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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.
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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
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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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