The duo of Julian Carrick and Jodell Wimberley got all the headlines in Neah Bay’s 82-24 state 1B semifinal football victory over Liberty Christian.

And deservedly so, as the running back and quarterback combined for more than 450 yards rushing and three interceptions on defense.

A player that doesn’t get the statistics but had everything to do with Neah Bay’s success was Kaeden Butterfield. He helped blow open those holes in the offensive line for Carrick and Wimberley to run throw.

More importantly, Butterfield was a huge part of the Red Devils’ second-half defense holding Liberty Christian to zero points. Butterfield spent the entire second half chasing around Liberty Christian’s elusive quarterback Keegan Bishop. He only got one sack, but he managed to pressure Bishop and force him into hurried or off-balance throws all half. The Patriots simply had no answer for his quarterback pressures.

Butterfield and his Neah Bay teammates will be playing in the 1B state championship game at noon Saturday against Liberty Bell from Winthrop.

Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Swain’s General Store in Port Angeles.