EHS, WRHS so far undefeated — so who will win The Battle of the Bridge?

The Hornets continue to shut out their NPSL 3A opponents.

Let it be shouted from the rooftops – the balance of power in North Puget Sound League 3A football circles now rests firmly on the Plateau.

During last week’s games, both Enumclaw and White River rang up victories and improved to 6-0 for the season.

It’s likely a bit premature, but fans are already looking forward to the Halloween night showdown between White River and Enumclaw. If both take care of business the next two weeks, the Plateau rivals will square off with a combined overall record of 16-0 – and with a league title on the line.

The path forward has White River facing Kent-Meridian (2-4) and Decatur (3-2) while Enumclaw takes on Auburn Mountainview (3-3) and nonleague, Class 4A Eastmont before crashing pads in the Battle of the Bridge.

Here’s a quick look at how things went last week when both local schools kept their winning ways intact.

WHITE RIVER

This was the showdown the Buckley crew had been looking forward to: Federal Way High traveled to Arrow Lumber Stadium with a chance to climb back into the NPSL 3A race.

Instead, the Eagles walked off the turf having been blanked by a determined White River crew that hung a 17-0 loss on the Eagles (now 3-2 in league, 3-3 overall).

The Thursday night victory improved White River’s record to 5-0 in NPSL 3A play and 6-0 overall.

It was, according to coach Wyatt Evenson, “a great, gritty win for our program and shows we can win games in different ways.”

For a Hornet program that averaged more than 50 points per outing during the season’s first five games, Federal Way kept White River to a pair of first half touchdowns and a 30-yard, fourth-quarter field goal by Palmer Beus.

Those who follow the Hornets know the defense has been stellar all season, allowing just 26 points in six games.

Last week’s victory over the Eagles saw White River jump on top in the first quarter, thanks to a 23-yard TD pass from Chaz Strickland to Parker Fry. A second touchdown came with 12 seconds remaining in the half when Strickland connected with Ray Palmer from 12 yards out.

ENUMCLAW

The EHS crew had an unusual 4 p.m. start for their Friday contest at French Field, but that mattered little as the Hornets cruised to a 56-13 victory over Kent-Meridian.

While Enumclaw remained undefeated the Royals fell to 2-3 in NPSL 3A play and 2-4 overall.

For Enumclaw, last week’s victory added one more lopsided victory to the slate. The team has scored 310 points in six games and allowed just 41 and that included a 14-7 squeaker against Federal Way.

PHOTO COURTESY VINCE MILLER Hornet quarterback Chaz Strickland avoids the Eagle rush and completes a short pass during his team’s victory over Federal Way.