Standings:
Team, SPSL Record, Overall Record
Kentlake, 4-0, 4-0.
Kentwood, 2-1, 3-1.
Tahoma, 2-1, 2-2.
Auburn, 2-2, 2-2.
Jefferson, 2-2, 2-2.
Kentridge, 2-2, 2-2.
Auburn Riverside, 1-2, 2-2.
Kent-Meridian, 1-2, 1-3.
Mt. Rainier, 0-4, 0-4.
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Team Capsules:
The Kentlake Falcons remained perfect this week with a 49-34 victory over upstart Thomas Jefferson. The Raiders actually led the Falcons 34-33 at the end of third quarter before giving up 16 unanswered points to end the game. The Falcons offense really came alive, finishing the night with 476 total yards of offense, including 320 on the ground. This week is Homecoming at French Field as they play host to the Tahoma Bears on Friday night.
After a disappointing second week loss, the Kentwood Conquerors appear to be back to their winning ways following back to back wins over Tahoma and Puyallup. The key for Kentwood has been their run defense, giving up only 46 yards to Puyallup last week. The next two weeks the Conks defense will be put to test as they visit Auburn and host Kentlake, two teams that can run the football as good as anyone. If they can get wins in the next two weeks... Watch Out!
Personally I find the Tahoma Bears to be an interesting team. They are 2-2 overall on the season with losses at South Kitsap and Kentwood. Last week they got back into the win column beating Auburn 34-21. The Bears can be the most balanced offense in the SPSL North on a good night. On a bad night though they get behind early and have to play catch up. The Bears have only had the lead once at halftime and do more of their scoring in the second half of games. Should they keep it close against Kentlake, we could be looking at an upset.
Four weeks into the season and the Auburn Trojans are in unfamiliar territory. The Trojans have been one of the best teams in the SPSL the last few seasons and graduations might finally be catching up with them. The next three weeks bring some very tough games for the Trojans as they are home vs Kentwood, home vs Curtis(NL) and travel to Kentlake. The Trojans run the ball so well they almost do not need to pass, but if they are not opening holes, don't expect them to win.
The Thomas Jeffereson Raiders were a surprising 2-1 after knocking off Kentwood and Auburn on back to back weeks. Last week they lost a heartbreaker of a game to the Kentlake Falcons in a game they led going into the fourth quarter. Thursday the Raiders travel to Kent-Meridian in a game they must win to continue hope of the post season. Next week they are home vs Auburn Riverside in another game they should win.
If the Kentridge Chargers are going to make the playoffs, they might want to use this weeks non-league game as a tune up for the final three weeks of league play. At 2-2 in the within the division, the Chargers finish the season at Mt. Rainier, vs Jefferson, at Tahoma and vs Kentwood. The Chargers finish the season with three games against teams that are either above them or tied with them in the standings.
For the Auburn Riverside Ravens, Kent-Meridian Royals and Mt. Rainier Rams it is going to take some work and some luck to get into the playoffs. Riverside finishes the season against Mt. Rainier, Jefferson, Tahoma, Kentwood and Auburn. Kent-Meridian finishes with Jefferson, Tahoma, Kentwood, Auburn and Kentlake. Mt. Rainier finishes the league portion with Riverside, Kentridge, Jefferson and Tahoma. It will honestly be hard for any of these teams to win a game unless they are playing each other. I hate to say things like this about teams, but honestly it is true.
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This Weeks Schedule:
Jefferson @ Kent-Meridian, French Field, Thursday at 7pm.
Kentridge @ Rogers (Non-League), Sparks Stadium, Thursday at 7pm.
Mt. Rainier @ Auburn Riverside, Auburn Memorial, Thursday at 7pm.
Tahoma @ Kentlake, French Field, Friday 7pm.
Kentwood @ Auburn, Auburn Memorial, Friday 7pm.
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I apologize for not getting this up earlier today. I ended up getting a really bad cold late last night and it has hung around all day today. Now I do not plan on attending Ballard @ Woodinville thursday night because of it.
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You can follow me on twitte @HSFootballWA. Please share it with your friends.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
On tap for this week, Sept. 27th, 2011...
I am glad to get back to High School Football. Last week was a rough one for me and my group of friends, but we will survive. I ended up attending a high school game (Bothell @ Roosevelt), a college game (Cal @ UW) and a pro game (Arizona @ Seattle) all in one weekend. It was a lot of fun! If you have never taken a boat to a Husky game, you are missing out. It is really an experience like no other.
I have decided to stay close to home this Thursday and attend the Ballard @ Woodinville. The Falcons are really playing good football and I feel like I need to see them play. The game is at Pop Keeney which is also one of my favorite places to watch a game. It is really a no brainer.
Friday night will most likely see me head right back to Pop Keeney when the Bothell Cougars and Inglemoor Vikings clash in the annual "Spaghetti Bowl". Both teams got wins in Memorial Stadium last friday night, Bothell over Roosevelt 24-0 and Inglemoor over Ballard 35-14. Last season's game was a 27-3 win for the Cougars, who haven't lost to the Vikings since 2000.
As for Saturday, right now I have no plans to attend a game. I may end up going to Portland to see the Thunderbirds play the Winterhawks, hockey for those wondering. I may end up going to see Orcas Island vs Bellevue Christian @ Lake Washington High School in a non-league 2B game. I might even just go find some junior football to watch most of the day.
---
Doug Pacey of the Tacoma News Tribuns has his state football rankings for the week, find them right here.
Mason Kelley of the Seattle Times has his own rankings, they can be found right here.
The Bellevue Wolverines continue to climb in the national rankings. Mason Kelley took the time to pull all of them together and a you can read about that right here.
---
I hope to be able to get the "This week" stuff done tomorrow for SPSL 4A and 3A. If I have time I will do KingCo 3A and 4A as well. The Wesco appears to have some very good teams, I would like to get a look at what they have to offer, I hope to be able to do that before the game Thursday night.
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Either this week or next I will be sending a few emails to the east side of the state to talk to coaches from the best teams on the other side of the state. I would like to put something together with Chiawana, Kamiakin, Kennewick, West Valley of Spokane, Prosser, Cashmere, Colfax and Almira/Coulee-Hartline. If I can get three of those schools to respond I will put a piece together.
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HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM PIC OF THE WEEK:
This is a look at the home stadium for the W.F. West Bearcats. They have no seating on the other side of the field, so this is what you get. Behind the stadium is a beautiful baseball stadium. To see more pictues of this stadium and pictures of many other stadiums I have visited visit Washington State High School Football Stadiums.
If you looks closely at the pic you will notice a group of red seats. These seats are for what I guess you would call "Season Ticket Holders". The seats have the name of the owner on them. I have attached a picture below with a closer look at the seats... Do they look familiar to anyone? This isn't the first stadium they have been in.
---
I have recieved a few emails with support and encouragement during a tough moment in my life. I would like to thank all of those who read and commented to me about my piece. It really means a lot.
---
I can be found on twitter by following @HSFootballWA.
I have decided to stay close to home this Thursday and attend the Ballard @ Woodinville. The Falcons are really playing good football and I feel like I need to see them play. The game is at Pop Keeney which is also one of my favorite places to watch a game. It is really a no brainer.
Friday night will most likely see me head right back to Pop Keeney when the Bothell Cougars and Inglemoor Vikings clash in the annual "Spaghetti Bowl". Both teams got wins in Memorial Stadium last friday night, Bothell over Roosevelt 24-0 and Inglemoor over Ballard 35-14. Last season's game was a 27-3 win for the Cougars, who haven't lost to the Vikings since 2000.
As for Saturday, right now I have no plans to attend a game. I may end up going to Portland to see the Thunderbirds play the Winterhawks, hockey for those wondering. I may end up going to see Orcas Island vs Bellevue Christian @ Lake Washington High School in a non-league 2B game. I might even just go find some junior football to watch most of the day.
---
Doug Pacey of the Tacoma News Tribuns has his state football rankings for the week, find them right here.
Mason Kelley of the Seattle Times has his own rankings, they can be found right here.
The Bellevue Wolverines continue to climb in the national rankings. Mason Kelley took the time to pull all of them together and a you can read about that right here.
---
I hope to be able to get the "This week" stuff done tomorrow for SPSL 4A and 3A. If I have time I will do KingCo 3A and 4A as well. The Wesco appears to have some very good teams, I would like to get a look at what they have to offer, I hope to be able to do that before the game Thursday night.
---
Either this week or next I will be sending a few emails to the east side of the state to talk to coaches from the best teams on the other side of the state. I would like to put something together with Chiawana, Kamiakin, Kennewick, West Valley of Spokane, Prosser, Cashmere, Colfax and Almira/Coulee-Hartline. If I can get three of those schools to respond I will put a piece together.
---
HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM PIC OF THE WEEK:
This is a look at the home stadium for the W.F. West Bearcats. They have no seating on the other side of the field, so this is what you get. Behind the stadium is a beautiful baseball stadium. To see more pictues of this stadium and pictures of many other stadiums I have visited visit Washington State High School Football Stadiums.
If you looks closely at the pic you will notice a group of red seats. These seats are for what I guess you would call "Season Ticket Holders". The seats have the name of the owner on them. I have attached a picture below with a closer look at the seats... Do they look familiar to anyone? This isn't the first stadium they have been in.
---
I have recieved a few emails with support and encouragement during a tough moment in my life. I would like to thank all of those who read and commented to me about my piece. It really means a lot.
---
I can be found on twitter by following @HSFootballWA.
Friday, September 23, 2011
The King's Army has lost a Knight...
At 11:03 on Wednesday morning my good friend John Sumida passed away. John and I had many common bonds but most of all we shared a love for hockey, specifically the Seattle Thunderbirds. I knew John for three things, Pin Collecting, SeaFair and the Thunderbirds. I will be taking the rest of this week off from the blog to help myself move on.
I really don't know as much about John as I would like. If you asked me his middle name, I would have to guess. How old he is, I coud probably come close. I spent many pre and post game meals with John and never asked the right questions. We would talk hockey for hours and honestly his knowledge of the game is well beyond mine. It should be known that my knowledge of hockey is beyond most, but John was always better.
If there was one thing I was better at than John, it would be eating. John said to me "I had never met anyone who could eat more than I could before I met you". I really don't know if that is a good thing but I was proud at the time. We shared many good meals and I think sometimes he would order what I was having just to see if he to could eat it all. John always wanted a Diet Coke with Lime. He ordered it so much I began to order it for him, "I would like a Coke, and he will have a Diet Coke with Lime." the server would look at John and he would smile and give a big "YEP!".
In a way John introduced me to many of the friends I have now. He would introduce me to someone new and they would always say "I have heard such great things about you". John knew just about everyone. Many times during intermission of the game, John would walk around the concourse talking to anyone and everyone.
John loved hockey and he collected game worn jerseys(See link at bottom). His first one was a Stewart Malgunas, Thunderbirds "sweater". He would wear the same jersey to Thunderbird games until we lost before moving to the next jersey. He loved the Toronto Maple Leafs and had a few Leaf jerseys that were very special to him. In November 2008 I told John I was attending the Leafs game in Vancouver against the Canucks. Knowing that I did not have a Leafs jersey, he brought one of his prized jewels for me to wear. Not only was I shocked, I was honored. I told him thank you 100 different times, but I don't think he fully knew how much that really meant to me.
Traveling to away games with John was always an adventure. Every Labor Day weekend the Everett Silvertips host a preseason "tournament". One year as a few of my friends were getting married at a park by my house in Kent, John and I stayed at their place in Everett. Wanting to do something special for them, John and I attatched streamers all over the apartment. From wall to wall, counter top to wall, counter top to door, wall to door. You name it! Before we left the apartment for the last time we left a sign on the front door, "Enter at your own risk!". It went over huge.
Some of us like to refer to our group as "The King's Army". A lot of us would consider Allen King to be our leader, hence the name. We sit together at games, travel together to away games, eat together before and after games. From September to March, April if the T-Birds get that far in the playoffs, we basically share out lives together. We are brothers.
I started writing this Wednesday night. It has been very hard for me to get much out before I just have to stop and get away from it. It is now 2:45 on Friday morning, technically speaking that means tomorrow is the first game of a new season. For the first time in a long time, John Sumida will not be there to see it. I know he will be watching, but it just wont be the same.
R.I.P. John. You defined beauty.
---
Jersey link, right here.
Video I made, right here.
---
Thank you all for understanding. I will get back into High School Football on Monday.
I really don't know as much about John as I would like. If you asked me his middle name, I would have to guess. How old he is, I coud probably come close. I spent many pre and post game meals with John and never asked the right questions. We would talk hockey for hours and honestly his knowledge of the game is well beyond mine. It should be known that my knowledge of hockey is beyond most, but John was always better.
If there was one thing I was better at than John, it would be eating. John said to me "I had never met anyone who could eat more than I could before I met you". I really don't know if that is a good thing but I was proud at the time. We shared many good meals and I think sometimes he would order what I was having just to see if he to could eat it all. John always wanted a Diet Coke with Lime. He ordered it so much I began to order it for him, "I would like a Coke, and he will have a Diet Coke with Lime." the server would look at John and he would smile and give a big "YEP!".
In a way John introduced me to many of the friends I have now. He would introduce me to someone new and they would always say "I have heard such great things about you". John knew just about everyone. Many times during intermission of the game, John would walk around the concourse talking to anyone and everyone.
John loved hockey and he collected game worn jerseys(See link at bottom). His first one was a Stewart Malgunas, Thunderbirds "sweater". He would wear the same jersey to Thunderbird games until we lost before moving to the next jersey. He loved the Toronto Maple Leafs and had a few Leaf jerseys that were very special to him. In November 2008 I told John I was attending the Leafs game in Vancouver against the Canucks. Knowing that I did not have a Leafs jersey, he brought one of his prized jewels for me to wear. Not only was I shocked, I was honored. I told him thank you 100 different times, but I don't think he fully knew how much that really meant to me.
Traveling to away games with John was always an adventure. Every Labor Day weekend the Everett Silvertips host a preseason "tournament". One year as a few of my friends were getting married at a park by my house in Kent, John and I stayed at their place in Everett. Wanting to do something special for them, John and I attatched streamers all over the apartment. From wall to wall, counter top to wall, counter top to door, wall to door. You name it! Before we left the apartment for the last time we left a sign on the front door, "Enter at your own risk!". It went over huge.
Some of us like to refer to our group as "The King's Army". A lot of us would consider Allen King to be our leader, hence the name. We sit together at games, travel together to away games, eat together before and after games. From September to March, April if the T-Birds get that far in the playoffs, we basically share out lives together. We are brothers.
I started writing this Wednesday night. It has been very hard for me to get much out before I just have to stop and get away from it. It is now 2:45 on Friday morning, technically speaking that means tomorrow is the first game of a new season. For the first time in a long time, John Sumida will not be there to see it. I know he will be watching, but it just wont be the same.
R.I.P. John. You defined beauty.
---
Jersey link, right here.
Video I made, right here.
---
Thank you all for understanding. I will get back into High School Football on Monday.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
This week in the KingCo 4A Crest, Sept. 20th, 2011...
The Crest Division of KingCo 4A might be the best in the state. Eastlake and Issaquah are both undefeated, Newport is 2-1 after a big win over Bothell and the Skyline Spartans have got to be the best 1-2 team in the state. At the bottom of the table and winless are the Redmond Mustangs.
The Eastlake Wolves are 3-0 and averaging almots 40 points a game so far. The next three weeks provides three road tests as they travel to Redmond, Newport and finish non-league play against Mariner(Everett,Wesco 4A). The schedule sets up very well for the Wolves to finish on top as their final two games against Issaquah and Skyline, are on home soil. Expect big crowds at both games as all three schools are just a few miles apart.
Picked by the coaches to finish third, and they may still, the Issaquah Eagles have shown the ability to score and to stop you from scoring. Three games into the season the Eagles are averaging just over 48 points per game while giving up barely over 7. This week the Eagles play host to Skyline in a game that could really put the Spartans on their heels. Next week they finish non-league play when they host Kamiak (Mukilteo,Wesco 4A).
This week the Newport Knights finish non-league play when they travel to Everett Memorial Stadium to take on the Cascade Bruins (Everett,Wesco 4A). The Knights return home the following week to take on Eastlake then Skyline. They hit the road to Redmond and Issaquah to finish regular season play. If the Knights can get an upset win against either Eastlake or Skyline, they could be in a good spot to possibly finish at the top of the standings. If they are to do so it will be behind the arm and legs of Junior Quarterback, Isaac Dotson. Click here for a nice highlight video of the Knights QB.
The Skyline Spartans are easily the best 1-2 team in the state. They have played a very tough schedule so far hosting Liberty and Bellevue before heading to play Lake Oswego(Oregon) last weekend. The Spartans are led Junior Quarterback, Max Browne who, in my opinion, is the best QB in the state. Browne has all the makings of being the next great quarterback from our state and I am sure before it is all said and done, he will be to pick from almost any college in the country. This week the Spartans travel to Issaquah to take on the undefeated Eagles. I would expect the October 21st game against the Eastlake Wolves to determine who wins the division.
