Eastside Catholic routes Seattle Prep, tunes up for Metro Championship

Marion Bactol returned two punts for touchdowns, and the Eastside Catholic defense earned a touchdown and safety, as the Crusaders cruised to a 37-2 victory over Seattle Prep Thursday night.

Marion Bactol returned two punts for touchdowns, and the Eastside Catholic defense earned a touchdown and safety, as the Crusaders cruised to a 37-2 victory over Seattle Prep Thursday night.

Bactol, who has five kick returns for touchdowns this season, busted loose for a 71-yard score with 5:53 to go in the first half. He added a 65-yard return for a TD with 1:50 left in the second quarter.

Zach McKiernan recovered a fumble in the end zone, and Tommy Boguch recorded a safety.

Kellen Matsuno and Mike Bush added first-quarter rushing touchdowns as the Crusaders jumped out to a 37-0 halftime lead. Eastside Catholic totaled 203 total rushing yards, led by Bush, who had nine carries for 79 yards.

Seattle Prep got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter when EC punter Trevor Moshier recovered his own blocked punt in the end zone and threw it away. He was called for intentional grounding on the play and a safety was awarded to the Panthers.

Eastside Catholic ended its regular season at 5-0 in the Metro Mountain Division and 7-1 overall. The Crusaders will face West Seattle in the Metro Championship. The game will take place at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium on either Oct. 31 or Nov. 1, with a time to be determined.