The End Zone

Here’s the entire Q&A done with Taylor Barton, of the The Barton Football Acadmey, and former Skyline quarterback Jake Heaps on his decision to leave BYU.

Barton posted the interview on his website, Northwest Elite Index.

TB: Hey Jake, how are you feeling right now?
JH: I’ve got a lot of mixed emotions. This wasn’t an easy decision.

TB: There has been a lot of talk about you leaving BYU and speculation as to where you’ll transfer. How long ago did you make this decision, and is there a school you have in mind?
JH: Well 1st off, I want to thank everyone for the support they’ve given me. This has been an incredibly hard time for my wife and me, and she’s been an absolute rock. I thought choosing a program when I was being recruited out of high school was hard, but it pales in comparison to making this decision. I have made so many friends here, and not just on the football team. People that will be friends of mine the rest of my life. I really respect and like Coach Mendenhall, he’s a great man. I’ve learned a lot about football from Coach Doman. There are so many great guys on this team, it’s going to be really hard to leave them. I’ve had some time to think about this decision and it’s not one I came to lightly. I have no idea where I’m going to end up, and haven’t talked to anyone. There are a lot of great programs out there, and I’m excited to do some research and find the right fit.

TB: Why now and not after the bowl game?
JH: Out of respect for the coaches and players on the team. It wouldn’t have been fair to them if I was going thru meetings, practices, and recruiting weekends knowing the whole time I wanted to and was going to transfer. I also can’t do something half heartedly. If I’m somewhere I want to be fully committed to it. Though I would have been there physically, I wouldn’t have fully been there mentally. And another reason is that I need to figure out where I’m going to be next year. If I’m going to enroll somewhere in January, I have a very limited amount of time to make a decision. I’m also married and have a wife to think about. Wherever I end up, we’ve got to get our living situation taken care of and that takes time. So overall, I thought the timing of this decision was best for everyone involved.

TB: What are your plans from here?
JH: Well, believe it or not I’m a student first and still have finals to take this semester. So that’s my first priority. Once I’m granted my release, my wife and I will sit down and talk. I learned a lot from going through the recruiting process out of high school. I’ve also matured a lot as a person and player from my time here in Provo. So I know the things to look for in a program and the questions to ask a coach.

TB: Is there a timeline for making a decision?
JH: Obviously the sooner the better. But I’m not going to rush a decision just to make one. The first thing I have to do is find out who’s interested in me. From there I’ll sit down with my wife and the people involved in helping me make this decision.

TB: Thanks for the visit Jake. Anything else you want to say?
JH: Just that I have the utmost respect for the BYU program; its coaches, players, alumni, and student body. I had a great experience there. But it’s time for me to close that chapter of my life and start a new one. This has been a big weight lifted off my shoulders. This decision is behind me and I’m looking forward to what’s in store. And I also want to let everyone know that this will be the only interview I do this week. That will give my wife and I some time to gather our thoughts and start planning out our future. When the time is right and I have more answers to the questions people have, I’ll talk to everyone then.

Skyline vs. Skyview
Kevin - Skyview is the real deal. I know I picked Issaquah to beat them back in the state-qualifying round. They proved me wrong — soundly! Running back Parker Henry is a load. He looks much larger than his listed 6-foot, 205-pounds and is an obvious talent with 2,165 rushing yards and 31 TDs. Quarterback Kieran McDonagh is also getting Division I looks. He’s accurate and mobile, throwing for more than 2,600 yards, 24 TDs and four INTs. The Storm are also BIG on the line, averaging 280 pounds across the front. Skyline is peaking behind quarterback Max Browne’s breakout season (3,813 yards, 43 TDs, 5 INTs), the rise of running back Damien Greene, and a much improved defense. I have a feeling it will be a real shootout at the Tacoma Dome Saturday night. It’s cliche, but the team who limits its mistakes will come out on top.
Pick: Skyline 32-29
Josh – Not unlike my counterpart, I made the ridiculous pick of Issaquah over Skyview in the district playoffs. Of all the selections I made this year, that one is by far the most embarrassing. The Storm is without a doubt one of the real powerhouse teams we have in Washington prep football this year. As Kevin alluded to they have a sizable front on both sides of the ball and an absolute stud in Parker Henry. The Spartans have had well documented troubles against both top-tier backs as well as polished ground attacks, of which Skyview has both. There is no doubt Skyline has the edge in terms of experience, but something keeps pulling at me, telling me not to get burned by the underrated and almost forgotten team in the Storm. I respect Skyline’s football program and believe it is truly one of a handful in the state that represents for Washington on a regional and national level. But I’m going the other way in this one.
Pick: Skyview 28-26

