The stands were jam-packed for the 2022 Homecoming football game as students, fans, family and alumni watched the undefeated Yelm Tornados host the North Thurston Rams.
Spectators were in for a treat as Yelm lit up the scoreboard with a shutout 63-0 victory.
Yelm was set to receive the opening kickoff. Starting on their own 35 yardline, the Tornados methodically drove down the field. They reached North Thurston’s 10-yard line before junior quarterback Damian Aalona found senior wide receiver Kyler Ronquillo in the corner of the endzone for a touchdown. After the two point try, Yelm led 8-0.
The Tornados forced a quick North Thurston punt after a three and out by the Rams’ offense. Now taking the field for their second drive near midfield, Yelm put together an eight-play drive to find the endzone again. Aalona found senior receiver Aden Schaler for a two-yard score. Yelm led 16-0, after a successful two point conversion.
Back on defense, the Tornados were able to force another quick North Thurston punt. Junior defensive end Onyx Carter made his presence known when he sacked the Rams quarterback on second and long. Carter finished the game with two sacks and three tackles for loss.
Following the punt, Yelm’s offense started the drive with the ball in North Thurston territory on the 25-yard line.
All it took was one play for the Tornados, as junior running back and linebacker Brayden Platt took a carry for 25 yards and a touchdown. The Tornados didn’t convert their two point try, but still led 22-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Platt found the endzone again on the Tornados’ first play of the drive. He took a handoff 38 yards for a touchdown, untouched in the process. Yelm converted their two point try, and led 30-0, early in the second quarter.
After the Tornados defense forced yet another North Thurston punt, the offense went right back to its scoring ways. Rolling to his right, quarterback Aalona found a wide open Schaler up the sidelines and hit him for a 44-yard touchdown. After the Tornados missed their point after touchdown kick, they led 36-0.
The final Tornado touchdown of the half came late in the second quarter when senior fullback and linebacker Ray Wright took a handoff to the left and scampered up the sidelines for a 25-yard score. Following a successful William Carreto kick, Yelm led 43-0.
Coming out of halftime, North Thurston began to move the ball with the help of some penalties. Senior defensive back Pavaan Bankston put a stop to any momentum the Rams’ offense built on the drive with an interception. After the interception, Bankston returned the ball 41 yards up the North Thurston sideline and scored. This was Bankston’s second interception in as many weeks. Following a successful Carreto kick, Yelm led 50-0.
Several Tornado reserves continued to shine under the Friday night lights for Yelm, as sophomore Nathan Ford and junior Anthony Kiamco each added another touchdown on the season. Ford found the endzone first on a 31-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Kiamco had the final touchdown of the game on a 42-yard touchdown carry.
Yelm secured the 63-0 victory and remains undefeated.
The Tornados finished the game with over 460 total yards of offense, including 300 rushing yards. Aalona finished the game 10 of 14 for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Schaler, who caught two of Aalona’s touchdowns, finished with three receptions for 64 yards. Ronquillo also had three catches on the evening. He finished with 43 yards and a touchdown.
Platt finished the game with nine rushes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. He also had one reception for 24 yards.
Defensively, Carter finished the contest with five tackles to pair with his two sacks and three tackles for loss. Junior linebacker Isaiah Patterson led the Tornados in tackles on the evening with 10, followed by Platt with nine.
The Tornados outgained North Thurston 462 yards to the Ram’s 55 yards.
Carter credited the defense’s “all around efforts” for finishing the game with their second shutout of the season.
“The success our defense sees is because we fly to the ball every play and never take plays off,” Carter said. “We play as a team and constantly communicate.”
Carter said his team is constantly working to improve their skills, right down to the fundamentals. He feels that a hard work ethic and commitment at practice each day has allowed him and the swarming Tornados’ defense to be great.
“The preparation is all in the details, and working hard every day to get where we want to be and continue winning,” Carter said.
The Tornados next game will be on Friday, Oct. 7 at home, against the Capital Cougars. The game begins at 7 p.m. and tickets can be bought online.