For the Redmond Mustangs this appears to be a season of rebuilding. Through three games they have been outscored by 102 points and they have yet to get itno league play. It will be very though for the Mustangs to get a win this season before they travel to Edmonds-Woodway to take on the Warriors (0-3, Wesco 4A).
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Standings:
Team-Overall-League
Eastlake, 3-0, 0-0
Issaquah, 3-0, 0-0
Newport, 2-1, 0-0
Skyline, 1-2, 0-0
Redmond, 0-3, 0-0
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Last Week:
Eastlake won vs Roosevelt, 41-20.
Issaquah won at Ballard, 55-15.
Newport won vs Bothell, 28-24.
Redmond lost at Woodinville, 55-7.
Skyline lost at Lake Oswego(OR.), 56-46.
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This Week:
Eastlake at Redmond, 7pm Friday.
Newport at Cascade, Everett Memorial Stadium, 8pm Friday.
Skyline at Issaquah, 7pm Friday.
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For updates on the KingCo Conference and football in the state of Washington, follow me on Twitter @HSFootballWA.
The Eastlake Wolves are 3-0 and averaging almots 40 points a game so far. The next three weeks provides three road tests as they travel to Redmond, Newport and finish non-league play against Mariner(Everett,Wesco 4A). The schedule sets up very well for the Wolves to finish on top as their final two games against Issaquah and Skyline, are on home soil. Expect big crowds at both games as all three schools are just a few miles apart.
Picked by the coaches to finish third, and they may still, the Issaquah Eagles have shown the ability to score and to stop you from scoring. Three games into the season the Eagles are averaging just over 48 points per game while giving up barely over 7. This week the Eagles play host to Skyline in a game that could really put the Spartans on their heels. Next week they finish non-league play when they host Kamiak (Mukilteo,Wesco 4A).
This week the Newport Knights finish non-league play when they travel to Everett Memorial Stadium to take on the Cascade Bruins (Everett,Wesco 4A). The Knights return home the following week to take on Eastlake then Skyline. They hit the road to Redmond and Issaquah to finish regular season play. If the Knights can get an upset win against either Eastlake or Skyline, they could be in a good spot to possibly finish at the top of the standings. If they are to do so it will be behind the arm and legs of Junior Quarterback, Isaac Dotson. Click here for a nice highlight video of the Knights QB.
The Skyline Spartans are easily the best 1-2 team in the state. They have played a very tough schedule so far hosting Liberty and Bellevue before heading to play Lake Oswego(Oregon) last weekend. The Spartans are led Junior Quarterback, Max Browne who, in my opinion, is the best QB in the state. Browne has all the makings of being the next great quarterback from our state and I am sure before it is all said and done, he will be to pick from almost any college in the country. This week the Spartans travel to Issaquah to take on the undefeated Eagles. I would expect the October 21st game against the Eastlake Wolves to determine who wins the division.
For the Redmond Mustangs this appears to be a season of rebuilding. Through three games they have been outscored by 102 points and they have yet to get itno league play. It will be very though for the Mustangs to get a win this season before they travel to Edmonds-Woodway to take on the Warriors (0-3, Wesco 4A).
---
Standings:
Team-Overall-League
Eastlake, 3-0, 0-0
Issaquah, 3-0, 0-0
Newport, 2-1, 0-0
Skyline, 1-2, 0-0
Redmond, 0-3, 0-0
---
Last Week:
Eastlake won vs Roosevelt, 41-20.
Issaquah won at Ballard, 55-15.
Newport won vs Bothell, 28-24.
Redmond lost at Woodinville, 55-7.
Skyline lost at Lake Oswego(OR.), 56-46.
---
This Week:
Eastlake at Redmond, 7pm Friday.
Newport at Cascade, Everett Memorial Stadium, 8pm Friday.
Skyline at Issaquah, 7pm Friday.
---
For updates on the KingCo Conference and football in the state of Washington, follow me on Twitter @HSFootballWA.
This week in the KingCo 4A Crown, Sept. 20th, 2011...
Three weeks into the season and the Crown Division is tough to figure out. The Woodinville Falcons are the only undefeated team at 3-0. Three teams, the Ballard Beavers, Inglemoor Vikings and Roosevelt RoughRiders check in at 2-1. At the bottom of the standings are the Garfield Bulldogs and surprising Bothell Cougars at 1-2.
So far the Woodinville Falcons have outscored their opponents 121-17. They have wins over Mount Si, Monroe and Redmond. The Falcons will play in two stadiums the rest of the regular as they will play their next four games at Pop Kenney Stadium, the third game being a "road" game at Bothell. They finish the regular season at Memorial Stadium in Seattle against Roosevelt. Eighth year Head Coach, Wayne Maxwell might have his best team yet, expect the Falcons to make a good run in the playoffs.
After starting the season with two shutouts, the Inglemoor Vikings were torched last week for 45 points in a loss to the Lake Stevens Vikings of the Wesco Conference. This week the black and gold travel to the 2-1 Ballard Beavers, who are also coming off their first loss of the season. The Beavers beat Sammamish 34-27 and Franklin 50-20 before being dismantled by the Issaquah Eagles 55-15. The next two weeks are big for Ballard, after hosting the Vikings they will travel to Pop Kenney to take on the division leading Woodinville Falcons.
The Roosevelt RoughRiders are in interesting team. They got wins over Franklin 39-15 and Interlake 21-7 before losing last week to one of the top teams in the state, the Eastlake Wolves 41-20. I think the RoughRiders might be the best of the three Seattle schools in KingCo. This week they are home vs the Bothell Cougars. If they want to make a run at the playoffs a win this week against, a struggling Bothell squad, would go a long way.
A 1-2 start is not the way the Bothell Cougars wanted to start the season. After winning a big game over the Union Titans (Vancouver,WA) in week one, they lost a heartbreaker to the Mount Si Wildcats before heading down I-5 and losing to the Newport Knights. The Cougars now begin league play by traveling to Roosevelt before coming back to Pop Keeney for games against Northshore Rivals, Inglemoor and Woodinville. If the Cougars are going to finish in the top spot, the next three weeks are as big as they get.
The Garfield Bulldogs got everyones attention in the opening weekend for reasons they would rather forget. Since then they have beaten Sammamish 27-22 and lost to Seattle Prep 42-7. They begin league play this week against the division leading Woodinville Falcons before playing Seattle Rivals Roosevelt and Ballard.
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Standings:
Team-Overall-League
Woodinville Falcons, 3-0, 0-0
Ballard Beavers, 2-1, 0-0
Inglemoor Vikings, 2-1, 0-0
Roosevelt RoughRiders, 2-1, 0-0
Bothell Cougars, 1-2, 0-0
Garfield Bulldogs, 1-2, 0-0
---
Last Week:
Ballard lost vs Issaquah, 55-17.
Bothell lost at Newport, 28-24.
Garfield lost at Seattle Prep, 42-7.
Inglemoor lost vs Lake Stevens, 45-25.
Roosevelt lost at Eastlake, 41-20.
Woodinville won vs Redmond, 55-7.
---
This Week:
Bothell @ Roosevelt, Memorial Stadium, 8pm Friday.
Garfield @ Woodinville, Pop Keeney Stadium, 7pm Friday.
Inglemoor @ Garfield, Memorial Stadium, 5pm Friday.
---
For updates on the KingCo Conference and high school football in the state of Washington, follow me on Twitter @HSFootballWA.
So far the Woodinville Falcons have outscored their opponents 121-17. They have wins over Mount Si, Monroe and Redmond. The Falcons will play in two stadiums the rest of the regular as they will play their next four games at Pop Kenney Stadium, the third game being a "road" game at Bothell. They finish the regular season at Memorial Stadium in Seattle against Roosevelt. Eighth year Head Coach, Wayne Maxwell might have his best team yet, expect the Falcons to make a good run in the playoffs.
After starting the season with two shutouts, the Inglemoor Vikings were torched last week for 45 points in a loss to the Lake Stevens Vikings of the Wesco Conference. This week the black and gold travel to the 2-1 Ballard Beavers, who are also coming off their first loss of the season. The Beavers beat Sammamish 34-27 and Franklin 50-20 before being dismantled by the Issaquah Eagles 55-15. The next two weeks are big for Ballard, after hosting the Vikings they will travel to Pop Kenney to take on the division leading Woodinville Falcons.
The Roosevelt RoughRiders are in interesting team. They got wins over Franklin 39-15 and Interlake 21-7 before losing last week to one of the top teams in the state, the Eastlake Wolves 41-20. I think the RoughRiders might be the best of the three Seattle schools in KingCo. This week they are home vs the Bothell Cougars. If they want to make a run at the playoffs a win this week against, a struggling Bothell squad, would go a long way.
A 1-2 start is not the way the Bothell Cougars wanted to start the season. After winning a big game over the Union Titans (Vancouver,WA) in week one, they lost a heartbreaker to the Mount Si Wildcats before heading down I-5 and losing to the Newport Knights. The Cougars now begin league play by traveling to Roosevelt before coming back to Pop Keeney for games against Northshore Rivals, Inglemoor and Woodinville. If the Cougars are going to finish in the top spot, the next three weeks are as big as they get.
The Garfield Bulldogs got everyones attention in the opening weekend for reasons they would rather forget. Since then they have beaten Sammamish 27-22 and lost to Seattle Prep 42-7. They begin league play this week against the division leading Woodinville Falcons before playing Seattle Rivals Roosevelt and Ballard.
---
Standings:
Team-Overall-League
Woodinville Falcons, 3-0, 0-0
Ballard Beavers, 2-1, 0-0
Inglemoor Vikings, 2-1, 0-0
Roosevelt RoughRiders, 2-1, 0-0
Bothell Cougars, 1-2, 0-0
Garfield Bulldogs, 1-2, 0-0
---
Last Week:
Ballard lost vs Issaquah, 55-17.
Bothell lost at Newport, 28-24.
Garfield lost at Seattle Prep, 42-7.
Inglemoor lost vs Lake Stevens, 45-25.
Roosevelt lost at Eastlake, 41-20.
Woodinville won vs Redmond, 55-7.
---
This Week:
Bothell @ Roosevelt, Memorial Stadium, 8pm Friday.
Garfield @ Woodinville, Pop Keeney Stadium, 7pm Friday.
Inglemoor @ Garfield, Memorial Stadium, 5pm Friday.
---
For updates on the KingCo Conference and high school football in the state of Washington, follow me on Twitter @HSFootballWA.
Monday, September 19, 2011
On tap for this week, Sept. 19th, 2011...
Unfortunately I was only able to attend the one game this past week. Kentwood and Tahoma played a very good game and you can read further down the page.
This week I hope to attend Emerald Ridge (2-1) @ Federal Way (3-0) on Thursday night, either way I will do a preview of the game. The Eagles are undefeated after they beat defending SPSL South Champ, Curtis last week 17-7. Emerald Ridge is an interesting team. They have 5 Co-Coaches that work together to guide the team. Two seasons ago they finished winless, last season the struggles continued finishing with just two wins. They have already equalled last seasons win total. Could be a HUGE win for the Jaguars if they can get it.
Friday night I will either be attending Liberty @ Mount Si or Mercer Island @ Interlake. I will announce my plans later this week via twitter @HSFootballWA.
I will not be attending a game Saturday night. I see online a few day games I could attend, but cannot confirm the game times. If I can go see a small school game Saturday afternoon I will try to get there.
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Mason Kelley of the Seattle Times has his weekly 3A and 4A Rankings up, view them right here.
Doug Pacey of the Tacoma New Tribune has his weekly rankings up as well. Doug does rankings for all levels of play and can be viewed right here.
Interesting to see where both writers have the Skyline Spartans (1-2) after their second straight loss.
When was the last time Skyline lost 2 straight? I literally do no know and can not find anything telling me. If anyone knows, please pass it along.
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This week I hope to begin a weekly thing called "This week". Last week I went around the sound and did "To this point". I got great responses and have decided to make it a weekly thing. The SPSL teams seem to be bringing in the most blog views so I will do them first every week.
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I got my first email from a parent this week. The parent actually said "He was excited to read what you had said and I wanted to thank you for that". For me, that is what this blog is all about. I try as hard as I can to never talk bad about a player. What I want to do is bring recognition to the players and coaches who deserve it.
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In the last few days I have been talking to the folks over at Sportsology about doing wome stuff for them. Writing about the Seahawks is part of what I will do, but the main thing I hope to accomplish is covering the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Western Hockey League. As far as sports go, hockey is the game I attend the most as I am a season ticket holder of the Thunderbirds. I follow the team on the road during the season and usually attend 50+ games. When Seattle is not playing or I am not at one of their road games, I will go to Everett and take in Silvertips games. I consider myself a fan of the WHL that supports the Thunderbirds. I have been told that I am an impartial hockey fan and I hope that comes out in my writing.
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I feel as though my writing here is improving. One thing I hoped to do is to follow the east side of the state as much as the west, to follow the small schools as much as the big schools. One problem I have is finding information on the smaller schools. Hopefully in the coming weeks I can put together a piece with stats, standings and what to watch for 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B. It might take a lot of work, but it is something that needs to be done.
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HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM PIC OF THE WEEK:
This is a look at the stadium home to the Concrete Lions. They have a small set of wooden bleachers on the visitors side as well. The school is just south of Highway 2 and you actually drive underneath the school to get the stadium. It is very cool. For more pictures visit the album on Facebook by clicking this link. You can view 29 other pictures from in and around the stadium.
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Please follow me on Twitter @HSFootballWA. If you read any forums please post links to my page. Any and all help I can get in promoting this blog is much appreciated.
This week I hope to attend Emerald Ridge (2-1) @ Federal Way (3-0) on Thursday night, either way I will do a preview of the game. The Eagles are undefeated after they beat defending SPSL South Champ, Curtis last week 17-7. Emerald Ridge is an interesting team. They have 5 Co-Coaches that work together to guide the team. Two seasons ago they finished winless, last season the struggles continued finishing with just two wins. They have already equalled last seasons win total. Could be a HUGE win for the Jaguars if they can get it.
Friday night I will either be attending Liberty @ Mount Si or Mercer Island @ Interlake. I will announce my plans later this week via twitter @HSFootballWA.
I will not be attending a game Saturday night. I see online a few day games I could attend, but cannot confirm the game times. If I can go see a small school game Saturday afternoon I will try to get there.
---
Mason Kelley of the Seattle Times has his weekly 3A and 4A Rankings up, view them right here.
Doug Pacey of the Tacoma New Tribune has his weekly rankings up as well. Doug does rankings for all levels of play and can be viewed right here.
Interesting to see where both writers have the Skyline Spartans (1-2) after their second straight loss.
When was the last time Skyline lost 2 straight? I literally do no know and can not find anything telling me. If anyone knows, please pass it along.
---
This week I hope to begin a weekly thing called "This week". Last week I went around the sound and did "To this point". I got great responses and have decided to make it a weekly thing. The SPSL teams seem to be bringing in the most blog views so I will do them first every week.
---
I got my first email from a parent this week. The parent actually said "He was excited to read what you had said and I wanted to thank you for that". For me, that is what this blog is all about. I try as hard as I can to never talk bad about a player. What I want to do is bring recognition to the players and coaches who deserve it.
---
In the last few days I have been talking to the folks over at Sportsology about doing wome stuff for them. Writing about the Seahawks is part of what I will do, but the main thing I hope to accomplish is covering the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Western Hockey League. As far as sports go, hockey is the game I attend the most as I am a season ticket holder of the Thunderbirds. I follow the team on the road during the season and usually attend 50+ games. When Seattle is not playing or I am not at one of their road games, I will go to Everett and take in Silvertips games. I consider myself a fan of the WHL that supports the Thunderbirds. I have been told that I am an impartial hockey fan and I hope that comes out in my writing.
---
I feel as though my writing here is improving. One thing I hoped to do is to follow the east side of the state as much as the west, to follow the small schools as much as the big schools. One problem I have is finding information on the smaller schools. Hopefully in the coming weeks I can put together a piece with stats, standings and what to watch for 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B. It might take a lot of work, but it is something that needs to be done.
---
HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM PIC OF THE WEEK:
This is a look at the stadium home to the Concrete Lions. They have a small set of wooden bleachers on the visitors side as well. The school is just south of Highway 2 and you actually drive underneath the school to get the stadium. It is very cool. For more pictures visit the album on Facebook by clicking this link. You can view 29 other pictures from in and around the stadium.
---
Please follow me on Twitter @HSFootballWA. If you read any forums please post links to my page. Any and all help I can get in promoting this blog is much appreciated.
