10/10/2026
Lakes 41, Capital 17
(Olympia, WA) Lakes came into the game 4-1 on the season after a dominant win over River Ridge and on a three-game win streak while trying to stay atop the PSL Nisqually. Capital came into the game 2-3 on the season and coming off a tough loss to Peninsula. Both teams used their balanced offense throughout the game, while both schools’ defenses and special teams had moments of glory.
1st Half
Capital would get things started early as they got the ball to start the game. They would put together an eight-minute long drive, mixing up their plays well, with Nolan Potts finding Carter Pennington multiple times through the air and Garret Murphy having a few nice runs as well. It would all come down to fourth down from the three-yard line. Capital decided to go for it, which was the right decision as Nolan Potts kept the ball on a QB sneak and scored a 3-yard touchdown. The Cougars would then force a three-and-out on Lakes and get the ball back, but Lakes’ defense would return the favor and force a turnover on downs. Capital would lead 7-0 going into the second quarter.
Lakes offense caught a rhythm in their second drive of the game with running back Korben Reed collecting chunk yardage time and time again to get Lakes inside the ten-yard line. QB Elijah Gafa-Shields would use his legs and push through for a 7-yard touchdown run and tie the game 7-7. Capital would get the ball back but be forced to punt; Lakes would then take the lead with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Gafa-Shields to Zarrick Roberts to make it 14-7. Both teams would exchange possessions, but on a Lakes punt from their own end zone, the pressure of the Capital special teams defense altered the ball, and Capital would take over in the red zone. With limited time remaining, Capital would kick a 25-yard field goal from Nolan Potts, which soared through the goalposts. Lakes would lead 14-10 going into halftime.
2nd Half
Lakes would get the ball to start the second half and put together a long drive of their own. Korben Reed and Kameron Warren torched the defense with their speed, and each had multiple runs for 15+ yards. Reed would cash in with an 8-yard touchdown run to enhance the lead to 20-10 after a missed PAT. Capital would be forced to punt on their next drive; Lakes would march down the field once again. The Capital defense did force a fourth down and made the Lancers kick a field goal. The special teams defense for Capital came through once again and blocked the field goal, and the ball found its way into the hands of Kennon Valentine, who returned it all the way back to the 15-yard line for the Cougars. Lakes would lead 20-10 going into the fourth quarter.
Capital was in striking range, but penalties pushed them back and caused a fourth down. The Cougars would send out the field goal unit once again, but Lakes would return the favor right back with a field goal block of their own. The run game for Lakes continued to be in full effect, and once again they found themselves in scoring position. Elijah Gafa-Shields would get his second rushing touchdown of the day from 9 yards out to bring the score to 27-10. Capital would return on offense and within just a few plays, Nolan Potts would fire a pass to Carter Pennington, who would break a tackle and burst free for a 75-yard touchdown. Lakes would respond with a big play of their own, though on the very next drive as Gafa-Shields found Ean Owens open on the sideline, who broke away for a 51-yard touchdown.
Capital once again would start to put together a nice drive as Potts found Julien Mikealson for a spectacular 33-yard catch. However, the defense of Lakes would get their first turnover of the day shortly after as Kameron Warren would wind up with the interception to give Lakes the ball. Each team would exchange punts, and on Lakes’ next drive it would be the Capital defense who would respond with a turnover of their own. Mason Bottin came through with an interception for the Cougars as Capital was up against the clock. Unfortunately, Capital would throw another interception to Kameron Warren for his second of the day, and Lakes would score their final touchdown on a ten-yard run from Elijah Gafa-Shields. Lakes would win 41-17 for their fourth win in a row as they remain at the top of the PSL Nisqually.
Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP of the Game
The Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP of the game award went to Elijah Gafa-Shields, who had five touchdowns on the day. Three with his legs, and two with his arm. He went 8/16 passing for 128 yards and two passing touchdowns and rushed for 33 yards on five carries with three touchdowns. An outstanding game for Gafa-Shields, who made all the difference in the productivity and scoring in the game for Lakes, who now move to 5-1 on the year.
What’s Next?
Capital will face North Thurston High School on the road on Friday, October 16th with a 7:00 pm kickoff. Lakes will face Timberline High School at home on Friday, October 16th with a 7:00 pm kickoff.
Stats
Lakes:
- Elijah Gafa Shields – 8/16 passing for 128 yards (2 passing TDs), 5 carries for 33 yards (3 rushing touchdowns).
- Korben Reed – 25 carries for 220 yards, 1 TD
- Kameron Warren – 9 carries for 95 yards, 2 INTs
- Ean Owens – 3 catches for 68 yards, 1 TD
Capital:
- Nolan Potts – 15/27 passing for 201 yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing touchdown, 25-yard field goal
- Carter Pennington – 8 catches for 137 yards, 1 touchdown
- Carter Armstrong – 6 catches for 30 yards
- Garret Murphy – 10 carries for 34 yards
- Mason Bottin – INT
Link to watch full game replay on the NFHS Network (subscription required)
West 42 Sports Postgame Show
Video Highlights
Nolan Potts QB Sneak for Capital’s Opening Touchdown
Elijah Gafa-Shields Ties it Up with a 9-Yard TD Run
Elijah Gafa-Shields Finds Zarrick Robert To Take the Lead
Capital Blocks Lake’s Field Goal For a Big Return
Kameron Warren with the Interception
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