Eastside Catholic wins thriller

Eastside Catholic players and coaches have said it all season, but now they believe it more than ever.

“We’re a team of destiny, I know that now,” said senior wide receiver Spencer Esau, who grabbed the game winning catch in a 13-12 victory over Mount Si.

Esau hauled in a 14-yard pass from Zach Cuaresma with 18 seconds remaining to give the Crusaders the 3A state playoff victory over the Wildcats.

Mount Si went up 12-6 on a 3-yard touchdown from Sean Snead with 58 seconds left. Marion Bactol countered, returning the ensuing kickoff 68 yards, setting up the late Crusader score.

Eastside Catholic led 7-6, going into the half. The Crusaders took the lead after Cuaresma hit Christian Johnson for a 35-yard TD with just 6 seconds left in the half. Mount Si took the initial lead in the first quarter when quarterback Tyson Riley found tight end Alex Hiebert for a 9-yard TD.

Mount Si managed to contain the strong Eastside running attack, holding Mike Bush to 20 yards and Bactol to 53.

The Crusaders advanced to the state quarterfinals, where they will face Lakes at 7:30 p.m., Friday at Mount Tahoma High School.

EC at Lakes

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21 at Mount Tahoma High School

Quick look: Lakes went undefeated in the SPSL 3A with an 11-0 record. The Lancers have amassed nearly 4,000 yards of offense, with most of it coming on the ground.

Prediction: Lakes has only had one close game and that came last week against O’Dea — a team Eastside Catholic also beat by a narrow margin. EC will be the underdog going into this game, but so far the ball has bounced in its favor. Final score: 28-26 Eastside Catholic.

Photographer Mark Lowry contributed to this report.

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