Led by standout running back Jeremiah “JB” Burroughs, Eastside Catholic overcame a gritty first half to eventually hang a 40-14 win on its 4AM neighbors, the Eastlake Wolves, last Friday night on the Plateau.
Both coming off matching 3A and 4A state semifinal losses last year, the Crusaders and Wolves both looked to reload in the offseason and start the new campaign with hopes of a state championship. While the game itself was non-conference, a win would both serve as a notice to Washington as well as boost the team’s profile for rankings.
With 24 carries, 195 rush yards run, and 2 touchdowns on the night, Burroughs notched a pair of touchdowns on either side of halftime to log an impressive first game of the season. The senior running back displayed a great balance of speed and power, as he worked the edge for chunk gains but was also unafraid to get between the tackles and initiate contact with defenders. With Burroughs in the backfield, EC’s offense has more freedom with opposing defense needing to respect the rush attack.
The Crusaders put the game on ice in the second half when defensive end Cody Thumlert earned a safety before Nick Jones scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession for a 9-0 swing to put the game out of reach for the Wolves.
While the Wolves jumped out to an early lead in the 1st quarter, it was quickly answered by EC’s Asa Thompson, who housed the following kickoff to bring the score level at 7-7. The Crusaders logged points in all three phases of the game, and that was to sit well with the EC coaching staff.
Things took a turn from bad to worse though for the Wolves as the Eastlake QB Landon Renfroe was knocked out of the game after taking a hard hit. Renfroe was already nursing an injury coming into the game, and the severity of this injury remains to be seen.
Next week Eastside Catholic will be facing against Bishop Blanchet, who the Crusaders beat last year 55-0. Can the Bears rebound and give the visitors a run for their money?