Bellevue vs. O’Dea
Kevin - I’ve seen both these teams in person and let’s just say, one is slightly more impressive than the other. Hint: That team is ranked No. 12 in the nation by USA Today. Give O’Dea (13-0) its due credit, it’s never easy to be undefeated at this point in the season. That said, four of the Irish wins were by three points or less — two of those by one point. I watched Eastside Catholic fall just shy of an upset, throwing a late-game interception in O’Dea territory. Bellevue, on the other hand, has been dominant from start to finish. The Wolverines’ defense has only become more stingy as its progressed into the postseason, and their offense is simply a machine. Thirteen different Bellevue players have scored offensive touchdowns out of their proficient Wing-T formation. Obviously, the games are played for a reason. But don’t look for any surprises.
Pick: Bellevue 35-7
Josh – The only chance I’ve had to see the Irish was on the webcast of last week’s semi-final win over Camas. It was hard to get an accurate read seeing as the video was so grainy, I didn’t know Pierre La Dorze’s touchdown pass was a tipped ball intended for another receiver until I read the game story later that night. All of that being said, history tells us the Irish have the system, coaching staff and attitude to give Bellevue a game. I don’t know of a more disciplined team (other than the Wolverines) than O’Dea. There are few teams with the girth up front and the athletes at the skills spots to matchup with the Wolverines, but there is no doubt the Irish are one of them. And there are only a couple coaches who have the big-game experience, winning pedigree and scheme to keep the game within reach and that list surely includes Monte Kohler. O’Dea was the last team to beat Bellevue in the playoffs, 21-17 in the 2007 semi-finals. They gave them their second closest decision in a 17-12 Wolverines’ win back in 2002. The 21-7 Bellevue win in the 2003 title game included a devastating dislocated elbow to Fighting Irish superstar Chancellor Young early on that sapped the zeal from O’Dea straightaway. At this point, it probably sounds like I’m inventing reasons that this game will be close. That’s because I am. Obviously what happened in 2003 or 2007 has nothing to do with the kids playing the game in 2011, but it’s just more fun to imagine this game being a one-point thriller than another clinical dismantling of an overmatched foe. The Wolverines are going to do what they do on both sides of the ball and special teams and there is little (at least from this year’s results) to suggest O’Dea can stop them. Look for at least one big return from Budda Baker, possibly to swing momentum after an Irish score. I also expect Tyler Hasty to rebound after the turnovers last week and finish his prep career with an inspired performance against his former teammates. And I expect Bellevue to hoist another trophy.
Pick: Bellevue 31-14

Archbishop Murphy vs. Lynden
Kevin - This is a very intriguing game. Lynden has rolled over the competition on its way to a undefeated season. Archbishop Murphy had one hiccup earlier this season, but they are on a tear of late. The Wildcats dominated three of the top ranked 2A teams — Tumwater, Othello and Prosser — by a combined score of 125-20. The Lions have the advantage of playing in the Tacoma Dome last week, while Archbishop Murphy was playing outdoors in the cold of eastern Washington. I don’t think that will matter with all the chips on the table, however. Look for plenty of fireworks Saturday morning.
Pick: Lynden 38-35
Josh – I got an up close and personal look at the Lions in the quarterfinals against Interlake and came away impressed. They use two athletic quarterbacks that can throw just enough and have a bevy of talented skill guys to go with a hard-nosed identity on both offense and defense. As Kevin said, Murphy lost only once this year and that was the homecoming game for a conference rival that had the Wildcats circled since spring football began. When it’s all said and done, this might be the best title game played in 2011.
Pick: Archbishop Murphy 40-35

OTHER GAMES
Cascade Christian vs. Connell
Kevin - Connell 35-28
Josh - Cascade Christian 44-40

Morton/White Pass vs. Waitsburg/Prescot
Kevin - Morton/White Pass 28-21
Josh - Waitsburg/Prescot 35-20

Almira Coulee Hartline vs. Neah Bay
Kevin - Almira Coulee Hartline 48-32
Josh - Neah Bay 24-20

Week 13 results
Kevin: 4-2
Josh: 5-1
Readers: 5-1

Year to date
Kevin: 118-32
Josh: 114-37
Readers: 121-29

Here’s our picks for this week’s 4A, 3A and 2A state semifinal football games.

Be sure to get your votes in on who you think will win. The readers currently hold a two-game lead over me and a seven-game lead over Bellevue sportswriter Josh Suman.

Skyline vs. Woodinville
Kevin - Skyline 28-17
Josh - Skyline 24-13

Lake Stevens vs. Skyview
Kevin - Skyview 38-30
Josh - Lake Stevens 40-38

Kaimiakin vs. Bellevue
Kevin - Bellevue 35-14
Josh - Bellevue 42-0

O’Dea vs. Camas
Kevin - Camas 28-24
Josh - O’Dea 14-10

W.F. West vs. Lynden
Kevin - Lynden 35-21
Josh - Lynden 44-20

Prosser vs. Archbishop Murphy
Kevin - Prosser 24-20
Josh - Archbishop Murphy 35-30

Week 12 results
Kevin: 9-3
Josh: 9-3
Readers: 8-4

Year to date
Kevin: 114-30
Josh: 109-35
Readers: 116-28

OK, not sure why the KingCo 4A has decided to break up all-league football selections within the Crest and Crown divisions? It seems like it pulls away from the prestige of being named a first-team selection for the entire league (just 11 teams).

