The Wolverines scored early, often and with ease in a 69-0 runaway victory over Orcas Saturday, Sept. 21, in the 23rd annual Island Cup.

Senior tailback Nate Steenkolk bulled through the Vikings defensive line and rambled 50-plus yard for touchdown on Friday Harbor’s first play from scrimmage, and the rout was on.

Running back Willie Blackmon scored on a 37-yard TD run on the Wolverines next possession and safety Amer Melic tallied the team’s third touchdown of the opening quarter on after picking off a pass and returning it 25 yards into the end zone. 

Friday Harbor led 41-0 at the half, and 62-0 midway through the third quarter, in what proved to be the highest scoring total by either team since the Wolverines and Vikings first began head-to-head competition on the gridiron in 1973.

With the victory, the Wolverines claimed their second-straight Island Cup victory, following last season’s shutout, 41-0, in Friday Harbor a year ago. Orcas reclaimed the trophy in 2011 with a 20-15 come-from-behind win on their home field.

(Look for expanded game coverage online, and in the Sept. 25 edition of the Journal).

Next

Friday Harbor, which improved to 2-1 on the season with the victory at Orcas, will face Division 2B rival La Conner, at home, Friday, Sept. 27; kick off is 7 p.m. The Wolverines host Division 1A regional rival Meridian the following week, Friday, Oct. 4, kick off is 7 p.m.