The Pirates doubled down on their field goal last week with a full touchdown!

Vashon High School has a football team — no, this is not the name of the new play opening at Vashon Center for the Arts next week, it’s true!

After securing their first varsity football points since 2023 last week in a 68-3 losing effort at home against Mossyrock, the Pirates took the field again this week against the 2-1 Bellevue Christian/Seattle Christian Defenders.

The Pirates struggled early on offense. Sophomore center Tyler Eller missed the game due to illness, leaving the center-quarterback exchange in question. A 35-yard fumble return touchdown for the defenders on the Pirates’ second drive turned this game into a quick 20-0 lead for the opposition.

Before taking the field for their third offensive drive, the Pirates’ coaching staff called on freshman offensive lineman Hugo Mosso-Victoriano to make his debut at center. This turned out to be one of the bright spots of the game, as the duo of Memphis Cress and Hugo did not fumble a single snap the entire rest of the game.

With more confidence, the Pirates were able to get some momentum on offense, led by senior running back Tallis Sullivan, who carried the ball 11 times for 75 yards in the first half. Memphis was able to find some success passing the ball as well, finding his favorite target, junior Michael Browne, four times for 59 yards, including a 30-yard deep pass.

Turnovers stalled any scoring opportunities, but the offense was starting to find its rhythm. Defensively, the Pirate front of sophomore Luis Nunez-Hernandez, junior Tehya Fiala-Garel and Tallis were starting to slow the Bellevue/Seattle offense.

Halftime score: 34-0.

An interception on Vashon’s first drive coming out of halftime gave Bellevue/Seattle a starting field position at Vashon’s 13-yard line, which they took advantage of, putting the game at 41-0.

Freshman special teams standout Carter Brannen returned the ensuing kickoff 12 yards to set the Pirates up on offense once again. A few runs by Tallis and a third-down pitch and catch from Memphis to Michael for 13 yards set up the Pirates on the Defenders’ side of the field. Another couple of runs set up the Pirates at the 17-yard line at the end of quarter three.

The first play of the fourth quarter saw the Pirates run the ball right to the near sideline. A pancake block by the pulling left tackle, Luis, gave Tallis just enough space to break it outside, hop around a defensive back and carry a few Defender defenders into the end zone with him. Touchdown Pirates.

Their first varsity touchdown since October of 2023, capped off with a “curtain call” (which may have played a part in the missed extra point).

Vashon’s defense got stops the rest of the way, and the valiant effort by Tallis ended with 21 carries for 157 yards and the lone Pirate touchdown. Memphis carried the ball 10 times for -6 yards but had a 17-yard bolt. He also went 7-for-11 for 84 yards with two interceptions through the air, mostly to Michael, who had six catches for 84 yards. He also returned three kicks for 29 yards, going over 100 all-purpose yards on the game.

Junior Charlie Leahey had three tackles, including one for a loss, and played a productive role as a part of the offensive line that blocked for Tallis, along with sophomore Eli McKnight, Luis, Tehya, Hugo and sophomore tight end Jackson Mercado.

Defensive stars include Browne, who led the team in tackles, Jackson, Luis, Tehya and Tallis.

Final score: 41-6.

Payton Bonaventura is an assistant coach for the Vashon football team. To find out more about the team’s upcoming games and other VHS sports, visit govashonpirates.com.