10/31/25

Spanaway Lake 48, Rogers 41

(Elk Plain, WA) As the season comes to a close for high school football, one last meeting from crossover leagues took place in Spanaway. The Spanaway Lake Sentinels at home faced the Rogers Rams from Puyallup on an SPSL crossover matchup. Sentinels came into the game 2-6 on the year, and the Rams 1-7. With both teams out of playoff contention, one last game to see who would end their season on a win. What unfolded was an exciting and wild turn of events that was possibly decided by one single play.

First Half

Spanaway Lake got the ball to start the game, and within two plays, Malik Burns got off to the races for a 46-yard catch and run touchdown from Jericho Martin. Just like that, the Sentinels led 7-0. Spanaway Lake’s defense would come up and make a big turnover with the interception from AJ Auguste on the pass from Roger’s Rashard Boone. Sentinels marched down the field and found their way into the end zone on a 14-yard pass from Martin to Dwight Ballard to take a two-score lead. Sentinels entered the second quarter with a 14-0 lead.

The Sentinel defense again made a stand and forced a turnover on downs to get the ball back. After a 35-yard catch from Dwight Ballard for a big first down, Malik Burns got his second score of the day with a 48-yard reception. Up three scores, Spanaway Lake started to take control of the game. Spanaway forced another turnover on downs, but would immediately fumble the ball on their next drive. This gave Rogeres a great field position, and they capitalized with a 3-yard reception for the touchdown from Jaden Kiblinger, thrown by Boone. Spanaway Lake put together a nice drive, but would throw an interception in the red zone, giving the ball back to Rogers. With little time remaining, Rogers put the ball in the air but Sentinels’ Marques Martin intercepted it and ran it back for the 51-yard pick six to end the half. Spanaway Lake entered the half leading 28-7.

Second Half

Rogers got the ball to start the second half and put together a long and methodical drive which ended in a 1-yard touchdown run from Titus Koch. Spanaway Lake responded instantly with a 60-yard reception from Malik Burns for his third of the day. After a turnover on downs, Sentinels got another touchdown from Burns on the 41-yard catch. The Martin and Burns connection continued to be electric all day. On the kickoff from the burns touchdown, Ja’Veon McCoy returned the 90 yards for the touchdown. Spanway Lake led Rogers 42-20 going into the fourth quarter.

Again, Spanaway Lake responded with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Paige. On the next drive from Rogers, Rasharh Boone found Carson Barnett wide open for the 48-yard touchdown. Rogers lowly started to dig into the lead of Spanaway. Rogers forced a punt out of the Sentinels to get the ball back. Another long drive was capped off by Rogers with a 17-yard touchdown catch from Booth Bradley. Bradley also got the two-point conversion. Both teams exchanged possessions but with time running out, the score was not on Rogers side. One final drive of the season for Rogers ended in a 10-yard touchdown run from Rashard Boone. Spanaway Lake would win 48-41 and end the season on a win over the Rogers Rams.

Had the pick six not happened at the end of the first half, either team could have won at the end. A game defining play on defense from the Sentinels was the difference on what was an amazing back and forth battle.

MVP and Stats

Our Thorbecks MVP of the game went to Malik Burns who had 5 catches for 203 yards and 4 touchdowns. No question that with that performance he deserves MVP honors. There were a lot of name to mention though. Jericho Martin lit the field up, going 16/20 for 360 yards and 6 passing touchdowns. Josiah Ellington had 5 catches for 53 yards. Dwight Ballard had 3 catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. Elijah Paige also got on the board with 2 catches for 27 yards and a touchdown. Of course, Marques Martin had the pick six as well which ended up being difference in the game. All around great performances on offense and defense from the Sentinels.

Rogers has a great game as well, especially in the second half. Ja’Veon McCoy had 15 carries for 77 yards and a 90-yard kick return touchdown. Titus Koch had 15 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown. QB Rashard Boone went 27-41 with 310 yards and three passing touchdowns as well as a rushing touchdown. Carson Barnett had a big receiving game with 7 catches for 152 yards and a touchdown. Jaden Kiblinger had 4 catches for 27 yards and a touchdown. Booth Bradley had 6 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Finally, Liam Epperson had 7 catches for 75 yards to round it out for Rogers.

A great game to end the season for both teams who have a lot of promising young players and bright futures. A lot of good things to look forward to going into the offseason.

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ESN Post Game Show

Game Highlights

Malik Burns Opens the Game with a 46 Yard TD

Marques Martin With the Pick Six to End the First Half

Malik Burns Explodes for a 60-yard TD

Ja’Veon McCoy with a 90-yard Kickoff Return TD

Rashard Boone Finds Wide Open Carson Barnett for the 47 yard TD