Lake Stevens clinches Wesco North crown

Published 11:32 pm Friday, October 21, 2011

STANWOOD — Lake Stevens quarterback Jake Nelson connected with wide receiver Christian Gasca for four touchdowns, and the pair led the Vikings to a 47-0 victory over Stanwood at Stanwood high school on Friday night to secure the team’s first-place finish in Wesco North.

Prior to the start of the season, Lake Stevens head coach Tom Tri said he was “cautiously optimistic” about his team’s chances at winning the North division.

“We knew we had to go through Arlington, and after we beat them, we’ve played well every game since,” he added.

The senior quarterback Nelson was 11-for-16, passing for 373 yards and five touchdowns and running for a 14-yard score. Gasca finished with five catches for 186 yards and four TDs.

The Vikings’ first drive ended in a punt, but they followed with three consecutive scoring drives en route to a 27-0 first half.

But it wasn’t all offense for the undefeated Vikings. The defense stepped up with two interceptions, by Paul Labreche and Conner Coleman, and a fumble recovery.

“Our defense played outstanding tonight, said Tri. “We held them to five first downs, had a couple turnovers.”

Next up for Lake Stevens is a meeting with Edmonds-Woodway in Friday’s Wesco Championship.

“We’re happy to get out healthy and with a chance to go play Edmonds-Woodway,” said Tri.

At Stanwood H.S.

Lake Stevens 14 13 13 7 — 47

Stanwood 0 0 0 0 — 0

S–Gasca 38 pass from Nelson (Sellers kick)

S–Gasca 37 pass from Nelson (Sellers kick)

S–Giddens 62 pass from Nelson (Sellers kick)

S–Christian 39 pass from Nelson (kick failed)

S–Gasca 65 pass from Nelson (kick failed)

S–Nelson 14 run (Sellers kick)

S–Barry 1 run (Sellers kick)

Records–Lake Stevens 5-0 league, 8-0 overall. Stanwood 0-5, 0-8.