From the Sidelines

Another week down, another week of great games on the slate. Make sure to vote on who you think will win each of this week’s games.

Year to date

Kevin: 62-20

Joel: 62-20

Readers: 61-18-3

Joel – This one’s for all the marbles in the KingCo Crest Division. Upstart Eastlake comes off a thrilling 3OT win over Issaquah. The Wolves, boasting big running back Kyle Lappano and effecient quarterback Keegan Kemp, keep finding ways to win. But they may have found their match in the Spartans, who have the most talented receivers the Wolves have faced to date. The way Skyline and quarterback Max Browne are playing, they look like a lock to defend their state title in the Tacoma Dome. Skyline downs plucky Eastlake and gets the division’s automatic bid to the KingCo Championship game. Pick: Skyline 28-14

Kevin – This matchup couldn’t have been scripted more perfectly. Two programs, less than a mile apart, are squaring off for the regular-season KingCo Crest title and a berth in the KingCo Championship game against Bothell. This game features two obvious contrasting styles. The Spartans move the ball through the air arguably better than any team in the state, while the Wolves might be one of the best running teams out there. Will Eastlake be able to stop the potent pass attack of sophomore quarterback Max Browne? Can Eastlake control the clock behind the legs of senior running back Kyle Lappano? It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. Pick: Skyline 35-21

Joel – Newport has locked up a crossover playoff spot, so this game comes down to whether they’ll have the No.3 or No.4 spot. The Knights may have three losses, but take a look at who they’ve come from: No.1 Skyline, No.3 Bothell and No.9 Eastlake. Not too shabby. Isaac Dotson has been everything the Knights could have hoped for and he had one heck of a game last week, scoring three rushing touchdowns (the first 21 points of the game) and throwing for another in Newport’s win over Redmond. That said, here comes another ranked team in Issaquah. I think, however, the Knights are picking up the Eagles at the right time – reeling after a big loss to Eastlake. My pick, Newport with the upset. Pick: Newport 21-14

Kevin – A third-place seed in the KingCo Crest is on the line Friday when these two long-time rivals clash. Issaquah has gotten the better of Newport the last four seasons, winning by a combined score of 149-29. But this isn’t the Knights of years past. Newport has played opponents tough this season, even taking two leads over Skyline, before eventually falling 55-34. Issaquah is looking to rebound after a triple-overtime loss to Eastlake last week. I expect both teams to be honed in and for this game to come down to the wire. Pick: Issaquah 35-28

Joel – Every year I think Mount Si is finally going to give Bellevue a run for their money, and each year I’m sadly disappointed. Teams haven’t been able to shut down that Wing-T yet and Bellevue yet again has a bevy of backs that can score, with Myles Jack, Latrelle Dukes, Ari Morales and John Nguyen all capable of taking the ball to the house. Pick: Bellevue 35-17

Kevin – Mount Si has provided scares to ranked opponents Bothell and Juanita, showing it has the potential to hang with top opponents. I think the multifaceted Wing-T attack of Bellevue has the advantage in this one, however. Mount Si might and quarterback Ian Ilgenfritz might make it close, but ultimately I see the another Wolverine win. Pick: Bellevue 35-21

Joel – An important game for Eastside Catholic, as the winner will likely receive the third and final Metro League Mountain Division playoff spot. Both teams are pretty comparable when you look at their scores. Both teams have won the games that they should and both will come into this game knowing how important a win is. I’ve seen neither of these teams, so it is difficult for me to place a favorite, especially when you look at the overall strength of the Metro League. Pick: Bainbridge 44-35

Kevin – The winner of this Thursday night battle gets a No. 3 seed in the Metro Mountain division berth to the playoffs. This should be a fairly evenly balanced game. Eastside Catholic has an obvious threat in junior running back Chevy Walker, and quarterback Trey Reynolds has really found himself. Bainbridge likes to run the ball behind back Corey Touchette (115 carries 732 yards, 8 TDs). The Crusaders will have to find a way to slow the Spartan run game — in particular limiting the big play. They stood strong against O’Dea on numerous occasions two weeks ago, but big runs came back to bite them. Expect head coach Jason Gesser to have his crew fired up for a shot at the postseason. Pick: Eastside Catholic 28-24

Joel – Two surprises in my opinion. Roosevelt, at 3-4, is doing better than I imagined while Woodinville, at 3-4 isn’t having the success I envisioned. This game had huge implications, key word “had”. It looked just days ago like Roosevelt had to win this game to make the KingCo crossover playoffs, but the surprising postseason ban on Garfield has given the Roughriders the opportunity to make the playoffs no matter. That said, I think this is a game that Woodinville needs to gain a little momentum heading into the postseason. Pick: Woodinville 14-13

Kevin – The winner of this game will get the No. 3 seed in the KingCo Crown after the recent sanctions placed on Garfield. Both teams have struggled this season, but if there were ever a time to step up and have a good game this is it. Look for the arm of Falcon quarterback Brett Arrivey to make a difference in this one. Pick: Woodinville 35-21

Joel – Bothell 44-0

Kevin – Bothell 48-0

Joel – Edmonds-Woodway 35-20

Kevin – Edmonds-Woodway 28-21

Joel – Inglemoor 35-20

Kevin – Inglemoor 35-7

Joel – Juanita 28-13

Kevin – Juanita 38-14

Joel – Mercer Island 28-12

Kevin – Mercer Island 28-7

Joel – Liberty 35-21

Kevin – Liberty 42-14