The Kennedy Catholic Lancers’ remarkable undefeated season came to a close Friday night with a 34-28 loss to the Gonzaga Prep Bullpups in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 4A state football quarterfinals at Highline Memorial Stadium,.
The game saw both teams enter with perfect 11-0 records for the season.
The Lancers’ standout moment may have been in the first quarter, when Dante Saladino returned a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 6-6.
The only time Kennedy led the game was in the second quarter when QB Devon Forehand had a 1-yard rushing TD, and a two-point conversion run by Dante Saladino put the score at 14-13 in the Lancers favor. Sadly, that was quickly erased with a 90-yard Bullpups kick-off return to make the score 20-14 in Gonzaga’s favor.
Despite a strong offensive performance, Kennedy Catholic trailed 27-14 at halftime.
The Lancers mounted a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 34-28, but with neither team able to score in the fourth, they were unable to overcome Gonzaga Prep’s 6-point lead.
Game Highlights
First Quarter:
- Kickoff Return Touchdown: Dante Saladino returned a kickoff 80 yards for a Lancer touchdown, tying the game at 6-6.
Second Quarter:
- Passing Touchdown: QB Devon Forehand completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to #5 Indiana Jones.
- Two-Point Conversion: Kennedy Catholic successfully executed a two-point conversion following the touchdown.
Third Quarter:
- Rushing Touchdown: Running Back Indiana Jones scored on a 5-yard run.
- Passing Touchdown: QB Devon Forehand connected with Dante Saladino for a 20-yard touchdown pass.
The loss marks the end of a stellar season for the Lancers, who dominated the North Puget Sound 4A League with a perfect 7-0 record and outscored opponents 511-98 over the course of the season.
The Lancers’ community expressed strong support, with fans filling the stands to cheer on the team.
As the season concludes, Kennedy Catholic looks ahead to building on this year’s success, with a focus on developing young talent and continuing the program’s tradition of excellence.
Everyone at South King Media tips their hats to this great, inspiring team and its first-year head coach Pat Jones and staff.
Gonzaga Prep advances to the state semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Lake Stevens vs. Chiawana matchup.
#GoLancers