This week in the SPSL 4A South, September 19th, 2011
The SPSL South is down to one undefeated team after the Federal Way Eagles beat the Curtis Vikings 17-7 on Friday night. The Bethel Braves, Emerald Ridge Jaguars, Curtis Vikings and Puyallup Vikings are 2-1. The Rogers Rams are the only 1-2 team in the league while the Spanaway Lake Sentinels, Graham-Kapowsin Eagles and Beamer Titans are still looking for their first win.
The Federal Way Eagles made a big statement this last week in beating Curtis on the road. They are beginning to show they have one of the better defenses around having given up just over 11 points per game. This week they play a Thursday game at home vs Emerald Ridge. Head Coach John Meagher might have his most experienced team in his 14 years at the helm. He returns 9 staters on offense and 8 on defense. Should they get through Bethel next week, expect them to cruise to a SPSL South division crown.
The Bethel Braves are 2-0 in league play as their only loss came at the hands of Permian (TX) by a score of 59-44. Since then they won a high scoring game at Beamer 56-40 and dismantled Rogers last week 63-8. This week they travel to take on the Spanaway Lake Sentinels before returning home to what could be the biggest game in the SPSL South taking on the Federal Way Eagles. They also travel to Curtis later in the season.
A 28 game regular season winning streak came to an end this week when the Curtis Vikings lost to Federal Way. This week the Vikings travel to take on a struggling Graham-Kapowsin team looking for its first win. The Vikings are the 3-time defending SPSL South champions, but now they will need a little help to win a fourth.
If the Puyallup Vikings are going to win the SPSL South division it will take some help and wins in the next four weeks. This week they do play a non-league game at Kentwood, but when they get back to league play they travel to play Curtis, host Emerald Ridge before traveling to Bethel to take on the Braves. Picked to finish sixth by the coaches, they are still very much in the hunt for the top spot.
The Emerald Ridge Jaguars are a team that is still building. In 2009 they were winless and have slowly been growing ever since. They are 2-1 with wins over Beamer and Spanaway Lake. This week is a very tough test as they travel to Federal Way on Thursday night to take on the Eagles. After Federal Way they return home to host the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles in a game they could win. Then it gets as they finish the season with four games against teams with a combined 9-3 record.
At the bottom of the SPSL South are three teams that have yet to win. Some people would say the Beamer Titans and Spanaway Lake Sentinels were expected to be in that position. The Graham-Kapowsin Eagles might be a bit of a surprise to be 0-3, but they have played three very good teams. This week is no different for the Eagles as they are home vs the Curtis Vikings. Beamer and Spanaway Lake meet on the 29th of this month in a game that could be the only win for one of these teams. Beamer put up 40 points on a very good Bethel team, but only managed 13 last week against an Auburn Riverside team that could be considered not nearly as good.
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I have not been to an SPSL South game this season and that may end Thursday when Emerald Ridge plays at Federal Way. I would really like to see Federal Way so I can get a gauge on where they are compared to say Kentlake, Kentwood and some of the KingCo teams.
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If I am able to attend, you will be able to get updates from the game on twitter @HSFootballWA.
The Federal Way Eagles made a big statement this last week in beating Curtis on the road. They are beginning to show they have one of the better defenses around having given up just over 11 points per game. This week they play a Thursday game at home vs Emerald Ridge. Head Coach John Meagher might have his most experienced team in his 14 years at the helm. He returns 9 staters on offense and 8 on defense. Should they get through Bethel next week, expect them to cruise to a SPSL South division crown.
The Bethel Braves are 2-0 in league play as their only loss came at the hands of Permian (TX) by a score of 59-44. Since then they won a high scoring game at Beamer 56-40 and dismantled Rogers last week 63-8. This week they travel to take on the Spanaway Lake Sentinels before returning home to what could be the biggest game in the SPSL South taking on the Federal Way Eagles. They also travel to Curtis later in the season.
A 28 game regular season winning streak came to an end this week when the Curtis Vikings lost to Federal Way. This week the Vikings travel to take on a struggling Graham-Kapowsin team looking for its first win. The Vikings are the 3-time defending SPSL South champions, but now they will need a little help to win a fourth.
If the Puyallup Vikings are going to win the SPSL South division it will take some help and wins in the next four weeks. This week they do play a non-league game at Kentwood, but when they get back to league play they travel to play Curtis, host Emerald Ridge before traveling to Bethel to take on the Braves. Picked to finish sixth by the coaches, they are still very much in the hunt for the top spot.
The Emerald Ridge Jaguars are a team that is still building. In 2009 they were winless and have slowly been growing ever since. They are 2-1 with wins over Beamer and Spanaway Lake. This week is a very tough test as they travel to Federal Way on Thursday night to take on the Eagles. After Federal Way they return home to host the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles in a game they could win. Then it gets as they finish the season with four games against teams with a combined 9-3 record.
At the bottom of the SPSL South are three teams that have yet to win. Some people would say the Beamer Titans and Spanaway Lake Sentinels were expected to be in that position. The Graham-Kapowsin Eagles might be a bit of a surprise to be 0-3, but they have played three very good teams. This week is no different for the Eagles as they are home vs the Curtis Vikings. Beamer and Spanaway Lake meet on the 29th of this month in a game that could be the only win for one of these teams. Beamer put up 40 points on a very good Bethel team, but only managed 13 last week against an Auburn Riverside team that could be considered not nearly as good.
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I have not been to an SPSL South game this season and that may end Thursday when Emerald Ridge plays at Federal Way. I would really like to see Federal Way so I can get a gauge on where they are compared to say Kentlake, Kentwood and some of the KingCo teams.
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If I am able to attend, you will be able to get updates from the game on twitter @HSFootballWA.
This week in the SPSL 4A North, September 19th, 2011...
Friday night the Jefferson Raiders topped the Auburn Trojans 8-7, meaning with a win on Saturday the Kentlake Falcons would take sole posession of first place in the SPSL 4A North Division. The Falcons would not only win, but they would do so convincing fashion over Mt. Rainer 55-0.
This week the Kentlake Falcons will travel to Federal Way Memorial Stadium to take on the Jefferson Raiders. I hope to do a preview of this game, although I will not be attending. The Falcons are 3-0 and have outscored opponents 134-29 to this point. They have big wins over Auburn Riverside and Mr Rainer and an eight point win over Kentridge. Jefferson will enter the game 2-1 with a loss to Tahoma in week one followed by wins at home vs Kentwood and at Auburn. If Jefferson is for real, this could be a HUGE game.
The the middle of the pack in the SPSL has some very good teams. Kentwood, Auburn and Auburn Riverside are all 2-1 with Kentridge and Tahoma at 1-2.
This week the Kentwood Conquerors play their non-leauge game at home vs Puyallup (2-1). The Conks pounded Mt. Rainer, lost to Jefferson and held off Tahoma. The running game is what gets the Conks going. They really have a three headed monster with Matt Hubbard, Chance Kalua-Fuimaono and Dane Manio. Manio is the QB and doesn't run much, but is a capable runner.
The next two weeks are big for the Auburn Trojans as they travel to Tahoma before coming home to face off against Kentwood. After that they will play their non-league game at home vs the Curtis Vikings (2-1) before traveling to Kentlake. The Trojans were held to just 7 points last week against Jefferson. The key for Auburn in their running game. Next week I hope to preview the game against Kentwood.
The Auburn Riverside Ravens will head to French Field this week to take on the Kentridge Chargers. Both teams are coming off wins, Riverside over Beamer and Kentridge over Kent-Meridian. Should Kentridge lose it was almost certainly end their chance at a North Division Title. Auburn Riverside started the season with a big loss at Kentlake. If the Ravens can get a win this week they could easily move to 3-1 as they play Mt. Rainer the following week.
The Tahoma Bears are an interesting team. I personally think they are one of the better 1-2 teams in the state. They didn't start very well against Kentwood, but were clearly the better team in the second half. They are the only team to knock off Jefferson so far. This week they are home vs Auburn before heading to play at Kentlake. The Bears are only 1-1 in league play as their first loss of the season was to South Kitsap. Should they get a win out of the next two weeks they could have a good shot at the playoffs as they finish the season with four game against teams with three combined wins.
The SPSL North has two teams that have yet to win a game, those two teams meet this week when the Kent-Meridian Royals travel to take on the Mt. Rainer Rams. One team will get a league win and the other will be looking at the possibility of a winless season.
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I hope to begin doing a weekly look at the SPSL North. The stats for my blog clearly show that I need to be giving the SPSL more time. In just barely over 24 hours the post I made from the Tahoma/Kentwood game became my most viewed post. Hours after that the week 2 look at the SPSL surpassed it.
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Please help by following me on twitter @HSFootballWA
This week the Kentlake Falcons will travel to Federal Way Memorial Stadium to take on the Jefferson Raiders. I hope to do a preview of this game, although I will not be attending. The Falcons are 3-0 and have outscored opponents 134-29 to this point. They have big wins over Auburn Riverside and Mr Rainer and an eight point win over Kentridge. Jefferson will enter the game 2-1 with a loss to Tahoma in week one followed by wins at home vs Kentwood and at Auburn. If Jefferson is for real, this could be a HUGE game.
The the middle of the pack in the SPSL has some very good teams. Kentwood, Auburn and Auburn Riverside are all 2-1 with Kentridge and Tahoma at 1-2.
This week the Kentwood Conquerors play their non-leauge game at home vs Puyallup (2-1). The Conks pounded Mt. Rainer, lost to Jefferson and held off Tahoma. The running game is what gets the Conks going. They really have a three headed monster with Matt Hubbard, Chance Kalua-Fuimaono and Dane Manio. Manio is the QB and doesn't run much, but is a capable runner.
The next two weeks are big for the Auburn Trojans as they travel to Tahoma before coming home to face off against Kentwood. After that they will play their non-league game at home vs the Curtis Vikings (2-1) before traveling to Kentlake. The Trojans were held to just 7 points last week against Jefferson. The key for Auburn in their running game. Next week I hope to preview the game against Kentwood.
The Auburn Riverside Ravens will head to French Field this week to take on the Kentridge Chargers. Both teams are coming off wins, Riverside over Beamer and Kentridge over Kent-Meridian. Should Kentridge lose it was almost certainly end their chance at a North Division Title. Auburn Riverside started the season with a big loss at Kentlake. If the Ravens can get a win this week they could easily move to 3-1 as they play Mt. Rainer the following week.
The Tahoma Bears are an interesting team. I personally think they are one of the better 1-2 teams in the state. They didn't start very well against Kentwood, but were clearly the better team in the second half. They are the only team to knock off Jefferson so far. This week they are home vs Auburn before heading to play at Kentlake. The Bears are only 1-1 in league play as their first loss of the season was to South Kitsap. Should they get a win out of the next two weeks they could have a good shot at the playoffs as they finish the season with four game against teams with three combined wins.
The SPSL North has two teams that have yet to win a game, those two teams meet this week when the Kent-Meridian Royals travel to take on the Mt. Rainer Rams. One team will get a league win and the other will be looking at the possibility of a winless season.
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I hope to begin doing a weekly look at the SPSL North. The stats for my blog clearly show that I need to be giving the SPSL more time. In just barely over 24 hours the post I made from the Tahoma/Kentwood game became my most viewed post. Hours after that the week 2 look at the SPSL surpassed it.
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Please help by following me on twitter @HSFootballWA
Friday, September 16, 2011
Kentwood holds on to beat Tahoma...
French Field, September 16th, 2011.
While it may not have been the prettiest win in the history of Kentwood football, I dont think you will hear many complaints out of Covington after last weeks loss to Jefferson. The Conquerors were not perfect, especially in the second half, but didn't have to be in their 24-17 win over the Tahoma Bears on Thursday night at French Field.
The game that was a story of two halves would begin with Kentwood (2-1) recieving the games first possession. After moving the ball to about midfield they would give up two sacks and be forced the punt. Tahoma (1-2) wouldn't be able gain a first down though as Kentwood would come up with the first of many defensive stops, this one on fourth and one. The Conks would get the ball on the Tahoma 49 yardline and five plays later Senior, Matt Hubbard would keep the ball on a read play and rush 30 yards for the touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
The Bears would get the ball back and after getting a first down they looked as though they were going to be setting up for another fourth down when the referees would call a Kentwood defender for a personal foul on a hit to the head of the Tahoma reciever. Personally I thought the hit was clean, but I am all for erroring on the side of caution. It wouldn't matter though as four plays later the Bears would turn the ball over on another fourth down attempt.
The Conks would get a great pass and catch from Dane Manio to Jonathan Ohashi for 17 yards down to the Tahoma 16. On third and one from the seven Hubbard would score again but it would be brought back on a holding call. The Conks would settle for a 34 yard Field Goal from Junior, Mitchell Cox.
Tahoma again would get the ball and not be able to move, this time going three and out. The first quarter would end with a Tahoma punt returned by Conks Senior, Jesse Lovato eight yards to his own 35.
Kentwood's first drive of the second quarter would go 65 yards on just five plays, capped off by a 44 yard run by Chance Kalua-Fuimaono. This touchdown would put Kentwood ahead 17-0 as the Conquerors were seemingly in cruise control.
With just over a minute to play Tahoma would get the ball at midfield after a Kentwood punt. The Bears would march 6 plays, all through the air, down to the Kentwood one yardline where with four seconds to play before the half, the Kentwood defense would stop running back Reau Riggs for no gain. Even though they couldn't get in the endzone, you could see the Bears beginning to build some momentum.
The third quarter for Tahoma was a momentum builder for although they would not get on the scoreboard. The Bears defense would keep them in the game as Kentwood would have two possessions in the third quarter, both three and outs.
The first play of the fourth quarter would finally get Tahoma on the board when Kicker, David Stoecker would hit from 26 yards out.
Kentwood would once again go three and out giving the Bears the ball on their own 43 following the punt. On second down Bears Quarterback, Shane Nelson would find DeShon Williams for a 23 yard gain, moving the ball into Kentwood territory. After four straight running plays, Nelson would find Senior, Jason Smith on a 19 yard fade for the Tahoma touchdown. That score would bring the Bears within seven points with 7:43 to play. The momemtum was all in favor of the Bears.
Kentwood would start the drive on their own 30 and after a penalty, runs of four and one, it was quickly third and ten. This time the Conks would convert when Dane Manio hit Jarrett Retz with a 16 yard pass down the sideline. The Tahoma Defense would stay tough though and force another third and ten. This time the Conks would give the ball to Matt Hubbard who would rumble for 11 yards and another first down. Kentwood would be continue to hand the ball off and three plays later Kalua-Fuimaono would sprint in untouched from 22 yards out widening the lead to 24-10 with just under four minutes to play.
Starting on their own 35 after the kickoff went out of bounds, the Bears would begin to attack through the air. The drive would go 65 yards in 12 plays finishing when Shane Nelson found DeShon William who would dive into the endzone.
That touchdown would bring the score to 24-17 with 1:33 to play, but Kentwood would recover the onside kick. Kentwood would hand the ball to Kalua-Fuimaono twice to get a first down before lining up in the victory formation and taking a knee.
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Random Notes:
- Kentwood Junior, Mitchell Cox might be the best OL/ILB that is a Kicker in the state. The Conks do not have a kicker listed on the roster and unless I am wrong, Cox does the kicking duties.
- Kentwood might have the best gameday program in the state. They have a section with profiles of the Senior players. I would like to share a few of my favorites... Matt Hubbard, "Plans After HS: 4 year college, travel the world and marry Kim Kardashian."... Quincey Davidson who is 6'1" and 315 lbs, "You might not know... I like long walks that do not involve running with 12 cupcakes on the beach."... Devin Taylor, "You might not know... From birth, I was unable to open my eyes until I was 5 years old. I had surgery to be able to see. Then, in 3rd grade I won a vision contest."... I really don't know if any of this is true, but I got a good laugh.
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Up Next:
Next week the Kentwood Conquerors will play their only non-league game of the season at home vs the Puyallup Vikings (1-1).
Tahoma is home next week against the Auburn Trojans. This game is huge for the Bears as the following week they go back to French Field to play Kentlake. They might not be able to afford a loss next week.
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Unfortunately I will not be attending a game friday or Saturday night. If you are at a game, please tweet me the score @HSFootballWA.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tahoma @ Kentwood Preview, Sept. 15th...
The Tahoma Bears travel to French Field to do battle with the Kentwood Conquerors. Both teams are 1-1 on the season after road losses last week, Tahoma to South Kitsap and Kentwood to Jefferson. The two teams met last season with Kentwood dominating Tahoma 49-3. I sent emails to both coaches, even had to toss in a College Football question to Coach Davis of Tahoma, I got responses from both coaches with a few interesting answers.
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Kentwood Conquerors
The Conks were picked by the coaches to finish first in the SPSL North, and they might still do that. Losing to Jefferson last week has changed the path they must take to finish at the top though. The margin for error is slim as they still must play Auburn, Kentlake and Kentridge. The Conks are very talented and very young at the same time. They do have some size but not nearly what they have had in years past.
Coach Rex Norris was nice enough to respond to my email and answered every question I asked...
WHSF: If I were a fan watching Kentwood for the first time, who are three players I would want to keep an eye out for and what can you tell me about those players?
