ANACORTES – It was very even throughout the first three quarters. In fact, Meridian held a 14-0 lead halfway through the third quarter, but Anacortes had a few big plays go its way, and came out on top 27-14 on Saturday afternoon.
After not playing football in almost a month because of Covid-related issue, the Trojans were anxious to get their second game (and last game) of the season kicked off, but it took almost a full half of football for Meridian to get into the end zone.
The junior connection of quarterback Tucker Harrison and wide receiver Bryce Johnson hooked up from eight yards out with less than 20 seconds to go until halftime for the first score of the game. Sophomore Eli Jensen’s extra point gave the Trojans the 7-0 lead at the break.
After forcing a Seahawk punt to open up the third quarter, Meridian got tough running from seniors Trey Naidu and Logan Sharp as the Trojans marched down the field. This time Harrison kept it himself as he ran off left tackle for a 1-yard touchdown. Naidu led Meridian with 116 yards rushing on 16 carries, and Sharp added 71 yards on 13 carries.
Anacortes scored its first touchdown of the game on a quick slant that ended up going 87 yards for a touchdown, but it was various option running plays that the Seahawks relied on for the rest of the game.
Anacortes took the lead with 1:54 left in the game after a 32-yard touchdown run, but the extra point was blocked by senior Andrew Kuljis, giving the Trojans a decent chance, only down by six.
Two plays after the ensuing kickoff a Seahawk defender intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, which put the game out of reach for Meridian.
The Trojans finish the season with a 1-1 record.
Meridian 14
Anacortes 27
MER 0 7 7 0 – 14
ANA 0 0 7 20 – 27
MER – Johnson 8 pass from Harrison (Jensen kick)
MER – Harrison 1 run (Jensen kick)
ANA – 87 yard touchdown pass (kick good)
ANA – 24 yard touchdown run (kick good)
ANA – 32 yard touchdown run (kick blocked)
ANA – 40 yard interception return (kick good)
MER ANA
39-184 Rushing Att-Yards 19-80
15-28-1 Comp-Att-Int 12-20-1
127 Passing yards 182
Individual Leaders
RUSHING – MER: Naidu 16-116, Sharp 13-71, Jones 1-11, Harrison 8-(-7), Short 1-(-7). ANA: N/A.
PASSING – MER: Harrison 15-26-1-127, Kurz 0-2-0-0. ANA: N/A.
RECEIVING – MER: Short 4-17, Kurz 3-38, Sharp 3-36, Johnson 2-15, Naidu 2-10, Kuljis 1-11. ANA: N/A.
