It’s great to be 2-0, but from now on it really counts. Coupeville High School’s football team squeaked by Lakeside 7-6 last Saturday afternoon in Seattle to remain undefeated in the young season, and now the fun begins as the Wolves travel to King’s this Friday to start Cascade Conference play.

Coupeville will have its hands full trying to stop quarterback Thomas Vincent and the high-scoring Knight offense. Vincent, just a sophomore last season, set a King’s total offense record of over 1,500 yards in 2008. He is a dual threat, throwing for 14 touchdowns and running for 11 last season, and he is flashing his arm and feet again this fall.

In the Knight’s season opening 51-6 thrashing of LaConner, Vincent threw five TD passes, three to Nick Swanson. Three of the touchdown tosses covered over 40 yards. In last week’s heart-breaking 32-31 loss to Charles Wright, he ran for touchdowns of 62 and 54 yards. In that game, King’s twice blew 14-point leads, one in the fourth quarter.

While the Coupeville defense will have to contend with Vincent, its offense will have to face middle linebacker Paul Lutgen. The 6-2, 225 pounder was an all-state selection in 2008. “He really flies to the ball,” according to Coupeville assistant coach Gary Smart.

In Coupeville’s win over Lakeside, the Lions jumped to a 6-0 lead when Joey Lickweg scored from three yards out in the second quarter. The point after kick failed, which turned out to be a critical miss for the Lions.

Lakeside had an excellent chance to score just before the half when in had first and goal at the three. The Wolves’ defense, led by ends Tim Walstad and David Donley, stuffed the Lions four times. The Lions also missed a 45-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

Coupeville finally broke through when Justin Adams bulled in from three yards out in the fourth quarter with 11 left. He also drilled the all-important PAT kick to give Coupeville the lead and win. Coupeville was also knocking on the door as the game ended, taking a knee twice at the three.

Adams finished the day with 78 yards rushing on 12 carries. Quarterback Jason Bagby hit 10 of 16 passes for 130 yards, including a 49-yarder to Ian Smith, and threw one interception. Chad Brookhouse had four receptions for 49 yards.

Four turnovers, three fumbles and an interception, frustrated the Wolves’ offensive effort to take control of the game.

Coupeville’s strong defensive effort was led by Donley (eight tackles and a sack), Brookhouse (eight tackles), Chase Griffin (seven tackles and an interception), and Walstad (six tackles and a sack).

“Lakeside played well in the first half,” said Smart. “We ran all over them the second half but couldn’t score. But, a one-point win is as good as any other.”