From the Sidelines

Ferris takes back the top spot this week in 4A while Bellevue and Lynden remain locked in.

4A
1. Ferris (4-0)
2. Eastlake (4-0)
3. Chiawana (4-0)
4. Bellarmine Prep (4-0)
5. Skyline (2-2)
6. Kentlake (4-0)
7. Olympia (4-0)
8. Federal Way (4-0)
9. Central Valley (4-0)
10. Woodinville (4-0)
Others receiving votes: Lake Stevens, Bethel

3A
1. Bellevue (4-0)
2. Lakes (4-0)
3. O’Dea (4-0)
4. Kamiakin (4-0)
5. Peninsula (4-0)
6. Meadowdale (4-0)
7. Mount Si (3-1)
8. Oak Harbor (4-0)
9. Camas (3-1)
10. Seattle Prep (4-0)
Others receiving votes: Bonney Lake, Kennedy

2A
1. Lynden (4-0)
2. Archbishop Murphy (4-0)
3. Tumwater (3-1)
4. Prosser (3-1)
5. Sequim (4-0)
6. North Thurston (3-1)
7. West Valley Spokane (3-1)
8. Lakewood (4-0)
9. W.F. West (3-1)
10. Othello (2-2)
Others receiving votes: Franklin-Pierce, Cheney, Port Angeles, Mount Baker

That got your attention.

Our state rankings already came out for this week and of course, we had the Wolverines in the top spot, the same place they have been for the better part of the past decade.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t others out there trying to debunk the “subjectivity” of human polls.

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Had my best week of the year last week and if not for Skyline giving up seven touchdowns to one running back and my incorrect Bothell-Newport pick, it could have been even better. The Knights are one of the teams we learned a lot about last week and will be one of the more interesting stories as the season moves forward for a variety of reasons.

Kevin one-upped me by picking Newport and we were both wrong on Lake Stevens, which absolutely blasted Inglemoor and flexed some muscle for the often disrespected WesCo. Not a lot of distention this week, with the Eastside Catholic-Seattle Prep game as the only one we disagree on. It isn’t that we disagree, actually, it’s that I went to Eastside and while I have no problem picking against them sometimes, I won’t do it when they play Prep.

BIG 5

Issaquah vs. Skyline
Kevin – This is always an interesting rivalry game, but is even more intriguing this season. Skyline comes in losing two consecutive games for the first time since 1998 – falling to Bellevue and Lake Oswego, Ore. Issaquah enters the game at 3-0. Spartans’ quarterback Max Browne is averaging 313 yards through the air, while the Eagles have outscored opponents 126-28. Motivation won’t be difficult for either of these squads to muster. The question remains, who will be able to stop the other’s offense? Skyline surrendered 428 yards and seven touchdowns from one running back in its 56-46 loss. Issaquah likes to run the ball behind talented sophomore Jack Gellatly. On the other hand, the Eagles haven’t seen a pass attack anywhere near Skyline’s in its first three games. Skyline holds a six-game win streak over Issaquah, dating back to 2006. Having not witnessed an Issaquah victory over Skyline in my four years covering these two teams it makes it difficult to pick against the Spartans. Regardless, I think this will be one of the closest matchups I’ve seen between these two teams.
Pick: Skyline 34-32
Josh – Current Skyline players were in elementary school (some were actually probably in preschool) the last time the Spartans dropped two straight and have to be hungrier than ever this week, especially considering the opponent. Issaquah has looked good in going 3-0, but has yet to face an opponent that wasn’t severely overmatched. There’s a lot to like about the Eagles and I don’t think there is any doubt they are a round of 16 team (or better) come playoff time, but my gut says Skyline is going to get back on track.
Pick: Skyline 33-28

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Eastlake takes over the top spot in 4A after Skyline was beaten by Lake Oswego Ore. on Friday night. The Spartans will have plenty of chances to regain their throne, but for now it’s been usurped by their Sammamish rivals. 3A looks pretty much locked up and I don’t think anyone around the state has a doubt that at least two of the top four will end up in the semi-finals and possibly the title game depending on the bracket. 2A is also getting a little static and will probably remain so until the playoffs roll around, barring a major upset.

