Battle on the field: Spartans overcome Bucs in final minutes

Even with a stream of penalties throughout the game, the Bainbridge Island Spartans narrowly defeated the Kingston Buccaneers on Friday.

The Spartans won their second game in a row and put the Bucs at a 1-1 record for the preseason at the North Kitsap High School football field.

Although the Bucs were ahead by more than a touchdown for the majority of the game, the outcome quickly changed with a punt block and final touchdown by the Spartans.

Buccaneer running back Lou Hecker and wide receiver Tucker Bowman gave the Spartans a run for their money. Hecker continued to crash through the Spartans defense and made two touchdowns, while Bowman put the lead on the Spartans with an 85 yard kickoff return resulting in a touchdown.

Although the Buc’s offense played well, the Buccaneer defense lost their momentum near the end of the game and the Spartans captured a second win.

Before the second half, the Bucs were down by four, but a false start by the Spartans resulted in a turnover after an incompletion. The half ended with Bucs up 17-14.

More false starts and offside penalties plagued the Spartan team through the second half of the game. However, Spartan quarterback Carson Zajonc came through with critical passes in the fourth quarter and the Spartan defense blocked a punt at their goal line, resulting in a forced safety when the ball bounced through the end zone and offsides.

With their final touchdown, the Spartans sealed the game with a two-point conversion and a final score of 34-31.

The Spartans will play their next game against the Salisbury Composite High School starting at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17 at the Bainbridge High School Stadium.

The Buccaneers will play Olympic High School starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 at the Trojan stadium.

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