Regardless, here are the KingCo 4A Crest Division selections, which include 28 first-team members from Eastlake (13), Issaquah (8) and Skyline (7).

Offensive Player of the Year — Max Browne, Skyline
Defensive Player of Year — Peyton Pelluer, Skyline
MVP — Bryan Cassill, Eastlake
Lineman of the Year — Gino Bresolin, Eastlake
Coach of the Year — Gene Dales, Eastlake

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Max Browne, Jr., Skyline; RB Ryan Lewis, Sr., Eastlake; RB Jack Gellatly, So., Issaquah; RB Eric Rodan, Jr., Newport; WR Nikolaj Lacour, Sr., Redmond; WR Taggart Krueger, Sr., Skyline; WR Reed Peterson, So., Issaquah; TE Eric Lemke, Sr., Issaquah; OT Gino Bresolin, Sr., Eastlake; OT Ben Vavra, Sr., Skyline; G Austin Richert, Sr., Issaquah; G Kohl Hedlund, Sr., Eastlake; C Connor Menninger, Sr., Eastlake.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL Gino Bresolin, Sr., Eastlake; DL Eric Lemke, Sr., Issaquah; DL Kepa Hughes, Sr., Eastlake; DL Sean Bradley, Sr., Eastlake; LB Peyton Pelluer, Jr., Skyline; LB Nathan Kubej, Sr., Newport; LB Austin Richert, Sr., Issaquah; LB Eric Rauch, Jr., Issaquah; LB Danny Grotjahn, Sr., Eastlake; LB Sean McDonald, Sr., Eastlake; CB Derek Chapman, So., Issaquah; CB Aaron Jo, Sr., Eastlake; CB Damian Greene, Sr., Skyline; S Bryan Cassill, Sr., Eastlake; S, Colton Teglovic, Sr., Eastlake.

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
P Sean McDonald, Jr., Skyline; K Sean McDonald, Jr., Skyline; returner Bryan Cassill, Sr., Eastlake.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Keegan Kemp, Sr., Eastlake; RB Damian Greene, Sr., Skyline; RB Neil Hones, Sr., Newport; RB Danny Grotjahn, Sr., Eastlake; RB Tyler Sheehan, Jr., Issaquah; WR Brian Quick, Sr., Eastlake; WR Trevor Barney, Jr., Skyline; WR Matt Sinatro, Jr., Skyline; TE Miles Fowler, Jr., Newport; TE Conner Floan, Sr., Redmond; OT Shay Dingfelder, So., Issaquah; OT Jake Conroy, Sr., Eastlake; G Trevor Alexander, Sr., Issaquah; G Spencer Bursek, Sr., Newport; G Brandon Fischer, Sr., Skyline; C Jake Volk, Jr., Issaquah; C Joe Beattie, Sr., Skyline.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL Austin Owen, Sr., Skyline; DL Joe Beattie, Sr., Skyline; DL Trevor Alexander, Sr., Issaquah; DL Conner Floan, Sr., Redmond; LB Devin Benford, Jr., Skyline; LB John Armour, Sr., Eastlake; CB Nate Anderson, Sr., Newport; S Neil Hones, Sr., Newport; S Nic Sblendorio, Jr., Skyline.

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
P Eli Grady, Jr., Redmond; K John Kilburg, Sr., Eastlake; returner Reed Peterson, Jr., Issaquah.

Here are our state quarterfinal picks for 4A, 3A and 2A. Obviously there are some great matchups this weekend, highlighted by Bellevue-Lakes on Friday followed by Saturday’s doubleheader on the Plateau, with Skyline hosting Central Valley and Eastlake hosting Lake Stevens.

Here are Bellevue sportswriter Josh Suman and my thoughts on how things will shake out in the state quarterfinals. Be sure to get your votes in on who you think will win this week. Readers currently hold a three-game lead on me and a eight-game lead on Josh. Scroll to the bottom of the page for results.

