The End Zone

Ballard and Skyline losses on Thursday put me in an early 0-2 hole in last week’s picks. Fortunately, I bounced back over the next two days to finish 9-2 overall. My record now sits at 84-22 overall. For the second week in a row, Bellevue sportswriter Joel Willits benefited from an upset, when Bothell knocked off Skyline 25-20. Joel also finished 9-2 last week, however, missing Juanita over Mercer Island and Garfield over Ballard. He is now 89-17 on the season.

This week we are picking all 3A and 4A state-qualifying games, along with the KingCo’s lone 2A squad, Interlake. That equals 33 games, and provides a great chance to pick up some ground. Without further ado, here is a breakdown of all of this week’s 3A and 4A playoff games.

2A

Interlake Saints (6-3) vs. North Mason Bulldogs (8-1)
Kevin- Interlake might have fewer wins, but the Saints play in a much tougher division than the Bulldogs. Experience will pay off. Pick: Interlake 42-14
Joel- Interlake punched its ticket to the state tournament’s first round with a 35-20 win over the Bulldogs last season. This year’s Bulldogs squad is better – they beat Eastside Catholic earlier this season – but I doubt they’ve seen an offense quite like the Saints’ this season. Interlake is coming off a year in which they held their own against Class 3A playoff foes, including a big win over playoff-bound Mount Si. This one may be close, but the Interlake offense gets them the win. Pick: Interlake 42-28

3A

Bellevue Wolverines (7-2) vs. Rainier Beach Vikings (6-3)
Kevin- Bellevue has found itself and that is bad news for Rainier Beach. This one will be over quickly. Pick: Bellevue 45-0
Joel- I’ll be at this one, but I’m not thinking its going to be close. Bellevue, finally healthy, cruises over the Vikings. They’ll have a healthy halftime lead in this one. Pick: Bellevue 49-7

Meadowdale Mavericks (9-0) vs. Renton Indians (6-3)
Kevin- WesCo might not be the strongest conference, but the Seamount is weaker. Meadowdale should keep its unbeaten streak alive. Pick: Meadowdale 28-7
Joel- Score one for Meadowdale – Mavericks get the win. Pick: Meadowdale 28-7

Ferndale Golden Eagles (7-2) vs. West Seattle Wildcats (6-3)
Kevin- Ferndale has caught fire of late, winning its last five games — including victories over quality opponents Everett, Mount Vernon and Stanwood. West Seattle did well in a weak Metro Sound Division. Pick: Ferndale 35-14
Joel- No Casey Locker, no problem. Golden Eagles take out West Seattle in Ferndale. Pick: Ferndale 35-17

O’Dea Fighting Irish (8-1) vs. Bonney Lake Panthers (6-3)
Kevin- New Bonney Lake head coach Chad Barrett (former Skyline defensive coordinator) has done a great job with the Panthers in his first season. A state-qualifying matchup against O’Dea will likely be where his season ends, however. The Irish just possess too much talent. Pick: O’Dea 32-20
Joel- I’ve had O’Dea as high as No. 3 in my polls this season and with good reason – their only loss has came to Bothell, who if you didn’t hear, just knocked off a team that hadn’t lost in more than two years. O’Dea rolls. Pick: O’Dea 44-28

Nathan Hale Raiders (5-4) vs. Columbia River Chieftains (4-5)
Kevin- Nathan Hale fared well (5-1) within the Metro Sound, but was 0-3 outside its division. Columbia River is on a three-game win streak. Two of the Chieftains losses have come against two of the tougher 3A teams in the state (Union and Camas). Pick: Columbia River 21-14
Joel- I’m giving this one to Columbia River on the basis of conference strength. Pick: Columbia River 21-12

Seattle Prep Panthers (7-2) vs. North Thurston Rams (6-3)
Kevin- North Thurston stumbles into this game with a two-game losing streak. Seattle Prep continues its unexpected season of success, taking its last four. It will be a close game, but home-field advantage pushes the Panthers over the top. Pick: Seattle Prep 28-24
Joel- Scrappy Panthers team led by Nick Holt gets the job done against the Rams. Pick: Seattle Prep 14-10

Timberline Blazers (9-0) vs. Kennedy Catholic Lancers (6-3)
Kevin- Timberline has dominated this season, beating its opponents by an average margin of 28 points. Kennedy is the third best team in a weak division. Pick: Timberline 35-14
Joel- Timberline cruises. Pick: Timberline 35-7

Lindbergh Eagles (8-1) vs. Bainbridge Spartans (5-4)
Kevin- It’s hard to judge how good Lindbergh is not having played many solid opponents. The Eagles’ one loss was a 46-10 blowout to a Juanita team that didn’t make the playoffs. Bainbridge lost to really bad Blanchet team, then bounced back to crush Rainier Beach. Tough call on this one. Pick: Bainbridge 28-22
Joel- Eagles have a big playmaker in Frank Cange – 23 touchdowns rushing, two receiving. Pick: Lindbergh 35-14

