From the Sidelines

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

Inglemoor vs. Woodinville

Kevin – Woodinville can secure the KingCo Crown championship Friday with a victory over Inglemoor. Falcons’ quarterback Brett Arrivey and a relentless group of running backs led by Alec Schwend have rolled over Crown opponents this season. Inglemoor provides a big test with its stingy defense, but Woodinville is a focused group.
Pick: Woodinville 28-14
Josh – Woodinville may be the biggest surprise in the state thus far in 4A with that perfect record, which will likely remain in tact at least until the 4A KingCo title game. The Falcons should have the edge in this one on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Woodinville 35-20

Liberty vs. Mercer Island
Kevin – The only real comparison I have for these two teams is their performance against a formidable opponent in Mount Si. Mercer Island routed the Wildcats, while the Patriots fell by three points, 16-13. From all indications Islander quarterback Jeff Lindquist and his receivers are clicking at the perfect time. Liberty is never an easy place to play, and both teams know second place in the KingCo 3A is on the line. I just think Mercer Island has the edge in this one.
Pick: Mercer Island 32-20
Josh – The Islanders walloped Mount Si last Thursday and are in control of their own destiny for the second playoff spot from 3A KingCo. The Patriots’ defense allowed 62 points to Skyline in the opener but has been much improved since. In wins, Liberty is allowing just over nine points per game. In losses that number jumps to over 33 points. Jeff Lindquist has been on fire and unless Liberty finds a way to slow the M-I passing game, it could be a long night.
Pick: Mercer Island 44-28

Skyline vs. Jackson
Kevin – On paper, these two teams have the same record. In reality, this one shouldn’t even be close. Jackson’s defense has serious holes in it, allowing 30 points to Snohomish, 49 to Arlington and 63 to Edmonds-Woodway. That doesn’t add up very well for the Timberwolves who will face one the most efficient offenses in the state. Look for Skyline quarterback Max Browne to put up big numbers on homecoming night.
Pick: Skyline 48-10
Josh – Skyline doesn’t need to win this game for the standings, but they do need to win. After the 1-2 start and two deflating defeats at the hands of Bellevue and Lake Oswego Ore., the Spartans have built the momentum they will need in the playoffs. Now is not the time to take a step backwards. Jackson has some weapons on offense in quarterback Sam Brown and running backs Trai Patrick and Trevante Robinson. If the T-Wolves can build some momentum early, say a quick score and takeaway, things could stay interesting into the second half. But if the Spartans can keep the athletic Brown in check, they should roll.
Pick: Skyline 48-12

Juanita vs. Mount Si
Kevin – Mount Si looks to rebound after its first KingCo 3A loss, while Juanita is just trying to stay above water. The Rebels have struggled this season with a 2-4 record, while the Wildcats (4-2) are still in the hunt for a top three finish. This will be a grind-it-out game on the ground. The only question is whose backs will have bigger games?
Pick: Mount Si 28-14
Josh – Juanita has fallen back to the pack after last year’s run to the state playoffs and never was that more apparent than in last week’s 42-14 thrashing at the hands of Bellevue. That game was 21-14 last season, for a point of reference. Mount Si needs this one to keep pace with Mercer Island and especially Liberty, which the Wildcats beat and hold the tiebreaker over. Only three from KingCo get spots in the play-in round of 32 and that means either Liberty, Mercer Island or Mount Si are going to get left out in the cold. If I had to guess which team that will be, I wouldn’t choose the Wildcats.
Pick: Mount Si 32-9

OTHER GAMES
Garfield vs. Bothell
Kevin – Bothell 42-7
Josh – Bothell 55-10

Ballard vs. Roosevelt
Kevin – Roosevelt 28-24
Josh – Roosevelt 31-10

Redmond vs. Newport
Kevin – Newport 35-7
Josh – Newport 40-14

Sammamish vs. Bellevue
Kevin – Bellevue 55-0
Josh – Bellevue 40-6

Interlake vs. Lake Washington
Kevin – Interlake 28-21
Josh – Interlake 35-13

Eastside Catholic vs. Blanchet
Kevin – Eastside Catholic 35-14
Josh – EC 40-8

Bellevue Christian vs. Darrington
Kevin – Bellevue Christian 28-13
Josh – Bellevue Christian 32-20

Week 6 results
Kevin: 11-1
Josh: 10-2
Readers: 12-0

Year to date
Kevin: 48-15
Josh: 45-18
Readers: 48-15