M-P faces Eastside Catholic in first round of State Playoffs

After routing Bishop Blanchet 48-21 on Nov. 9 in the 3A District Playoffs, the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks head to the first round of the State Playoffs where they will face Eastside Catholic on Nov. 16, at M-P's Quil Ceda Stadium, beginning at 7 p.m.

By Scott Frank • November 15, 2013 3:23 pm
M-P's Killian Page runs through the Bishop Blanchet defense during the Tomahawk's 48-21 victory on Nov. 9.
M-P's Killian Page runs through the Bishop Blanchet defense during the Tomahawk's 48-21 victory on Nov. 9.

MARYSVILLE – After routing Bishop Blanchet 48-21 on Nov. 9 in the 3A District Playoffs, the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks head to the first round of the State Playoffs where they will face Eastside Catholic on Nov. 16, at M-P’s Quil Ceda Stadium, beginning at 7 p.m.

The Tomahawks, who remain undefeated this season with an overall record of 10-0, got off to a quick start against Bishop Blanchet when Deion Stell took the opening kickoff and returned it for a 99-yard touchdown.

“It was a great way to start the game,” said M-P Football Head Coach Brandon Carson. “It really set the tone for the rest of the evening.”

The M-P offense had a trio of running backs combine for five touchdowns. Killian Page had a TD, Stell had two rushing touchdowns, and Austin Joyner had two TDs, including a 93-yard run for a score.

“Offensively, we were able to get to the perimeter with both Austin and Deion,” said Carson. “Jake [Luton] was also very accurate all night.”

Not to be outdone by the special teams and offense, the defense also added to the score when Alex Gray returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown.

“Our defense played very well. They did a good job tackling and rallying to the football,” said Carson. “Alex Gray, Dante Field and Drew Hatch were excellent on defense. Alex had a huge interception for a TD.”

While the high-scoring M-P offense, and solid defense get most of the attention, Carson said his special teams’ play is also important.

“Our special teams have been very good the last three or four games, We have really improved in that area,” said Carson. “It’s a phase of the game where close games can be won or lost.”

Looking forward to Saturday’s first-round playoff game against Eastside Catholic, Carson said EC is a formidable opponent.

“Eastside Catholic is really big upfront, on both sides of the ball. They can do a number of things on offense that can cause some problems,” said Carson. “They’re very effective at running the ball and have been really successful at throwing, also. Defensively, they at going to come at you from all angles.”