The Rivals football team just keeps on winning.

With the victory over Klahowya, the Rivals sealed the deal as the title winners of the Nisqually League. EJ went undefeated (5-0) against divisional opponents on their way to the title victory for the regular season.

East Jefferson ventured to Silverdale on Thursday, Oct. 28 to face the Klahowya Eagles.

In their final divisional matchup of the regular season, the Rivals buried the Eagles 43-6 to extend their winning streak to six in a row.

The starting kickoff of the game commenced as gusts of wind and heavy rain poured onto the field.

The Rivals went up early in the game, scoring 16 points at the end of the first quarter.

By halftime, EJ was up 22-0 and giving the Eagles a hard time on both sides of the ball.

The second half was more of the same for the Rivals, as they scored three additional touchdowns and allowed one TD from the Eagles in the fourth quarter.

At the final whistle, the Rivals crushed Klahowya to win 43-6.

“It’s the first outright league title in the years I’ve been here,” Rivals Head Coach Tony Haddenham said. “It feels great; it’s awesome.”

The rowdy weather caused some turnover issues for both teams, including nine fumbles on the Rivals’ end.

“It was so wet,” Haddenham said.

The coach wasn’t happy about the turnovers, but was relieved that EJ recovered six of their nine fumbles.

“It was as slick as a greased pig,” the coach said.

Regardless of the weather, Haddenham was beyond proud of his team’s performance, not only on the night, but throughout the season.

One of the standout stars of the matchup was Lonnie Kenney, a senior quarterback and defensive back, who had two interceptions on the night, returning one of them 105 yards for a pick-six.

Kenney also stepped in for an injured Cash Holmes, the sophomore starting quarterback who had an injury.

Cash Holmes, senior running back Jerome Reaux Jr., junior running back Trevor Wilson, and sophomore quarterback Aaron Glanz each scored a rushing TD on the night.

Senior wide receiver Cade Martin caught a pass for a touchdown from Cash Holmes.

On the defensive end, junior lineman Gerald Lindsey, junior defensive end Siaumau Auseuga, and senior linebacker Anson Jones were tied for most tackles, at four each.

Sophomore defensive end Gary Zambor had one sack on the night.

“The boys played outstanding football,” Haddenham said. “They played lights out.”

The Rivals were scheduled to play Sultan High School Tuesday, Nov. 2, but the game was cancelled Monday night.

EJ’s next game will be a playoff matchup, soon to be announced.