It was a role reversal of sorts for Auburn Mountainview.

One week after a dramatic come-from-behind win against Lakes, the Lions could not sustain their early success Friday night during a 34-20 loss at Peninsula in a South Puget Sound League 3A contest.

Auburn Mountainview, which overcame a trio of three touchdown deficits during the previous week, could not build on a 13-0 lead in the second quarter against the Seahawks.

“I think we got a little bit nervous,” Auburn Mountainview coach Jared Gervais said. “I think we did a little of what Lakes did last week. Things got off to a really good start. Then things started not going great and I think we got a little nervous; a little antsy.

“We started taking too many shots offensively and not getting first downs like we should be. It just kind of snowballed on us and we just couldn’t get it back under control all game long.”

After senior quarterback Gresch Jensen, who completed 23 of 46 passes for 383 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, helped guide the Lions to touchdowns on two of their first three possessions, Auburn Mountainview did not gain another first down for the remainder of the first half.

Peninsula had no such problems.

The Seahawks, who lean heavily on a physical running game, rushed for a pair of touchdowns to tie the score, 13-all, at halftime.

The Lions (5-2 overall, 3-2 league) scored once during the third quarter when Ki’Jan Weisinger broke several tackles en route to a 60-yard touchdown reception from Jensen. But that was sandwiched between a pair of touchdown runs by Peninsula junior Kenny Easton, who finished with 185 yards on 41 carries.

“Those backs are big and their linemen are big,” Gervais said. “I think they thought they could run the ball on us. They were able to grind it out and grind it out and grind it out. They were able to stick to their game plan.”

Easton’s scores left Auburn Mountainview with a 27-20 deficit entering the fourth quarter. But the Lions’ next two possessions ended with a punt and an interception.

The Seahawks (3-4, 2-3) took advantage as Easton scored on an 8-yard run with 3 minutes, 3 seconds remaining.

Auburn Mountainview had one more possession, but Jensen’s pass on fourth-and-2 at Peninsula’s 42-yard line fell incomplete and the Seahawks were able to run out the clock.

Gervais said it is a good lesson for his team about preparation as they head toward the playoffs. The Lions still can secure second place in SPSL 3A if they win their final two regular-season games. Sumner (7-0, 5-0) clinched the league championship during Friday’s win against Lakes. The top four teams in the league qualify for the playoffs, which begin during the first week of November.

“Our goal is the playoffs,” Gervais said. “Like I told them, ‘Nothing’s changed.’ Everything that we want to do moving forward is still able to be done.”

It starts with a rivalry game against Auburn (2-5, 2-3). Kickoff is 7 p.m. Friday at Auburn Memorial.

“That’s going to be a huge battle for both teams,” Gervais said. “City bragging rights on the line and it’s a big deal for these kids.”