Knights snap losing skid

A three-touchdown outburst from Jamiere Abney in the second quarter sparked a 28-26 victory over North Mason Friday night, giving Bremerton its first win of the season. Abney was one of three highly successful runners of the evening, as Alex Griffin and Travis Storey also had big nights, nearly putting the Knights over 400 yards rushing.

Abney’s first touchdown was on a 5-yard carry early in the second quarter. The point after kick was blocked, leaving Bremerton down 7-6. It didn’t take long to strike again, however, as Abney broke loose for long runs of 50 and 75 yards, stopped only by the end zone. Abney piled up 176 yards on 19 rushes in the contest. The senior back carried in a two-point conversion after the second score, and Richard Kendrick converted on the kick after the third, giving the Knights a 21-7 lead.

“Abney is running well,” said coach Nate Gillam. “He’s a determined runner. He has done a great job getting himself stronger so he can break arm tackles.”

Griffin’s 30-yard touchdown gallop with 6:00 remaining in the fourth quarter proved to be the winning score, but it wasn’t even Griffin’s longest of the night, as he added a 45-yard sprint, and ended with 150 yards on nine carries. Griffin also had a 78-yarder called back on a penalty. Griffin just returned after suffering a rib injury in the season opener with Klahowya.

“Having Alex back is critical to our team,” Gillam said. “He brings an element of ‘fast’ that is unparalleled in our league right now. He forces defenses to honor the outside edge. He’s a tough kid, and his speed helps open it up for others to have success.”

Storey was one of those others, proving also to be a force in the backfield, pitching in with 69 yards on seven runs, including a 30-yard carry.

Still, it was the defense that had to stand up and close out the win, as the Bulldogs came back with the games’ final score, and were just a two-point conversion away from tying the game. Michael Powell put the hit on North Mason quarterback Daniel Baker, denying the attempt.

“Our defense did a better job this week,” Gillam said. “The stand to stop the two-point conversion was a team effort. It was also a product of a confidence that is growing. They are starting to gain confidence and play a little looser, which leads to big plays.”

Jamaree Wells had one of those big plays, making the teams’ first interception of the season.

Linebackers made the plays all night long, as Chris Martindale and Powell led the team with seven tackles each. Martindale dropped a Bulldog runner behind the line for a 4-yard loss, and Powell recorded one of two Bremerton sacks. Garrett Torchiani added another six tackles and one assist, and Richard Kendrick had four stops including one for a loss.

The Knights (1-2) opened Olympic League action Friday, hosting Peninsula, but results were unavailable at press time.

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