Without further adieu…

4A
1. Eastlake
2. Chiawana
3. Bellarmine Prep
4. Skyline
T-5 Kentlake
T-5 Ferris
7. Olympia
8. Federal Way
9. Issaquah
10. Central Valley
Others receiving votes: Arlington, Bethel

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Taking a little different route this week without the top-flight matchups for the teams around Bellevue. Instead of the breakdown of the game within the game we’ve had the first two weeks, I want to take a look at a few questions that will determine this week’s outcomes.

Bothell @ Newport
Which version of the Newport offense shows up?
The Knights were unstoppable for portions of the Interlake game before being shutout in the first half and fighting turnovers against Mercer Island last week. They rebounded for 21 points in the second half, but it wasn’t nearly enough. If Newport chews up yards on the ground early and hangs onto the football, they have a chance against the Cougars. If not, they are going to be in trouble.

Interlake @ Bellevue
How motivated are the Saints?
Head coach Jason Rimkus said earlier this week that his team is completely focused on the task of improving and is approaching the Bellevue game intending to take care of their own business. Of course, they aren’t naive about facing the Wolverines, but the cancerous mindset of having lost the game before it even begins, as was the case last year, is gone.

How is the quarterback position developing?
Adriano played well in the week one loss and had a 65+ yard touchdown in the waning seconds of the first half called back against Roosevelt because of an ineligible receiver downfield penalty. Interlake needs his development to continue if they want to match last year’s playoff run. Roosevelt didn’t do anything surprising on defense, they took away the run game and dared the Saints to beat them through the air. That’s going to be the case for the rest of the year, which means Adriano’s ability to back teams off is going to become more crucial every week.

Can anyone touch Bellevue?
Goncharoff’s squad will be expected to win every game from now until they face Lakes in the playoffs and most people will probably pick them to win that one too. There is never any letdown with the Wolverines, but it’s going to be interesting to see if someone can step up and challenge them at some point. I don’t mean get a token turnover and take a first quarter lead challenge, I mean make them come from behind with a miraculous touchdown to escape challenge. There are a handful of teams who might have a shot, whether or not they take it is another story.

Sammamish @ Liberty
Can the Totems keep it positive?
The close losses to Ballard and Garfield had to hurt for a team needing to get head of steam before the conference slate begins. The next challenge for coach Tucci and the Totems is remaining positive through what will likely be the darker times of the season. Building a program, as cliche as it may seem, comes in many forms. Being competitive into the fourth quarter, raising the level of play against stiffer competition and most importantly, never quitting even during a lopsided game are all crucial to keeping the trajectory of the program on the upward tick.

Evergreen @ Bellevue Christian
How good can the Vikings be?
I picked BCS to lose in the inaugural game against Northwest Christian and boy did they make me pay for it. 41-0 at halftime of your first ever game is a statement and I’m excited to see what the team can do with two weeks to prepare. Northwest Christian brought fewer than 20 guys for the game and looked completely hapless for most of the night. That being said, the Vikings did exactly what a good team does against an over matched opponent: dominate all three phases of the game and win handily. Evergreen isn’t exactly a measuring stick team either after forfeiting their opener for lack of players and then getting pounded 42-14 by Fife last week, but a win over a 2A foe would be another huge morale builder for the Vikings and could propel them to even greater heights.

Does experience equal improvement?
The main reason I thought BCS would struggle in its opener is the simple fact that most of their players had limited to no playing experience heading into the game. They obviously still don’t have a ton, but each game gives each guy another chance to shrink the stage and make it manageable. They didn’t look like a first-game team two weeks ago and if experience equals improvement, this could be a pretty good football team as the season progresses.

A handful of interesting matchups this week with Bothell coming to Newport and Skyline trying to bounce back on a trip to Oregon to face Lake Oswego. Mercer Island-Juanita also looks to be an interesting one with the Rebels trying to bounce back after getting shutout and the Islanders looking to establish momentum after a win over Newport.

Away we go.

