‘I’ll never take football for granted’ — Squalicum senior Kai Posey savors the game
Kai Posey has fulfilled his ambition to become one of the few local football players to start both ways for three varsity seasons, but he had no idea how many challenges he was destined to face as one of the Northwest Conference’s most reliable performers.
In his first three weeks this season, the Squalicum senior quickly showed how valuable he could be. Then the Storm suffered the departure of two opponents in one week, followed in Week 3 by injuries to two buddies who rank among the area’s best players.
As a sophomore, the wide receiver/safety had many big moments as the Storm went 9-3 and he fulfilled his dream of earning plenty of action in the Class 3A state playoffs.
But that would be the only really full season he would have, since COVID-19 forced the Storm to limit its delayed season to five games as Squalicum went 4-1 in an abbreviated campaign (without playoffs) in the final weeks of winter.
This fall, with the Storm now in 2A and a strong candidate for a state spot, he saw running back Ben Shoemaker (ankle) and quarterback Leyton Smithson (shoulder) forced out with disheartening injuries in Week 3 just as Squalicum seemed poised to rally for a huge win in some of the worst September game night weather in memory.
Instead, NWC 2A contender Lynden overtook the Storm to prevail 15-12.
“That was probably the toughest experience, seeing Ben and Leyton injured,” the affable Posey said. “They’re such great teammates and friends.”
But by Week 5, both stars had returned to brighten Posey’s outlook with the Storm (now 3-2 overall, 1-2 NWC 2A heading into an important game against Archbishop Murphy tonight in the wake of the Storm’s 27-0 win against Sehome on Oct 1. Posey’s interception set up his 39-yard touchdown catch on a pretty pass from Reed Richardson.
As for the recent weather against Lynden? “That insane amount of rain and wind made for by far the worst conditions I have ever played in.”
Defensively, Posey did not allow a catch against Lynden but offensively he didn’t have the chance to make a reception, especially considering the weather and Smithson’s injury.
All this, after Posey suffered the disappointment of not having a non-league game in Week 2 thanks to the pullout of both Sequim (COVID exposure) and Snohomish (a forfeit).
He was especially disappointed after making seven catches for 83 yards to set up several scores in Squalicum’s season-opening 40-14 win over Lynden Christian.
The disappointment continued amid heroics in the Storm’s 14-13 loss to Lakewood in Week 4. Posey’s 25-yard catch at the 3-yard line put the Storm in position to win with 6.8 seconds to play, but it wasn’t to be. The Storm protested in vain that the clock started early with the umpire still placing the ball.
“Kai is really a neat kid,” said Storm coach Nick Lucey. “He’s one of our kids who is so personable and genuine. He’s a natural servant-leader with an outstanding work ethic. And Kai is super loyal to his friends.”
Posey, a three-sport athlete, recalls he was a slender 6-foot-1, 130 pounds as a freshman on the C team.
But he’s now a sturdy 6-3, 180, and he grew quickly enough to play a key role for the state-bound Storm as a sophomore.
“I had about 14 catches (on a run-dominated team) for five touchdowns and almost a 20-yard average,” he said. “Even though we had only five games when I was a junior, I think my numbers were actually better. But it was really upsetting not to have playoffs and to have to learn remotely for much of the year.”
Indeed, Posey caught three touchdown passes and gained 120 yards on six catches to open his abbreviated junior season. He finished with five scores in the five games.
He also learned one vital concept.
“100 percent, I’ll never take football for granted,” he said.
Posey, a straight-A student, hungers to play in college in any role he can find.
“I’ll listen to anybody who’ll talk to me,” he said. “I just want to find a place, just want to have a chance. I’m like all in for football.”
He feels grateful that Lucey has shown so much faith in him.
“Coach Lucey gave me the opportunity by trusting in me so much as a two-way starter for three seasons.”
WEEK SIX
Friday’s games
Squalicum vs. Archbishop Murphy at Civic Stadium, 5 p.m.
Bellingham vs. La Conner at Civic Stadium, 8 p.m.
Lakewood at Lynden, 7 p.m.
Sehome at Burlington-Edison, 7 p.m.
Ferndale at Oak Harbor, 7 p.m.
Darrington at Lummi, 7 p.m.
Mount Baker at Nooksack, 7 p.m.
Shorewood at Blaine, 7 p.m.
Meridian vs. Coupeville, TBA.
No game — Lynden Christian.
