Tumwater hands NK first home loss in 4 years

North Kitsap entered Week 2 as the top 2A team in the state and one of the top 25 programs throughout all divisions.

However, the Vikings will drop in the rankings after falling in Poulsbo to Tumwater 34-14 Sept. 8—the Vikings’ first loss at home since 2019.

“We got out-coached and outplayed,” NK coach Jeff Weible said. “I hope this motivates us after getting our butts kicked and not believe our press clippings because right now we are not very good.”

The Vikings had a hot start when Carter Dungy led them to the red zone, but NK was forced to settle for a 36-yard field goal try.

But they missed and the momentum turned in favor of Tumwater, which also is a Top 10 team in Class 2A. Runningback Peyton Davis ran 60 yards to move the ball across the field. A handful of plays later, Tumwater wide receiver Brady Bryan caught his first touchdown pass of the night. “They threw the ball a bit last week and were successful but it was different dudes every time,” Weible said.

The Vikings gave up five receiving TDs throughout the game, including a 49-yard pass on the first play of the second quarter. NK tried to respond when they reached the red zone again, but a tipped pass on the T-Birds’ 5-yard line turned into an interception.

The Vikings slimmed the lead toward the end of the half when Dungy picked up a 5-yard touchdown run to make it 14-7.

But in the second half, Bryant caught his second scoring pass on a fourth down play.

NK quarterback Cole Edwards then scrambled around the pocket before throwing a 10-yard scor to Lelond Anderson.

In the fourth quarter, Tumwater picked up two more touchdowns including a wide receiver pass from Ethan Kastner to Bryant.

NK had a final chance outside the red zone before a few incompletions ended the game.

North Kitsap loses its first home game since Steilacoom in 2019.

North Kitsap loses its first home game since Steilacoom in 2019.

Carter Dungy scores a touchdown on the ground for the Vikings.

Carter Dungy scores a touchdown on the ground for the Vikings.

NK’s Cole Edwards throws a touchdown after scrambling around the pocket.

NK’s Cole Edwards throws a touchdown after scrambling around the pocket.