Meadowdale dominates Lakes

LYNNWOOD — With three straight losses to close the regular season, Meadowdale’s football team hardly looked like a playoff contender.

The Mavericks sure look like one now.

A week after snapping the losing streak with a quad-district playoff win against Timberline, Meadowdale opened the state playoffs on Friday night with a resounding 24-0 victory over Lakes at Edmonds District Stadium. The Mavericks took advantage of two turnovers and a short punt to score 17 first-quarter points, and then used another turnover to set up a second-period touchdown for a lead that stood up through a scoreless second half.

With the victory, Meadowdale advances to the state quarterfinals and a road game next week against the winner of tonight’s Marysville Pilchuck-Eastside Catholic game.

Even after consecutive defeats against Eastlake, Glacier Peak and Oak Harbor, “we knew we could (bounce back),” said first-year Mavericks head coach Mike Don. “We weren’t playing our best football, we were playing some really good teams, and we lost three in a row.

“But our kids really regrouped and rallied,” he said. “They decided, ‘You know what, we’re a better football team than this. We can do better. We can make a run.’ And we’ve been able to do that.”

This will be only the fifth trip to the quarterfinals for a Meadowdale football team, “so it’s a real big accomplishment for our kids,” Don said.

The Mavericks used an early interception from defensive back Josiah Evans to set up a 34-yard field goal by place-kicker Brett Schafer. Minutes later the Mavericks had the ball again, this time after defensive lineman Marzel Simmons recovered a Lakes fumble.

Beginning a drive from the Lancers 49, Meadowdale reached the end zone in six plays with running back Malik Braxton gaining the final yard, one play after he dashed 28 yards to the Lakes 1.

A short Lancers punt gave the Mavericks terrific field position a third time, and this possession covered 24 yards in six plays with quarterback Jeremiah Evans sneaking for the final yard with 22 seconds to play in the first quarter.

An interception by linebacker Jimmie Bruders midway through the second period set up Meadowdale’s final touchdown. Beginning from their 46, the Mavericks used 12 plays to score, with Jeremiah Evans passing 14 yards to tight end Charlie White, who made a dandy leaping reception in the end zone with five seconds left before halftime.

Meadowdale’s defense helped preserve the shutout by getting two more turnovers in the second half _ an interception and a recovered fumble _ giving the Mavericks five for the game.

Lakes was certainly hurt by the loss of starting quarterback Nick Webster, who scrambled 46 yards in the first quarter before getting pushed out of bounds. Webster ended up hurting his left knee on the play and did not return.

The Mavericks also played most of the game without one of their top players. Braxton had eight carries for 60 yards in the first half, but did not play in the second half because of the flu, which caused him to miss school on Thursday.

“He tried to battle through it, but he just couldn’t do it,” Don said. “He was throwing up on the sideline.”

In his place, the Mavericks turned to Rory Spillum, who gained 117 yards on 34 carries. He had 88 yards on his final 13 attempts.

“I feel good,” Spillum said. “I feel like I played better in the second half than I did in the first half. And (the offensive line) really stepped up and made some good holes out there.”

Regardless of who the Mavericks face next week, Don expects a tough battle. “It never gets easier the farther you go in the playoffs,” he pointed out. “There’s a reason those teams are still playing.

“But you know what, we’re one of the top eight teams in 3A and we’re still playing. And if we can continue to run the ball the way we are, and if we continue to play defense and create turnovers, I like our odds.”

At Edmonds Stadium

Lakes 0 0 0 0 — 0

Meadowdale 17 7 0 0 — 24

M—Schafer 34 FG

M—Braxton 1 run (Schafer kick)

M—Jeremiah Evans 1 run (Schafer kick)

M—White 14 pass from Jeremiah Evans (Schafer kick)

Records—Lakes is 4-7, Meadowdale is 7-4

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

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.

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.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

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

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.