By Mike Martin

Journal contributor

Friday Harbor High School senior tailback Emeron Geiser erupted for a school-record 356 rushing yards in the season-opening loss to the South Whidbey Falcons on Friday, Aug. 31. The Wolverines kicked off the 2018 football season with a heartbreaking 20-19 defeat in that game. Against South Whidbey, Geiser also recorded an intercepted pass, a fumble recovery and an on-sides kick recovery.

After shredding the Falcons, Geiser backed up his record-setting performance with 235 yards against Bellevue Christian a week later on route to even their record with a shutout victory 6-0 on Sept. 7.

For his efforts on both sides of the ball, he was recognized as the 2B State Player of the Week, while playing a 1A opponent on the road.

Despite playing up one level in their first two games, the Wolverine offensive and defensive lines have been dominant. Still a young team, with only three seniors suited up other than Geiser, head coach Brock Hauck expects another stout defense in 2018.

“Our defense carried us last year,” he said. “I expect nothing different this year.”

Turnovers proved to be costly in the loss to South Whidbey but the young Wolverines remain undeterred. Hauck says that, despite ball-security issues to start the season, his team will continue to play hard-nosed “Wolverine football.”

This Friday, Sept. 14, the Wolverines take on their third consecutive 1A team, the unbeaten Coupeville Wolves. The two team’s starts have mirrored each other as their tailbacks rushed for over 300 yards in their season openers and each team held their opponent scoreless in their second games of the season.

In spite of their youth, Hauck knows that the team has a tight bond that will carry them through any adversity. “This group truly cares about one another,” he said. “They will battle until the end.”

This week’s battle can be heard on www.fhTinyRadio.com beginning at 5:30 p.m.