Foss wins big game against Bellarmine

The Foss season seemed to be sliding off the rails, but with a big 7-0 win against Bellarmine Prep last week, the Falcons have regained some traction and have kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-3 record.

Foss junior wide receiver Grayson Bullinger knew how critical the  game would be for the play-off picture in the Narrows league.

 “Coming into the game, the atmosphere was kind of like the playoffs. It’s win or go home, “ Bullinger said.

With 50 seconds left in the second quarter and sheets of rain coming down, senior quarterback DaVante Peterson, who completed 10 of 19 for 173 yards, connected with Bullinger on a 62-yard touchdown pass, the only score of the night for either team, giving the Falcons the win and ending a three-game losing streak.

“I had been isolated one-on-one with the corner, and (running back) Julian Cruell told DaVante to trust me and throw the ball deep. Next thing I know, I’m 30 yards down field gaining separation for the touchdown.”

The Lions double-covered Foss’ leading receiver Jamal Byrd, and Peterson was able to take advantage.

“The line did well in preparing for Bellarmine’s blitzes,” Peterson said. “I was able to hit open receivers and they made plays.”

But Byrd made his impact on the defensive side, with an interception, returning it for 35 yards.

“Well this was the biggest game any of us have played in so far this season. On my interception, we were in a zone. I saw the quarterback lock on a receiver so, I committed and made the play,” Byrd said.

Cruell, still recovering from a high-ankle sprain in week three, rushed for 82 yards on 21 carries for the Falcons  

Brian Oloapu also had a key interception for the Falcons.

“Our defensive line stepped up a lot tonight,” Oloapu said.

“We have continued to improve on our pass defense, as we had three more interceptions. We also wrapped up very well and didn’t miss many tackles,” Byrd said.

The Falcons have a nonleague game against White River this week.

The Lions, who fell to 2-4, will host Olympia.