BIG 5
Newport vs. Bothell
Kevin – Here’s an interesting matchup between to 1-1 teams many figured to be 2-0 after week two. Newport lost by 15 at home to Mercer Island, while Bothell lost by 12 at home to Mount Si. Who will be able to bounce back after a tough week? Mount Si was able to move the ball on the ground against the Cougars, which bodes well for Newport quarterback Isaac Dotson and the Knights’ explosive running attack. Newport was bit by the turnover bug last week, however, and will need to hold onto the ball against a traditionally efficient Bothell squad.
Pick: Newport 32-28
Josh – The Knights fumbled away an opportunity to make a statement against Jeff Lindquist and Mercer Island last week, falling by a pair of scores after a pair of critical turnovers. Bothell is a bit of a mystery after handling Union and then getting handled themselves by Mount Si, at home no less, last week. I like the Knights’ potential, I’m just not sure of where they are in terms of development after last week’s performance. This game wasn’t close last year (42-14 Bothell) and while there is no way it gets that out of hand again, I’m going with the Cougars.
Pick: Bothell 30-27

Skyline vs. Lake Oswego, Ore.
Kevin – Skyline head coach Mat Taylor referred to Lake Oswego as one of the top two or three teams in the state of Oregon. The Lakers enter their home game against the Spartans, 2-0, after outscoring their first two opponents 84-31. Skyline is no doubt looking to bounce back after a tough loss to in-state rival Bellevue. These same two teams played to a close first half last year in Sammamish before the Spartans pulled away for a 38-14 victory. This will be a tough test for Skyline, but the Spartans should have enough fire power to get back on a winning track.
Pick: Skyline 32-20
Josh – The Spartans looked unstoppable at times in last week’s lost to Bellevue. And then they would stop themselves. Obviously, the level of their opponent played a huge role in that. Here’s what won’t happen this week in Oregon: Skyline won’t turn the ball over five times. They won’t get stopped at the goal line twice. Max Browne won’t get intercepted multiple times. The defense won’t have to deal with a Wing-T offense. Here’s what will happen: a dominating bounce-back win for Taylor and Co.
Pick: Skyline 42-10

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Not a ton of movement at the top this week, as Skyline, Bellevue and Lynden all retain the top spots. It’s looking more and more like the top few teams in 4A and 3A are going to stay the same most if not all of the year.

There were some teams bumped out, as Bothell and Mead were dropped in 4A, replaced by Central Valley and Issaquah. Juanita, which lost to Inglemoor, is out of the 3A top ten along with Mountain View. Mount Si jumps back in at number nine after taking down Bothell at Pop Keeney and Oak Harbor’s stunning comeback over Glacier Peak puts them in the final spot. Lindbergh, Cheney, and Mark Morris are all out in 2A and West Valley (Spokane), North Thurston and Othello all move in.

4A
1. Skyline (1-1)
2. Eastlake (2-0)
3. Chiawana (2-0)
4. Bellarmine Prep (2-0)
5. Ferris (2-0)
6. Kentlake (2-0)
7. Olympia (2-0)
8. Federal Way (2-0)
9. Issaquah (2-0)
10. Central Valley (2-0)
Others receiving votes: Bethel, Auburn, Curtis

3A
1. Bellevue (2-0)
2. Lakes (2-0)
3. O’Dea (2-0)
4. Kamiakin (2-0)
5. Camas (2-0)
6. Peninsula (2-0)
7. Ferndale (1-1)
8. Meadowdale (2-0)
9. Mount Si (1-1)
10. Oak Harbor (2-0)
Others receiving votes: Bonney Lake, Mount Spokane, Kennedy Catholic

2A
1. Lynden (2-0)
2. Archbishop Murphy (2-0)
3. Tumwater (1-1)
4. W.F. West (2-0)
5. Prosser (1-1)
6. Sequim (2-0)
7. Burlington-Edison (1-1)
8. North Thurston (2-0)
9. Othello (1-1)
10. West Valley – Spokane (1-1)
Others receiving votes: East Valley – Spokane, Lakewood, Lindbergh, Mark Morris, River Ridge

Be sure to check out the predictions from Issaquah Reporter sports writer Kevin Endejan and myself. We’ll both be at Bellevue-Skyline tonight along with our photographer Chad Coleman, so we should have plenty of coverage all-around on that one. But there are story lines for each of the four games with Bellevue ties this week (Bellevue Christian follows its inaugural win with a bye) and we want to take a look at each of them.