BIG 5
Lakes vs. Bellevue
Kevin - This is a matchup people have talked about since the start of the season (unfortunately it’s in the state quarterfinals). The question is, will it live up to the hype? On one side is the disciplined machine that is nationally-ranked Bellevue. The other side, Lakes, presents some of the best athletes in the state with running back Levonte Littlejohn, receiver Cedric Dozier and lineman Zach Banner. Historically, the the well-oiled machine has won this battle. I don’t see it going any differently this time. Bellevue might bend, but never breaks. The same can’t be said for Lakes.
Pick: Bellevue 31-21
Josh - There has been a lot of talk about how the Lakes defense, after experiencing Bellevue’s offense first hand last year in the semi-finals and facing consecutive Wing-T offenses the past two weeks, will be more prepared and better positioned to get some stops this time around. I don’t think that will make a difference. Simply put, Nathan Hale and Mountain View are not Bellevue. No one is. If the Wing-T’s major flaw was ineffectiveness against opponents the second and third times around, Bellevue would not still be winning conference titles, let alone building the program to the level it sits at currently. KingCo like Sammamish and Newport have vacillated between the Wing-T and other three-back, option based offenses for years. But stopping the Totems has never helped anyone stop the Wolverines. The simple fact is that Lakes, while as talented as any team in the state, is going to face the same adjustment period everyone else faces when matching up with the Bellevue offense. The first couple drives of the game will end only one of two ways: a Bellevue touchdown, or a Bellevue turnover. The most important unit in this game is the Bellevue secondary, a group that has not allowed a scoring play of over 20 yards all season. That includes wins over top college quarterback prospects Max Browne, Jeff Lindquist and Luke Falk. The safeties, Michael Carlson and Budda Baker, do a great job of keeping plays in front of them and never allowing a quarterback to take the top off their defense with a big play through the air. Without a deep threat, it’s tough to make any headway against a solid front and well-drilled linebacking corps. Lakes is going to score some points, but they are going to work for whatever they get. In the end, despite what national pundits believe, Bellevue heads back to the Dome.
Pick: Bellevue 38-24

Skyline vs. Central Valley
Kevin - Skyline’s defense continues to get stronger week after week. The Spartans slowed a hot Mead rushing attack on the road last week. They’ll need to do the same this week against Central Valley. The Bears are a run-first team that mixes in the pass. Two running backs — Alex Jacot and Grayson Sykes — along with quarterback Gaven Deyarmin have combined for more than 1,500 yards on the ground. Like last week’s opponent, Mead, it’s doubtful Central Valley has seen a passing attack anywhere near the level of Skyline’s. If the Spartans continue to bear down on defense, 2011 should mark another trip to the Tacoma Dome.
Pick: Skyline 35-21
Josh - I’m definitely impressed with Skyline’s performance last week, knocking off a highly regarded team some five hours from home. I know rankings are fickle, but it’s safe to say us media types likely wrote off the Spartans far too soon after the losses to Bellevue, Lake Oswego (Ore) and finally Eastlake. It was almost as if we all said, “only Skyline OR Eastlake can remain ranked in the top-10″ when the reality all along was that both were top-10 if not top-five teams in the state. No disrespect to Central Valley, but I think Skyline moves on.
Pick: Skyline 40-28

Eastlake vs. Lake Stevens
Kevin - There’s a lot on the line for Eastlake Saturday night as the Wolves look for the program’s first ever trip to the state semifinals. In order to reach the goal, they will have to contain one of the state’s most productive quarterbacks, Jake Nelson. The Lake Stevens signal caller has completed 188 of 262 passes for 2,508 yards, 25 TDs and just five INTs. He’s also rushed for over 600 yards and 14 TDs. Fortunately for the Wolves, they play in one of the best passing conferences in the state and the defense should be prepared. On the flip side, Eastlake quarterback Keegan Kemp has completed 104 of 179 passes for 1,494 yards, 13 TDs, 9 INTs; and has rushed for 520 yards and 10 TDs. With running back Ryan Lewis (1,614 yards, 25 TDs) the Wolves pack a punch of their own. It could be a shootout on the Plateau this Saturday.
Pick: Eastlake 35-24
Josh - Watching Jake Nelson highlights all season, one thing has stuck out more than any other: the kid just makes plays. The scramble that he made to set up the even more improbable touchdown pass in the corner to Christian Gasca was one of the more impressive sequences I can remember from a prep quarterback with so much on the line. It wasn’t so much the plays themselves-the run was set up by some poor tackling and guys with their eyes in the wrong spot- it’s that he looked like he knew what he was going to do the whole time and when he did it, he was the only one who wasn’t surprised. That poise is going to loom large against an Eastlake team that is senior-dominated and hungry to erase the shortcomings of the school’s football past. Keegan Kemp is the X-Factor here. If he manages the game and makes a few plays, his team wins. If he falls apart and turns it over at critical times, the Wolves will not survive.
Pick: Eastlake 22-21

