Eastside Catholic back to semi-finals

For the third time in program history and the second time in as many years, Eastside Catholic is heading to the Tacoma Dome for the 3A state football semi-finals.

The Crusaders, which made the 3A state title game for the first time ever last season, beat Meadowdale 21-16 Saturday at Seattle Memorial Stadium in a quarterfinal game to set a rematch with division rival O’Dea this week.

EC led throughout and got a pair of touchdown passes from sophomore quarterback Harley Kirsch and a pair of interceptions from its defense in the win.

The Irish beat Mountain View 63-20 in another quarterfinal game and will be the last thing standing in the Crusaders’ way at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Tacoma Dome. They were one of only two teams to beat EC this year, 63-45 in mid-October.

Five-time defending state champ Bellevue meets Shadle Park Saturday at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane in the other semi-final.

Eastlake falls to Camas

The Wolves led 7-0 on a Drew Lewis touchdown in the first quarter and pulled even on another early in the second, but fell victim to a potent offense from top-ranked Camas in a season-ending 47-28 loss in the 4A state quarterfinals.

Eastlake found itself within five points after scores from Joe Longcore and Lewis in the third quarter before the Papermakers regained control with a pair of rushing touchdowns.

Lewis finished as the game’s leading rusher with 201 yards on the ground, while Thomas threw for more than 300 yards and two scores in the loss.