From the Sidelines

Back to the BIG 5 this week with a ton of area teams still alive. I’ll be at Eastside Catholic-Bellevue on Friday and am really interested to see how the Crusaders deal with the Wing-T and how Bellevue slows down Chevy Walker. Interlake faces a stiff tests against Franklin Pierce and after a grind of a regular season, is finally confronted with the state opportunity they have been craving since last year’s loss to Archbishop Murphy.

BIG 5

Mead vs. Skyline
Kevin – Obviously, living on this side of the mountains, I haven’t seen Mead. I know they a fly-sweep offense with a ton of motion — and they will pound the ball on the ground. This could be a challenge for Skyline as its one real weakness this season has been stopping the run. That said, I doubt the Panthers have seen a passing offense quite like that of the Spartans. The contrasting styles should equal a very competitive and entertaining game. Even with the long road trip, I give Skyline and its coaching staff a slight edge in this game. They’ve been there before and they will come prepared.
Pick: Skyline 31-28
Josh – On the only road trip Skyline took this season to Lake Oswego, the Spartans’ defense surrendered seven touchdowns. To one running back. As Kevin said, that could be a problem against a run-oriented Mead attack. But the Skyline defense hasn’t been carved up like that since and with Browne leading the passing attack, the offense should be able to do some damage. This game kind of represents the whole 4A tournament to me. A couple of really solid teams, both with impressive resumés and an outcome that could go either way. Call it KingCo bias, call it ignorantly siding with history, call it whatever you want, but I like the Spartans.
Pick: Skyline 35-30

…Read the rest of this post

Here’s The Reporter’s look at the final football rankings of the season, breaking down the final 16 teams in the 4A, 3A and 2A classifications.

There are only 14 teams ranked in 2A because there are two qualifying games remaining Tuesday between West Valley Spokane-East Valley Yakima and Ellensburg-Cheney.

4A
1. Bellarmine Prep (10-0)
2. Woodinville (10-0)
3. Eastlake (9-1)
4. Ferris (9-1)
5. Federal Way (10-0)
6. Mead (9-1)
7. Lake Stevens (10-0)
8. Kentlake (10-0)
9. Skyline (7-3)
10. Skyview (8-2)
11. Olympia (9-1)
12. Bethel (8-2)
13. Central Valley (8-2)
14. Union (8-2)
15. Kentwood (8-2)
16. Edmonds-Woodway (6-4)

3A
1. Bellevue (10-0)
2. Lakes (10-0)
3. O’Dea (10-0)
4. Kamiakin (10-0)
5. Meadowdale (10-0)
6. Camas (9-1)
7. Seattle Prep (9-1)
8. Kennewick (9-1)
9. Mercer Island (8-2)
10. Kennedy Catholic (9-1)
11. Eastside Catholic (7-3)
12. Mountain View (8-2)
13. Mount Si (7-3)
14. Southridge (7-3)
15. Capital (7-3)
16. Hazen (7-2)

2A
1. Lynden (10-0)
2. Prosser (9-1)
3. Tumwater (7-1)
4. North Thurston (9-1)
5. Lakewood (9-1)
6. Archbishop Murphy (9-1)
7. Othello (8-2)
8. Deer Park (9-1)
9. Sequim (9-1)
10. Franklin Pierce (8-2)
11. W.F. West (8-2)
12. Steilacoom (7-3)
13. Interlake (4-6)
14. Lindbergh (6-3)

* West Valley Spokane and East Valley Yakima along with Ellensburg and Cheney are squaring off Tuesday night for the final 2A state playoff berths.

Playoffs! Nothing brings out the competitive juices, like a little win-or-go-home and from here on out, that’s all we’ve got.

Per usual throughout the past decade, Bellevue is primed for another run at a 3A title, though coach Butch Goncharoff told me earlier this week it is likely the toughest road one of his groups have faced throughout that dominant run. An opening round game against Glacier Peak, a potential matchup with Eastside Catholic or WesCo runner-up Oak Harbor followed by a trip south to take on a Lakes team many people are saying is their most talented ever. And that’s all before the semi-finals, which, could include a trek across the Cascades to face an Eastern Washington opponent and what would be a decidedly partisan crowd. Then of course, the challenge of a state title game and everything that comes with, likely against 3A number two O’Dea.