Interlake vs. Lynden
Kevin - The 2A Saints have proven again that the gauntlet they run might not equal the best regular-season record, but it certainly gets them ready for the state tournament. For the second year in a row they are hosting a state quarterfinal game against one of the state’s top 2A teams. Can Interlake take that next step to the semifinals? Lynden is one of those programs that is successful year in and year out, earning three state titles since 2006. Coach Curt Kramme will no doubt have his Lions keyed in on Saints’ star running back Jordan Todd. Interlake might have to have someone else step up Saturday.
Pick: Lynden 32-14
Josh - Kevin is absolutely right, the Saints need someone else to step up and make some game-changing plays on offense, defense and special teams to win this game. I (incorrectly) thought last week would be the point when a disciplined defense was able to slow Jordan Todd enough to give its offense a chance to win the game. Franklin Pierce had no answer whatsoever for Todd, allowing 432 yards and five scores despite entering the game knowing full-well coach Jason Rimkus’ intentions to get his superstar the ball early and often. This week, it’s Lynden’s turn to try and slow Todd and the Saints’ ground game and that means it’s Kamana Adriano’s time to shine. The wiry, athletic quarterback convert has been good enough in 2011 thus far and is one of the toughest kids I’ve covered. He took a shot against Juanita that I thought was going to leave him unconscious on the ground but before the pile was pulled apart, he was already back up woofing at the defense and getting his squad back in the huddle. If the Turman brothers, Ryuji Kawashima and some of the Saints’ other weapons can get loose on the outside to open up the passing game, that’s going to make life a lot easier on Todd. If not, this one is going to look a lot like the quarterfinal loss to Murphy in 2010.
Pick: Interlake 34-33

Woodinville vs. Union
Kevin - Woodinville’s defense is the real deal. In 11 games, the Falcons have allowed an average of under eight points per game. They held Bethel, a team scoring 48 points per game, to just seven points last week. Union is much improved since a 27-10 loss it suffered to Bothell in week one, but I don’t see this return trip to Pop Keeney Stadium going much better for the Titans.
Pick: Woodinville 31-10
Josh - Really tough to go against Woodinville in this one, especially at Pop Keeney and with the low numbers that defense has been holding teams too all season. Union’s schedule also just flat out doesn’t match up to the slate the Falcons weathered.
Pick: Woodinville 34-13

OTHER GAMES
Skyview vs. Bellarmine Prep
Kevin - Skyview 35-28
Josh - Skyview 42-32

Kamiakin vs. Kennewick
Kevin - Kennewick 17-14
Josh - Kamiakin 21-17

Camas vs. Meadowdale
Kevin - Camas 28-21
Josh - Camas 30-10

O’Dea vs. Capital
Kevin - O’Dea 32-21
Josh - O’Dea 24-22

Lakewood vs. W.F. West
Kevin - Lakewood 35-21
Josh - Lakewood 35-14

Archbishop Murphy vs. Othello
Kevin - Archbishop Murphy 28-14
Josh - Archbishop Murphy 44-10

Ellensburg vs. Prosser
Kevin - Prosser 38-34
Josh - Prosser 24-17

Week 11 results
Kevin: 18-6
Josh: 16-8
Readers: 20-4

Year to date
Kevin: 105-27
Josh: 100-32
Readers: 108-24

The 3A and 4A state swim meets take place this weekend with prelims set for Friday and finals for Saturday at the King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way.

Listed below are the 17 individual swimmers and eight relays who will be competing at state. The Skyline swim team is targeting its third straight 4A state title and is in great position to win again with 10 individuals and three relays qualified.

For more information on start times and prices, check the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association site.

SKYLINE
Katie Kinnear – 100 butterfly*, 100 backstroke*
Maria Volodkovich – 200 freestyle, 100 freestyle
Sarah Elderkin – 200 IM, 100 backstroke
Meghan O’Keefe – 100 butterfly, 500 freestyle
Shanley Miller – 200 IM, 100 breaststroke
Kristaley Umezawa – 200 IM, 100 backstroke
Stephanie Munoz – 200 IM
Abby Magee – 100 butterfly
Andi Scarcello – 100 breaststroke
Jessie Dart – 100 breaststroke
200 medley relay* (Elderkin, Scarcello, Kinnear, Volodkevich)
200 freestyle relay (Munoz, Umezawa, Miller, O’Keefe)
400 freestyle relay* (O’Keefe, Volodkevich, Munoz, Kinnear)

ISSAQUAH
Stacey Maier – 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke
Kayla Flatten – 100 freestyle, 100 breaststroke**
Gabrielle Gevers – 50 freestyle
200 medley relay (Maier, Flatten, Kellie-Marie Langan, Gevers)
200 freestyle relay** (Maier, Flatten, Christina Kwon, Gevers)
400 freestyle relay (Gevers, Kayla Foremski, Flatten, Maier)

EASTLAKE
Lily Newton – 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle
Kara Beauchamp – 200 IM, 500 freestyle
Kaela Call – Diving
200 freestyle relay (Beauchamp, JoJo Morlidge, Becca Fabian, Newton)
400 freestyle relay (Erin Alleva, Beauchamp, Fabian, Newton)

EASTSIDE CATHOLIC
Hanna Schwinn – 100 butterfly

*Holds fastest time headed into the state meet
** Holds second fastest time headed into state meet

It’s officially state playoff time, so we decided to expand the field a bit this week. We did our usual “Big 5″ breakdown for teams in our coverage area, then picked scores for all 4A, 3A and 2A games.