RN: Matt Hubbard - SR running back - lot of speed - strong runner - plays in the secondary as well.
Visa Thatch - SR fullback - powerful runner - 500+ squatter - plays middle linebacker
Chasen Kalua-Fuimaono - JR running back - powerful runner - plays outside linebacker and dline
WHSF: What would you consider to be your strength on offense?
RN: We have depth in the backfield this year.
WHSF: What would you consider to be your strenght on defense?
RN: Team speed.
WHSF:What would you consider to be the 3 keys to beating Tahoma on Thursday night?
RN: Get them out of their two back set - they have a big line and really good runners.
WHSF: You are two games into your season, what things do you need to do better to be successful?
RN: Mature as a team - be more physical and expect to make plays. We can only get that with more game experience.
WHSF: What is it gonna take to get to the Tacoma Dome this season?
RN: I think it will take a lot of work and commitment by everyone in our program. We have the talent we just need to understand that it takes a lot to get to that level and it is hard to get players to understand that at ages 16-18
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Tahoma Bears
The Tahoma Bears are an interesting team. In all honesty they are a team that might be good enough to win the SPSL North. The Bears might have the most balanced offense in the SPSL. In last weeks loss they had over 500 yards of offense, including 100 yard rushing efforts from Damon Funk and Beau Riggs. Quarterback Shane Nelson was 19/35 for 217 yards and one touchdown. If the Bears can get some defense they might just have the horses to make a dent in the SPSL North.
Head Coach Tony Davis, who last season picked up his 100th career win, was nice enough to respond to my email. I will admit I let my inner Nebraska Cornhusker come out when I found out that he had played college football for the Missouri Tigers. I would also like to make a bit of a note here. Coach Davis' answer to the first question is one I normally say "Way to dodge that question", I think he answered it perfectly....
WHSF: If I were a fan watching Tahoma for the first time, who are three players I would want to keep an eye out for and what can you tell me about those players?
TD: It would be tough to limit it to three and it would go against our philosophy of team. We have the ability to be more balanced on offense than we’ve been in a while and on defense we are all about the importance of the 11 kids on the field playing as a unit and the subs on the sidelines staying locked in.
WHSF: What would you consider to be your strength on offense?
TD: This year, balance
WHSF: What would you consider to be your strength on defense?
TD: Their ability to play together
WHSF: What would you consider to be the 3 keys to beating Kentwood on Thursday night?
TD: Protect the ball, be physical, and make positive plays in the kicking game
WHSF: You are two games into your season, what things do you need to do better to be successful?
TD: Protect the football and get better each week in all areas.
WHSF: What is it gonna take to get to the Tacoma Dome this season?
TD: I’m old fashioned… We take things one week at a time. we need to get better each week. Our kids have had a good off season and have responded well to the things we’ve asked them to do.
WHSF: With the Huskies going to Nebraska in a few days, I believe you were on the Missouri team that lost 33-23 in Lincoln in 1984. If so, what do you remember about playing the Huskers in Lincoln?
TD: Loudest place I’ve ever played! Great setting for college FB. Never seen so much red in one place before in my life!
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First, I would like to thank both coaches for their time. Without coaches responding to my emails, it would make my previews very boring. I will never act like I know every player on every team, so sometimes it is nice to get a bit of a preview for myself as well.
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Game Notes and Links
- In the preseason coaches poll Kentwood was picked to finish first, Tahoma fifth.
- The last two seasons have seen Tahoma finish with a losing record back to back years for the first time since 1997-98.
- Tahoma Head Coach Tony Davis was drafted by the Seahawks in the 1985 NFL Draft.
- In 2005 the Seattle Times had a great piece about Coach Davis, read that Right Here.
- Right Here is a great piece the Kent Reporter had as a preview for Kentwood Football.
- If you don't read that preview of the Conks you are missing not only a good preview but one of the great streaks in our state. The reporter writes "... the Conquerors have never posted a losing record — not a single time in the 30 years since the doors to the school first opened."
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I will be tweeting live from French Field tonight. You can find me by searching @HSFootballWA.
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As of right now I do not plan on attending any games friday night as I have a few other things going on. If I am able to get to any games I will most likely be at Everett Memorial Stadium to see Marysville-Pilchuck @ Cascade and Snohomish @ Jackson.
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Kentwood Conquerors
The Conks were picked by the coaches to finish first in the SPSL North, and they might still do that. Losing to Jefferson last week has changed the path they must take to finish at the top though. The margin for error is slim as they still must play Auburn, Kentlake and Kentridge. The Conks are very talented and very young at the same time. They do have some size but not nearly what they have had in years past.
Coach Rex Norris was nice enough to respond to my email and answered every question I asked...
WHSF: If I were a fan watching Kentwood for the first time, who are three players I would want to keep an eye out for and what can you tell me about those players?
RN: Matt Hubbard - SR running back - lot of speed - strong runner - plays in the secondary as well.
Visa Thatch - SR fullback - powerful runner - 500+ squatter - plays middle linebacker
Chasen Kalua-Fuimaono - JR running back - powerful runner - plays outside linebacker and dline
WHSF: What would you consider to be your strength on offense?
RN: We have depth in the backfield this year.
WHSF: What would you consider to be your strenght on defense?
RN: Team speed.
WHSF:What would you consider to be the 3 keys to beating Tahoma on Thursday night?
RN: Get them out of their two back set - they have a big line and really good runners.
WHSF: You are two games into your season, what things do you need to do better to be successful?
RN: Mature as a team - be more physical and expect to make plays. We can only get that with more game experience.
WHSF: What is it gonna take to get to the Tacoma Dome this season?
RN: I think it will take a lot of work and commitment by everyone in our program. We have the talent we just need to understand that it takes a lot to get to that level and it is hard to get players to understand that at ages 16-18
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Tahoma Bears
The Tahoma Bears are an interesting team. In all honesty they are a team that might be good enough to win the SPSL North. The Bears might have the most balanced offense in the SPSL. In last weeks loss they had over 500 yards of offense, including 100 yard rushing efforts from Damon Funk and Beau Riggs. Quarterback Shane Nelson was 19/35 for 217 yards and one touchdown. If the Bears can get some defense they might just have the horses to make a dent in the SPSL North.
Head Coach Tony Davis, who last season picked up his 100th career win, was nice enough to respond to my email. I will admit I let my inner Nebraska Cornhusker come out when I found out that he had played college football for the Missouri Tigers. I would also like to make a bit of a note here. Coach Davis' answer to the first question is one I normally say "Way to dodge that question", I think he answered it perfectly....
WHSF: If I were a fan watching Tahoma for the first time, who are three players I would want to keep an eye out for and what can you tell me about those players?
TD: It would be tough to limit it to three and it would go against our philosophy of team. We have the ability to be more balanced on offense than we’ve been in a while and on defense we are all about the importance of the 11 kids on the field playing as a unit and the subs on the sidelines staying locked in.
WHSF: What would you consider to be your strength on offense?
TD: This year, balance
WHSF: What would you consider to be your strength on defense?
TD: Their ability to play together
WHSF: What would you consider to be the 3 keys to beating Kentwood on Thursday night?
TD: Protect the ball, be physical, and make positive plays in the kicking game
WHSF: You are two games into your season, what things do you need to do better to be successful?
TD: Protect the football and get better each week in all areas.
WHSF: What is it gonna take to get to the Tacoma Dome this season?
TD: I’m old fashioned… We take things one week at a time. we need to get better each week. Our kids have had a good off season and have responded well to the things we’ve asked them to do.
WHSF: With the Huskies going to Nebraska in a few days, I believe you were on the Missouri team that lost 33-23 in Lincoln in 1984. If so, what do you remember about playing the Huskers in Lincoln?
TD: Loudest place I’ve ever played! Great setting for college FB. Never seen so much red in one place before in my life!
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First, I would like to thank both coaches for their time. Without coaches responding to my emails, it would make my previews very boring. I will never act like I know every player on every team, so sometimes it is nice to get a bit of a preview for myself as well.
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Game Notes and Links
- In the preseason coaches poll Kentwood was picked to finish first, Tahoma fifth.
- The last two seasons have seen Tahoma finish with a losing record back to back years for the first time since 1997-98.
- Tahoma Head Coach Tony Davis was drafted by the Seahawks in the 1985 NFL Draft.
- In 2005 the Seattle Times had a great piece about Coach Davis, read that Right Here.
- Right Here is a great piece the Kent Reporter had as a preview for Kentwood Football.
- If you don't read that preview of the Conks you are missing not only a good preview but one of the great streaks in our state. The reporter writes "... the Conquerors have never posted a losing record — not a single time in the 30 years since the doors to the school first opened."
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I will be tweeting live from French Field tonight. You can find me by searching @HSFootballWA.
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As of right now I do not plan on attending any games friday night as I have a few other things going on. If I am able to get to any games I will most likely be at Everett Memorial Stadium to see Marysville-Pilchuck @ Cascade and Snohomish @ Jackson.
To This Point, SPSL 4A South, Week 2...
The top three teams in the South Puget Sound League 4A South Division are the three you would expect to be there. The Curtis Vikings and Federal Way Eagles are both 2-0, and the Bethel Braves are one of the best 1-1 teams in the state. The other 1-1 teams are the Puyallup Vikings, Rogers Rams and Emerald Ridge Jaguars. At the bottom of the standings are three 0-2 teams with the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles, Beamer Titans and Spanaway Lake Sentinels.
This week the Federal Way Eagles travel to take on the Curtis Vikings. Both teams are 2-0 in league play meaning the winner will sit alone atop the standings with only 5 league games to play.
The Bethel Braves began the season by taking a trip down to Texas to face the Permian Panthers... Yes, those Permian Panthers. The Braves would leave with a 59-44 loss, but the experience of playing a big game can't be measured by a score. Last week the Braves defeated the Beamer Titans 56-39 to begin league play. This week they come home to face Rogers before again hitting the road against the Spanaway Lake Sentinels. At the end of the month they Braves play host to Federal Way, this game could a battle of undefeated teams. By the end of the season you should expect to see Bethel at or near the top of the standings. This team could surprise some people if they get into the state playoffs.
The Puyallup Vikings lost a second week league game to Federal Way 33-13 after dismantling Spanaway Lake 56-7. If the Vikings are gonna win the south division they are going to have to do it on the road as they travel to both Curtis and Bethel. The Vikings have good top end talent but really lack the depth needed to be successful in a league as tough as the SPSL. It will be very tough for them to get back to the state playoffs.
The Rogers Rams finished last season 9-2, unfortunately they only return three starters on offense and four on defense. The schedule is not kind to the Rams, they already went to Curtis and lost 26-20. This week they go to Bethel to face the team the coaches picked to win the division. They still have to travel to Spanaway Lake and Graham-Kapowsin with a home date vs Federal Way between the two. The Rams do have experience at the skill positions, but without good line play it will be tough for them to advance beyond the regular season.
Just two years ago the Emerald Ridge Jaguars went winless, last season they were able to break a 19 game losing streak and finished the season 2-8. Most teams wouldn't find a two win season the be much to write home about, but for the Jaguars it is progress. They have five co-head coaches and for the first time a few years not only have some talent, but even depth at a few positions. The schedule is not kind to the Jaguars as they still have to travel to Federal Way, Puyallup, Kentlake and Bethel. They do get two home games but must play Graham-Kapowsin and Curtis. They should be able to match there two win season from last year, but might have a hard time improving on it.
The Graham-Kapowsin Eagles were picked by the coaches to finish fourth in the division, if they want to do that they are going to need to find some offense. Through the first two games the Eagles have only been able to score 14 points. If they want to make a run at the playoffs it will start this week with a game at Puyallup. The schedule does treat them well as they get Curtis and Bethel both at home. They finish the season with three winable games at Beamer, vs Rogers and at Spanaway Lake.
Spanaway Lake and Beamer are both teams that appear to be headed for tough seasons. Both teams are capable of winning their non-league games, Spanaway Lake vs Mt. Rainer and Beamer vs Auburn Riverside. The two teams meet up at the end of the month at Beamer.
This week the Federal Way Eagles travel to take on the Curtis Vikings. Both teams are 2-0 in league play meaning the winner will sit alone atop the standings with only 5 league games to play.
The Bethel Braves began the season by taking a trip down to Texas to face the Permian Panthers... Yes, those Permian Panthers. The Braves would leave with a 59-44 loss, but the experience of playing a big game can't be measured by a score. Last week the Braves defeated the Beamer Titans 56-39 to begin league play. This week they come home to face Rogers before again hitting the road against the Spanaway Lake Sentinels. At the end of the month they Braves play host to Federal Way, this game could a battle of undefeated teams. By the end of the season you should expect to see Bethel at or near the top of the standings. This team could surprise some people if they get into the state playoffs.
The Puyallup Vikings lost a second week league game to Federal Way 33-13 after dismantling Spanaway Lake 56-7. If the Vikings are gonna win the south division they are going to have to do it on the road as they travel to both Curtis and Bethel. The Vikings have good top end talent but really lack the depth needed to be successful in a league as tough as the SPSL. It will be very tough for them to get back to the state playoffs.
The Rogers Rams finished last season 9-2, unfortunately they only return three starters on offense and four on defense. The schedule is not kind to the Rams, they already went to Curtis and lost 26-20. This week they go to Bethel to face the team the coaches picked to win the division. They still have to travel to Spanaway Lake and Graham-Kapowsin with a home date vs Federal Way between the two. The Rams do have experience at the skill positions, but without good line play it will be tough for them to advance beyond the regular season.
Just two years ago the Emerald Ridge Jaguars went winless, last season they were able to break a 19 game losing streak and finished the season 2-8. Most teams wouldn't find a two win season the be much to write home about, but for the Jaguars it is progress. They have five co-head coaches and for the first time a few years not only have some talent, but even depth at a few positions. The schedule is not kind to the Jaguars as they still have to travel to Federal Way, Puyallup, Kentlake and Bethel. They do get two home games but must play Graham-Kapowsin and Curtis. They should be able to match there two win season from last year, but might have a hard time improving on it.
The Graham-Kapowsin Eagles were picked by the coaches to finish fourth in the division, if they want to do that they are going to need to find some offense. Through the first two games the Eagles have only been able to score 14 points. If they want to make a run at the playoffs it will start this week with a game at Puyallup. The schedule does treat them well as they get Curtis and Bethel both at home. They finish the season with three winable games at Beamer, vs Rogers and at Spanaway Lake.
Spanaway Lake and Beamer are both teams that appear to be headed for tough seasons. Both teams are capable of winning their non-league games, Spanaway Lake vs Mt. Rainer and Beamer vs Auburn Riverside. The two teams meet up at the end of the month at Beamer.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
To This Point, SPSL 4A North, Week 2...
The South Puget Sound League North division might be one of the most surprising leagues in the state so far. After two weeks Auburn and Kentlake are each 2-0 while Kentridge, expected to finish high, is on the backside at 0-2. The north division has nine teams and in all honesty four teams that have the best shot at finishing first Auburn Trojans, Kentlake Falcons, Kentridge Chargers and Kentwood Conquerors. The Tahoma Bears are a team that could be considered in that group, but right now I am gonna say that are top of the next tier.
The Kentlake Falcons might be the best team in the SPSL North. They have a potential all state playmaker in Austin Pernell and can run the football as good as anyone in the state. They started the season with a convincing 49-7 win over Auburn Riverside, read about it right here. The Falcons followed that game up with a 30-22 win over the Kentridge Chargers. Kentlake has a VERY favorable schedule as they only leave French Field once all season when they travel to Jefferson on September 23rd. They do have three other "road" game but they are against the three other Kent schools and will be played at French Field.
It looks like it is going to be another year at the top for the Auburn Trojans. Head Coach Gordon Elliot has once again put a team together that can contend and might fly under the radar in the process as they are currently unranked. The Trojans have wins over Kentridge 32-20 and Mt. Rainer 48-7. The Trojans have a fairly tough schedule as they have to go to Tahoma and Kentlake, both games they could lose. They do get Kentwood and Curtis at home and finish the season with games they should win vs Kent-Meridian and at Auburn Riverside. Look for the Trojans to be at/or near the top of the standings at the end of the season.
The Kentwood Conquerors probably didn't expect to be 1-1 after two weeks, but that is exactly where they stand after a disappointing 24-7 loss last week against Jefferson. The Conquerors were picked by the coaches to win the North division by just a few votes, and that may still happen, but as of now they have one loss in league play and might not be able to afford another. At the end of this month the Conks will travel to Auburn and host Kentlake in back to back weeks. If they want to win the division they are gonna have to get through those two with wins. Kentwood has the talent and experience to make up for that early season loss, but the margin for error is slim. I will be previewing Tahoma @ Kentwood tomorrow and attending the game that night.
