From the Sidelines

With tomorrow’s Class 3A state championship kicking the title games off, we’ve posted our predictions for all to view. It’s been a fun year trying to predict these games, and we appreciate you following along. Make sure to vote and leave feedback on who you think will win the big games!

Class 4A
Skyline Spartans (12-1) vs. Ferris Saxons (13-0)
Joel – It would behoove Skyline to not act like last week’s thrilling, unbelievable, inconceivable and breathtaking win over Curtis was the championship game. Unlike most people, I don’t think that the Spartans are simply going to roll all over Ferris. The Saxons have a sturdy quarterback in Ben Goodwin, whose accuracy (four interceptions as opposed to 25 touchdowns) has really carried them. Max Browne, however, has emerged as one of the best high school quarterbacks I’ve ever laid eyes on. The sophomore, (sophomore!) has thrown for 48 touchdowns and 3,880 yards. That’s video game numbers. I think we will see Kasen Williams take over like he did last week and lead Skyline to another title. Pick: Skyline 23-20
Kevin – Some might say the real 4A championship was played last week when No. 1 Skyline and No. 2 Curtis clashed in a semifinal contest many labeled an instant classic. Regardless, there is still one more game to be played, and this undefeated team from the east side of the state is no slouch. Ferris has rolled through the Greater Spokane League, crushing opponents by a margin of 436-128. The Saxons have displayed a balanced offense behind the arm of junior quarterback Ben Goodwin, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards, 25 TDs and just four interceptions. Running back Kole Heidinger has carried the ball over 200 times for 1,200 yards and 13 TDs. Ferris has really hung its hat on its defense this year, holding opponents to under 10 points per game, while allowing no more than 20 points in any game. Will the Saxons be able to get to Spartans’ quarterback Max Browne (3,880 yards, 48 TDs)? Teams who have had success against Skyline have done just that. That said, Spartans’ head coach Mat Taylor will have his team prepared to deal with the pressure. With a fourth straight state title in its sights, I see little getting in the way of Skyline. Pick: Skyline 38-20

Class 3A
Bellevue Wolverines (12-1) vs. Kamiakin Braves (13-0)
Joel – Kamiakin presents a pretty good challenge for the Wolverines, as they will rely heavily on the spread offense and the arm of Joey Jansen, who has passed for 2,734 yards and 36 touchdowns. The last time Bellevue’s defense struggled? Against Skyline, who operates out of the spread. Teams struggle against Bellevue when they start tossing the ball up blindly. Kamiakin will not do that. With several playmakers, including senior Tim White (10 receiving touchdowns, 10 interception/punt returns for scores), the Braves should be the best offense the Wolverines have seen in a while. But you’d be a poor betting man to lay money against Bellevue in the state title game – after all, they haven’t lost in the big one in their last seven appearances in the title game. Kendrick Van Ackeren, Michael Foreman, Marcus Henry and the rest of the Wolverines are playing their best football of the year. I think Bellevue takes this for their third-straight, but I think it’s going to be close. Pick: Bellevue 35-34
Kevin – This is a great matchup. Kamiakin, the virtual unknown from the eastside of the state, vs. Bellevue, the perennial powerhouse from the westside. Bellevue has done nothing that get stronger in the playoffs behind its Wing-T attack. Quarterback Kendrick Van Ackeren has the misdirection-based offense functioning at the top of its game. But, Kamiakin also presents an interesting challenge for Bellevue. The Braves run most of their offense out of a shotgun spread. The last time Bellevue faced a team who did that – Skyline – it resulted in the Wolverines only loss of the season. Kamiakin quarterback Joey Jansen has broke all kinds of school records, throwing for just shy of 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns. The result of this game will be determined by defense. Which of these teams will most effectively be able to slow the other? I expect a dogfight on Friday night. That said, it’s hard to go against the program who has done it so many times before. Pick: Bellevue 28-24

Class 2A
Archbishop Murphy Wildcats (13-0) vs. Tumwater Thunderbirds (11-1)
Joel – Be ready to watch a lot of running. With both teams in the Wing-T, the passing game shouldn’t be a factor here. Alex Galgano has been a beast for Archbishop Murphy all season long, while Tumwater has been quiet, but effective all season long. But I think Archbishop Murphy, with its host of game breakers, ultimately win this one. Pick: Archbishop Murphy 28-13
Kevin – These two teams are going to run, run, and run some more. Archbishop Murphy and Tumwater both operate out of the Wing-T formation. Alex Galgano leads the Wildcats with 92.5 yards per game, while Ronnie Hastie leads the Thunderbirds with 74.3 yards per game. The question is, which one will run the misdirection-based offense more effectively? No. 1-ranked Archbishop Murphy has dominated all but one of its contests this season, while Tumwater has rolled since a close week-one loss to 4A Olympia. Both squads are operating at the top of their games, which could result in a real shootout. I think Dave Ward’s Archbishop Murphy squad has just a few more weapons, which will make the difference. Pick: Archbishop Murphy 35-32