Quilcene’s Ben Bruner had “the game of his career,” according to Rangers head coach Trey Beathard in a wild 54-50 come-from-behind Class 1B State Quarterfinal win over Sunnyside Christian last Saturday.
Bruner, a senior running back/defensive back, made plays all over the field as Quilcene stormed back from a 44-22 first-half deficit.
He carried the ball 19 times for 217 yards and touchdown runs of 41, 35 and 2 yards, and also caught touchdown passes of 7 and 27 yards, the latter coming in the fourth quarter and serving as the eventual game-winning score.
Bruner also hauled in two 2-point conversions, all the more important in a game decided by just four points.
Defensively, Bruner added 12 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception.
Bruner and Quilcene have made school history in making the state semifinals. The Rangers’ run equals the 1977 Quilcene squad that also made a trip to the final four.