Things got off to a pretty good start for the football team from Life Christian Academy this season. The Eagles thumped Seattle Lutheran 44-22 in one of the games at the Emerald City Kickoff Classic at Qwest Field last weekend.

The Eagles erupted for 26 points in the second quarter; keep in mind that is more points than the 2009 version of the team scored in any one game.

For coach Todd Corrigon, seeing all those points on the board was a welcome sight.

“It’s huge for our kids to come out like that. Last season we had lost so many starters (eight each on both offense and defense). We just didn’t have the experience to overcome setbacks. This year we have a big return of starters, as well as some transfers to help us. It’s good to get the winning feeling at the start of the season.”

This season also marks the beginning of a partnership in football between Life Christian and Seattle Christian, which did not have a football program.

“It’s worked out well,” the coach said.

The team alternates practices between the two schools. Seattle Christian might eventually want to start its own program, but in the meantime it can lend more players to the program, while learning the ins-and-outs of running a high-school team from an experienced coaching staff and administration.

Last season Life Christian had 26 players trying out for the team. That number grew to 40 this season.

As the Eagles prepare for their rivalry game against Tacoma Baptist this week, that is somewhat comforting.

In the game against Tacoma Baptist last season, a 33-0 loss, the Eagles offense finished with minus 28 yards rushing and the defense lacked solid experience at most positions.

In Life Christian’s victory over Seattle Lutheran last week, the defense accounted for two touchdowns, a 37-yard fumble return by Cameron Hutchins and a 71-yard interception return by Kyle Pierotti.

Coach Corrigon is proud of the development of young players like Chase Knoblach, a sophomore fullback, and the steady improvement of senior wide receiver Joey Absten. Dylan Huber, a junior running back, ran for 92 yards on seven carries before leaving the game with cramps.

Corrigon cited the play of Jon Linberg, a linebacker and guard, who made some key plays on both sides of the ball.

Tacoma Baptist, which lost a number of key starters from its state playoff team, suffered a tough 13-0 loss at the hands of Charles Wright, but is looking to put together a good game against the improved Eagles.

Charles Wright returned a blocked field goal 87 yards with under a minute to play in the first half to take a 10-0 lead, rather than a 3-3 tie into half time, and Tacoma Baptist struggled after that.

Kickoff for this week’s game on Sept. 11 is 7 p.m. at Curtis High School.

The Foss Falcons began their 3A football season against 4A Kent-Meridian. From my sideline view, it was very interesting to watch Foss try to overcome its inexperience with its speed and talent.

After falling behind 26-6 at the half, the Falcons pulled to within 26-20, then 32-27 on the strength of a playmaking defense that scored two touchdowns and the running of Daniel Cross, a bruising running back. The Falcons showed they could make big plays, but also showed the capacity to make ill-timed mistakes.

The Falcons will try to make corrections this week against Mt. Tahoma, which dropped a close game to Lincoln. That kickoff is Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at Mt. Tahoma.