The Tahoma Bears are an interesting team, they are 1-1 after defeating Jefferson 38-31 and losing to South Kitsap 42-35 last weekend. The Bears feature a good offensice attack that last week compiled over 500 yards of offense, including two 100 yard rushers. If Tahoma wants to win the division it is going to come in the next three weeks when they travel to Kentwood, host Auburn and return to French Field to play Kentlake. If the Bears somehow manage to win those three games they will control their own destiny as they finish the season three of four games they should not lose.
After those two teams the 1-1's get a little tough to figure out. I have to put the Jefferson Raiders ahead of Auburn Riverside because of the quality of win. Jefferson lost in the opening week to Tahoma 38-31 but followed that up with a 24-7 victory over Kentwood. The next two weeks for the Raiders are going to be very tough as they travel to Auburn and play host to Kentlake. Should they win both, expect them to be near the top at seasons end as after those two they could be the favorite to win every league game from then on.
The Auburn Riverside Ravens started the season with a tough 49-7 loss to the Kentlake Falcons. They did beat up on Kent-Meridian last week 37-14 in a game that should build confidence coming into this weeks non-league game against the Beamer Titans. Following this week they get right back into league play as they travel to French Field to take on Kentridge before coming home to Mt. Rainer. The final four weeks of the season are going to make or break the Ravens as they play at Jefferson, host Tahoma, at Kentwood and finish at home vs Auburn.
The Kentridge Chargers might be one of the better 0-2 teams in the state. They have a lot of talent, but have faced two of the better teams in the SPSL in the first two weeks of the year in Auburn and Kentlake. I expect the Chargers to rebound the next two weeks when they play at Kent-Meridian and home vs Auburn Riverside. The Chargers play a non-league contest vs Rogers, before getting going to Mt. Rainer. They should be 3-2 in league play before a tough final three games against Jefferson at home, at Tahoma and home vs Kentwood. The Chargers can not afford a slip up if they are going to win the North division.
The final two teams are the Mt. Rainer Rams and the Kent-Meridian Royals. Both teams are going to have trouble winning games this season because of a lack of playmakers and depth. You wont find a coach in the league that would say either team is a push over though and they could surprise at anytime. KM does return a good portion of their offense but have yet to show they can score many points as they have scored 14 in both losses.
The Kentlake Falcons might be the best team in the SPSL North. They have a potential all state playmaker in Austin Pernell and can run the football as good as anyone in the state. They started the season with a convincing 49-7 win over Auburn Riverside, read about it right here. The Falcons followed that game up with a 30-22 win over the Kentridge Chargers. Kentlake has a VERY favorable schedule as they only leave French Field once all season when they travel to Jefferson on September 23rd. They do have three other "road" game but they are against the three other Kent schools and will be played at French Field.
It looks like it is going to be another year at the top for the Auburn Trojans. Head Coach Gordon Elliot has once again put a team together that can contend and might fly under the radar in the process as they are currently unranked. The Trojans have wins over Kentridge 32-20 and Mt. Rainer 48-7. The Trojans have a fairly tough schedule as they have to go to Tahoma and Kentlake, both games they could lose. They do get Kentwood and Curtis at home and finish the season with games they should win vs Kent-Meridian and at Auburn Riverside. Look for the Trojans to be at/or near the top of the standings at the end of the season.
The Kentwood Conquerors probably didn't expect to be 1-1 after two weeks, but that is exactly where they stand after a disappointing 24-7 loss last week against Jefferson. The Conquerors were picked by the coaches to win the North division by just a few votes, and that may still happen, but as of now they have one loss in league play and might not be able to afford another. At the end of this month the Conks will travel to Auburn and host Kentlake in back to back weeks. If they want to win the division they are gonna have to get through those two with wins. Kentwood has the talent and experience to make up for that early season loss, but the margin for error is slim. I will be previewing Tahoma @ Kentwood tomorrow and attending the game that night.
The Tahoma Bears are an interesting team, they are 1-1 after defeating Jefferson 38-31 and losing to South Kitsap 42-35 last weekend. The Bears feature a good offensice attack that last week compiled over 500 yards of offense, including two 100 yard rushers. If Tahoma wants to win the division it is going to come in the next three weeks when they travel to Kentwood, host Auburn and return to French Field to play Kentlake. If the Bears somehow manage to win those three games they will control their own destiny as they finish the season three of four games they should not lose.
After those two teams the 1-1's get a little tough to figure out. I have to put the Jefferson Raiders ahead of Auburn Riverside because of the quality of win. Jefferson lost in the opening week to Tahoma 38-31 but followed that up with a 24-7 victory over Kentwood. The next two weeks for the Raiders are going to be very tough as they travel to Auburn and play host to Kentlake. Should they win both, expect them to be near the top at seasons end as after those two they could be the favorite to win every league game from then on.
The Auburn Riverside Ravens started the season with a tough 49-7 loss to the Kentlake Falcons. They did beat up on Kent-Meridian last week 37-14 in a game that should build confidence coming into this weeks non-league game against the Beamer Titans. Following this week they get right back into league play as they travel to French Field to take on Kentridge before coming home to Mt. Rainer. The final four weeks of the season are going to make or break the Ravens as they play at Jefferson, host Tahoma, at Kentwood and finish at home vs Auburn.
The Kentridge Chargers might be one of the better 0-2 teams in the state. They have a lot of talent, but have faced two of the better teams in the SPSL in the first two weeks of the year in Auburn and Kentlake. I expect the Chargers to rebound the next two weeks when they play at Kent-Meridian and home vs Auburn Riverside. The Chargers play a non-league contest vs Rogers, before getting going to Mt. Rainer. They should be 3-2 in league play before a tough final three games against Jefferson at home, at Tahoma and home vs Kentwood. The Chargers can not afford a slip up if they are going to win the North division.
The final two teams are the Mt. Rainer Rams and the Kent-Meridian Royals. Both teams are going to have trouble winning games this season because of a lack of playmakers and depth. You wont find a coach in the league that would say either team is a push over though and they could surprise at anytime. KM does return a good portion of their offense but have yet to show they can score many points as they have scored 14 in both losses.
To This Point, SPSL 3A, Week 2...
The South Puget Sound League's 3A appears to be a tale halves. The first half being the Bonney Lake Panthers, Lakes Lancers and Peninsula Seahawks. The three teams are each 2-0 and all three plays games this week they are very capable of winning. On the other half you have the Auburn Mountainview Lions, Decatur Golden Gators and Enumclaw Hornets. These three teams are all 1-1 with two games to go before they start league play.
The Lakes Lancers are ranked #2 in the state and have big wins over Clover Park 63-8 and Evergreen(Vancouver,WA) 49-6. The Lancers are home this week to a good Capital High School team that has started the season 0-2 after losses vs O'Dea and at Olympia. The Lancers like to move the ball through the air. In scoring 63 points against Clover Park, the Lancers scored 7 times through the air.
The Peninsula Seahawks have two of the more impressive wins, 48-9 over rival Gig Harbor and 42-21 over Eastside Catholic. The Seahawks host the Wilson Rams this weekend before hitting the road for three games against Timberline, Lakes and Bonney Lake. That three game road trip might end up defining the season for Peninsula. They will return home for three straight to finish the season against Auburn Mountainview, Decatur and Enumclaw. I think the Seahawks could surprise a few people and might even be able to beat Lakes, the game on September 30th looks to be a great contest.
The Bonney Lake Panthers are the third team in my top half of the SPSL 3A. That does not mean they are not capable of being at the top of the standings at the end of the season. This week they play at Timberline before coming home to host Lincoln. After that they get into league play when they travel to Auburn Memorial Stadium to play Auburn Mountainview. The following week they return home for two straight as they play host to Peninsula and Decatur. The Panthers finish the season with back to back road games at Enumclaw and Lakes. Should the Panthers continue to improve, the game against Lakes could be the biggest in school history.
The best team of the lower half is probably the Auburn Mountainview Lions. They lost their opening game to Sumner 28-13 but rebounded with a 13-12 win over Eatonville. The Lions have two winable games the next two weeks when they play at Foss and home vs Yelm. They start league play at home vs Bonney Lake before traveling for games against Enumclaw and Peninsula. They finish the season at home vs Lakes and Decatur. I could see them ending with as many as four, to as few as one league win this season.
The Enumclaw Hornets come into this season having not made the playoffs since 1995. For them to break that streak this year they are gonna have to learn to win on the road as they play five of their final seven games away from home. They could start league play 2-0 but league play ends with games at Lakes, vs Bonney Lake and at Peninsula. The Hornets got a good win over Yelm in week on by a score of 28-14, but they would lose last weekend to Union(Vancouver,WA) 49-7. Before they get into league play they must travel to Lincoln(0-2) and Capital(0-2).
The Decatur Golden Gators started the season with a blowout loss to the Kennedy Catholic Lancers 47-6. Last week the Gators bounced back with a win against the Bremerton Knights 33-20. They finish the non-league part of the schedule with games at Yelm and home vs Foss. The following week the Gators open SPSL 3A action with home games against Enumclaw and Lakes. They end their season with three straight games on the road when they travel to Bonney Lake, Peninsula and Auburn Mountainview. It is going to take some luck for the Gators to get into the playoffs, but they might have just enough talent to pull it off.
The Lakes Lancers are ranked #2 in the state and have big wins over Clover Park 63-8 and Evergreen(Vancouver,WA) 49-6. The Lancers are home this week to a good Capital High School team that has started the season 0-2 after losses vs O'Dea and at Olympia. The Lancers like to move the ball through the air. In scoring 63 points against Clover Park, the Lancers scored 7 times through the air.
The Peninsula Seahawks have two of the more impressive wins, 48-9 over rival Gig Harbor and 42-21 over Eastside Catholic. The Seahawks host the Wilson Rams this weekend before hitting the road for three games against Timberline, Lakes and Bonney Lake. That three game road trip might end up defining the season for Peninsula. They will return home for three straight to finish the season against Auburn Mountainview, Decatur and Enumclaw. I think the Seahawks could surprise a few people and might even be able to beat Lakes, the game on September 30th looks to be a great contest.
The Bonney Lake Panthers are the third team in my top half of the SPSL 3A. That does not mean they are not capable of being at the top of the standings at the end of the season. This week they play at Timberline before coming home to host Lincoln. After that they get into league play when they travel to Auburn Memorial Stadium to play Auburn Mountainview. The following week they return home for two straight as they play host to Peninsula and Decatur. The Panthers finish the season with back to back road games at Enumclaw and Lakes. Should the Panthers continue to improve, the game against Lakes could be the biggest in school history.
The best team of the lower half is probably the Auburn Mountainview Lions. They lost their opening game to Sumner 28-13 but rebounded with a 13-12 win over Eatonville. The Lions have two winable games the next two weeks when they play at Foss and home vs Yelm. They start league play at home vs Bonney Lake before traveling for games against Enumclaw and Peninsula. They finish the season at home vs Lakes and Decatur. I could see them ending with as many as four, to as few as one league win this season.
The Enumclaw Hornets come into this season having not made the playoffs since 1995. For them to break that streak this year they are gonna have to learn to win on the road as they play five of their final seven games away from home. They could start league play 2-0 but league play ends with games at Lakes, vs Bonney Lake and at Peninsula. The Hornets got a good win over Yelm in week on by a score of 28-14, but they would lose last weekend to Union(Vancouver,WA) 49-7. Before they get into league play they must travel to Lincoln(0-2) and Capital(0-2).
The Decatur Golden Gators started the season with a blowout loss to the Kennedy Catholic Lancers 47-6. Last week the Gators bounced back with a win against the Bremerton Knights 33-20. They finish the non-league part of the schedule with games at Yelm and home vs Foss. The following week the Gators open SPSL 3A action with home games against Enumclaw and Lakes. They end their season with three straight games on the road when they travel to Bonney Lake, Peninsula and Auburn Mountainview. It is going to take some luck for the Gators to get into the playoffs, but they might have just enough talent to pull it off.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
To this point, KingCo 4A, Week 2...
Crest Division
Once again the Crest Division of KingCo 4A appears to be the better of the two divisions. Eastlake and Skyline, seperated by just over a mile, are even closer in the polls. I have seen a poll with Skyline on top of Eastlake, some polls have it the other way around. All I know is the October 21'st game between the two schools is likely to determine who finishes first.
I have left the Issaquah Eagles out of the top paragraph and it might be a bad move. The Eagles are 2-0 with wins of 48-0 over Heritage(Vancouver,WA) and 42-7 over Liberty. This week they travel to Memorial Stadium in Seattle to take on the 2-0 Ballard Beavers. A week later they will host the Skyline Spartans before finishing up non-league play at home vs the Kamiak Knights. The Eagles are a tough team, but personally I see them coming in just behind the top two schools.
The Eastlake Wolves have started the season by beating Central Kitsap 35-14 and Snohomish 42-14. Expect those types of scores for a few more weeks as the Wolves host Roosevelt before traveling to Redmond in games they should win by atleast double digits. The toughest part of their schedule comes at the end of the season when they host Issaqauh and Skyline in back to back weeks to end the season.
The Skyline Spartans are in Oregon this week to take on the Lake Oswego Lakers(2-0). The Spartans started the season with a big win, 62-27 over Liberty before losing to the Bellevue Wolverines in week two 31-17. When they return home from Oregon they will go right into league play at Issaqauh before coming home to play Redmond. Should the Spartans get through Issaquah expect them to coast to into Eastlake ready to play for first place.
Last season the Newport Knights got wins at the right time to get into the playoffs before running into the Chiawana Riverhawks. This year they started the season with a 43-34 win at Interlake before returning home and losing to Mercer Island 36-21. The schedule is not easy for the Knights as they are home vs Bothell this week before traveling to Everett Memorial Stadium to face the Cascade Bruins. Following that they get Eastlake and Skyline in back to back weeks at home. They finish the season at Issaquah in a game that will most likely have seeding implications.
The Redmond Mustangs appear to be in for a rough season. They started the season with losses to Juanita 48-16 and Lake Washington 39-17. They are just beginning the tough part of their schedule as they travel to Woodinville(2-0) next week before hosting Eastlake(2-0). Following that they again hit the road this time to Skyline(1-1) before playing host to Issaquah(2-0). They finish the season vs Newport(1-1) and then go to Edmonds-Woodway(1-1). So from here out the Mustangs face teams with a combined record of 8-2.
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Crown Division
In the Crown Division we have a four way tie at the top and none of them are Bothell. The Ballard Beavers, Inglemoor Vikings, Roosevelt Roughriders and Woodinville Falcons are all 2-0 with one game before heading into league play. The Bothell Cougars and Garfield Bulldogs are both 1-1.
The Inglemoor Vikings were picked by the coaches to finish 3rd in the division behind Bothell and Woodinvill, and they still might, but after two weeks of play they have the two most impressive victories. In week one they shutout Snohomish 10-0 before coming home and defeating 3A rival Juanita 19-0 last friday. They have a punishing defense that did not allow a first down to Juanita until 1:11 was left in the third quarter. The offense is an interesting one, they run a pistol offense and alternate quarterbacks. They have underrated runningbacks in Junior Vi and Jake Jones and any team that is coached by Frank Naish has to be considered a threat. The Vikings only leave Pop Keeney Stadium twice the rest of the season, both times going to Memorial Stadium.
The Woodinville Falcons have two big wins to start their season over Mount Si 31-10 and Monroe 35-0. The Falcons play will actually not have to play away from Pop Keeney again untilo week 8 at Roosevelt. They will be home for three straight against Redmond, Garfield and Ballard. After that they will be the visitor at Pop Keeney when they "travel" to play Bothell and Inglemoor. I would expect the Falcons to be 5-0 when they meet up with Bothell on October 7th. Should they get by the Cougars, the following week against the Inglemoor Vikings should be for first place.
The next three weeks for the Ballard Beavers will either make or break their season. They will host Issaquah and Inglemoor before heading to Pop Keeney to play Woodinville. If they can somehow upset the Vikings or Falcons they could really be in position for a good run. The Beavers got wins over Sammamish 34-27 and Franklin 50-20 in the first two weeks of the season under first year head coach Joey Thomas. Putting up 87 points in two games is always impressive and if they can do that again in the next three weeks, they will be contenders.
If the Roosevelt RoughRiders are gonna make a run at the playoffs, they wont have to go very far to do it. Four of their five League games are at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. The RoughRiders are 2-0 after beating Franklin 39-15 and Interlake 21-7. Roosevelt is another team with a first year head coach in Matt Nelsen. He is gonna need his players to play tough defense as they are not a team that is likely to score a lot of points.
The Bothell Cougars were picked by the coaches to finish first in the divisions and are still probably the favorites. They beat the Union Titans(Vancouver,WA) 27-10 in week one before losing to the Mount Si Wildcats the following week 26-14. The Cougars go on the road for the next three weeks, even though the third game is at Pop Keeney, when they play Newport, Roosevelt and Inglemoor. I expect the "Blue Train" to get back on the tracks the next few weeks and make a fun at another Crown Divison Championship.
