The Vashon High School Pirates played two conference games last week, resulting in their first win and another loss. They beat Chimacum at home, 55-35, and lost to Port Townsend in Port Townsend, 41-6. Vashon is now 1-7 for the 2016 football season.

On Monday, Oct. 17, the Pirates dominated the Chimacum High School Cowboys at home: 55-35. The game was played on a cold and calm Monday evening after inclement weather and a closure of the Hood Canal Bridge led to a postponement of the previous Friday’s matchup. Despite a steady downpour of penalties against them, the Pirates triumphed over the visiting team. The victory was chiefly due to Bryce Hoisington, Vashon’s star running back, who shared quarterback duties in this game with his brother, Connor.

The Pirates led the Cowboys in scoring for the entire game. Bryce broke away on the first play of the game for a Vashon touchdown. This was the first of the Pirates’ eight touchdowns, all scored by the Hoisington brothers. Several interceptions, most by Bryce and one by Will Hennessey, cut short the Cowboys’ possessions throughout the game. Chimacum’s quarterback, Cole Dotson, had a decent passing game, with successful completions to wide receiver Issac Purser for two touchdowns. Dotson was then taken out of the game with an injury in the fourth quarter.

This victory at home for the Pirates was very welcome after a daunting season of consecutive defeats.

On Friday, Oct. 21, Vashon faced much stiffer competition in an away game played against the Port Townsend High School Redhawks, losing 41-6. The field was quite muddy, which turned the white of Vashon’s away-game jerseys into a dirty grey. Muddiest of all was Bryce Hoisington, who did most of the quarterback duties and took a lion’s share of the running game. His brother, Connor, also played quarterback and running back.

Two deer, a doe and a six-point buck made an appearance in the first quarter. They trotted across at one end of the field, while play was suspended 55 yards away at the other end. It was not clear which team they supported.

While the Pirates fought hard throughout the game, several key factors led to the lopsided victory by Port Townsend. On the defensive side, the Redhawks made it a priority to contain Bryce, who was the leading rusher in the state last year. Offensively, as this year’s Vashon squad is young, they had trouble stopping Port Townsend’s pass rush. This defensive pressure also led to five pass interceptions by the Redhawks. The Port Townsend team also worked very well together on blocking for their running backs. Redhawk Detrius Kelsall was an especially potent rusher in the game, and the Pirates often had a difficult time bringing him down.

While both teams did not have much success with their passing games, the Pirates’ single touchdown was the result of a beautiful 25-yard completion from quarterback Connor to his brother. Bryce slipped easily by a lineman, and Connor had time enough to let the ball fly. Bryce, running backward at the 10-yard line, caught the ball in the face of a charging Redhawk defender. A less experienced player might have been tackled before reaching the endzone, but Bryce ran backwards the remaining 10 yards, keeping his opponent away with a stiff-arm shove. This was a touchdown scored in fine style, with confidence, but without showboating. It was especially sweet for Vashon, as they put some points on the scoreboard after three scoreless quarters.

Vashon will play their last home game of the season at 7 p.m. Friday, taking on local rivals Charles Wright Academy. All islanders are encouraged to come support the team.

— Jonathan Kuzma is the father of a Vashon High School football player.