Lakes Lancers (9-0) vs. Everett Seagulls (5-5)
Kevin- Not a very even matchup here. Lakes has steamrolled opponents this season, with no margin closer than 21. They beat 4A Lincoln 67-7. Pick: Lakes 48-7
Joel- Lakes features one of the most stacked rosters around, with multiple players sporting Division-I offers – including monster DT Sione Potatoe’. Lancers roll in this one. Pick: Lakes 53-7

Capital Cougars (6-3) vs. Enumclaw Hornets (7-2)
Kevin- This is a good state-qualifying matchup with two solid teams. Capital has played a slightly tougher schedule, and is more battle-tested. Pick: Capital 28-14
Joel- Stingy Enumclaw defense has allowed over 20 points just three times this season. Hornets pull out the win on the road. Pick: Enumclaw 24-17

Hazen Highlanders (7-3) vs. Mount Si Wildcats (5-4)
Kevin- Mount Si came on very strong at the end of the season. They were tripped up a bit by Liberty headed into the playoffs, but are still stronger than anyone from the Seamount. Pick: Mount Si 35-13
Joel- I think the Wildcats are one of the state’s hottest teams. Mount Si should benefit from a tough regular season schedule to beat Hazen, benefactor of playing in the Seamount conference. Pick: Mount Si 22-21

Peninsula Seahawks (8-1) vs. Glacier Peak Grizzlies (7-2)
Kevin- This should be another good matchup in the round of 32. Both teams have had success running and throwing the ball this season, setting up a possible high scoring affair. Pick: Glacier Peak 34-32
Joel- The Grizzlies were one of the state’s best stories last year, making the playoffs as a first-year school. But Peninsula has hit its stride and should come out on top. Pick: Peninsula 28-14

Union Titans (8-1) vs. Olympic Trojans (6-3)
Kevin- Last year’s state runner-up has followed up with another strong season. Are they on their way to another run at the Tacoma Dome? They’ll have to find a way to slow Trojan running back Larry Dixon (1,725 yards, 26 TDs) if they hope to do so. Pick: Union 28-14
Joel- Last year’s state runners-up continue on to the first round. Pick: Union 22-7

Camas Papermakers (7-2) vs. Liberty Patriots (8-1)
Kevin- It’s a long road trip for the Patriots, and the Papermakers are no slouch. This is a tough draw for Liberty, but quarterback Trey Wheeler should lead his team to victory. Pick: LIberty 28-20
Joel- The game of the round of 32. Liberty, ranked as the No. 2 3A team the majority of the year, hits the road. I think strength of conference play will serve a major factor here and I see Liberty’s offense doing enough to win. Pick: Liberty 35-28

Mount Spokane Wildcats (8-1) vs. Sunnyside Grizzlies (3-5)
Kevin- Mount Spokane has rolled over 3A opponents on the east side of the mountains. I see no reason why that will change. Pick: Mount Spokane 42-7
Joel- Mount Spokane hung with the big dogs in Spokane’s GSL. They’ll take care of business against the Grizzlies. Pick: Mount Spokane 42-7

Hanford Falcons (3-6) vs. East Valley (Spokane) Knights (3-5)
Kevin- Quite honestly, this game is a complete toss up. Two teams are playing to get into state, and neither probably belong. Basing this off the fact that when East Valley has won, they have dominated, I will choose the Knights. Pick: East Valley 21-18
Joel- Seems somewhat unfair that one of these two teams will move on, while either Liberty or Camas will watch from home, doesn’t it? Pick: East Valley 14-13

4A

Jackson Timberwolves (9-0) vs. Eastlake Wolves (6-3)
Kevin- Eastlake has an incredible amount of talent at its skill positions. The problem for the Wolves has been injuries on the line. Will they have enough depth to take down undefeated Jackson? I’m certainly not sold on the strength of WesCo. I think Eastlake has a legitimate shot of pulling off a big upset here. I just have a feeling injuries might catch up with the Wolves in the end. Pick: Jackson 32-28
Joel- This one’s tough. Jackson has been perfect this year, but the strength of the WesCo is debatable. Eastlake is like Jekyl and Hyde. One week, they’re great, the next, they’re full of mistakes. Pick: Jackson 14-13

Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks (9-0) vs. Graham-Kapowsin Eagles (6-3)
Kevin- Marysville-Pilchuck is the class of a struggling WesCo North. I don’t see the Tomahawks going far, but I see them winning the battle of hyphenated teams and getting into the round of 16. Pick: Marysville-Pillchuck 34-20
Joel- Eagles will keep it close, but Marysville gets the win. Pick: Marysville-Pilchuck 28-21

Bothell Cougars (9-0) vs. Stanwood Spartans (4-5)
Kevin- Can you say mismatch? This game could get ugly, and get ugly fast. Stanwood has yet to face a team with Bothell’s talent — this could be a huge shock to the system. Pick: Bothell 54-0
Joel- Blue Train keeps rolling. Pick: Bothell 48-0