For the Saints, things kickoff against a White River team that should pose little resistance before likely facing 2A SPSL champion Franklin-Pierce in round two. Archibishop Murphy, Lakewood, Tumwater, Lynden, Prosser and a host of other talented, physical teams that won’t sweat the Saints 3A resumé are also lurking throughout the bracket. Things fell apart against Murphy last year in the quarters, but a more experienced, comfortable and confident Interlake team has the potential to stir things up.

We’re not going with the BIG 5 this week, but there are still score picks and polls and you can check out my look at the Glacier Peak-Bellevue and Interlake-White River games, which include conversations with Aaron Swanney of the Everett Herald and Grizzlies’ coach Rory Rosenbach.

Onto the picks.

2A
White River vs. Interlake
Kevin – Interlake 28-17
Josh – Interlake 42-28

3A
Bellevue vs. Glacier Peak
Kevin – Bellevue 42-14
Josh – Bellevue 45-6

Mercer Island vs. Ferndale
Kevin – Mercer Island 35-21
Josh – Mercer Island 45-22

Oak Harbor vs. Eastside Catholic
Kevin – Oak Harbor 34-22
Josh – Eastside Catholic 30-20

Peninsula vs. Mount Si
Kevin – Peninsula 28-21
Josh – Peninsula 35-21

4A
Skyview vs. Issaquah
Kevin – Issaquah 35-32
Josh – Issaquah 40-10

Eastlake vs. Jefferson
Kevin – Eastlake 42-7
Josh – Eastlake 35-6

Skyline vs. Monroe
Kevin – Skyline 38-7
Josh – Skyline 50-20

Bethel vs. Bothell
Kevin – Bethel 35-28
Josh – Bethel 30-21

Woodinville vs. Curtis/Kentridge
Kevin – Woodinville 35-14
Josh – Woodinville 28-13

Week 9 results
Kevin: 10-2
Josh: 9-3
Readers: 10-2

Year to date
Kevin: 80-18
Josh: 76-22
Readers: 80-18

BIG 5
Woodvinville vs. Eastlake
Kevin – For the first time since 2004 the KingCo 4A championship is guaranteed to go to someone other than Bothell or Skyline, and it should be an entertaining matchup. No. 1-ranked Eastlake and No. 4 Woodinville are very successful in their run-first offensive approaches. Tailbacks Ryan Lewis (Eastlake) and Alec Schwend (Woodinville) have reaped the rewards of dominant offensive lines. Both teams are also stingy on defense. The advantage has to go to the Wolves in this one, however. Playing in a much tougher KingCo Crest Division, Eastlake is more battle-tested. The Wolves also possess more weapons in terms of speed.
Pick: Eastlake 38-20
Josh – Since Kevin just old us when the last time someone other than the Cougars or Spartans won the league title was, I’ll go with another KingCo fun-fact. It was Lake Washington that won the title back in 04, when the entire KingCo picture looked very different. As for this game, It’s hard to pick against Eastlake at this point, fresh off a win over Skyline and riding the legs of Ryan Lewis and dual-threat ability of quarterback Keegan Kemp, who could be the most underrated player in the conference. That being said, you have to respect what Woodinville has done this season with wins over Mount Si, Monroe (a WesCo North playoff team) and Bothell to clinch the league title and also gain some Northshore bragging rights. I don’t think it will be a runaway by any stretch of the imagination and the Wolves could struggle early in a championship game on a short week, trying to recreate the emotion they played with just six days earlier. But I think Dales’ squad gets it done.
Pick: Eastlake 34-24

…Read the rest of this post

Some interesting games with major playoff implications this week as Bellevue travels to Mount Si, Liberty hosts Interlake, Newport faces Issaquah and of course, Eastlake and Skyline facing off in what should be one of the best prep football games in the state this year. 4A KingCo will be set for the Week 10 crossover games after this week. 3A is pretty much a formality at this point, with something drastic needing to occur to knock Bellevue, M-I and Mount Si from the top three spots.

