Quarterback controversy at Kentwood?
Not quite. But the traditionally run-first Kentwood High football team showed off a new facet of its offense Thursday night. Behind big games from quarterbacks Tristan Askew and Shane Green, the Conquerors turned back Central Kitsap 39-27 in a nonleague thriller at French Field.
Tied 27-27 with less than a minute remaining in regulation, Green, who took the bulk of the snaps Thursday night despite not starting, found Allain Songco over the middle for a 48-yard touchdown that sealed the win for the Conquerors.
Of course, Green would not have been able to make that play without Askew, who threw for one touchdown in the win – an 80-yard strike to Songco on KW’s first play from scrimmage – and ran for two more.
Quarterback controversy?
“It’s just a good rivalry,” said Green, who completed 7 of 10 passes for 78 yards, including the game-winning touchdown. “Tristan and I are good friends. We’re trying to better one another. We’re still in a battle, but we enjoy it.”
Askew, who also is one of the South Puget Sound League North Division’s top defensive backs, agreed.
“We’re just switching off at different series,” said Askew, who completed just the one pass, but also ran for touchdowns on 72- and 2-yards. “It’s working because I get my breaks (for defense and special teams) and he gets his time, too.
“It just works out perfectly.”
Songco was the ultimate beneficiary of Kentwood’s multi-dimensional quarterback situation. The speedy senior pulled in 4 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown on a reverse in the fourth quarter, a 48-yard strike to Mike Roy that gave Kentwood a momentary 27-19 lead with just minutes remaining.
Songco, however, saved his biggest reception for last, pulling in the long pass from Green to win the game. The catch came a quarter after Songco had dropped a sure touchdown in the corner of the end zone.
“I just had to flush (the drop),” he said. “Everyone was telling me I was going to get another (touchdown catch) … when they called the play I was like, ‘I got to catch it.’”
Kentwood linebacker Zach Corpuz returned a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown with one second remaining on the clock to account for the Conks’ final score.
It was the perfect finish to a season opener that was less than perfect for Kentwood, which managed to overcome five turnovers and some costly penalties on special teams. The turnovers put considerable pressure on the Kentwood defense, which proved to be up to the task. Central Kitsap managed just seven first downs and 199 total yards of offense. Of those 199 yards, 85 came on a touchdown run by Devin Dozier on the first play of the third quarter, giving the Cougars a 19-13 advantage. In addition, the Kentwood defense sacked Central Kitsap quarterback Brett McDonald three times and forced him to hurry several passes.
But in a game full of big plays, the Conquerors struck back after Dozier’s touchdown run as Askew followed with a 72-yard touchdown of his own. The Kentwood junior finished the night with 172 yards of total offense – 80 in the air and 92 on the ground.
Leaning on the passing game is not a trait of Kentwood teams. However, with both Joseph Banks and Ronnie Flowers – the team’s top two running backs – out all season with knee injuries, it’s the hand the Conquerors have been dealt.
As for continuing to alternate snaps at quarterback, Kentwood coach Rex Norris said it isn’t likely to end any time soon.
“You keep giving ’em shots,” he said. “I think Tristan runs a completely different style than Shane and, you know, he can score from anywhere.”
Though, Kentwood’s rushing attack did its share on Thursday, grinding out 242 yards on 42 carries.
Kentwood 39, Central Kitsap 37
C. Kitsap 6 6 7 8 — 27
Kentwood 7 0 13 19 — 39
First quarter
KW – Allain Songco 80 pass from Tristan Askew (Matt Bell kick)
CK – Howard McDonald 39 fumble return (kick failed)
Second quarter
CK – Howard McDonald 2 run (kick failed)
Third quarter
CK – Devin Dozier 85 run (Francisco Alvarenga kick)
KW – Askew 72 run (kick failed)
KW – Askew 2 run (Matt Bell kick)
Fourth quarter
KW – Mike Roy 25 pass from Allain Songco (Matt Bell kick)
CK – Devin Dozier 6 run (Preston Nelson pass from McDonald)
KW – Songco 48 pass from Shane Green (kick failed)
KW – Zach Corpuz 26 fumble return (none)
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