Tumwater ends Hockinson’s reign atop 2A football

TUMWATER – Minutes after a 55-7 loss to Tumwater on Saturday in the 2A football state semifinals, Hockinson coach Rick Steele had a succinct message.

“When we walk out of the stadium tonight, we’re going to walk out with our chins up,” Steele told his players.

Hockinson, especially this year’s senior class, had accomplished too much to be defined by Saturday’s loss to a top-ranked Tumwater team that has dominated all 13 of its games.

It’s a senior class that, even as sophomores, played a big role in the first of Hockinson’s two state championships.

It’s a senior class that, despite losing its two best players to injury, showed the grit to foster two comeback wins in the state playoffs.

And, it’s a senior class that forged its bond long before entering Hockinson High, and will keep that connection long after it leaves.

“The journey started when I was in fourth grade,” senior tight end Jeremiah Faulstick said. “The reason why we won so early is that we’ve always been playing together. We’ve been a family since we’ve known each other. It’s a bond forever. I’m so grateful for this team.”

Tumwater scored the game’s first 48 points Saturday, another notch in the belt for a team that has outscored its opponents by an average score of 51-8. The Thunderbirds led 48-7 at halftime after forcing four turnovers and outgaining the Hawks 271-120.

Senior defensive back Dakota Souders said Saturday’s Tumwater team was the best Hockinson had faced in the past three seasons.

“That was a really tough team,” he said. “We gave it our all.”

Thought the second half was played under the running-clock mercy rule, Hockinson still played like the game was close. Its starters remained on the field, trying to make a few final memories.

“It was over by halftime and we knew it, but we didn’t stop playing,” Faulstick said. “Everyone wanted to be in on the last play. Everyone wanted to get the last hit.”

Tumwater averaged 9.7 yards per play in the first half, scoring touchdowns on all six drives. Four Hawks turnovers, including a fumble return for a touchdown, allowed the Thunderbirds to score in quick succession.

But there were still highlights to be had for No. 4-seeded Hockinson (11-2). Liam Mallory had a juggling 17-yard touchdown catch from Levi Crum in the final minute of the first half.

But Tumwater, who will face No. 2 seeded Steilacoom next Saturday for the state title, was too fast on offense and too tough on defense.

Turner Allen had two touchdown runs in the first quarter, the second going for 59 yards. Dylan Paine rushed for 198 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries.

Meanwhile, Tumwater’s defense held Hockinson to 139 yards of offense, including just 30 rushing yards. That came one week after holding Archbishop Murphy, the other team to beat Hockinson this season, to just 119 yards.

But Hockinson will head forward with many memories and the pride in never quitting.

“We played every game like it was our last,” Sounders said. “We were never guaranteed to play another game, so we gave it our all every time.”

TUMWATER 55, HOCKINSON 7

Hockinson 0 7 0 0 – 7

Tumwater 14 34 7 0 – 55

First quarter

T – Turner Allen 17 run (Nathan Vani kick)

T – Allen 59 run (Vani kick)

Second quarter

T – Dylan Paine 18 run (kick failed)

T – Danny Goodburn 33 pass from Cody Whalen (Vani kick)

T – Terry 19 pass from Whalen (Vani kick)

T – Terry 3 fumble return (Vani kick)

T – Paine 16 run (Vani kick)

H – Liam Mallory 17 pass from Levi Crum (John Charles kick)

Third quarter

T – Jack Jones 87 kickoff return (Vani kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING – Hockinson: Levi Crum 11-9, Cody Wheeler 4-7, Daniel Thompson 2-10, Chase Roush 1-4. Tumwater: Dylan Paine 14-198, Turner Allen 3-80, Hunter Baker 9-50, Jaylen Clay 3-8, Jack Jones 1-8, Reese Martin 2-5; Cody Whalen 1-(-5).

PASSING – Hockinson: Levi Crum 11-22-2-109. Tumwater: Cody Whalen 6-11-1-91.

RECEIVING – Hockinson: Jeremiah Faulstick 3-34, Liam Mallory 3-24, Makaio Juarez 4-47, Chase Roush 1-4. Tumwater: Danny Goodburn 3-51, Austin Terry 2-26, Turner Allen 1-14.