BIG 5

Eastlake vs. Skyline
Kevin – This one’s for all the marbles in the KingCo Crest with the winner moving on to face Woodinville for the KingCo 4A Championship. These teams have contrasting offensive strengths and have struggled defensively to stop what the other is good at. Eastlake’s offense is run-heavy behind Ryan Lewis and Keegan Kemp, averaging 254 rushing yards per game. Skyline’s offense is pass-heavy behind junior quarterback Max Browne, averaging 342 passing yards per game. Both teams certainly have the motivation. Eastlake has never defeated Skyline (in five attempts). Skyline is used to being ranked No. 1 and doesn’t like sharing a limelight that historically belongs to the Spartans. Who will be able to rise up and make the big stop on Friday? I see this being a high-scoring affair. The team with the least amount of mistakes wins.
Pick: Eastlake 42-38
Josh – This should be one of the most competitive, well played games of the year. Both teams should be confident in their identity and devoid of silly mistakes at this point in the season. Max Browne gets a lot more attention, but Eastlake signal-caller Keegan Kemp is also a solid passer and is dangerous when he decides to take off and run. I would say the Wolves have the advantage because of Ryan Lewis and their run game, but Browne and the passing attack of the Spartans is so dynamic and precise, it can overcome the lack of a dominant rushing performance. I’m going to make a prediction, but pretending like I know who is going to win this game is a farce. But for the perception of Washington high school football and assuming both teams make deep playoff runs, I hope it’s a good one.
Pick: Eastlake 35-34

…Read the rest of this post

I’m heading out of town tonight, so I won’t be at any of the three prep football games happening with Bellevue teams. I’ll still have scores and highlights online later tonight after talking with coaches and you can find out predictions and make some of your own here. For now, here are some thoughts heading into tonight.

Interlake heads back home on the heels of last week’s Crossroads Cup win over Sammamish with the hopes of earning the kind of victory that can completely change the perception of a season. Obviously the Saints deal with some unique playoff circumstances being the only 2A team in 2A/3A KingCo (as things are currently classified). Each win Interlake earns over a 3A or 4A opponent in the regular season counts as two points in the standings, which are then counted against the teams in 2A Seamount (Lindbergh, Evergreen, Foster, Renton) to find out who gets the three playoff spots to the District playoff round. Currently, Lindbergh and Renton both have two league wins while Foster and Evergreen both have one. If the Saints can pick up a win over beleaguered Lake Washington tonight, they will have set themselves up nicely to get one of those three spots with four points in the standings and only two weeks to play. If they can win tonight and beat either Liberty or Juanita, due to the schedules amongst those four Seamount teams, they are going to get in for sure.

Speaking of teams who need a win…

…Read the rest of this post

A couple solid matchups this week with Issaquah scratching for its playoff life against Eastlake, Inglemoor trying to stay reestablish itself against state ranked Woodinville and Liberty looking to salvage its playoff hopes with a crucial game against Mercer Island. It’s obviously different for the teams in 4A, since there is a cross-over round that is played to determine seeding for the round of 32. The squads in 3A KingCo don’t get that luxury as only the top three will earn a spot in the preliminary playoff round (while seven from Metro get in, an inequity if ever there was one and that’s coming from a guy who went to a Metro school). That means either Liberty, Mount Si or Mercer Island is going to be on the outside looking in when it’s all said and done.

BIG 5
Eastlake vs. Issaquah
Kevin – These two teams played to an exciting triple-overtime finish last season, with Eastlake prevailing 34-33. Both teams have a lot on the line in this week seven matchup. The Wolves enter 6-0 and ranked No. 1 in the latest Reporter Newspaper poll. The Eagles are 5-1 with their only loss coming to rival Skyline. With a win, Eastlake sets up a winner-take-all matchup with Skyline the following week. Issaquah could move itself right back into contention for the Crest championship with a victory. Can the Wolves continue the success they’ve seen in their run game in their toughest matchup yet? Eastlake has 1,595 rushing yards, averaging nearly 266 per game. They’ve also passed for 843 yards (140 yards per game) — and would undoubtedly have more if they didn’t have such large leads in all their games. Issaquah has been solid all season on defense, except the second half of the Skyline game. Take away the bad half, and they only have allowed 10 points per game. In order to have success the Eagles will have to slow the dual threat of running back Ryan Lewis and quarterback Keegan Kemp. They’ll need to force a few turnovers, too. I see this being another close one, but the Wolves just have too many weapons.
Pick: Eastlake 34-21
Josh – Crucial Crest division matchup with the winner remaining in prime position for the 4A KingCo title game and the loser likely relegated to a third-place finish. In the end, I think both of these teams end up in the state tournament but both want that inside track a win will bring. For anyone who went to the Issaquah-Skyline game a few weeks ago, there will likely be a sense of déjà vu. Eagles hang tough early, falter late.
Pick: Eastlake 38-24

