Last Season's Leaders Finally Finding Footing in Pacific North
Pacific Northwest Men’s Division II
Last year’s D2 champions, Eastside Tsunami, defended their title on the road against cross-town rivals, Portland Pigs. The pigs are showing a more unified and stronger team this year and eagerly welcomed the hard charging Tsunami. With wave after waves of attack, Eastside scored 21 unanswered points before Portland took advantage of a yellow card, with a halftime score of 14-21. Eastside and Portland exchanged tries in the second half before Portland pulled ahead 31-28 with 10 minutes left in the game. Portland was weakened by a yellow card late and the Tsunami would wash away the lead 31-42 with 5 minutes left. Portland dug in their heels and scored again, but the push was too little-too late as Eastside prevailed 38-42. Boise United found themselves in a physical game in Tacoma as the both teams put up solid defense and structured offense. The Nomads put up some late 1st half points as the game was sitting, slightly, in Boise’s favor 15-10 heading into the break. With both teams vying for the victory, it was Boise who capitalized on Tacoma mistakes and ran to a 10-41 victory.
Pacific Northwest Women’s Division II
Chuckanut Bay Geoducks made the long road trip to face Eugene Reign, shaking off any road lag by putting up 19 unanswered points quickly through the first half. Eugene fought back with 2 tries to make it 10-19 at the half. Eugene kept that momentum going through halftime, coming out and bringing the score to within 2 points, making it anyone’s game. The waning moments of the game showed Chuckanut’s Randi Donahue capping off her hat trick and Aimee Fischer added to her 14 point individual day as Eugene couldn’t hold the reign in a 22-34 loss. Boise United made their way to Tac-Town and had a hard time handling the physicality of the Sirens’ offense. Tacoma had a comfortable 19-0 lead at the half, and put up 24 before Boise made it to the board. The Sirens screamed to a 49-12 victory with two final minute team tries.
Pacific Northwest Men’s Division III/Division IV
Battleground Bulls hosted Seattle Quake with both teams needing to make an early season statement. Battlegorund needing their first win, and Seattle needing to stay undefeated. The lead was exchanged a couple times before becoming tied at 24-all through to the half. The second half proved to belong to the Quake, as they shook their way to a 24-36 win, remaining undefeated.
