Efficient Blazers advance

Timberline 51, Kennedy 24: Three interceptions by Quinton Sison helps Blazers cruise

CHRIS CHANCELLOR; For The Olympian | • Published November 07, 2009

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LACEY – Utilizing a dynamic running game is nothing new for Timberline.

But doing it in the Class 3A state play-in game against traditional power Kennedy Catholic is different.

The fifth-ranked Blazers (10-0) advanced to state with a 51-24 win Friday night against the Lancers at South Sound Stadium. It is their second consecutive state-playoff berth.

Timberline, which never trailed during the game, accomplished it through an efficient offense. But it was the Blazers’ defense that ensured the Lancers (6-4) were held down early.

On the first play of the game, Quinton Sison intercepted Kennedy’s Jason Thompson. The Blazers then used a 10-play drive for a 3-0 lead on a 25-yard field goal by Brandon Meyer. Sison intercepted Thompson three times.

The Lancers looked like they might respond on their ensuing drive by moving to the Timberline 32-yard line, but Sison again jumped a receiver’s route and intercepted Thompson for the second time in the first quarter. Thompson threw two interceptions during the regular season.

Blazers quarterback Kevin Russell needed two plays to extend the lead to 10-0 when he found receiver John Ferreira for a 73-yard touchdown.

Senior running back Jordan Radcliffe had 130 yards on 15 carries during the opening half.

Timberline scored on four of its five first-half drives.

Delas Raiford returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown for Timberline.