It only took seconds for Eastside Catholic to send nearly 3,000 fans into a frenzy Saturday during the inaugural game at its new field on the Plateau.

Moments after the Crusaders’ first trip through their tunnel, senior Marion Bactol returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. The score ignited Eastside Catholic and its fans, helping the Crusaders crush Metro 3A opponent, Lakeside, 55-7.

“I got the ball and I just knew I had to score that touchdown for the coach,” said Bactol, who found out moments before the game that the new field was being named after Charlie Acosta, running backs coach. Acosta has taught at Eastside Catholic since 1980 when it opened its first campus in Bellevue, and has coached football and baseball.

The opening kickoff set the tone for the Crusaders, who erupted for 42 first-half points. Lakeside, which entered the game undefeated, tied the contest on its first possession, but it was all Crusaders from there.

Quarterback Zach Cuaresma connected with Spencer Esau for a 28-yard TD, starting a run of 48 unanswered points. Mike Bush carried the ball five times for 111 yards and two touchdowns — one from 40 yards and the other from 52. David Skiba also scored on a 34-yard TD.

The victory improved Eastside Catholic to 1-0 in league and 3-1 overall. Perhaps more importantly, it started off what will be a new era in Crusader football.

“After 28 years of history, we came out and played for every player that’s ever been through the program,” Bactol said.

Issaquah dominates in homecoming win

Kyle Hansen stepped in for an injured Grant Gellatly, scoring four touchdowns in Friday’s 55-14 homecoming victory over Garfield. Hansen, who carried the ball 14 times for 120 yards, rushed for three TDs and added a fourth on an 81-yard kickoff return.

Quarterback Joey Bradley was efficient, completing 10 of 14 passes for 190 yards and a 16-yard touchdown pass to Brennan Miller. Ross Zuhl added a 38-yard TD run while Taylor Wyman and Wilson Yeh also ran the ball in for scores.

Gellatly, who has scored a league-high nine touchdowns, missed Friday’s game with a broken thumb, but is expected to return for tonight’s game against Eastlake.

Issaquah improved to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the KingCo Crest Division with the victory.

Issaquah at Eastlake

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Quick look: Both teams have explosive offensive players and strong defenses. Issaquah (1-0, 4-0) has outscored opponents 149-54, while Eastlake (1-0, 3-1) has defeated opponents 141-79. The Wolves defense has been susceptible to the pass, while the Eagles have struggled to stop the run at times. Both teams will likely try to attack the others’ vulnerabilities.

Prediction: Expect to back-and-forth contest that could come down to special teams play. Final score: 32-28 Issaquah.

Skyline nabs third shutout

For the third time in four games, the Skyline football team held an opponent scoreless, cruising to a 49-0 road win over Newport.

The Spartans and Knights remained scoreless through one quarter, until Skyline erupted for five touchdowns in the second.

Joey Evans ran in the first two scores via 9- and 16-yard scampers. Quarterback Jake Heaps, who completed 15 of 23 passes, threw for three touchdowns before the end of the half, including a 77-yard strike to Gino Simone. He also hit Kasen Williams for a 16-yard score and William Chandler for a 35-yard TD.

Evans scored his third TD of the game in the third quarter on a 4-yard run, and Kai Jandoc added a 12-yard TD.

Skyline held Newport to 118 yards of total offense — only 20 yards passing. Peter Kim led the Spartans with seven tackles. Jordan Weil had five-and-a-half tackles, including two quarterback sacks.

Skyline improved to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the KingCo Crest Division.

Skyline at Garfield

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Quick look: Garfield is winless in four attempts this season, most recently falling 55-14 to Issaquah. The Bulldogs have struggled to stop opposing offenses, allowing an average of 44 points per game. Their offense has also struggled, scoring an average of just over 13. Skyline has outscored opponents 181-6.

Prediction: This is not a good matchup for the winless Bulldogs. Expect to see Skyline jump out to a fast start and pull away early. Final score: 52-7 Skyline.