Sammamish VS Garfield @ Seattle Memorial Stadium 5 p.m.
Key matchup
Garfield VS Garfield’s mindset
By now, I’m sure everyone who is reading this has heard about the exploits of Bulldogs’ head coach Kelvin Goliday in his Garfield head coaching debut last week. If you haven’t, check the link and then start reading again. Ready? While the ethics, propriety and meaning behind his decision last week are all in question, what is a bigger unknown is how his team will respond seven days later. If Sammamish takes an early lead, do Garfield players start to question whether or not it’s worth it to keep playing? They trailed by only a pair of scores when last week’s shenanigans got started, so why would they continue to exert themselves only to be fooled by their mercurial head coach a second time?
Turning point
Are the Totems turning it around?
All coaches talk about their program turning a corner. Sammamish coach Brian Tucci has the numbers to back it up. In its first game this season, Sammamish had nine more first downs, nearly 100 more rushing yards, over 200 more total yards and fewer turnovers, penalties and punts than in their 2010 season opener. That looks like improvement from here. Are there other variables? Of course. But that doesn’t mean Sammamish isn’t taking steps in the right direction thus far in 2011. As we said in our preview story, the next step is turning that production into wins.

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Big 5

Skyline vs. Bellevue
Kevin – These two teams have quite a history. In 11 matchups, Bellevue has a 6-5 edge over Skyline, with the Spartans taking the last two games in 2010 (28-21) and 2007 (6-0). The Wolverines enter Friday’s game with a No. 15 ranking by US Today, but don’t count Skyline out. The Spartans and quarterback Max Browne found their groove after a slow start against Liberty last week. The junior connected on 16 of 18 passes for 190 yards and four TDs. Can Skyline stay disciplined on defense against Bellevue’s vaunted Wing-T? Will the Wolverines be able to control the clock and stop the Spartans’ quick and efficient passing attack? Something has to break.
Pick: Skyline 24-20
Josh -No rest for the weary in week two as the Wolverines try and follow-up last week’s win over Oaks Christian with another against the Spartans. Skyline is far more accustomed to seeing the Wing-T than were the Lions, but that doesn’t mean they are more likely to stop or even slow it. You have to be impressed with the 62 points Skyline put on Liberty last week, but this Bellevue defense is probably a little better suited to matchup with Browne and his crew of receivers than were the Patriots. Too much Bellevue run game, too little time with the ball for Skyline in this one.
Pick: Bellevue 34-22

Issaquah vs. Liberty
Kevin – These two teams enter week two on opposite ends of the spectrum. Issaquah thumped Heritage 48-0 last week, while Liberty got routed by Skyline, 62-27. The Patriots looked good for nearly the first two quarters, leading Skyline 21-14 in the second quarter. Can they find that mojo and hold onto it? The Eagles also looked impressive for two quarters before pulling all their starters in the second half. Did the starters get enough reps to carry over momentum into this week? It will be a test of wills between these Issaquah School District and former KingCo 3A rivals.
Pick: Issaquah 34-21
Josh – As expected, Issaquah trampled Heritage in the opener behind a huge night from freshman Jack Gellatly and a shutout from the Eagles’ defense. Until the Patriots prove they are ready for life without Bainton, Jenkins and Wheeler, I’m going to keep questioning whether they are ready for life without Bainton, Jenkins and Wheeler. This isn’t that week.
Pick: Issaquah 40-28

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Class 4A
1. Skyline- Defeated Liberty 62-27
2. Eastlake- Defeated Central Kitsap 35-14
T-3. Bellarmine Prep- Defeated Bishop Blanchet 42-0
T-3. Chiawana- Defeated Hanford 24-0
5. Ferris- Defeated University 42-14
6. Kentlake- Defeated Auburn Riverside 49-7
7. Olympia- Defeated Tumwater 34-7
8. Bothell- Defeated Union 27-10
9. Federal Way- Defeated Graham-Kapowsin 37-14
10. Mead- Defeated North Central 47-7
Others receiving votes: Bethel, Skyview, Issaquah, Kentwood, Curtis

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