by Marty Zier

Special to the Sounder

The forecast was cloudy, the Kings’ win record a bit dim, but the sun beamed on the Orcas Kings Youth Football Juniors as they dominated the Friday Harbor Tigers in Friday Harbor for the coveted Island Cup in a 20-6 victory on Sept. 17.

This is not the high school Island Cup that the Vikings recently won – this is the first Island Cup trophy our 11- and 12-year-old players have a chance to win in football … a cup filled with the first taste of island rival victory that had been elusive to the Kings since 1999.

Kings quarterback Miles Harlow controlled the offense, ran for the first touchdown and connected with receivers William Lewis, Jordan Randolph and Aiden Kruse for impressive yardage in the first half struggle while the Kings’ stingy defense kept the Tigers to six points. After many great offensive blocks by Evan Tidrington and a Harlow-to-Kruse touchdown pass, a fourth quarter defensive stop by the gritty Kings’ defensive line on a driving Tiger offense set the stage for a final Kings’ offensive push. Taking over on downs combined with cheers bombarding the team from the sidelines, the Kings culminated a late fourth quarter drive with a Harlow-to-Kruse touchdown pass reception that sealed the 2011 Island Cup with just minutes to go.

“Owen Thurman, Daniel O’Brien, Ryan Flint, Elijah Everett and brother Murphy on the offensive line played great and gave Miles time to throw,” said head coach Justin Frausto. “Defensively, William Lewis dominated the first half with tackles for losses and a forced fumble while the rest of the defense all made plays.”

After the win, Frausto and coaches Dave Mierau and Roger Sandwith said  “all the players deserve and contributed to this win. They have worked hard all summer and have been getting better every week.”

Orcas Kings Youth Football is a privately funded non-profit program for pre-high school players. It is always looking to upgrade equipment to keep players as safe as possible. If you can donate, contact Marty Zier, President, at mczier@centurylink.net or coach Justin Frausto at  justinfrausto@yahoo.com.