Darrington sneaks away with 21-10 win
By KEVIN ENDEJAN
Sports editor
Big offensive plays have eluded the Coupeville football team all season.
So when running back J.J. Marti scampered for a 69-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter of Friday’s Homecoming game against Darrington, CHS head coach Ron Bagby thought his team’s fortune had finally changed.
Not the case.
Marti’s score, that would have put Coupeville up by a field goal with 8:50 remaining in the game, was brought back due to a holding call at the line of scrimmage.
“You hate to say it came down to one play because it shouldn’t come down to one play, but I’ll tell you what, it did, it came down to one play,” Bagby said. “That turned the game around.”
Darrington used the momentum swing to its advantage, forcing Coupeville to fumble six plays after the penalty. The Loggers sealed the game on their ensuing drive, scoring on a 21-yard run from Stefan Diezeg with 2:09 left in the contest. The Darrington touchdown marked the final score and left the Wolves with a disappointing 21-10 Homecoming defeat.
“This is a game that we could have won,” a frustrated Bagby said.
After allowing Darrington to score on a short run on its first drive of the first quarter, Coupeville responded nicely. The Wolves held the Loggers scoreless over the next three quarters behind an aggressive defense.
“The defensive line and outside linebackers really stayed home and made sure they didn’t get any long runs, or long passes,” senior linebacker Andrew Mouw said.
The Wolfpack offense found a groove in the second quarter, putting up 132 yards and two scores.They only gained 119 yards combined over the other three quarters.
Coupeville knotted the game, 7-7, at the 3:18 mark of the second quarter when quarterback Mike Bagby connected with wide receiver Blake Day for a 21-yard strike.
After forcing the Loggers to punt on their next possession, the Wolves’ offense continued to move the ball with ease. Starting at the Darrington 40 with 1:26 left in the half, CHS successfully drove down to the Logger 1-yard line. Mouw then nailed an 18-yard field goal with 4 seconds left, providing Coupeville a 10-7 lead going into the locker room.
The score remained the same until Darrington quarterback Kris Reece put the Loggers ahead on a 10-yard run at the 9:21 mark of the fourth quarter.
Coupeville senior linebacker Andrew Moon led the defense with 18 unassisted tackles.
Marti paved the way offensively, rushing 13 times for 78 yards.
Now 1-4 in league and 2-6 overall, the Wolves prepare to host Cedar Park Christian (1-4, 3-5) at 7 p.m., this Friday, Oct. 29 in the final home game of the season.
“We’re going to finish our season strong,” Mouw said. “We’re going to do whatever it takes.”
The Wolves close out their season at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4 at La Conner.
Darrington 21, Coupeville 10
Darrington 7 0 0 14—21
Coupeville 0 10 0 0—10
Scoring—Darrington: Dolph 2 yard run (Diezig kick). Coupeville: Day 21 yard pass from Bagby (Mouw kick). Coupeville: Mouw 18 yard kick. Darrington: Reece 12 yard run (Diezig kick). Darrington: Diezig 21 yard run (Diezig kick).
