There’s a new airline flying out of Sumner these days and it’s called Air Dickerson.
Quarterback Leo Dickerson piloted the South King County Colts to a 33-29 victory, this past Saturday night at Sunset Chev Stadium, topping a determined Grays Harbor Bearcats team in the Colts’ Pacific Football League home opener.
The Colts are now 2-1 in league play. The Bearcats dropped to 1-2.
Dickerson made the most of his start, throwing for 250 yards and four touchdowns. He completed 13-of-22 pass attempts, including his last seven, and did not throw an interception.
Tristan Gray provided ground support with 91 yards on 16 carries, including an 18-yard touchdown run that gave the Colts a 7-0 lead with 3:23 left in the first quarter.
Wide receiver Anthony Montgomery wasted no time racking up frequent flyer miles as he hauled in six receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
“It was really great having him out there at quarterback,” Montgomery said. “He’s a big factor that gives us some big time impact.”
This was the first game as a Colt for Dickerson, who was quarterback for the Seattle Stallions last season. He replaced Micah Prescott, who injured his right foot in the first quarter of last week’s victory in Bellingham.
“I really really felr good out there,” Dickerson said. “For me though, it more about the team. I’m glad we got the win.”
Dickerson praised the 6-foot-4 Montgomery and his playmaking ability.
“I just love throwing to that guy,” Dickerson said. “He can really get up there and separate himself and make some big plays.”
In the game, the Colts had trouble separating themselves from the Bearcats, largely in part to running back Jeff Gates who rushed for 112 yards on 27 carries and three touchdowns.
In the fourth quarter, the Colts almost let the Bearcats get back in the game, despite holding a 26-23 lead.
After turning over the ball on downs in their opening drive, South King County defensive back Duane Bowen went airborne to intercept a David Evans pass, giving the ball back to the Colts. Bowen’s interception was the only turnover of the game for either team.
“That was a big play,” Bowen said. “I had to really stretch out to wrap my hands around it. I was really happy to be able to make that play for the team.”
With 1:28 left, the Colts appeared to seal the deal when Montgomery and Dickerson linked up from 15 yards out to take a 33-23 lead.
On their next possession, Grays Harbor just needed two plays, though, to go 51 yards for another touchdown when quarterback Alex Todak hit tight end Eric Dayton with a 40-yard pass. The PAT failed leaving the score at 33-29.
Ramon McNair’s onside kick recovery for the Colts on the ensuing Bearcat kickoff sealed the win for the Colts.
