September 10, 2025
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ISSUE 37
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Cruiser Girls Show Fight in Season Opener but Fall Short Against Rochester By Skip Smith
T Eatonville's Amari Samuel races up field for the Cruisers. Samuel would go on to catch 3 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown.
PHOTO: HEATHER QUIRIE
Cruisers Stumble in Season Opener Fall to Cascade Christian 51-14 By Skip Smith
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he Eatonville Cruisers’ seasonopener did not go as planned, as the Cascade Christian Cougars handed them a 51-14 loss Saturday evening at Sunset Chevrolet Stadium in Sumner. The Cougars struck first with a 1-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead. Eatonville answered when quarterback Cole Fowler found a streaking Colton Herbrand for a 45-yard touchdown to even the score at 7-7. Cascade Christian seized control from there, scoring on four of their next five possessions, including a safety to build a commanding 37-7 halftime lead.
The second half started no better for Eatonville, as the Cougars returned the kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. After the Cruisers turned the ball over on downs at midfield, Cascade Christian capitalized with another score, stretching the lead to 51-7. Eatonville showed grit despite the deficit. Fowler connected with Amari Samuel on a 70-yard strike, and the speedy receiver outraced the defense for the Cruisers’ second touchdown of the night. That would be the final score, as neither team reached the end zone in the fourth quarter. Head Coach Gavin Kralik, back at the helm this season, said he was encouraged by
his team’s response after the break. “We were proud of how our kids responded in the second half after the deficit we faced at halftime,” he said. “We are looking forward to another week of practice and the opportunity ahead of us next Friday against Black Hills.” Fowler finished with 233 yards on 14-of-31 passing with two touchdowns and one interception. Samuel had three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Herbrand added two receptions for 58 yards and a score. The Cruisers will look to regroup when they travel to Tumwater District Stadium to face the Black Hills Wolves on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m.
he Eatonville Cruiser girls’ soccer team kicked off their 2025 season at home on Friday, Sept. 5, hosting the Rochester Warriors at Eatonville Middle School. With renovations underway at Eatonville’s stadium, all Cruiser home matches will be played at the middle school this year. The first half proved to be tightly contested, but Rochester broke through late with a long-range strike from 40 yards out that sailed over the Eatonville keeper, giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead heading into the break. New Head Coach Michael Dieckman said his team responded well after halftime. “We made adjustments at halftime and came out to dominate the second half, but we just couldn’t finish,” Dieckman explained. The Cruisers nearly equalized when awarded a penalty kick, but the Rochester
goalkeeper came up with the save to preserve the Warriors’ lead. That stop ultimately sealed a 1-0 victory for Rochester. Despite the result, Dieckman highlighted several strong performances in the season opener. “Madi McChesney-Berube and Toryn Amaral played well on defense. Linnea Lofgren dominated the midfield, and Kalli Olson had multiple shots,” he said. “We have things to adjust, but I believe that we’re going to have a good season.” Eatonville will look to bounce back on the road with a pair of contests. The Cruisers travel to Tenino on Tuesday, Sept. 9, for a 7 p.m. matchup against the Beavers, before opening 2A SPSL league play Thursday, Sept. 11, at Foss against the Falcons at 7 p.m.
Eatonville's Kalli Olson chases down a ball as a Rochester defender gives chase.
PHOTO: HEATHER QUIRIE
Pierce County Surpasses 1,300 New Affordable Housing Units in Two Years By Kari Moore Pierce County
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he Pierce County Council approved $12.2 million to fund four housing projects that will create or preserve 646 units of affordable housing for individuals and families. The funding comes from tax generated by the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, which has supported the creation, development, or preservation of 1,387 units of affordable housing in just over two years.
“When the Council passed the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, we committed to creating a dedicated, sustainable source of funding to address one of Pierce County’s greatest needs. In just two years, this fund has generated tens of millions of dollars, turning ideas into real homes for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across our communities," said Council Chair Jani Hitchen (District 6). “This is a model for what providing public, private, and partnered paths to safe, stable housing can look like.”
These new projects build on the success of previously funded developments, including Copper Way in Spanaway and Viridian Grove in Tacoma. The diversity of projects, from new construction of large family apartments to the preservation of existing housing and the creation of specialized homes, demonstrates the tax's flexibility in meeting a wide range of community needs. “It is a testament to our County team and our housing partners that we have reached a milestone in creating more than 1,000 affordable housing units in two years since the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act was created," said County Executive Ryan N. Mello. “I’m grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point, and I’m encouraged by the progress we are making to create housing people can afford.” The following awarded projects will serve households across the county earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which comes to $50,760 for
a household of one, $58,020 for a household of two, and $72,480 for a household of four: Cedar Flats (South Hill/Frederickson): $7,000,000 for the new construction of 276 family-sized units, with two- to four-bedroom apartments. Chateau Rainier (Fife): $5,000,000 for the rehabilitation of 248 units, preserving affordability for households with extremely low income. FFC Homes XIV (Buckley): $166,800 for the acquisition and rehabilitation of three group homes, providing nine units for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Fairway at Dupont (Dupont): $69,752 for the new construction of 113 familysized affordable units near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The projects in Fife and Buckley have units set aside for households at 30% AMI, ensuring availability for residents earning annual incomes as low as $25,400.