Be sure to chime in vote for who you think will win this week. For updated season results on picks, scroll to the bottom of the page. Readers currently hold a one-game lead over me, and a four-game lead over Josh Suman. Nicely done.

BIG 5
Mead vs. Skyline
Kevin - Obviously, living on this side of the mountains, I haven’t seen Mead. I know they run a fly-sweep offense with a ton of motion — and they will pound the ball on the ground. This could be a challenge for Skyline as its one real weakness this season has been stopping the run. That said, I doubt the Panthers have seen a passing offense quite like that of the Spartans. The contrasting styles should equal a very competitive and entertaining game. Even with the long road trip, I give Skyline and its coaching staff a slight edge in this game. They’ve been there before and they will come prepared.
Pick: Skyline 31-28
Josh - On the only road trip Skyline took this season to Lake Oswego, the Spartans’ defense surrendered seven touchdowns. To one running back. As Kevin said, that could be a problem against a run-oriented Mead attack. But the Skyline defense hasn’t been carved up like that since and with Browne leading the passing attack, the offense should be able to do some damage. This game kind of represents the whole 4A tournament to me. A couple of really solid teams, both with impressive resumŽs and an outcome that could go either way. Call it KingCo bias, call it ignorantly siding with history, call it whatever you want, but I like the Spartans.
Pick: Skyline 35-30

Federal Way vs. Eastlake
Kevin - Eastlake got back on track last week, thumping Jefferson 48-0. Don’t expect things to be as easy this week, however, as undefeated Federal Way will present a much larger challenge. Both teams have size on the line with the Eagles led by 6-foot-3, 300-pound Uso Olive and the Wolves led by 6-3, 320-pound James Bradley. Each team has speed in the backfield with Eastlake’s Ryan Lewis (1,462 yards, 23 TDs) and Federal Way’s D.J. May (1,288 yards, 21 TDs). Even looking at common opponents, Snohomish and Jefferson, the Wolves and Eagles are almost identical. Eastlake won 42-14 and 48-0, respectively, while the Federal Way won 41-14 and 34-8. This game could come down to who makes fewer mistakes or big special teams plays. In that case, I give the edge to the Wolves.
Pick: Eastlake 35-27
Josh - I haven’t seen an update on Olive, who did not play last week, or Jordan Pulu, who left last week’s game for Federal Way. If both play, give FW a slight edge at least in terms of personnel because along with May, that is one of most talented trios in the state. No disrespect to Eastlake, but I think Federal Way has the horses to keep up and is battle tested enough to survive.
Pick: Federal Way 28-24

Bellevue vs. Eastside Catholic
Kevin - Eastside Catholic is still reeling after last week’s big 50-33 playoff victory at Oak Harbor. The Crusaders gained some valuable experience defending the Wildcats’ Wing-T offense, but there’s little question that Bellevue executes the run attack better than anyone else in the state — possibly the country. Eastside’s offense is really clicking right now behind quarterback Trey Reynolds and running back Chevy Walker. It will have to be flawless on Friday. Don’t be surprised if they give the Wolverines a scare early on, but depth and experience will be key in this one.
Pick: Bellevue 35-14
Josh - Twenty-eight unanswered points to end a playoff game is impressive, no doubt. If the Crusaders can duplicate their ability to create some turnovers, that is going to bode well. Bellevue, despite opening things up considerably from their teams back in the early 2000s, is still going to beat you by grinding your defense for the entire game and making defenders who are out of position pay with a trip to the end zone. Against Glacier Peak, the Wolverines used a couple interesting wrinkles such as a quick-hitting trap play, to break off big chunks when they needed it most and I think that is going to be the story of this one. Bold predictions: EC wins one quarter of the game and is within two scores at the half. Bellevue wins the other three and never lets the margin get closer.
Pick: Bellevue 42-28

