From the Sidelines
The Bellevue sports blog
October 26th, 2009 at Mon, 26th, 2009 at 4:22 pm by Joel Willits
Since tomorrow marks the three-way tiebreaker for Newport, Redmond and Eastlake, we’re going to do a prediction for it.
Here’s a quick reminder on the format for the three-way playoff: Newport will play Redmond in a two quarter mini-game tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland. The winner of that mini-game will play Eastlake immediately after in a game of the same format (two quarters). The winner of that will play Inglemoor in a loser-out game Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Redmond Mustangs (2-6, 2-3) vs. Newport Knights (4-4, 2-3)
Joel – Rematches are always tough to pick. Maybe Redmond, who lost to Newport 21-7 earlier this season, has made some adjustments that will help them in the playoffs? With this kind of crazy mini-game, ball control is key – and Newport protects the football. I have to take the Knights to win the first mini game. Pick: Newport 14-7
Kevin - Neither team has much of a passing game. And in two quarters of play, clock control will be key. Whoever scores first will have a huge advantage in this one. Having seen both of these teams play, I give Newport’s offense the edge in terms of weapons in the backfield. Pick: Newport 14-7
Game 2: Newport Knights vs. Eastlake Wolves (5-3, 2-3)
Joel – I think the key in this game will be Newport’s defense against that quick-strike Eastlake offense. If Newport can get a stop, then grind out a long scoring drive, they could top the Wolves. But that offense sure is tough, led by QB Kelby McCorkle. The Wolves are playing good football right now, and you have to think with their offense weapons, they probably hold the advantage in this matchup. Pick: Eastlake 7-0
Kevin - Eastlake has the most balanced offense of the three teams playing in the tiebreaker. They also have an ability to score quickly behind the arm and legs of quarterback Kelby McCorkle. Newport or Redmond will come in warmed up. But I think Eastlake is the most skilled of the three teams. Don’t be surprised to see the Wolves work their way right into the state playoffs. Pick: Eastlake 14-0.
We’ll have our regularly scheduled predictions up Wednesday night for the rest of the league.
Joel Willits I'm the sports writer at the Bellevue Reporter newspaper. On this blog you'll find extra bits and pieces to stories I've written, observations on events in our area, and a behind the scenes look at what it takes to bring a story together. I'll field questions here, and maybe even ask a few too. I'm a 2007 graduate of the journalism program at Eastern Washington University. Prior to joining the Reporter, I worked at USA Hockey Magazine and did radio work with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox AAA baseball team. When I'm not busy covering the happenings in Bellevue, I enjoy playing hockey, watching sports and spending time with my family. You can also follow me on Twitter or you can send me an email.
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