Tumwater Thunderbirds faced off against the Franklin Pierce Cardinals in the 2A State quarterfinals on Saturday at Tumwater District Stadium, where the second-seeded Thunderbirds were expected to encounter a tough challenge from the seventh-seeded Cardinals. However, Tumwater showcased their prowess with a convincing 27-6 victory, securing their place in the state semifinals for the third year in a row.
The Cardinals, known for their explosive offense that averaged nearly 50 points per game, struggled significantly against Tumwater”s well-prepared defense. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Tony Prentice and offensive staffer Pat Johnson, the Thunderbirds devised a strategy to counter Franklin Pierce”s formidable Power-T offensive scheme. Johnson, who previously coached the Power-T offense, effectively prepared the team during practice, enabling them to neutralize the Cardinals” dynamic rushing attack led by Bryson Allen and Ja”mire Ford.
Tumwater”s head coach, William Garrow, credited his coaching staff for their preparation, noting their ability to adapt defensive formations and movements to stifle the Cardinals” offense. “Our defensive coaches had a really good plan dialed in. We”re not very big up front, and so they mixed fronts,” Garrow remarked. The Thunderbirds held Franklin Pierce to just six points, marking the Cardinals” lowest scoring output in over two years, while allowing only 161 total yards of offense.
Despite the loss of senior running back Peyton Davis due to a left hamstring injury late in the first half, Tumwater”s ground game thrived with 255 rushing yards. The Thunderbirds took the lead early, with quarterback Jaxon Budd connecting with tight end Evan Baxter for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Although Franklin Pierce managed to score just before halftime with a 25-yard touchdown catch from Adam Cook, the Thunderbirds maintained control throughout the game.
In the second half, Tumwater extended their lead with a touchdown run by Blake Heryford. The Thunderbirds continued to dominate, culminating in another touchdown by Tyler Briscoe in the fourth quarter. A late interception by junior defensive back Ethan Bello sealed the victory, emphasizing the defense”s strong performance. “They had a chance to score, and we stopped them. That really put a dagger in it,” Bello stated.
Briscoe led Tumwater with 80 rushing yards and two touchdowns, followed closely by Heryford with 79 yards and a touchdown. Garrow praised the depth of his roster and the “next man up” mentality that has become vital for the Thunderbirds” success. As they look ahead to the state semifinals against East Valley (Yakima) on November 29, Garrow expressed his desire to continue the momentum. “We just wanted to play another week. I don”t care if we win by one or we win by 50. We just want to get another week together with our kids and maintain the standard that Tumwater football has set,” he added.