Meadowdale vs. Mercer Island
Kevin - This is a big-time first-round matchup between two quality 3A teams. Can University of Washington-bound quarterback Jeff Lindquist keep the Islanders alive? The senior has completed 130 of 237 passes (55 percent) for 1,839 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s also rushed for 771 yards and 12 TDs. The Mavericks don’t have any one athlete who is shattering record books, but they are consistent. The WesCo regular-season champions use an efficient running attack behind Giavani Shepard and Kyle Newsom and can pass with quarterback Brian Marty when necessary. I think the experience of playing in a tougher conference will make the difference in this one.
Pick: Mercer Island 34-17
Josh - How on earth is Meadowdale going to prepare for Lindquist? He is obviously known for the monster arm (he threw a ball against Bellevue from near midfield that landed 10 yards behind the endzone) but in my opinion, the most dangerous part of his game on the high school level is his ability to run. He’s not fast, but he’s definitely fast enough. And the bigger problem for defenders is he is big and does not fear contact. Tracking him down in the open field is tough enough, but getting him on the ground is even tougher. Like any good quarterback, he keeps his eyes downfield when he runs and can make a loafing secondary pay dearly. The Mavs played only one state playoff team in Edmonds-Woodway and are not nearly as tested as the Islanders, who faced four state playoff teams (Interlake, Bellevue, Mount Si, Seattle Prep). Like Kevin, I think that’s the difference.
Pick: Mercer Island 41-23

Franklin Pierce vs. Interlake
Kevin - Interlake tests itself against some of the best 3A competition in the state during the regular season just for moments like this — the 2A state playoffs. Franklin Pierce isn’t a pushover, however. The Cardinals defeated the same White River team the Saints beat last week (20-13) in a much easier fashion (39-19). Interlake running back Jordan Todd will have to have one of his better performances of the season for the Saints to push through to the next round.
Pick: Franklin Pierce 28-24
Josh - There is no doubt all 22 eyes on the Franklin Pierce defense will be on Todd whenever the Saints have the ball. If they can hold down the shifty Todd, the Cards should be in good shape. But that’s a big if. Quarterback Kamana Adriano has shown flashes at times during the year and if he and his receiving corps can get something rolling through the air early, that will be a huge boost for the Saints’ offense.
Pick: Franklin Pierce 30-28

OTHER GAMES
Kentlake vs. Union
Kevin - Kentlake 28-24
Josh - Kentlake 24-20

Woodinville vs. Bethel
Kevin - Woodinville 34-21
Josh - Woodinville 30-12

Ferris vs. Central Valley
Kevin - Ferris 24-21
Josh - Ferris 30-24

Bellarmine Prep vs. Edmonds-Woodway
Kevin - Bellarmine Prep 35-20
Josh - Bellarmine Prep 21-20

Skyview vs. Kentwood
Kevin - Skyview 35-14
Josh - Skyview 30-14

Lake Stevens vs. Olympia
Kevin - Lake Stevens 35-21
Josh - Lake Stevens 28-21

Lakes vs. Mountain View
Kevin - Lakes 42-7
Josh - Lakes 50-21

Kennewick vs. Southridge
Kevin - Kennewick 42-14
Josh - Kennewick 34-10

Kamiakin vs. Seattle Prep
Kevin - Kamiakin 28-13
Josh - Kamaikin 30-12

Capital vs. Hazen
Kevin - Capital 28-7
Josh - Capital 14-10

O’Dea vs. Mount Si
Kevin - O’Dea 24-23
Josh - O’Dea 35-13

North Thurston vs. Lynden
Kevin - Lynden 28-24
Josh - Lynden 40-14

Sequim vs. W.F. West
Kevin - W.F. West 28-17
Josh - Sequim 21-20

Lakewood vs. Lindbergh
Kevin - Lakewood 35-14
Josh - Lakewood 35-30

Othello vs. Steilacoom
Kevin - Othello 32-14
Josh - Steilacoom 14-10

Tumwater vs. Archbishop Murphy
Kevin - Tumwater 21-17
Josh - Tumwater 24-20

Prosser vs. Spokane-West Valley
Kevin - Prosser 34-14
Josh - Prosser 28-10

Deer Park vs. Ellensburg
Kevin - Deer Park 28-17
Josh - Ellensburg 24-14

Week 10 results
Kevin: 7-3
Josh: 8-2
Readers: 8-2

Year to date
Kevin: 87-21
Josh: 84-24
Readers: 88-20

Here’s The Reporter’s look at the final football rankings of the season, breaking down the final 16 teams in the 4A, 3A and 2A classifications.

There are only 14 teams ranked in 2A because there are two qualifying games remaining Tuesday between West Valley Spokane-East Valley Yakima and Ellensburg-Cheney.

