Standings:
Team, SPSL Record, Overall Record.
Kentlake, 5-0, 5-0.
Kentwood, 3-1, 4-1.
Jefferson, 3-2, 3-2.
Auburn Riverside, 3-2, 2-2.
Kentridge, 2-2, 2-3.
Tahoma, 2-2, 2-3.
Auburn, 2-3, 2-3.
Kent-Meridian, 1-3, 1-4.
Mount Rainier, 0-5, 0-5.
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Team Capsules:
It was homecoming at French Field in Kent when the Kentlake Falcons played host to the Tahoma Bears. The 7th ranked Falcons trailed at the half but managed to pull out a 42-33 victory to stay undefeated. This week might be the biggest game of the year as the Falcons "travel" to French Field to play the Kentwood Conquerors. Last week the Conks beat Auburn 24-17 and continued a string of good play since their week two loss to Jefferson. Having seen both teams play, I expect this to be a very fast game and most of it to be on the ground. For Kentlake they must get Tanner Lucas going between the tackles and find a way to get Austin Pernell in open space where he can make some people miss. If Kentwood is going to win, they will need to be tough up front on defense and get the running game going with Matt Hubbard and Chance Kalua-Fuimaono. This should be a VERY good game.
The Jefferson Raiders are the most surprising team in the SPSL North with wins over Kent-Meridian, Kentwood and Auburn. Last season the the Raiders finished with three wins and with four games still to play this season it would appear as though they will surpass that. Last week they beat Kent-Meridian 42-30, but did give up an concerning 224 yards on the ground. This week they play host to the Auburn Riverside Ravens who have won three of their last four games. Last week the Ravens dismantled a struggling Mount Rainier team 57-14. In their two losses the Ravens have a combined 13 points, while on average scoring just over 47 points per game in their 3 wins. This could be a very good game as well.
The Kentridge Chargers have been through some ups and downs in the first five weeks. They started the season with losses to Auburn and Kentlake before winning back to back games against Kent-Meridian and Auburn Riverside. Last week they lost their non-league game to the Rogers Rams of the SPSL South. This week they travel to Mount Rainier in a game they should win. The final three games are all tough games as they are home vs Jefferson, travel to Tahoma and finish with a home game against Kentwood.
Inconsistency seems to be the name of the game for the Tahoma Bears. When they are playing well they have one of the more balanced offenses in the SPSL with Beau Riggs, Damon Funk and Zach Browne running the ball while Shane Nelson is looking for Jason Smith down field for the pass. They have good size on both sides of the line but sometimes have hard times controlling the line of scrimmage. The finaly four weeks of the season bring games the Bears should be able to win. This week they host Ken-Meridian in a game they should win by double digits.
A three game losing streak has put the Auburn Trojans in unfamiliar territory. The next two weeks don't get much easier as they are home vs Curtis in a non-league game before heading to French Field to play Kentlake. A five game losing streak would be almost fatal for the Trojans.
At 1-4, the Kent-Meridian Royals are now in spoiler mode. They finish the season with games against Tahoma, Kentwood, Auburn and Kentlake. A win against any of those teams will be a huge boost for a team looking to finish the season strong.
The Mount Rainier Rams have lost 20 straight games, dating back to a 31-10 win over Foster on September 24th of 2009. This week they play host to Kentridge, before traveling to play Spanaway Lake in a non-league contest they have a legitimate shot at winning. If they are unable to get a win this will be the second straight winless season in Des Moines.
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This Weeks Schedule:
Auburn Riverside vs. Jefferson, Federal Way Memorial Stadium, 7pm Thursday.
Curtis @ Auburn, non-league, 7pm Friday.
Kentlake vs. Kentwood, French Field, 7pm Friday.
Kent-Meridian @ Tahoma, 7pm Friday.
Kentridge vs. Mount Rainier, Highline Memorial Stadium, 7pm Friday.
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I can be followed on twitter @HSFootballWA. Please share this blog with anyone you know that enjoys high school football.
Showing posts with label Kentwood Conquerors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentwood Conquerors. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
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
---
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!
---
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.
---
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."
---
I will be tweeting live from French Field tonight. You can find me by searching @HSFootballWA.
---
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.
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.
Monday, September 12, 2011
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.
---
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.
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.
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