Stanwood Crushes Walla Walla

Stanwood, Wash. The Spartans opened their 3A state playoff game on Saturday with a blocked punt that set the tone for a dominant 70-22 victory over Walla Walla. The contest took place at Bob Larson Stadium, marking the Round of 32 matchup for the two teams. Stanwood junior Landon Stokes recorded the punt block in the first minute of play.

Stokes shed his blocker and placed his hand in front of the kick deep in Walla Walla territory. He picked up the ball and raised his arms for the touchdown. The extra point gave Stanwood an early 7-0 lead. Stokes, who plays linebacker and receiver, said he had been looking for a play like that all season. He noted that this was his first score of the year.

Coach Tony Slater credited his players for the performance in his second season leading the program. The Spartans finished the regular season with a 10-0 record. Slater said the team wanted to work hard and improve before he arrived. He described the staff’s role as guiding players who already possessed a strong drive.

Senior Alex Maldonado led the offense, completing 13 of 17 passes for 364 yards and five touchdowns. He threw for 316 of those yards in the first half. Senior Linkin Currie added 210 rushing yards and three scores for the game. Junior Kolby McKnight caught four passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Avrey Patterson-Roe gained 89 yards on two receptions and scored two touchdowns.

The defense forced punts on the first five Walla Walla possessions in the first quarter. Defensive coordinator James Kruckenberg laid out the game plan that the players executed. The team forced a fumble in the red zone and blocked a Walla Walla punt, though the Blue Devils still managed to score. Stanwood’s offense continued to move the ball efficiently despite these defensive stands.

Patterson-Roe scored a 79-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. He caught the ball in the middle of the field and spun out of two defenders before breaking free. He later scored again on a 10-yard reception. The Spartans built a 28-0 lead by the 1:49 mark of the second quarter. Walla Walla junior Kalama Roberson caught an 18-yard pass to provide the Blue Devils' first points.

Maldonado threw an 88-yard touchdown pass to McKnight in the second quarter. He also connected with junior Jordan Slater for a 33-yard score to make it 42-6. The Spartans added three more touchdowns in the third quarter. Currie ran for 54 and 22-yard scores, while McKnight caught a 20-yard touchdown pass. The final score was 70-22.

Walla Walla senior Micah Eggart caught an eight-yard pass for the Blue Devils' final score. The team also converted a two-point play to close the gap briefly. Stanwood defense stopped Walla Walla on a fourth-and-goal chance in the fourth quarter. Currie finished the game with a 73-yard rushing touchdown. The Spartans will play in the 3A state quarterfinals next week.