…Read the rest of this post

BIG 5

Mercer Island VS Mount Si
Josh- The Wildcats have continued to find ways to pick up wins after their opening week loss to Woodinville. This is probably the only time all season I’ll talk about a kicker, but Cameron VanWinkle is a weapon for Mount Si. It’s hard enough to get stops without having to worry about a guy knocking in 40-yard field goals. In the same position where most high school teams would be forced to choose between going for it on fourth down and punting to pin an opponent, Mount Si can just tack on a quick three points. That has been valuable all season and will continue to be so this week against an Islanders’ squad that is more than capable of putting points up. Lindquist gets his both on the ground and in the passing game, but its just not enough.
Pick: Mount Si 30-27
Kevin- Second place in the KingCo 3A is on the line Thursday when Mount Si (4-1) and Mercer Island (3-2) clash. The Wildcats are on a roll since losing their season opener, while Mercer Island is looking for a rebound after last week’s loss to nationally-ranked Bellevue. Jeff Lindquist and the Islanders’ pass attack will be the best Mount Si has seen. Will their defensive backs be able to step up? The Wildcats have found success with their grind-it-out run game. This should be a fun matchup.
Pick: Mercer Island 24-22

Woodinville VS Bothell
Josh- Big time division showdown here, with Woodinville still sporting that undefeated record and the Cougars looking to keep the momentum rolling after their two point Spaghetti Bowl win last week over Inglemoor. The winner is poised to make a run to the 4A KingCo title game and history will be on the side of the Cougars, who haven’t lost to the Falcons since back in 2005. The Bothell quarterback situation will be interesting to watch in this one, particularly against a Woodinville defense that already has ten interceptions (and six touchdowns) this season.
Pick: Woodinville 35-25
Kevin- This KingCo 4A showdown will likely determine the Crown champion. Is Woodinville for real at 5-0? It would appear so. The Falcons’ defense has allowed just 17 points in five games and have three shutouts to their credit. The skeptic might say those wins came against soft opponents (minus the week one road win at Mount Si). Bothell (3-2) has had its struggles this season, mainly stemming from inconsistent quarterback play and injuries on the offensive line. This could very well be Woodinville’s first win over its rival since 2005. One thing’s for certain, it will be a fun one to watch.
Pick: Woodinville 28-20

Newport VS Skyline
Josh- The Knights were buried early in last week’s loss to Eastlake, which has been a theme in both of their losses in 2011. If they can manage to hang onto the football and maybe even create a turnover or two of their own, this one could stay close. But if Max Browne and his receiving corps is hitting on all cylinders, that likely won’t happen. I’ve seen Newport twice this season (against Interlake and Bothell) and they are definitely capable of playing sound, productive football at times. But not often enough to beat a team like the Spartans. Even with their trouble against the run, (see: seven touchdowns allowed to one RB against Lake Oswego) it’s unlikely Newport will be able to mount a consistent enough attack to keep this one interesting.
Pick: Skyline 44-28
Kevin- Newport struggled against one dynamic offense last week, and things certainly won’t get any easier this week for the Knights. Skyline (3-2) has found its groove after starting the season 1-2. Spartans’ quarterback Max Browne is averaging over 300 yards and three TDs per game. Expect another big game from the junior.
Pick: Skyline 42-14

Mariner VS Eastlake
Josh- The Wolves take their show on the road to face the Marauders’ sensational offensive weapon KeiVarae Russell, the consensus top running back in the state for the class of 2011. The Mariner superstar has struggled with injuries this season and his team has struggled to do much of anything. Eastlake won’t take this one lightly, but it should serve as a nice tune-up before facing Issaquah and then Skyline to close the regular season.
Pick: Eastlake 55-9
Kevin- The big question as to whether or not Mariner has a chance in this one is whether or not KeiVarae Russell will be healthy. The talented running back exited last week’s game against Cascade with a first-quarter ankle injury and his status is unknown for this week. Regardless, Eastlake’s defense was a force against a solid Newport rushing attack last week, holding the Knights to 90 yards.
The undefeated Wolves will just have to be careful to not look ahead too far with games against Issaquah and Skyline looming.
Pick: Eastlake 42-20

