Pass defense helps Kamiak stop Oak Harbor

By BRADEY DAY

Herald Writer

OAK HARBOR – The Kamiak Knights took advantage of three pass interceptions and offense that did enough to win Thursday night, beating Oak Harbor 24-14 in a Western Conference 4A game at Memorial Stadium.

Kamiak will host a bi-district playoff game on Tuesday at Goddard Stadium at 7 p.m.

The Knights were led defensively by an unlikely hero, senior Matt Brady, who was starting in his first game in place of the injured Mike Boyle.

“I was about as nervous as I ever been,” Brady said.

Brady, a 5-foot, 7-inch, 170-pound safety, intercepted two Oak Harbor passes, both stopping key drives that would have put the Wildcats within striking distance of the Kamiak.

“I am just so proud of Matt Brady,” Kamiak coach Dan Mack said, “He did a great job filling in and made some key plays.”

Despite crucial turnovers, the Knights offense broke out in the second half to finish the Wildcats, who finished with a record of 2-6 in league and 2-7 overall.

“Our offense moved the ball against a good defense tonight,” Mack said.

While they moved the ball, the Knights were in Oak Harbor territory three times and turned the ball over each time.

“To come here to Oak Harbor and win a game, that is something that is tough to do,” Mack said.

The Knights put the game out of reach in the third quarter when senior Ryan Jones found tight end Scott Haight on a 51-yard pass play. The pass set up Justin Washington’s second touchdown of the game, a 6-yard run that gave the Knight an 18-8 lead and all but ended the Wildcats upset bid.

If not for the turnovers, the Knights could have been in trouble in the first half.

“Our defense made the big plays that we needed to,” Brady said.

After a Reid Wilson 3-yard touchdown run for Kamiak, Oak Harbor came back to make the score 24-14 with four minutes and 40 seconds remaining in the game. The Wildcats were not able to recover the onside kick and Kamiak stifled any chance of a comeback.

Wilson led the Knights in rushing with 109 yards on 15 carries. Oak Harbor’s Tony Hall was held to just 16 yards on six carries.

“I am really proud of this team,” Mack said, “they gave a great effort and took a lot of concentration to win this game. They deserve to host a playoff game.”

Oak Harbor freshman Adam Diaz showed something for the future for the Wildcats as he intercepted two Kamiak passes.