EAST WENATCHEE — With nine games in the books this season, the Eastmont Wildcats hadn’t seen anything quite like what Gonzaga Prep were about to throw at them.

That’s exactly what the Bullpups were hoping for.

Gonzaga Prep used a Wildcat formation in the second half and let running back Bishop Sankey run wild en route to a 31-7 win in a Columbia Basin Big Nine/Greater Spokane League crossover contest Friday night.

Sankey excelled in the direct-snap-based formation that is gaining favor throughout the country, rushing for 291 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries, plus throwing for 100 yards and a score on 3-for-6 passing.

“He is as good a running back as we’ve seen,” Eastmont coach Doug McGill said. “He put on quite a show.”

The Bullpups started the game with their regular option-based offense, but with Eastmont leading 7-6 at halftime, they opted to give the reins to Sankey in the Wildcat.

It paid off quickly, as Gonzaga Prep scored three times in the third quarter to pull away.

An interception in the second quarter by Ryan Pierce set up Eastmont for its only touchdown of the night, a three-yard rush by Sam Gwinn.

“Gonzaga is a quality football team, and their kids performed well in the second half,” said McGill. “We created some breaks in the first half, and in the second half those breaks weren’t there.”

With the Bullpups pressuring Eastmont quarterback Lucas McGill with regularity, the Wildcats looked at running back Josh Campos for most of their offensive production. The 5-foot-4 senior led the team with 89 yards on 15 carries.

“We had a real hard time protecting the quarterback, but Josh Campos had a really nice game for us running the ball,” said Doug McGill.

Eastmont finished the season with a 3-7 overall record.

Brent Stecker: 661-5222

stecker@wenworld.com