To say the Garfield Bulldogs have had an eventful first two week might be an understatement. In the opening game of the season at Lake Washington, first year Bulldog Head Coach Kevin Goliday would pull his team from the field after he felt his players safety was in danger. Here is a link to some info Garfield Bulldogs Link. They would forfeit the finish of that game but win the following week 27-22 over the Sammamish Totems. The Bulldogs are another team that doesn't have to travel much as they will play four games at Memorial Stadium.
Once again the Crest Division of KingCo 4A appears to be the better of the two divisions. Eastlake and Skyline, seperated by just over a mile, are even closer in the polls. I have seen a poll with Skyline on top of Eastlake, some polls have it the other way around. All I know is the October 21'st game between the two schools is likely to determine who finishes first.
I have left the Issaquah Eagles out of the top paragraph and it might be a bad move. The Eagles are 2-0 with wins of 48-0 over Heritage(Vancouver,WA) and 42-7 over Liberty. This week they travel to Memorial Stadium in Seattle to take on the 2-0 Ballard Beavers. A week later they will host the Skyline Spartans before finishing up non-league play at home vs the Kamiak Knights. The Eagles are a tough team, but personally I see them coming in just behind the top two schools.
The Eastlake Wolves have started the season by beating Central Kitsap 35-14 and Snohomish 42-14. Expect those types of scores for a few more weeks as the Wolves host Roosevelt before traveling to Redmond in games they should win by atleast double digits. The toughest part of their schedule comes at the end of the season when they host Issaqauh and Skyline in back to back weeks to end the season.
The Skyline Spartans are in Oregon this week to take on the Lake Oswego Lakers(2-0). The Spartans started the season with a big win, 62-27 over Liberty before losing to the Bellevue Wolverines in week two 31-17. When they return home from Oregon they will go right into league play at Issaqauh before coming home to play Redmond. Should the Spartans get through Issaquah expect them to coast to into Eastlake ready to play for first place.
Last season the Newport Knights got wins at the right time to get into the playoffs before running into the Chiawana Riverhawks. This year they started the season with a 43-34 win at Interlake before returning home and losing to Mercer Island 36-21. The schedule is not easy for the Knights as they are home vs Bothell this week before traveling to Everett Memorial Stadium to face the Cascade Bruins. Following that they get Eastlake and Skyline in back to back weeks at home. They finish the season at Issaquah in a game that will most likely have seeding implications.
The Redmond Mustangs appear to be in for a rough season. They started the season with losses to Juanita 48-16 and Lake Washington 39-17. They are just beginning the tough part of their schedule as they travel to Woodinville(2-0) next week before hosting Eastlake(2-0). Following that they again hit the road this time to Skyline(1-1) before playing host to Issaquah(2-0). They finish the season vs Newport(1-1) and then go to Edmonds-Woodway(1-1). So from here out the Mustangs face teams with a combined record of 8-2.
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Crown Division
In the Crown Division we have a four way tie at the top and none of them are Bothell. The Ballard Beavers, Inglemoor Vikings, Roosevelt Roughriders and Woodinville Falcons are all 2-0 with one game before heading into league play. The Bothell Cougars and Garfield Bulldogs are both 1-1.
The Inglemoor Vikings were picked by the coaches to finish 3rd in the division behind Bothell and Woodinvill, and they still might, but after two weeks of play they have the two most impressive victories. In week one they shutout Snohomish 10-0 before coming home and defeating 3A rival Juanita 19-0 last friday. They have a punishing defense that did not allow a first down to Juanita until 1:11 was left in the third quarter. The offense is an interesting one, they run a pistol offense and alternate quarterbacks. They have underrated runningbacks in Junior Vi and Jake Jones and any team that is coached by Frank Naish has to be considered a threat. The Vikings only leave Pop Keeney Stadium twice the rest of the season, both times going to Memorial Stadium.
The Woodinville Falcons have two big wins to start their season over Mount Si 31-10 and Monroe 35-0. The Falcons play will actually not have to play away from Pop Keeney again untilo week 8 at Roosevelt. They will be home for three straight against Redmond, Garfield and Ballard. After that they will be the visitor at Pop Keeney when they "travel" to play Bothell and Inglemoor. I would expect the Falcons to be 5-0 when they meet up with Bothell on October 7th. Should they get by the Cougars, the following week against the Inglemoor Vikings should be for first place.
The next three weeks for the Ballard Beavers will either make or break their season. They will host Issaquah and Inglemoor before heading to Pop Keeney to play Woodinville. If they can somehow upset the Vikings or Falcons they could really be in position for a good run. The Beavers got wins over Sammamish 34-27 and Franklin 50-20 in the first two weeks of the season under first year head coach Joey Thomas. Putting up 87 points in two games is always impressive and if they can do that again in the next three weeks, they will be contenders.
If the Roosevelt RoughRiders are gonna make a run at the playoffs, they wont have to go very far to do it. Four of their five League games are at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. The RoughRiders are 2-0 after beating Franklin 39-15 and Interlake 21-7. Roosevelt is another team with a first year head coach in Matt Nelsen. He is gonna need his players to play tough defense as they are not a team that is likely to score a lot of points.
The Bothell Cougars were picked by the coaches to finish first in the divisions and are still probably the favorites. They beat the Union Titans(Vancouver,WA) 27-10 in week one before losing to the Mount Si Wildcats the following week 26-14. The Cougars go on the road for the next three weeks, even though the third game is at Pop Keeney, when they play Newport, Roosevelt and Inglemoor. I expect the "Blue Train" to get back on the tracks the next few weeks and make a fun at another Crown Divison Championship.
To say the Garfield Bulldogs have had an eventful first two week might be an understatement. In the opening game of the season at Lake Washington, first year Bulldog Head Coach Kevin Goliday would pull his team from the field after he felt his players safety was in danger. Here is a link to some info Garfield Bulldogs Link. They would forfeit the finish of that game but win the following week 27-22 over the Sammamish Totems. The Bulldogs are another team that doesn't have to travel much as they will play four games at Memorial Stadium.
Monday, September 12, 2011
To this point, KingCo 3A/2A, Week 2...
So far KingCo 3A/2A looks to be a battle of "who is gonna finish behind Bellevue?". The Wolverines(2-0) have two impressive wins by beating Oaks Christian(CA) 31-21 in week one and #1 ranked 4A Skyline 31-17 in week two. Bellevue moved up one spot in the top 25 national poll to #21. This week Bellevue is home for the first time and playing the first league game of the season against Interlake.
After the Wolverines the only other undefeated in the league is the Lake Washington(2-0). The Kangaroos are coming off a 39-17 win over Redmond and a 14-0 win over a Garfield team that left the game when their coach pulled the team off the field. The Kangaroos have two very tough games in the next two weeks when they travel to both Mount Si and Bellevue.
Right now three teams are tied for third place. Juanita, Mount Si and Mercer Island all have records of 1-1 and have yet to play a league game.
The Juanita Rebels started the season with a convincing 48-16 victory over Redmond. They moved into most top ten rankings before being shutout by rival Inglemoor last weekend 19-0. The Rebels high powered running game was shut down by the 4A Vikings as they wouldn't gain a first down until 1:11 was left in the third quarter. This week the Rebels travel to face Mercer Island in a game that could actually have big implications at the end of the season.
The Islanders started the season with an overtime loss to the Seattle Prep Panthers at CenturyLink Field during the Emerald City Kickoff Classic, here is a link to the review I did of the game, Seattle Prep vs Mercer Island. The Islanders would get into the win column when they went to Newport and beat the Knights 36-21. The Islanders get Juanita, Bellevue and Mount Si at home this season, but do travel to Liberty.
The final of the third place trio is Mount Si. The Wildcats have the most impressive win of the three when they beat the Bothell Cougars 26-14 at Pop Kenney Stadium in Bothell on Saturday night. In week one they lost to the Woodinville Falcons at home 31-10. The Wildcats are home for two straight against Lake Washington before the Liberty Patroits come to town. After that the Wildcats play three straight on the road at Interlake, Mercer Island and Juanita. That three game stretch could easily make or break the playoff chances for Mount Si.
Three teams round out the bottom of the standings the Liberty Patroits, Interlake Saints and Sammamish Totems are all 0-2.
Liberty is the best of these three teams and should turn their season around and contend for the playoffs. In week one the Patroits had a 27-14 lead over the #1 ranked Skyline Spartans before giving up 48 unaswered ponts and losing 62-27. Week two they would travel to take on the Issaquah Eagles and again leave in defeat, this time losing 42-7. The Patroits should get into the win column this week when they host Sammamish. After that they could lose the next two, @ Mount Si and home vs Juanita. Should they lose both games they will still have an outside shot at making the playoffs as they still have to play at home vs Mercer Island and at Bellevue.
The Interlake Saints have a tough road ahead of them. They lost in week one to the Newport Knights(1-1) 43-34 at home and in week two to the Roosevelt Roughriders(2-0) 21-7. The next three weeks might be the toughest for any team in the league with games @ Bellevue, vs Mercer Island and vs Mount Si. The Saints could quickly be 0-5 if they can't pull off an upset.
The Sammamish Totems have had a tough time winning games the last few years. This season has started with much of the same after losing 34-27 to the Ballard Beavers and 27-22 to the Garfield Bulldogs. The next three weeks are not easy as they travel to Liberty, Juanita and Lake Washington.
After the Wolverines the only other undefeated in the league is the Lake Washington(2-0). The Kangaroos are coming off a 39-17 win over Redmond and a 14-0 win over a Garfield team that left the game when their coach pulled the team off the field. The Kangaroos have two very tough games in the next two weeks when they travel to both Mount Si and Bellevue.
Right now three teams are tied for third place. Juanita, Mount Si and Mercer Island all have records of 1-1 and have yet to play a league game.
The Juanita Rebels started the season with a convincing 48-16 victory over Redmond. They moved into most top ten rankings before being shutout by rival Inglemoor last weekend 19-0. The Rebels high powered running game was shut down by the 4A Vikings as they wouldn't gain a first down until 1:11 was left in the third quarter. This week the Rebels travel to face Mercer Island in a game that could actually have big implications at the end of the season.
The Islanders started the season with an overtime loss to the Seattle Prep Panthers at CenturyLink Field during the Emerald City Kickoff Classic, here is a link to the review I did of the game, Seattle Prep vs Mercer Island. The Islanders would get into the win column when they went to Newport and beat the Knights 36-21. The Islanders get Juanita, Bellevue and Mount Si at home this season, but do travel to Liberty.
The final of the third place trio is Mount Si. The Wildcats have the most impressive win of the three when they beat the Bothell Cougars 26-14 at Pop Kenney Stadium in Bothell on Saturday night. In week one they lost to the Woodinville Falcons at home 31-10. The Wildcats are home for two straight against Lake Washington before the Liberty Patroits come to town. After that the Wildcats play three straight on the road at Interlake, Mercer Island and Juanita. That three game stretch could easily make or break the playoff chances for Mount Si.
Three teams round out the bottom of the standings the Liberty Patroits, Interlake Saints and Sammamish Totems are all 0-2.
Liberty is the best of these three teams and should turn their season around and contend for the playoffs. In week one the Patroits had a 27-14 lead over the #1 ranked Skyline Spartans before giving up 48 unaswered ponts and losing 62-27. Week two they would travel to take on the Issaquah Eagles and again leave in defeat, this time losing 42-7. The Patroits should get into the win column this week when they host Sammamish. After that they could lose the next two, @ Mount Si and home vs Juanita. Should they lose both games they will still have an outside shot at making the playoffs as they still have to play at home vs Mercer Island and at Bellevue.
The Interlake Saints have a tough road ahead of them. They lost in week one to the Newport Knights(1-1) 43-34 at home and in week two to the Roosevelt Roughriders(2-0) 21-7. The next three weeks might be the toughest for any team in the league with games @ Bellevue, vs Mercer Island and vs Mount Si. The Saints could quickly be 0-5 if they can't pull off an upset.
The Sammamish Totems have had a tough time winning games the last few years. This season has started with much of the same after losing 34-27 to the Ballard Beavers and 27-22 to the Garfield Bulldogs. The next three weeks are not easy as they travel to Liberty, Juanita and Lake Washington.
On tap for this week, Sept. 12th, 2011...
Well last weekend ended with a little disappointment. I was unable to attend the third game of the week, Mount Si @ Bothell. The game ended up being a great game, with Mount Si coming back to win.
This week I will only see two games. Thursday night I will be at French Field as the Tahoma Bears(1-1) travel to meet the Kentwood Conquerors(1-1) in SPSL North action.
Friday night I have some choices. Bothell is at Newport and Juanita is at Mercer Island, both good games. On the other hand, I could go see Evergreen play Bellevue Christian who just began playing football this season. I will post my plans for Friday in the next few days.
Saturday night I will not be attending any games.
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I also hope to do a report on where a few of the conferences stand so far. KingCo 3A and 4A are at the top of my list with SPSL, WesCo, Seamount and Metro just behind. If somehow I am able to get through all of those leagues, I would like to take a look at the other side of the state or the Greater St. Helens League. Hopefully I will have one or both of the KingCo reports up tomorrow.
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Mason Kelley of the Seattle Times has his weekly rankings for 4A and 3A schools up, view them here. As far as the big schools go, I consider Mason to the authority as far as rankings.
Doug Pacey of the Tacoma New Tribune has his weekly rankings up for all levels of football, view them here. Doug does a GREAT job in following the entire state of football and also has a different view than Mason when it comes to the big schools. If Mason is the authority for big schools, Doug is the all around authority. I may not agree with him on the big school, but I couldn't possibly aruge about the other levels of play.
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I think I am done predicting games. Last week I picked Kennedy Catholic, Juanita and Bothell... I went 0-3. In all honesty I think most people would've picked the games the same way I did. I guess if I get enough people wanting me to predict games I will, but as of right now it is off.
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Last Friday I accepted a position with Two Man Prodcutions, to view the website click Right Here. TMP will help me further advance my ambitions of being in sports media. TMP is the brain child of local radio host, Jonathan West of WARM 106.9. TMP has two main projects, New Music... NOW! with Jonathan West. This is a weekly internet radio show, view the webpage Right Here. To follow on twitter just search @NewMusicNowLive. The other project is a college football playoff system, this is something any fan of college football needs to take a look at. It can be found on this link Major College Football System. You can also follow on twitter by searching @MCFPS.
I hate to use this blog to advertise for something other than high school football, but this is all really good stuff. I hope all of my readers can take a few minutes to browse those links.
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I would like to welcome a new reader from France. We are really starting to cover the map.
---
You can follow me on Twitter @HSFootballWA. You can also view my attempt to visit every high school stadium in out state, on Facebook at Washington State High School Football Stadiums.
This week I will only see two games. Thursday night I will be at French Field as the Tahoma Bears(1-1) travel to meet the Kentwood Conquerors(1-1) in SPSL North action.
Friday night I have some choices. Bothell is at Newport and Juanita is at Mercer Island, both good games. On the other hand, I could go see Evergreen play Bellevue Christian who just began playing football this season. I will post my plans for Friday in the next few days.
Saturday night I will not be attending any games.
---
I also hope to do a report on where a few of the conferences stand so far. KingCo 3A and 4A are at the top of my list with SPSL, WesCo, Seamount and Metro just behind. If somehow I am able to get through all of those leagues, I would like to take a look at the other side of the state or the Greater St. Helens League. Hopefully I will have one or both of the KingCo reports up tomorrow.
---
Mason Kelley of the Seattle Times has his weekly rankings for 4A and 3A schools up, view them here. As far as the big schools go, I consider Mason to the authority as far as rankings.
Doug Pacey of the Tacoma New Tribune has his weekly rankings up for all levels of football, view them here. Doug does a GREAT job in following the entire state of football and also has a different view than Mason when it comes to the big schools. If Mason is the authority for big schools, Doug is the all around authority. I may not agree with him on the big school, but I couldn't possibly aruge about the other levels of play.
---
I think I am done predicting games. Last week I picked Kennedy Catholic, Juanita and Bothell... I went 0-3. In all honesty I think most people would've picked the games the same way I did. I guess if I get enough people wanting me to predict games I will, but as of right now it is off.
---
Last Friday I accepted a position with Two Man Prodcutions, to view the website click Right Here. TMP will help me further advance my ambitions of being in sports media. TMP is the brain child of local radio host, Jonathan West of WARM 106.9. TMP has two main projects, New Music... NOW! with Jonathan West. This is a weekly internet radio show, view the webpage Right Here. To follow on twitter just search @NewMusicNowLive. The other project is a college football playoff system, this is something any fan of college football needs to take a look at. It can be found on this link Major College Football System. You can also follow on twitter by searching @MCFPS.
I hate to use this blog to advertise for something other than high school football, but this is all really good stuff. I hope all of my readers can take a few minutes to browse those links.
---
I would like to welcome a new reader from France. We are really starting to cover the map.
---
You can follow me on Twitter @HSFootballWA. You can also view my attempt to visit every high school stadium in out state, on Facebook at Washington State High School Football Stadiums.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Mount Si @ Bothell preview, Sept. 9th 2011...
