Two fumbles by Mount Si highlighted the team’s frustrating Thursday night against Mercer Island. The Islanders recovered two key fumbles in the first half that could have shifted the momentum. Instead, they routed the Wildcats 42-14 in the 3A/2A KingCo Conference contest at Mercer Island High School.
The first fumble ended a strong Mount Si drive that put them only a few yards away from scoring, and tying the game 7-7 in the first quarter. Wildcats running back Connor Deutsch looked to have found a hole through the Islanders’ defensive line when linebacker Sam Porter stripped the ball from him on Mercer Island’s 9 yard line. The Islanders recovered and held onto their slim lead.
The second fumble came in the second quarter deep in Wildcats territory. The Islanders recovered again, and Mercer Island quarterback Jeff Lindquist threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Zach Bucklin to make it 14-0.
Despite the shifts in momentum, the Wildcats didn’t let go. But they struggled to put strong drives together after the first half, which ended with the score 14-7.
Mount Si’s defense couldn’t contain Lindquist, who has committed to play for the University of Washington. UW coach Steve Sarkisian was on hand to watch the quarterback who can run and throw.
Mount Si quarterback Ryan Atkinson showed off his aerial skills, connecting on two touchdown passes. The first was a 30-yard bomb to junior Keenan McVein. For the second, Atkinson threw a 15-yard pass to junior Jimbo Davis.
On the ground, Connor Deustch led the Wildcats, collecting 118 yards rushing on 23 carries.
Mount Si was playing without sophomore Carson Breshears, who has a hairline fracture in his ankle. Breshears, who plays at wide receiver and as a defensive back, said he could be back in times for playoffs.
With three KingCo teams advancing to the postseason, the Wildcats (3-1 league, 4-2 overall) should be able to return to the playoffs this season so long as they win two of their three remaining conference games. They play – in order – Juanita, Bellevue and Sammamish. Mount Si should be able to handle Juanita and Sammamish.
Before the loss to Mercer Island, the Wildcats had won four straight games.
Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246, or [email protected].
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