Fully recovered, Capital’s junior running back is now the one causing the headaches – namely for opposing defenses.
A week after setting the school’s single-game rushing record, Van Sickle was at it again, breaking the record for a second consecutive week by running for 380 yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries as Capital advanced to the Class 3A state playoffs with a convincing, 35-6 victory over visiting West Seattle on Saturday at Ingersoll Stadium.
“I wouldn’t have gained a single yard if it wasn’t for the line. They’re the ones who should get all the credit for this,” said Van Sickle, who has rushed for 897 yards the past three games. “This team has improved so much since the start of the season.”
Capital’s 0-3 start has pretty much been forgotten after the Cougars posted their seventh consecutive win en route to collecting their fourth straight state playoff berth.
“Losing to Lakes (in the third game) was the wake-up call for us,” Van Sickle said. “Losing 57-7 brought this team together. We have a lot of doubters, but this team keeps working hard and improving.”
Van Sickle rushed for a school-record 310 yards in last week’s 49-28 victory over Lincoln in a game that clinched the Narrows League 3A for the Cougars.
“We came out a little sluggish in the first half, and turning the ball over four times is a concern,” said Capital coach J.D. Johnson of Saturday’s game. “But during this time of the year getting the win is all that matters. The kids have really responded after starting the season 0-3.”
Capital, which has made 19 state playoff appearances overall, will host the winner of Hazen and Franklin on Saturday in the first round.
The Cougars are 8-1 in their last nine first round state playoff games at the 3A level, with their only setback coming to Union, 30-12, in 2009 and are 11-0 all-time at Ingersoll Stadium in state playoff games.
“That’s why winning league was so important,” Johnson said. “It keeps us home for the first two games of the playoffs.”
Van Sickle had 164 rushing yards on 16 carries at the half, helping Capital to a slim 7-0 lead at the intermission.
The Cougars forced five turnovers, getting interceptions from Tad Maiava, Derek Chase and Sam Hollingsworth, who also had a sack.
“Defensively, we did what we needed to do tonight,” Johnson said. “They did a nice job throwing against, but overall I was pleased.