It will be Saturday Night Lights this week at Pop Keenedy Stadium as the Mount Si Wildcats will roll into Bothell to take on the hometown Cougars. The Wildcats come into the game with a record of 0-1 after losing to the Woodinville Falcons 31-10 on home turf. The Cougars on the other hand beat the Union Titans(Vancouver,WA) 27-10 at home, in a game featuring two top 10 teams. The Cougars come in ranked 9th in 4A, while the Wildcats are an Honorable Mention in 3A. Both teams were playoff teams last season and could very well end up in there again this year. Trent Sewell, Bothell's Senior Wide Receiver is a D-1 talent and has been linked to almost every Pac-12 school, Mount Si also has D-1 talent in Senior Lineman, Josh Mitchell who has already committed to Oregon State. I sent and received emails from both coaches.
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Mount Si Wildcats
Last season the Mount Si Wildcats returned to the playoffs but ran into the buzz saw that is the Bellevue Wolverines. This didn't start the way they would've liked in losing a home game in week one. The Wildcats only return two offensive and three defensive starters but are not young nor inexperienced. They do actually return four offensive lineman with playing experience. Coach Charlie Kinnune, who is in his 20th season at Mount Si was nice enough to return my email. This is what he had to say...
WHSF: If a Bothell fan were reading this blog, who are three players they would want to keep and eye on and what can you tell me about those players?
CK: Josh Mitchell- signed with Oregon State OT/DT, Connor Deutsch RB/CB(2yr. starter) Kolton Auxier OG/DE(2yr. starter)
WHSF: What would your three keys to get a win on saturday?
CK: Run the football effectively, stop the run, positive turnover ratio
WHSF: What would you consider to be your offensive strengths?
CK: Offensive Line
WHSF: What would you consider to be your defensive strengths?
CK: Defensive Line
WHSF: What do you think you have to do to stop a player like Trent Sewell?
CK: Pass Rush and not getting beat deep.
WHSF: What things do you need to do better after last weeks loss?
CK: Play better run defense and protect our QB.
WHSF: What is it going to take to get the Wildcats to the Tacoma Dome this season?
CK: We need to stay healthy, which we are not right now. We need to be able to be competitive in our league. If we compete in our league and finish in the top 3 we will be competitive at the state level.
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Bothell Cougars
I wont deny it, the Bothell Cougars are a team that has been growing on me over the past ten years. Although no team will ever get more room in my heart than the Juanita Rebels, I seem to hop on the "Blue Train" every season. This years is no different as Head Coach Tom Bainter has his Cougars in a great position to be playing for a KingCo Championship at the end of the regular season. They are big, athletic and have as much speed as anyone. The Cougars come in ranked 9th in the state by the Seattle Times. Coach Bainter was kind enough to return my email with all questions answered...
WHSF: If a Mount Si fan were reading this blog, who are three players they would want to keep and eye on and what can you tell me about those players?
TB: Trent Sewell - Talented, speedy, athletic receiver with great hands. Austen Dahl - First year starter at QB who will get nothing but better as the season progresses. Seymour Ottorbech - Two way starter at RB and OLB with great speed and tenacity.
WHSF: What would your three keys to get a win on Saturday?
TB: Three keys to victory are protecting the football, stopping the Mt. Si run game, and executing our assignments.
WHSF: What would you consider to be your offensive strengths?
TB: Our strengths offensively are skill position talent and a good sized offensive line. What we lack in experience, we gain in enthusiasm.
WHSF: What would you consider to be your defensive strengths?
TB: Defensively our strengths are speed and aggressiveness. We like to attack from all areas.
WHSF: What, if anything, from your week one victory do you feel you need to do better this week to beat Mount Si?
TB: We had 4 turnovers week one and we definitely need to improve in that area. We were also poor in the 'Red' zone last week and hope to improve there as well.
WHSF: What is it going to take to get Bothell to the Tacoma Dome this season?
TB: We will have to improve on a daily basis, stay very healthy, and have tons of LUCK!
WHSF: You have had a ton of success at Bothell, what do you attribute that too?
TB: Great kids who love the game and work very hard at it!
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Outlook:
I have a hard time seeing the Wildcats winning this one. Bothell could be the best team in KingCo 4A. Cougars win easily 37-10.
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Other Notes & Links:
- The Bothell Cougars have one of the best websites around, view it Right Here.
- Pop Kenney Stadium is easily my favorite stadium to watch a game in the state. That same site has a great little story on it, read it Here.
- Mount Si is home to one of the more scenic stadiums in the state. I was lucky enough to visit Mount Si last season when my Rebels were playing the Wildcats. I took a few pictures that can be viewed Here.
- I also have pictures from Pop Kenney, view them Here.
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I will be tweeting live from the game, you can follow me @HSFootballWA.
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Mount Si Wildcats
Last season the Mount Si Wildcats returned to the playoffs but ran into the buzz saw that is the Bellevue Wolverines. This didn't start the way they would've liked in losing a home game in week one. The Wildcats only return two offensive and three defensive starters but are not young nor inexperienced. They do actually return four offensive lineman with playing experience. Coach Charlie Kinnune, who is in his 20th season at Mount Si was nice enough to return my email. This is what he had to say...
WHSF: If a Bothell fan were reading this blog, who are three players they would want to keep and eye on and what can you tell me about those players?
CK: Josh Mitchell- signed with Oregon State OT/DT, Connor Deutsch RB/CB(2yr. starter) Kolton Auxier OG/DE(2yr. starter)
WHSF: What would your three keys to get a win on saturday?
CK: Run the football effectively, stop the run, positive turnover ratio
WHSF: What would you consider to be your offensive strengths?
CK: Offensive Line
WHSF: What would you consider to be your defensive strengths?
CK: Defensive Line
WHSF: What do you think you have to do to stop a player like Trent Sewell?
CK: Pass Rush and not getting beat deep.
WHSF: What things do you need to do better after last weeks loss?
CK: Play better run defense and protect our QB.
WHSF: What is it going to take to get the Wildcats to the Tacoma Dome this season?
CK: We need to stay healthy, which we are not right now. We need to be able to be competitive in our league. If we compete in our league and finish in the top 3 we will be competitive at the state level.
---
Bothell Cougars
I wont deny it, the Bothell Cougars are a team that has been growing on me over the past ten years. Although no team will ever get more room in my heart than the Juanita Rebels, I seem to hop on the "Blue Train" every season. This years is no different as Head Coach Tom Bainter has his Cougars in a great position to be playing for a KingCo Championship at the end of the regular season. They are big, athletic and have as much speed as anyone. The Cougars come in ranked 9th in the state by the Seattle Times. Coach Bainter was kind enough to return my email with all questions answered...
WHSF: If a Mount Si fan were reading this blog, who are three players they would want to keep and eye on and what can you tell me about those players?
TB: Trent Sewell - Talented, speedy, athletic receiver with great hands. Austen Dahl - First year starter at QB who will get nothing but better as the season progresses. Seymour Ottorbech - Two way starter at RB and OLB with great speed and tenacity.
WHSF: What would your three keys to get a win on Saturday?
TB: Three keys to victory are protecting the football, stopping the Mt. Si run game, and executing our assignments.
WHSF: What would you consider to be your offensive strengths?
TB: Our strengths offensively are skill position talent and a good sized offensive line. What we lack in experience, we gain in enthusiasm.
WHSF: What would you consider to be your defensive strengths?
TB: Defensively our strengths are speed and aggressiveness. We like to attack from all areas.
WHSF: What, if anything, from your week one victory do you feel you need to do better this week to beat Mount Si?
TB: We had 4 turnovers week one and we definitely need to improve in that area. We were also poor in the 'Red' zone last week and hope to improve there as well.
WHSF: What is it going to take to get Bothell to the Tacoma Dome this season?
TB: We will have to improve on a daily basis, stay very healthy, and have tons of LUCK!
WHSF: You have had a ton of success at Bothell, what do you attribute that too?
TB: Great kids who love the game and work very hard at it!
---
Outlook:
I have a hard time seeing the Wildcats winning this one. Bothell could be the best team in KingCo 4A. Cougars win easily 37-10.
---
Other Notes & Links:
- The Bothell Cougars have one of the best websites around, view it Right Here.
- Pop Kenney Stadium is easily my favorite stadium to watch a game in the state. That same site has a great little story on it, read it Here.
- Mount Si is home to one of the more scenic stadiums in the state. I was lucky enough to visit Mount Si last season when my Rebels were playing the Wildcats. I took a few pictures that can be viewed Here.
- I also have pictures from Pop Kenney, view them Here.
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I will be tweeting live from the game, you can follow me @HSFootballWA.
Archbishop Murphy Defense Shuts Down Kennedy Catholic In Win...
At Highline Memorial Stadium, September 9th, 2011.
The second ranked 2A Archbishop Murphy Wildcats(2-0) rolled into Highline Memorial Stadium on Thursday night and came away with a 41-14 win over the sixth ranked 3A Kennedy Catholic Lancers(1-1).
The Wildcats defense was tough right from the start, forcing a three and out on the opening drive. The Wildcats would not be able to take advantage though and were also forced to punt. Thats where Kennedy Catholic would get one of its few breaks on the night, ATM Punter, Alex Golgano would take and low snap and inadvertently put his knee to the ground while trying to pick the ball up. The Lancers would take over inside the ten and on the second play Senior, Orion Prescott would get in untouched from five yards out making it 7-0.
The two teams would exchange punts and Archbishop Murphy would turn one over on downs giving Kennedy the ball at its own nine yardline. That is where Archbishop Murphy gots its first break of the night, Lancer Quarterback, Jason Thompson would be called for Intentional Grounding in the endzone for a safety and two points.
Archbishop Murphy would get the ball on the free kick and after converting on a 4th and one they would turn it over on downs, giving the ball to the Lancers at their own 33. Kennedy would get a first down before Thompson would attempt a deep pass that would be intercepted by Archbishop Junior, Morgan Masanda and returned all the way to the Kennedy 18 yardline. Two plays later Archbishop Junior Running Back, Hans VanderWel would take a shovel pass and dart through the Lancer defense 18 yards for the score. After missing the point after, the Wildcats had a 8-7 lead with 6:32 left in the second quarter.
Kennedy would start on the 43 after a 10 yard return, but once again they would go three and out. Starting on their own 12, Archbishop Murphy would move the ball to the Kennedy 22, including a 40 yard run by Junior Running Back, Ricky Gordon, but would be intercepted in the endzone by Orion Prescott.
The Lancers would again go three and out before the most interesting play of the night. On the punt return, Archbishop Murphy Senior, Cameron Guy would return the ball to about the 25 or 30 before either fumbling or lateraling in the directon of Ricky Gordon. Gordon would pick the ball up and run it into the endzone for the touchdown and widening the lead to 15-7 with less than a minute to go in the half.
Before the half would end, the Lancers would go three and out for the fifth time in the half. That would leave the score at 15-7 for the half.
Archbishop Murphy would start the second half with the ball and go three and out. On the second offensive play for the Lancers, Thompson would throw his second INT of the night, this time to Junior, Eneliko Tevaga. The Wildcats would return the favor on the first play as Kennedy Junior, Drew Thompson would grab a jump ball and return it 25 yards to the 28.
The theme of the night would continue for Kennedy though as they would go three and out. Archbishop would take the ball on their own 42 and march straight to the endzone in just six plays finishing with a nine yard run by Tevaga. A missed PAT would leave the score at 21-7 with just under five minutes to go in the third.
The Kennedy would once again take the kickoff and go three and out. This time Archbishop would get the ball on its own 26. They would would lose a yard on first down and throw an incomplete pass second, before Conner Kruse would hit Cameron Guy on a post pattern that go 75 yards for the touchdown and a 28-7 lead.
After getting the ball on the 32, Jason Thompson would fumble with Ricky Gordon eventually picking it up and rumbling into the endzone for the touchdown and extending the Wildcat lead to 35-7 with just over a minute left in the third. The Lancers would give it back on the kickoff, Archbishop would onside kick and recover at their own 47. The Wildcats would return the fumble favor on the first play as Jason Thompson would pick it up and return it 58 yards for the Lancer touchdown, cutting the lead to 35-14.
That is as close as Kennedy would get though as they would get the ball twice more in the 4th quarter and go three and out both times.
Archbishop Murphy would get another a late touchdown run by Alex Golgano from 2 yards out, capping off an 11 play drive and eating a good chunk of the final period.
Final Score, Archbishop Murphy Wildcats 41 - Kennedy Catholic Lancers 14.
---
Game Notes:
- Kennedy Catholic offense finished the night with 9 three and outs.
- Archbishop Murphy Junior Lineman, Dakota Creed blocked a punt in the 4th quarter.
- Conner Kruse finished the night 6/16 for 111 yards, 2 INT's and a touchdown for Archbishop Murphy. Jason Thompson ended 4/14 for 17 yards and 2 INT's for Kennedy Catholic.
- Towards the end of the third quarter, Archbishop Murphy returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown only to have it called back on a questionable holding call around midfield.
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Up Next:
Kennedy Catholic will travel to Renton Memorial Stadium to meet up with the Hazen Highlanders in a Seamount League game on the 17th.
Archbishop Murphy will head to Duvall to take on the hometown Cedarcrest Red Wolves in a Cascade League 2A matchup.
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I would like to thank Conner Kruse's mother for being a good sport tonight. I sat next to her and found out that she read my preview of the game. She was not exactly happy that I predicted a Kennedy Catholic victory and let me know by pointing her video camera at me and letting her audience know that I was "the guy who said they would lose". I got a good laugh about it.
---
Tomorrow night I will be tweeting live from Juanita @ Inglemoor. For updates as the game goes along, follow me @HSFootballWA.
The second ranked 2A Archbishop Murphy Wildcats(2-0) rolled into Highline Memorial Stadium on Thursday night and came away with a 41-14 win over the sixth ranked 3A Kennedy Catholic Lancers(1-1).
The Wildcats defense was tough right from the start, forcing a three and out on the opening drive. The Wildcats would not be able to take advantage though and were also forced to punt. Thats where Kennedy Catholic would get one of its few breaks on the night, ATM Punter, Alex Golgano would take and low snap and inadvertently put his knee to the ground while trying to pick the ball up. The Lancers would take over inside the ten and on the second play Senior, Orion Prescott would get in untouched from five yards out making it 7-0.
The two teams would exchange punts and Archbishop Murphy would turn one over on downs giving Kennedy the ball at its own nine yardline. That is where Archbishop Murphy gots its first break of the night, Lancer Quarterback, Jason Thompson would be called for Intentional Grounding in the endzone for a safety and two points.
Archbishop Murphy would get the ball on the free kick and after converting on a 4th and one they would turn it over on downs, giving the ball to the Lancers at their own 33. Kennedy would get a first down before Thompson would attempt a deep pass that would be intercepted by Archbishop Junior, Morgan Masanda and returned all the way to the Kennedy 18 yardline. Two plays later Archbishop Junior Running Back, Hans VanderWel would take a shovel pass and dart through the Lancer defense 18 yards for the score. After missing the point after, the Wildcats had a 8-7 lead with 6:32 left in the second quarter.
Kennedy would start on the 43 after a 10 yard return, but once again they would go three and out. Starting on their own 12, Archbishop Murphy would move the ball to the Kennedy 22, including a 40 yard run by Junior Running Back, Ricky Gordon, but would be intercepted in the endzone by Orion Prescott.
The Lancers would again go three and out before the most interesting play of the night. On the punt return, Archbishop Murphy Senior, Cameron Guy would return the ball to about the 25 or 30 before either fumbling or lateraling in the directon of Ricky Gordon. Gordon would pick the ball up and run it into the endzone for the touchdown and widening the lead to 15-7 with less than a minute to go in the half.
Before the half would end, the Lancers would go three and out for the fifth time in the half. That would leave the score at 15-7 for the half.
Archbishop Murphy would start the second half with the ball and go three and out. On the second offensive play for the Lancers, Thompson would throw his second INT of the night, this time to Junior, Eneliko Tevaga. The Wildcats would return the favor on the first play as Kennedy Junior, Drew Thompson would grab a jump ball and return it 25 yards to the 28.
The theme of the night would continue for Kennedy though as they would go three and out. Archbishop would take the ball on their own 42 and march straight to the endzone in just six plays finishing with a nine yard run by Tevaga. A missed PAT would leave the score at 21-7 with just under five minutes to go in the third.
The Kennedy would once again take the kickoff and go three and out. This time Archbishop would get the ball on its own 26. They would would lose a yard on first down and throw an incomplete pass second, before Conner Kruse would hit Cameron Guy on a post pattern that go 75 yards for the touchdown and a 28-7 lead.
