L. Stevens keeps Div-I back from doing big damage

Herald staff

No, the Lake Stevens football team did not stop David Kirtman Friday in the Vikings’ 21-17 victory over Mercer Island.

The USC-bound senior gained 132 yards on 23 carries, but Lake Stevens did not let the big, fast running back beat them. Though it often looked like Kirtman was going to break a big one at any time, his longest run was 17 yards, and he averaged just 5.7 yards per rush. Lake Stevens coach Ken Collins is glad the Vikings are done with the 6-foot, 210-pounder.

“Number 24 (Kirtman) scares the living daylights out of me,” Collins said. “I never want to see him again.”

  • Getting offensive: Much of the reason for keeping Kirtman in check was the play of Lake Stevens’ offensive line. The Vikings offense used long drives to keep the ball out of the hands of the dangerous Mercer Island offense. The big Vikings up front, including Shaun Sheddy, Chris LaPlante, Jeff Jacobs and Lance Barton, led three drives of 11 plays and three more of eight plays. The shortest possession was one play, which was a fumbled recovered by the Islanders.

    “Our game plan was to keep the ball in our offense’s hands and keep it out of theirs,” Collins said. “They are a tremendous offensive football team.”

    The line allowed quarterback Nolan Perkl time enough to complete 17 of 24 passes for 252 yards.

    “I love my line,” Perkl said. “They did a great job.”

    Talk to us

    > Give us your news tips.

    > Send us a letter to the editor.

    > More Herald contact information.

  • More in Sports

    A Snohomish School District truck clears the parking lot at Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
    Inclement weather cancellations strain high school sports calendar

    With state tournaments on the horizon, ADs from Wesco, Northwest and Kingco must be flexible

    Former Archbishop Murphy High School stars, Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) and Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), prepare for play at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 26, 2024. Though Lucas is likely to return as a starter, Seattle's interior line needs offseason upgrades. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
    The Seahawks offensive line needs work

    A mix free agency and draft could lead to upgraded interior.

    UW men stumble in second half, fall to Nebraska

    The three-pointers that fell so frequently — and from a… Continue reading

    Edmonds-Woodway’s William Alseth dribbles the ball down the court during the game against Shorewood on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Edmonds-Woodway boys basketball enters playoffs on high note

    The Warriors never let up in 63-43 win vs. Shorewood on Tuesday to secure Wesco South 3A/2A title

    Prep basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4

    Parker powers Seagulls to district berth.

    Kraken rally to force overtime, fall in shootout

    Streaking Red Wings too much for young Kraken lineup that showed some promise.

    Slivertips’ Clarke Schaefer tries to maneuver around Medicine Hat’s Josh Van Mulligen during the game on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Tips Week in Review: Everett splits slate in high-scoring week

    The Silvertips were outscored 24-18 in four games this week, losing two to the next-best WHL teams

    Everett Silvertips’ Landon DuPont during the game against the Medicine Hat Tigers on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Tips’ DuPont becomes first rookie D to score 50 points in 35 years

    The 15-year-old star defenseman joined Scott Niedermayer in exclusive company with an assist Sunday.

    Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto believes players like Jorge Polanco (7) will enjoy bounceback seasons in 2025. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
    Despite quiet Mariners offseason, Jerry Dipoto confident

    With the pre-spring training luncheon and news conference no longer an annual… Continue reading

    Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Jan. 26-Feb. 1

    The Athlete of the Week nominees for Jan. 26-Feb. 1. Voting closes… Continue reading

    Monroe’s Halle Keller drives to the hoop during the game against Snohomish on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Prep basketball roundup for Monday, Feb. 3

    Stanwood, Snohomish, Monroe girls dominate.

    Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak adds to staff

    New play-caller for Seattle’s offense brings in familiarity from Saints.

    Support local journalism

    If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.