Cascade celebrates ‘special’ moment with win Kamiak

EVERETT — For a Cascade football program coming off two consecutive winless seasons, winning five games a year ago seemed like a big accomplishment.

But what the Bruins are doing this season is even bigger.

Cascade got its seventh victory in eight games by beating visiting Kamiak 28-14 on Friday night, an outcome that clinched the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference South heading into next week’s Wesco crossover game.

Even better, the Bruins clinched a spot in the quad-district playoffs in two weeks.

For Cascade senior Kaleb Dobson, a wide receiver and defensive back, reaching the playoffs “is really special,” he said. “We’ve never accomplished something like this before, so we’re pretty excited about it.”

For fellow senior K.J. Brady, also a wide receiver and defensive back, his first two high school seasons “were rough when we were 0-20. But once the (new) coaches came last year, everything changed. We went 5-5 and you could feel the momentum building, and then this year we just kept it going.

“It’s been a great ride,” Brady added, “and I’m loving every second of it.”

“After losing all the games my freshman year and all the games my sophomore year, I thought I was going to go all through high school without a win,” said Randin Crecelius, a senior lineman. “And coming off those two years, I never would’ve thought we’d be here at this point.”

The Bruins next face Monroe, the Wesco North No. 2, in a game that will determine their opponent in the quad-district playoffs.

“We talk about the playoffs, but not a lot of these guys know what that means,” Cascade coach Joe Cronin said. “In football these guys haven’t been to the playoffs, and a lot of them haven’t experienced that in other sports, either. So for them it’s a whole new experience.”

Against Kamiak, the Bruins started quickly with touchdowns on their first two offensive possessions. The Knights got a TD of their own late in the second period, but Cascade answered promptly with a long kickoff return and a seven-play, 53-yard march for a touchdown with 37 seconds to play before halftime. The score came on a strike from quarterback Josh Smith to Dobson on a deep crossing route.

In the second half, the Bruins suffered turnovers on their first three possessions, and Kamiak turned one into a touchdown to pull within 21-14.

Cascade’s defense, which was stout much of the night, came up with one of the game’s biggest plays with about five minutes remaining. With Kamiak moving toward a possible tying touchdown, the Bruins forced a fumble and recovered to set up a five-play, 63-yard scoring drive for the game-clinching TD with 2:13 to play.

“I thought the kids played hard,” Cronin said. “Their effort was awesome. And even when they made mistakes, they bounced back.”

Cascade finished with a 380-192 edge in total offense, with Smith completing 10 of 14 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, and carrying 11 times for 59 yards. Running back Malik Rackliff had 14 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown, while Dobson had four receptions for 101 yards and scored a touchdown on a 27-yard, end-around reverse.

“We’ve been really banged up the last three or four weeks,” Cronin said, “but if we get healthy I like our chances. These are great kids, they work hard and their fun to coach.”

Kamiak, meanwhile, advances to a Wesco crossover game against Arlington, the No. 3 team from the North.

Friday’s outcome “is disappointing,” Knights coach Dan Mack said, “but we have to go back to work and get ready for next week. ? Both teams fought hard and we just came out on the short end.”

At Everett Memorial Stadium

Kamiak 0 7 7 0 — 14

Cascade 7 14 0 7 — 28

Cascade—Kendrick 6 pass from Smith (Bowlden kick)

Cascade—Elliot 1 run (Bowlden kick)

Kamiak—Binda 15 run (Menghini kick)

Cascade—Dobson 19 pass from Smith (Bowlden kick)

Kamiak—Webley 4 pass from Becker (Menghini kick)

Cascade—Rackliff 4 run (Bowlden kick)

Records—Kamiak 3-2 league, 5-3 overall. Cascade 4-1, 7-1.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.