The North Thurston football team had no answer for the Lakes Lancers Thursday night in a 42-0 loss at South Sound Stadium.
The Rams recorded just one first down on offense and 15 total yards of offense (8 rushing, 7 passing), and they turned the ball over twice. Lakes led 23-0 after halftime and added 19 points in the second half.
Contrary to last week’s 40-7 loss to Rogers, North Thurston’s defense didn’t allow a handful of explosive plays, but the lack of offensive production kept the defense on the field all night. Quarterback Nicholas Nutu did not play due to a shoulder injury.
“We couldn’t generate offense. Defensively, I thought we played pretty well. I think they got two long punt returns that put them in good field position,” North Thurston head coach Deon Toliver said. “[Lakes] played smarter and had the better team. The one thing I can say about my guys is that they fought to the end, and they showed heart for sure.”
Toa Tunai rushed for 21 yards on 14 carries, and he shined on defense against one of the most powerful offenses in the Puget Sound League. Toliver said Tunai chased down a long run in the final minute of the game when the victor was already decided. The Rams’ head coach also highlighted the play of Colton Ranes and Benjamin Vazquez on defense.
North Thurston (1-3, 0-1 Puget Sound League) will face arch rival Timberline (3-0) Friday, Oct. 2 at South Sound Stadium.
