Coupeville Sports

   Caleb Meyer played a ferocious game on defense Wednesday as a 17-player CMS football team almost upended Sequim, which has 53 on its roster. (Photo courtesy Mckenzie Meyer)

53-17.

No, that’s not a game score. It’s the difference in roster size between Sequim and Coupeville’s middle school football teams.

One funnels players to a large 2A school, the other to a small 1A school, and yet, there they were, facing off on the gridiron Wednesday afternoon.

CMS coach Bob Martin, a former Marine Corps drill sergeant, has a philosophical approach to the disparity.

“That’s how we roll,” he said with a laugh. “We have no choice. Fight, get beat-up, or go home.”

Wednesday his Wolves fought, almost pulling off a stunning upset.

While time ran out on them in a 32-27 thriller, their effort never waned, even while being out-manned by a rival who had three players to every one they suited up.

“Just a good game,” Martin said, and then a pause, “And no injuries!”

While the Wolves might have had a lack of bodies, those bodies they did have were ready to rumble.

Coupeville scored every which way possible, just about, with quarterback Xavier Murdy having a standout game.

The CMS 8th grader connected with Hawthorne Wolfe on a 30-yard scoring strike, picked off a pass on defense and brought back a kick 85 yards for a touchdown.

When Murdy wasn’t hitting pay-dirt, his teammates took their turns.

Caleb Meyer, blasting in from his spot at outside linebacker, blitzed Sequim’s QB and knocked the ball free on a hand-off.

Staying alert, he then snatched the loose ball out of mid air, pulled it in to his body and rumbled 35 yards for the touchdown.

Damon Stadler capped the Wolf scoring, punching in for a TD off of a sweep.

Coupeville’s special teams play was outstanding all game, with a blocked field goal a particular highlight.

While the big plays lit up the scoreboard, everything was set up by the line, which held its own with a big school rival.

Isaiah Bittner “was key; his snaps were on the money tonight,” while Logan Martin and Gabe Shaw “made a huge difference by getting into the backfield.”

As he boarded the bus for the long trip back to Whidbey, Martin was all smiles, proud of how his undermanned squad fought valiantly.

“What a game — interceptions, blocked field goal, kickoff return for a touchdown … we had it all. Just a fun game!”