Sammamish VS Interlake
Josh- The Totems picked up a program defining win last week over Lake Washington, in overtime nonetheless. But bringing the Crossroads Cup back to Sammamish for the first time since 2006 will likely take an even better performance. Austin Lee broke out in a big way last week, scoring on four touchdown runs. Nick Meyers also went over 100 yards and with Acie Black as another force in the backfield, the Saints’ defense is going to have plenty to contend with. When Interlake has the ball, look for the Totems to stack the box against Jordan Todd (just as every other Saints’ opponent has and will for the rest of the year). The deciding factor is going to be who wins the battle on the outside. If Ryan and Evan Turman and the rest of the Interlake receiving corps can win matchups with Sammamish defensive backs, the Saints are going to win. If the Totems can get pressure on Kamana Adriano and disrupt the timing of the passing game, they will likely generate enough offense to get the victory. But I’m leaning with Todd and the Saints in this one.
Pick: Interlake 34-32 OT
Kevin- Sammamish is on a high after getting its first KingCo win in four years, while Interlake is still in search of that illusive ‘W.’ That said, I’ll take it easy on the 2A Saints, who have lost to quality 3A and 4A opponents the last five weeks. Look for Interlake back Jordan Todd to have a big performance as Interlake targets a much-needed win. The Totems are certainly an improved team, but I see the win streak falling.
Pick: Interlake 32-20

Other games

Bellevue VS Juanita
Josh- Bellevue 40-6
Kevin- Bellevue 45-7

Redmond VS Issaquah
Josh- Issaquah 55-10
Kevin- Issaquah 42-7

Eastside Catholic VS O’Dea
Josh- O’Dea 40-20
Kevin- O’Dea 34-24

Lake Washington VS Liberty
Josh- Liberty 38-14
Kevin- Liberty 38-7

Inglemoor VS Roosevelt
Josh- Inglemoor 42-28
Kevin- Inglemoor 34-28

Ballard VS Garfield
Josh- Ballard 24-20
Kevin- Ballard 21-14

Concrete VS Bellevue Christian
Josh- Concrete 30-27
Kevin- Concrete 35-14

Week five results
Kevin: 10-1
Josh: 8-3
Readers: 10-1

2011 season results
Kevin: 37-14
Josh: 35-16
Readers: 36-15

A couple of big matchups this week with Bellevue and Mercer Island facing off and Newport hosting undefeated Eastlake. The Wolves look like a top contender in 4A through the first four weeks of the year and whichever team comes out on top is going to have the inside track to the 4A KingCo title game. Mercer Island comes off the thrashing of Interlake and has a rested and healthy Jeff Lindquist ready to take his shot at a Bellevue defense that has already seen a pair of elite QBs. Should be an interesting and telling week that brings some true separation between top-tier and not-quite-there.

BIG 5

Mercer Island vs. Bellevue
Kevin – Well, this will probably be the toughest KingCo 3A/2A matchup Bellevue has this year. That said, I really don’t see the outcome being much different. The Wolverines have earned their high national rankings with wins over out-of-state powerhouse Oaks Christian and in-state force Skyline. Mercer Island struggled to stop Seattle Prep’s run game, which doesn’t bode well for the Islanders this week. As most everyone knows, unning attacks don’t get much more potent than the Bellevue’s.
Pick: Bellevue 38-10
Josh- Boy was I wrong about the Islanders. In our preseason chat, someone asked how I thought 3A KingCo would shape up. I’d rather not discuss my reply…After the season-opening loss to (still unbeaten) Seattle Prep, which came on a PAT that bounced off the crossbar, Mercer Island has rolled off three straight wins and had control throughout all three. The Wolverines, meanwhile, have been predictably taking care of business in league play but have yet to face a team that will finish in the top half of the conference. That will change on Friday. If any defense is built to handle the ariel attack the Islanders will launch, it’s Bellevue. Tyler Hasty anchors a secondary that stifled highly regarded quarterbacks Lucas Falk and Max Browne and will try to do the same against possibly the best signal-caller in the state in Jeff Lindquist. I’m actually anticipating Mercer Island trying to set up the run game first to open some windows for Lindquist, but if they decide to throw it 50 times, I can’t say I’d be shocked. The M-I defense had undoubtedly its best week of the season against Interlake, but will be hard-pressed to slow a Bellevue offense that has been operating at a high level in each of its four games.
Pick: Bellevue 42-17

…Read the rest of this post

State coaches cross country poll

Boys 4A

1.Eisenhower
2.Henry Jackson
3.Wenatchee
4.Gig Harbor
5.Mead
6.Ferris
7.Lewis & Clark
8.Auburn Riverside
9.Puyallup
10.Lake Stevens

Others: Bellarmine Prep, Redmond, Garfield

…Read the rest of this post