Turnovers cost Gig Harbor in 28-21 loss to South Kitsap

Senior throws for 257 yards, but it’s not enough to stop Wolves’ attack

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

Turnovers usually come back to bite you.

And that’s been a recent trend for the Gig Harbor Tides during their first two football games of the season.

The Tides (0-2 overall Class 4A Narrows League) were looking to rebound from a loss to No. 7 Olympia, but they turned the ball over four times against the South Kitsap Wolves — two of which were converted into touchdowns — during a 28-21 loss last Friday at Roy Anderson Field.

In two games this season, the Tides have nine turnovers — more than last year’s entire nine-game season.

“When you do that, you put yourself in a hole,” Gig Harbor head coach Darren McKay said. “Our problem is we need to quit turning the ball over.”

On Gig Harbor’s final drive, which could’ve tied the game, Tides senior quarterback Barrett Schmitdke threw his second interception with 2:43 remaining in the fourth quarter.

With the clock a critical factor, the Tides weren’t able to contain South Kitsap on a third and short. Wolves quarterback Gordy Anderson, who had a lethal night through the air, threw a key 19-yard pass to running back Chris Nenninger to seal the game.

After Gig Harbor cut the lead to seven points in the fourth quarter, its defense stopped South Kitsap and forced a punt.

It appeared as though the Tides had the momentum, because they marched down the field and converted on a 2-yard plunge during the previous possession with 6:13 remaining in the game.

Early on, both teams displayed their firepower. South Kitsap scored 14 straight points, then Gig Harbor put up back-to-back touchdowns.

Tides junior slot receiver Troy Castle played a big part of the aerial attack, catching two passes on one series for 67 yards, which put Gig Harbor on the board.

After a South Kitsap punt, Tides junior tight end/wide receiver Austin Seferian-Jenkins caught a 23-yard fade to tie the game 14-14.

Schmidtke had an efficient first half, going 5-for-6 for 174 yards and two touchdowns.

South Kitsap might have felt the lead slipping away, especially after a missed 38-yard field goal to end the first half.

But Gig Harbor committed its second turnover on the first play from scrimmage to start the third quarter when a handoff was mishandled in the backfield and the Wolves recovered.

It took the wind out of Gig Harbor’s sail.

On the next play, the Wolves went to the air. Anderson connected on a 43-yard play-action pass to Leon LaDeaux, his most targeted wide receiver.

LaDeaux, a 6-foot-2 senior, who also made a couple of defensive plays against Seferian-Jenkins in the end zone, caught eight passes for 188 yards and two scores. His final catch was a 50-yard bomb with 9:57 remaining in the game and gave the Wolves a 28-14 advantage.

The Wolves exploited Gig Harbor’s inexperienced secondary. Anderson finished 15-for-20 for 295 yards and three touchdowns.

Schmidtke totaled 257 yards and threw two touchdowns.

The Tides, who committed four turnovers, will have to erase the miscues on Thursday when they play the Central Kitsap Cougars.

Central Kitsap beat Bellarmine Prep 42-14 last week.

Peninsula falls to Lakes, 42-14

The No. 2 Lakes Lancers (2-0 Class 3A South Puget Sound League) outscored the Peninsula Seahawks 28-7 in the second half to pull away last Friday at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood.

The Lancers’ offense spread the wealth to four different players on scoring drives in the first half. Willis Wilson rushed for 115 yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns.

While Peninsula was effective in moving the ball against Sumner in Week 1, the Seahawks struggled against Lakes. They were held to 254 yards of total offense and less than 75 rushing.

Peninsula senior quarterback JR Grosshans finished 10-for-22 passing for 150 yards and an interception.

Although the Seahawks’ running back duo of Darrian Creamer and Al Rasmussen both had a touchdown, they were limited to 36 yards.

Peninsula will host Auburn Mountainview at 7 p.m. Friday at Roy Anderson Field.

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.