Sun sets on Naselle's perfect season

The Comets have finally seen their flying season come to a close, suffering a tough 52-28 defeat on the gridiron to Wilbur-Creston-Keller in the 2024 1B State Football playoff semifinals on Nov. 30.

The game featured two of Washington's best schools in the 1B division. Naselle entered the game as the #3 seed in the tournament with a perfect 11-0 record. On the other side were the Wilbur-Creston-Keller Wildcats, boasting a 12-0 record as the #2 seed. With both teams yet to taste defeat and little difference in their rankings, the game always promised to be a challenge for both teams. Both teams featured explosive ability in the rush game.

Naselle's Jack Strange and Wilbur-Creston-Keller's Kallen Maioho featured prominently throughout the game, both presenting problems for the opposition's defense. Coming off a strong performance against Pomeroy in the state quarterfinal, Naselle carried the momentum into the first half.

The Comets jumped out to an early lead, heading into the locker room at halftime with a 21-8 lead. As has been the case for much of the season, Strange was once again a weapon for Naselle, carving up the defense and finding the endzone. It was the sixth consecutive game that Strange had scored at least two rushing touchdowns. In total, Strange finished the game with 158 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.

Sadly, Wilbur-Creston-Keller found its footing in the second half, turning up the pressure and getting loose in the running game. Not to be outdone by Strange, Maioho finished the game with 122 rushing yards and five touchdowns. It was the Maioho's seventh straight game with over 100 yards rushing. The Wildcats overwhelmed the Comets on the ground, as the team finished with 526 yards on the ground.

The cascade of yards on the ground led to an avalanche of points on the scoreboard for the Wildcats in the second half. Wilbur-Creston-Keller outscored Naselle 44-7 in the second half, finishing the game with a two-possession lead, 52-28.

The game was a battle in the trenches, with Naselle finishing the game with 248 yards on the ground. For Strange, who is a senior and captain, the game marked the final chapter of his time with Naselle football. Though the season didn't end in championship glory, the hard work of Strange and the whole team is reflected as they ended their season as one of the four best teams in the state.

Wilbur-Creston-Keller will take on Liberty Christian on Dec. 6 in the finals of the state playoffs at Husky Stadium in Seattle.