Washington high school football: Kamiakin stops MCC rival Chiawana in OT, 6 takeaways

PASCO, Wash. - History repeated itself Friday night as one of the best football rivalries in the Mid-Columbia Conference went to overtime for a second consecutive season.

This time, Kamiakin came out on top over Chiawana in a thrilling 20-13 finish at Edgar Brown Stadium.

Taking possession first in overtime, junior quarterback Trent Woodhouse's fourth-down pass was deflected, but senior Kyler Rutz found it in the end zone before it hit the turf for a 6-yard touchdown, which was the game winner.

Chiawana had a chance to extend the game, but its final drive stalled at the 15-yard line after four consecutive DJ Duran incompletions.

Here are six takeaways from the game:

KAMIAKIN HAS ROOM TO GROW

There were high expectations for Kamiakin heading into the season, and the Braves showed growth as the game went on.

Expect that trend of improvement to continue in Week 2.

An example of this was quarterback Trent Woodhouse. The junior had knee injuries his past two seasons that required surgery, keeping him off the field. 

But in his first game in two years, Woodhouse went 19 of 38 for 189 yards and two touchdowns - recovering from his five first-half interceptions as the Braves trailed, 10-7.

"I'm proud of the kid for coming in and having the guts in the last drive to score a touchdown," Kamiakin coach Scott Biglin said. "He's going to look at this game and be disappointed in his play, but I'm looking forward to seeing what he's going to do this season. He's only going to get better and better."

BRAVES SECONDARY SECOND TO NONE

Chiawana's offense, led by seasoned quarterback DJ Duran, was held scoreless, including an overtime period.

Kamiakin's defensive line and secondary had a lot to do with that.

The line was an expectation, but the aggression and speed outside the box shined under the lights, led by junior David Kuku, who received his first NCAA Division I offer last month from Nebraska.

Like graduated Gabe Tahir, Kuku is a guy whose stats don't reflect ability because teams will throw away from him. Despite the caution, Kuku finished with an interception and two pass breakups, including one in overtime.

DYNAMIC KAMIAKIN WEAPONS

Trailing at half, Kamiakin switched to a two-man backfield - with Makram Altahir taking a majority of the workload. He scored on a 1-yard run to give Kamiakin its first touchdown in the second quarter.

Altahir finished with 115 yards on 22 carries, including the score

He's a bowling ball," Biglin said. "When a guy squats 400 pounds, he's hard to tackle. We're going to be a multi-dimensional team."

Woodhouse passed for 189 yards on 19 completions. Kamiakin's offense looks much like the team that appeared in the Class 4A semifinals in 2021.

Gavyn Buchanan and Robert Julima were Woodhouse's favorite targets. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 5-foot-11, respectively, the duo combined for 12 catches and 130 yards.

Meanwhile, Carter Poland is the "Swiss Army Knife" of the team. They needed a quarterback last year, and for a few plays on Friday night - and Poland stepped in. They needed a wide receiver: Poland. They need help with secondary: You already know.

"He's made us a better football team," Biglin said. "He knows all the positions. He's happy to do them all. He's our Mr. Everything. He's such a selfless guy. He's all about winning and he wants to make this team go as far as it could possibly go."

DJ DURAN WILL FIND A GROOVE

The loss of running back Ian Mohl to graduation will alter this team from a run-first offense to more of a passing team, led by senior DJ Duran.

Duran completed eight of 24 passes for 63 yards. Those numbers will surely improve in coming weeks.

There were good moments Friday, such as Mason Tovars' catch in double coverage in the second quarter. Just not enough of them.

Michael Hansen was Duran's favorite target Friday, recording five catches for 28 yards. Hansen also drew a pass interference call when he had Kuku beat deep in the second half.

The run game is still important. Junior Braxton Feldman led the charge with 17 carries for 74 yards.

CHIAWANA DEFENSE DID ITS JOB

Kamiakin isn't a team you beat on defense alone, but Chiawana sure tried - and nearly pulled it off.

The Riverhawks had five interceptions, led by Justin Webber's two picks. Landon Bolson, Gage Sommerville and Braxton Feldmann had the other ones.

HELLO, JUSTIN WEBBER!

Justin Webber was a force all game for Chiawana in what could be a breakout senior season.

He had the two interceptions, including one in which he returned 87 yards for a Riverhawks' touchdown. His track speed makes him dangerous - and a guy that should be on every team's radar moving forward.