SPSL 4A | Kentlake puts stop to Kentridge

KENT — Taylor Angevine is eager to make up for lost time.

The Kentlake High School senior got off to a fast start Friday night with a heads-up defensive play that proved to be the difference in the Falcons' 7-2 victory over Kentridge at French Field.

Angevine, who said he never really got his confidence back last season after an early injury, scored the only touchdown on a fumble return with 3 ½ minutes left in the opening quarter as Kentlake got an early leg up in the South Puget Sound League 4A North Division.

When Kentridge Alex Manso attempted a lateral pass that fell behind the intended receiver, Angevine scooped up the ball at the Chargers' 18-yard line and raced down the sideline to the end zone.

"I'd been working on the swing pass all week," he said. "The ball basically bounced up right into my hands and I just saw blue [turf in the end zone]."

Angevine also led all rushers with 63 yards on 12 carries.

It is Kentlake's first victory over Kentridge since 2003, the last time the Falcons enjoyed a winning season. They also won their lone SPSL North title that year, finishing 7-1 in the division (9-2 overall) and are 7-30 since.

Kentlake coach Mike Shepard credited defensive coordinator Nick Bartoli for the victory. Both are former Kentridge assistants.

"When I was at Kentridge, the mantra was. 'Find a way to win,' " said Shepard, now in his third season as head coach at Kentlake. "We brought that over here and I guess that's what we did tonight."

Both teams struggled mightily on offense in the first half. Kentridge managed just 10 net yards on 22 carries, while Kentlake ground out 42 yards on 16 tries. Angevine had 56 yards on five carries, but Lewis lost 15. The Falcons also lacked consistency through the air as Lewi Lewis, who missed most of last season with an injury, completed only four of 12 tosses for 48 yards. He was sharper in the second half, connecting on seven of 11 for 66 yards before missing his final three passes.

Monso, a first-year starter who suffered leg cramps in the second half, hit six of 11 for 47 yards in the first half.

Manso connected twice with Jason Didis for nice gains on a promising drive late in the second quarter as the Chargers marched to the Kentlake 24 with just under a minute on the clock. But a low snap in the shotgun formation forced Manso to fall on the ball for a 12-yard loss and Kentridge never recovered. Manso suffered leg cramps in the second half and twice had to go to the sideline. His final pass was intercepted by Mitch Harb, who returned it 14 yards to the 9 with 1:36 to play, allowing Kentlake to run out the clock.

Kentridge got its only points on a safety with 5:07 left in the third quarter. The Falcons were forced to punt from their 16 and the snap went over Dallin Grover's head. He covered it in the end zone.

Sandy Ringer: 206-718-1512 or sringer@seattletimes.com