119 yards and two scores.
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