After getting the ball on the 32, Jason Thompson would fumble with Ricky Gordon eventually picking it up and rumbling into the endzone for the touchdown and extending the Wildcat lead to 35-7 with just over a minute left in the third. The Lancers would give it back on the kickoff, Archbishop would onside kick and recover at their own 47. The Wildcats would return the fumble favor on the first play as Jason Thompson would pick it up and return it 58 yards for the Lancer touchdown, cutting the lead to 35-14.
That is as close as Kennedy would get though as they would get the ball twice more in the 4th quarter and go three and out both times.
Archbishop Murphy would get another a late touchdown run by Alex Golgano from 2 yards out, capping off an 11 play drive and eating a good chunk of the final period.
Final Score, Archbishop Murphy Wildcats 41 - Kennedy Catholic Lancers 14.
---
Game Notes:
- Kennedy Catholic offense finished the night with 9 three and outs.
- Archbishop Murphy Junior Lineman, Dakota Creed blocked a punt in the 4th quarter.
- Conner Kruse finished the night 6/16 for 111 yards, 2 INT's and a touchdown for Archbishop Murphy. Jason Thompson ended 4/14 for 17 yards and 2 INT's for Kennedy Catholic.
- Towards the end of the third quarter, Archbishop Murphy returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown only to have it called back on a questionable holding call around midfield.
---
Up Next:
Kennedy Catholic will travel to Renton Memorial Stadium to meet up with the Hazen Highlanders in a Seamount League game on the 17th.
Archbishop Murphy will head to Duvall to take on the hometown Cedarcrest Red Wolves in a Cascade League 2A matchup.
---
I would like to thank Conner Kruse's mother for being a good sport tonight. I sat next to her and found out that she read my preview of the game. She was not exactly happy that I predicted a Kennedy Catholic victory and let me know by pointing her video camera at me and letting her audience know that I was "the guy who said they would lose". I got a good laugh about it.
---
Tomorrow night I will be tweeting live from Juanita @ Inglemoor. For updates as the game goes along, follow me @HSFootballWA.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Juanita @ Inglemoor preview, Sept. 8th 2011...
I had originally planned on attending this game so I sent emails to both coaches. I now might be attending Kentlake vs Kentridge, but I decided to preview it anyway.
Pop Kennedy Stadium will be rocking when the Juanita Rebels invade to battle the Inglemoor Vikings in a non-league game. These two rivals, seperated by just over 2 miles, played last season at Juanita with the Rebels coming out on top 21-17. Both teams are 1-0 on the season, Juanita beat Redmond 48-16 at home and Inglemoor traveled to Snohomish and walked away with a 10-0 victory. I sent emails to both head coaches, Juanita's Shaun Tarantola was the only response.
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Inglemoor Vikings
The Vikings are guided by Head Coach, Frank Naish. Inglemoor has some very skilled players but do lack depth on both sides of the ball. Juanita Coach, Shaun Tarantola listed RB/DB Junior Vi, OL/LB Mikey TuPou and OL/DL Titus Makasini as three players from Inglemoor to keep an eye on. He went on to say that Vi is "very fast and athetic", TuPou ".. does a nice job and is very physical" and Makasini "is very quick and athletic".
This is the 33rd year for Naish at Inglemoor and they are coming off a 5-4 season in 2010. As long as Naish is at the helm, Inglemoor will always be a tough team to beat. It seems like every year the Vikings lose some big names, but never seem to drop like they should. Last season the Vikings would get to the preliminary round before losing to the Newport Knights 28-17.
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Juanita Rebels
The Juanita Rebels are a team on the rise. Last season the Rebels finished 9-2 and made the playoffs for the first time since 1994. They would lose in the opening round to Camas, but it was a season a team can build on. At points last season they would be ranked as high as 3rd and beat #1 ranked Liberty before losing the following week to #1 Bellevue. This year they do have big losses due to graduation, but after winning big last week over Redmond, they are now the 7th ranked 3A team in the state. Senior Offensive Tackle, Nathan Dean committed to the University of Washington and is ranked by some as the third best OL recruit in the state. Juanita is big up front, and very fast behind. TE/DE Matt Nilsson is a big athletic target, but offensively the Rebels best days are gonna be on the ground. Rebels Head Coach, Shaun Tarantola was nice enough to answer a few questions for me, this is what he had to say.
WHSF: What would you consider your teams offensive strengths?
ST: Speed and Great OL play.
WHSF: What would you consider your teams defensive strengths?
ST: Speed and pursuit to the ball.
WHSF: What would you say are your keys to winning this friday?
ST: Protecting the football and eliminating turnovers. Winning the special teams battle.
WHSF: Is there anything that suprirsed you about your team in the win over Redmond?
ST: How quickly we were able to start and the amount of big plays we had on offense.
WHSF: What is it gonna take to get your team to the Tacoma Dome this year?
ST: Getting better every week.
WHSF: In just your second year, you got Juanita to the state playoff, I believe for the first time since 1994. What do you attribute to your early success and how do you keep that success going?
ST: Players bought in quickly to our vision and made a full committment to football.
---
My Outlook:
Anytime you have a rivalry game things can go either way. This is a game that Juanita needs to win if they want to be among the states elite teams. The Rebels offensive line and speedy running backs should lead them to victory. Juanita wins 34-10.
---
Other links & notes:
- Juanita reached the state playoffs in 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2010. Last playoff win was in 1989, a 20-14 first round win at Cascade. Best playoff runs were in ’84, ’85 and ’86. Juanita won back-to-back AAA State Championships in 1984 (41-27 over South Kitsap @ King Dome) and 1985 (28-13 over Gonzaga Prep @ King Dome). Juanita finished 2nd in AAA in 1986 losing 14-7 to Gonzaga Prep @ King Dome in a rematch of the 1985 AAA Championship game
- Here is a YouTube highlight video of Juanita OT Nathan Dean...
- Inglemoor played in the 1993 Kingbowl against Tumwater, they would lose that game 33-7. I was at the game and remember it like it was yesterday, here is a link to an article about the Vikings.
---
I will be tweeting from this game, providing I can make it, if not I will be at the Kentlake vs Kentridge game at French Field. Either way I will can be followed @HSFootballWA for live game updates.
---
I wanna say "Hello" to my reader from South Korea. Welcome!
Pop Kennedy Stadium will be rocking when the Juanita Rebels invade to battle the Inglemoor Vikings in a non-league game. These two rivals, seperated by just over 2 miles, played last season at Juanita with the Rebels coming out on top 21-17. Both teams are 1-0 on the season, Juanita beat Redmond 48-16 at home and Inglemoor traveled to Snohomish and walked away with a 10-0 victory. I sent emails to both head coaches, Juanita's Shaun Tarantola was the only response.
---
The Vikings are guided by Head Coach, Frank Naish. Inglemoor has some very skilled players but do lack depth on both sides of the ball. Juanita Coach, Shaun Tarantola listed RB/DB Junior Vi, OL/LB Mikey TuPou and OL/DL Titus Makasini as three players from Inglemoor to keep an eye on. He went on to say that Vi is "very fast and athetic", TuPou ".. does a nice job and is very physical" and Makasini "is very quick and athletic".
This is the 33rd year for Naish at Inglemoor and they are coming off a 5-4 season in 2010. As long as Naish is at the helm, Inglemoor will always be a tough team to beat. It seems like every year the Vikings lose some big names, but never seem to drop like they should. Last season the Vikings would get to the preliminary round before losing to the Newport Knights 28-17.
---
Juanita Rebels
The Juanita Rebels are a team on the rise. Last season the Rebels finished 9-2 and made the playoffs for the first time since 1994. They would lose in the opening round to Camas, but it was a season a team can build on. At points last season they would be ranked as high as 3rd and beat #1 ranked Liberty before losing the following week to #1 Bellevue. This year they do have big losses due to graduation, but after winning big last week over Redmond, they are now the 7th ranked 3A team in the state. Senior Offensive Tackle, Nathan Dean committed to the University of Washington and is ranked by some as the third best OL recruit in the state. Juanita is big up front, and very fast behind. TE/DE Matt Nilsson is a big athletic target, but offensively the Rebels best days are gonna be on the ground. Rebels Head Coach, Shaun Tarantola was nice enough to answer a few questions for me, this is what he had to say.
WHSF: What would you consider your teams offensive strengths?
ST: Speed and Great OL play.
WHSF: What would you consider your teams defensive strengths?
ST: Speed and pursuit to the ball.
WHSF: What would you say are your keys to winning this friday?
ST: Protecting the football and eliminating turnovers. Winning the special teams battle.
WHSF: Is there anything that suprirsed you about your team in the win over Redmond?
ST: How quickly we were able to start and the amount of big plays we had on offense.
WHSF: What is it gonna take to get your team to the Tacoma Dome this year?
ST: Getting better every week.
WHSF: In just your second year, you got Juanita to the state playoff, I believe for the first time since 1994. What do you attribute to your early success and how do you keep that success going?
ST: Players bought in quickly to our vision and made a full committment to football.
---
My Outlook:
Anytime you have a rivalry game things can go either way. This is a game that Juanita needs to win if they want to be among the states elite teams. The Rebels offensive line and speedy running backs should lead them to victory. Juanita wins 34-10.
---
Other links & notes:
- Juanita reached the state playoffs in 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2010. Last playoff win was in 1989, a 20-14 first round win at Cascade. Best playoff runs were in ’84, ’85 and ’86. Juanita won back-to-back AAA State Championships in 1984 (41-27 over South Kitsap @ King Dome) and 1985 (28-13 over Gonzaga Prep @ King Dome). Juanita finished 2nd in AAA in 1986 losing 14-7 to Gonzaga Prep @ King Dome in a rematch of the 1985 AAA Championship game
- Here is a YouTube highlight video of Juanita OT Nathan Dean...
- Inglemoor played in the 1993 Kingbowl against Tumwater, they would lose that game 33-7. I was at the game and remember it like it was yesterday, here is a link to an article about the Vikings.
---
I will be tweeting from this game, providing I can make it, if not I will be at the Kentlake vs Kentridge game at French Field. Either way I will can be followed @HSFootballWA for live game updates.
---
I wanna say "Hello" to my reader from South Korea. Welcome!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Archbishop Murphy @ Kennedy Catholic preview...
On Thursday night Highline Stadium in Burien will be home for the Kennedy Catholic Lancers as they play host to the Archbishop Murphy Wildcast in a non-league game. Kennedy Catholic is coming off a 47-6 win at Decauter, while Archbishop Murphy defened its new home turf by dismantling Ellensburg 56-13. The Lancers come in ranked 7th in 3A, the Wildcats are 2nd in 2A. These two teams played last season at Archbishop Murphy, with the Wildcats coming out on top with a 45-28 win. I sent emails to both coaches, ATM Coach Dave Ward got back to me late last night, but Kennedy Catholic coach Bob Bourgette never responded.
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Kennedy Catholic Lancers
Kennedy has a big size advantage with in Dez Thompson(6'7", 303 lbs.) and M.J. Jenkins(6'3", 302 lbs.), they also feature QB/DB Jason Thompson who has already committed to play at the University of Washington. The Lancers have six returning starters on offense, two offensive lineman, two running backs, one tight end and receiver and also QB Thompson. Defensively they return seven starters, two lineman, one linebacker and four defensive backs.
The Lancers are coached by Bob Bourgette, he has been the head coach for 17 years. Before that he was an assistant for 23 seasons. Kennedy Catholic is a powerhouse in the Seamount League and have been in the state playoffs 23 times(in my count). Last season the Lancers finished the season 6-0 in the Seamount League and 7-2 overall. After losing to Archbishop in the opener, the Lancers would roll off 6 straight wins before losing to the Liberty Patriots 41-6 in the Preliminary Round of the playoffs.
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Archbishop Murphy Wildcats
The Wildcats came up just short last season, losing in the state championship game to the Tumwater Thunderbirds 34-14. The Wildcats were recently ranked at the 7th best football dynasty by Maxpreps.com, link right here. They have won three straight 1A/2A Cascade League Championships and while losing some big names from last year, they do looked ready to make it four in a row. Coach Dave Ward was kind enough to take some time to answer a few questions I had regarding his team...
WHSF: If I were a Kennedy Catholic fan attending the game, who are three players I should watch for and what can you tell me about them?
DW: Look for Morgan Masanda, Alex Galgano, or Hans VanderWel to make a big play with their feet and/or hands. They can all catch the ball out of the backfield and run well afterwards. They are all juniors and have learned to share the ball and block for each other.
WHSF: What would you consider to be the strength of your offense?
DW: Balance between run and pass, depth at RB and WR, and athleticism as a unit.
WHSF: What would you consider to be the strength of your defense?
DW: Speed.
WHSF: What would you consider your keys to winning on thursday night?
DW: Keys are hanging onto the football and not giving up the big play.
WHSF: What is it going to take to get your team back to the Tacoma Dome?
DW: Stay healthy, get better each week, play well on the road.
---
My outlook:
This is going to be a very tough game for Archbishop Murphy. Kennedy is big, fast and very skilled. Being at home in front of the home crowd will be a big advantage for the Lancers as well. If there is a team that has shown they can win big games like this, it is the Wildcats. I expect to see a very fast game, most of it on the ground. Kennedy wins 35-21.
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Other links & notes:
- If you read any one thing today, make it this. The article is about the late Terry Ennis. Mr. Ennis exemplifies everything the Archbishop Murphy football program is all about.
- Archbishop Murphy Junior Running Back, Alex Galgano was the subject of a "Player to watch" profile last week by Everett Herald writer Jon Saperstein... That link can be found by clicking Right Here.
- In doing a little looking around, I happened to come across the written about Kennedy Catholic head coach Bob Bourgette getting the promotion with the Lancers back in 1995.
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For live updates during the game you can follow me on Twitter, @HSFootballWA
---
Well that is it. Tomorrow I will be previewing Juanita @ Inglemoor. I have gotten a response from Rebels head coach Shaun Tarantola, still waiting on longtime Vikings head coach Frank Naish.
---
Kennedy Catholic Lancers
Kennedy has a big size advantage with in Dez Thompson(6'7", 303 lbs.) and M.J. Jenkins(6'3", 302 lbs.), they also feature QB/DB Jason Thompson who has already committed to play at the University of Washington. The Lancers have six returning starters on offense, two offensive lineman, two running backs, one tight end and receiver and also QB Thompson. Defensively they return seven starters, two lineman, one linebacker and four defensive backs.
The Lancers are coached by Bob Bourgette, he has been the head coach for 17 years. Before that he was an assistant for 23 seasons. Kennedy Catholic is a powerhouse in the Seamount League and have been in the state playoffs 23 times(in my count). Last season the Lancers finished the season 6-0 in the Seamount League and 7-2 overall. After losing to Archbishop in the opener, the Lancers would roll off 6 straight wins before losing to the Liberty Patriots 41-6 in the Preliminary Round of the playoffs.
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Archbishop Murphy Wildcats
The Wildcats came up just short last season, losing in the state championship game to the Tumwater Thunderbirds 34-14. The Wildcats were recently ranked at the 7th best football dynasty by Maxpreps.com, link right here. They have won three straight 1A/2A Cascade League Championships and while losing some big names from last year, they do looked ready to make it four in a row. Coach Dave Ward was kind enough to take some time to answer a few questions I had regarding his team...
WHSF: If I were a Kennedy Catholic fan attending the game, who are three players I should watch for and what can you tell me about them?
DW: Look for Morgan Masanda, Alex Galgano, or Hans VanderWel to make a big play with their feet and/or hands. They can all catch the ball out of the backfield and run well afterwards. They are all juniors and have learned to share the ball and block for each other.
WHSF: What would you consider to be the strength of your offense?
DW: Balance between run and pass, depth at RB and WR, and athleticism as a unit.
WHSF: What would you consider to be the strength of your defense?
DW: Speed.
WHSF: What would you consider your keys to winning on thursday night?
DW: Keys are hanging onto the football and not giving up the big play.
WHSF: What is it going to take to get your team back to the Tacoma Dome?
DW: Stay healthy, get better each week, play well on the road.
---
My outlook:
This is going to be a very tough game for Archbishop Murphy. Kennedy is big, fast and very skilled. Being at home in front of the home crowd will be a big advantage for the Lancers as well. If there is a team that has shown they can win big games like this, it is the Wildcats. I expect to see a very fast game, most of it on the ground. Kennedy wins 35-21.
---
Other links & notes:
- If you read any one thing today, make it this. The article is about the late Terry Ennis. Mr. Ennis exemplifies everything the Archbishop Murphy football program is all about.
- Archbishop Murphy Junior Running Back, Alex Galgano was the subject of a "Player to watch" profile last week by Everett Herald writer Jon Saperstein... That link can be found by clicking Right Here.
- In doing a little looking around, I happened to come across the written about Kennedy Catholic head coach Bob Bourgette getting the promotion with the Lancers back in 1995.
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For live updates during the game you can follow me on Twitter, @HSFootballWA
---
Well that is it. Tomorrow I will be previewing Juanita @ Inglemoor. I have gotten a response from Rebels head coach Shaun Tarantola, still waiting on longtime Vikings head coach Frank Naish.
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