4A
1. Bellarmine Prep (10-0)
2. Woodinville (10-0)
3. Eastlake (9-1)
4. Ferris (9-1)
5. Federal Way (10-0)
6. Mead (9-1)
7. Lake Stevens (10-0)
8. Kentlake (10-0)
9. Skyline (7-3)
10. Skyview (8-2)
11. Olympia (9-1)
12. Bethel (8-2)
13. Central Valley (8-2)
14. Union (8-2)
15. Kentwood (8-2)
16. Edmonds-Woodway (6-4)

3A
1. Bellevue (10-0)
2. Lakes (10-0)
3. O’Dea (10-0)
4. Kamiakin (10-0)
5. Meadowdale (10-0)
6. Camas (9-1)
7. Seattle Prep (9-1)
8. Kennewick (9-1)
9. Mercer Island (8-2)
10. Kennedy Catholic (9-1)
11. Eastside Catholic (7-3)
12. Mountain View (8-2)
13. Mount Si (7-3)
14. Southridge (7-3)
15. Capital (7-3)
16. Hazen (7-2)

2A
1. Lynden (10-0)
2. Prosser (9-1)
3. Tumwater (7-1)
4. North Thurston (9-1)
5. Lakewood (9-1)
6. Archbishop Murphy (9-1)
7. Othello (8-2)
8. Deer Park (9-1)
9. Sequim (9-1)
10. Franklin Pierce (8-2)
11. W.F. West (8-2)
12. Steilacoom (7-3)
13. Interlake (4-6)
14. Lindbergh (6-3)

* West Valley Spokane and East Valley Yakima along with Ellensburg and Cheney are squaring off Tuesday night for the final 2A state playoff berths.

Every now and then things work out perfectly.

Before the high school football season started, I jokingly said in an online chat that I’d love to see Eastside Catholic and Oak Harbor meet up in the 3A playoffs — without really knowing how good each of the teams would be.

As an Oak Harbor graduate and former sports editor at the Whidbey News-Times, the opportunity to return to the old stomping grounds would be too good to pass up.

Well, I got what I wished for.

The Wildcats (8-1) and the Crusaders (6-3) face off at 7 p.m., tomorrow in the state-qualifying round of the 3A tournament with the winner earning a first-round state playoff game against either Bellevue or Glacier Peak.

Not only will it be great to check out Oak Harbor’s new stadium for the first time, but I really think this should be an entertaining game as both teams have a variety of offensive weapons.

The Wildcats have two rushers over 1,200 yards, Josiah Miller (1,204, 19 TDs) and Brent Ryan (1,235, 15 TDs), while the Crusaders have the ever-explosive Chevy Walker (939 combined rushing/receiving, 13 TDs) and quarterback Trey Reynolds (1,736 combined passing/rushing, 14 TDs).

Eastside had two top-ranked teams, O’Dea and Seattle Prep, on the ropes earlier this season, before turnovers cost the Crusaders. If they can hold onto the ball, this game could come down to the wire.

If you’re interested in how Eastside Catholic is doing Friday and can’t make the trip up to Whidbey Island, be sure to follow me on Twitter @issy_sam_sports for scoring updates and more.

Here’s to a great game for both teams.

Side note: Bellevue sports writer, Josh Suman, who does game predictions with me week to week is a graduate of Eastside Catholic. I smell a side bet.

OK, we’re doing things a little different this week as local teams enter the state-qualifying round of the 2A, 3A and 4A football playoffs.

As usual, Bellevue Reporter sportswriter Josh Suman and I looking at games involving all KingCo schools and other Eastside Schools (Eastside Catholic) that fall within our coverage areas.

Because we haven’t seen many of the teams our local schools are playing, we’re not going to provide the usual “Big 5″ in-depth analysis of this week’s games. Instead, we’ll just take our best educated guesses at the final outcomes. You can, however, find brief glances of this Friday’s Eastside Catholic, Eastlake, Issaquah and Skyline games in a story I wrote earlier this week.

Be sure to vote for who you think will win this week. For up-to-date records on this season’s picks scroll to the bottom of the page.

2A
White River vs. Interlake
Kevin - Interlake 28-17
Josh - Interlake 42-28

3A
Bellevue vs. Glacier Peak
Kevin - Bellevue 42-14
Josh - Bellevue 45-6

Mercer Island vs. Ferndale
Kevin - Mercer Island 35-21
Josh - Mercer Island 45-22

Oak Harbor vs. Eastside Catholic
Kevin - Oak Harbor 34-22
Josh - Eastside Catholic 30-20

Peninsula vs. Mount Si
Kevin - Peninsula 28-21
Josh - Peninsula 35-21

4A
Skyview vs. Issaquah
Kevin - Issaquah 35-32
Josh - Issaquah 40-10

Eastlake vs. Jefferson
Kevin – Eastlake 42-7
Josh – Eastlake 35-6

Skyline vs. Monroe
Kevin - Skyline 38-7
Josh - Skyline 50-20

Bethel vs. Bothell
Kevin - Bethel 35-28
Josh - Bethel 30-21

Woodinville vs. Curtis
Kevin - Woodinville 35-14
Josh - Woodinville 28-13

Week 9 results
Kevin: 10-2
Josh: 9-3
Readers: 10-2

Year to date
Kevin: 80-18
Josh: 76-22
Readers: 80-18