By MATT PHELPS
Kirkland Reporter Staff Writer
The Rebel football team rolled to its third win in as many games 41-20 over Sammamish behind a high-powered running game on Friday. Running back Cole Graves led the way with four touchdowns and 79 yard on the ground, while Jerimiah Laufasa had 120 yards and a touchdown for the Rebels during the team’s home opener.
“We are happy with where we are at but not surprised,” said Juanita head coach Shaun Tarantola. “We had high expectations coming into the season and the guys have put in a lot of hard work.”
Juanita took an early 8-0 lead as Graves grabbed the handoff and scampered nine yards into the end zone. Graves ran it in again on the two-point conversion attempt.
The Saints looked like they would tie the score up as Taylor Ragan picked off a Rebel pass and ran the ball back 60 yards for a touchdown. But the extra point failed, leaving Juanita with a two-point lead.
A 15-yard scoring run by Graves gave Juanita a 14-6 lead. But the second consecutive extra-point attempt of the game missed its mark.
Juanita would take a two touchdown lead 20-6, as Laufasa scored on a 16-yard run. But the Rebels would opt for the two-point conversion and come up short.
The Rebels put the game out of reach following half time as Graves scored from two-yards out and Alex Minerich intercepted an Interlake pass on the ensuing possession. Minerich would run the ball back 27 yard for a touchdown.
Grave finished the third-quarter scoring barrage by blasting into the end zone from five-yard out on the Rebels’ next possession. Juanita lit up the score board with a 41-6 advantage entering the fourth quarter.
The running attack has been Juanita’s biggest threat this season with Graves and Laufasa combining to give the team a one-two punch of speed and power.
“We have ran the ball effectively enough that teams load up the box,” said Tarantola. “It has allowed us to get some big plays through passing the ball. I think 50 percent of our completions are of 20 yards or more this season.”
The Totems would get two late touchdowns, but Juanita would finish its home opener with its third win of the season.
The Rebels will host Lindbergh High School at 7 p.m. Friday.