Skyline Spartans (7-2) vs. Kentridge Chargers (6-3)
Kevin- I haven’t seen Kentridge play, but I’ve heard they have a very questionable offense. Skyline’s offense is far from questionable. Angry to redeem themselves after a loss to Bothell, I don’t expect this to be much of a game. Jake Heaps should have a hey day against the blitz-heavy Chargers. Pick: Skyline 42-7
Joel- Skyline rebounds from last week’s loss to Bothell with a resounding win over Kentridge. Pick: Skyline 48-12

Curtis Vikings (9-0) vs. Wilson Rams (6-3)
Kevin- Curtis quarterback Tyler Jamison has completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,500 yards and 20 TDs. The running attack of Jason Walker and Richard Southern have tallied nearly 1,300 yards and 19 TDs. I expect the Vikings to remain undefeated, and move into the round of 16. Pick: Curtis 35-14
Joel- Curtis moves on, Wilson goes home. Pick: Curtis 35-0

Auburn Trojans (9-0) vs. Kamiak Knights (4-5)
Kevin- Auburn recently lost its top player Chris Young to suspension, but the Trojans still pack a powerful punch. Kamiak has struggled in a weak WesCo. I expect Auburn to move on with ease. Pick: Auburn 35-7
Joel- The Trojans state title hopes were dealt a huge blow when the team suspended UW-bound running back and safety Chris Young, along with two other players, for the rest of the season. They’ll still have enough to beat the Knights. Pick: Auburn 46-0

South Kitsap Wolves (9-0) vs. Heritage Timberwolves (4-5)
Kevin- The once powerful South Kitsap Wolves have worked their way back to the top of the Narrows League. Heritage slid into the playoffs with a 4-5 record. The Timberwolves rely heavily on quarterback Garrett Grayson, who has completed 73 percent of his passes for 2,5717 yards and 16 TDs. He is also the team’s leading rusher with 874 yards and eight TDs. If the Wolves can shut him down, they move on with ease. Pick: South Kitsap 35-7
Joel- Wolves win this one, and it’s not close. Pick: South Kitsap 49-0

Bethel Braves (8-1) vs. Lake Stevens Vikings (5-4)
Kevin- Bethel has rolled over opponents winning its last seven games. Lake Stevens has limped into the playoffs losing three of its last five games. One of those losses came to a weak Oak Harbor team. This is a case of two teams headed in opposite directions. Pick: Bethel 42-14
Joel- You have to think at some point there will be an upset. But it won’t be this game. Pick: Bethel 45-20

Kentwood Conquerors (7-2) vs. Issaquah Eagles (6-3)
Kevin- This is a rematch of last year’s state qualifier, a game that Issaquah jumped out to a fast start in, then had to fend off the Conks late. I expect this to be another close contest. The Eagles should get back running back Grant Gellatly for this one. Will he finally be up to full strength after healing his hamstrings most of the season? Pick: Issaquah 28-24
Joel- And here it is. Issaquah has been playing well, with the exception of their drubbing at the hands of Skyline. Pick: Issaquah 21-20

Olympia Bears (7-1) vs. Rogers Rams (6-3)
Kevin- This should be a close game between two evenly matched squads. I’ll give the Bears the nod on their home field, but this one could come down the wire. Pick: Olympia 17-14
Joel- Bears win in a game between teams I’m largely unknowledgeable of. Pick: Olympic 20-17

Skyview Storm (7-2) vs. Federal Way Eagles (8-2)
Kevin- Federal Way is one of the hottest teams in the state coming into the tournament, winning seven straight games. Skyview has won six straight since losing a non-league matchup to Marysville-Pilchuck in week three. Federal Way can run the ball, and the last team to beat the Storm (Marysville) could do the same. Pick: Federal Way 27-21
Joel- Eagles flew into round of 32 by knocking off Gig Harbor; I see another win in this one. Pick: Federal Way 30-21

Mead Panthers (7-2) vs. Southridge Suns (8-1)
Kevin- I won’t try to pretend I know much about either of these teams. Looking at strength of schedule I’ll give the nod to Mead in this one. They lost just by a touchdown to a strong Mount Spokane team. Pick: Mead 24-21
Joel- Southridge attempts to prove the Columbia Basin Big Nine is no joke. I think they’ll do it. Pick: Southridge 17-14

Eisenhower Cadets (9-0) vs. Walla Walla Blue Devils (6-3)
Kevin- These two teams have already squared off once this season with Eisenhower thumping Walla Walla, 37-7. The Cadets are one of the strongest teams east of the Cascades. I expect the result to be similar to the first meeting. Pick: Eisenhower 35-14
Joel- Ike rolls to another win. Pick: Eisenhower 28-0

Central Valley Bears (6-3) vs. Kamiakin Braves (7-2)
Kevin- Central Valley is limping into the playoffs, losing three of its last four games. Kamiakan has done so-so in a weak division. This one could go either way. I give Central Valley the advantage at home. Pick: Central Valley 14-7
Joel- CV gets this GSL-CBBN contest. Pick: Central Valley 14-13

Wentachee Panthers (9-0) vs. Ferris Saxons (6-3)
Kevin- This isn’t the same Ferris team that pushed Skyline to the brink last season. The Saxons have dropped two of their last three games. Wenatchee has rolled through the Big Nine. I anticipate the Panthers will keep rolling on their home field. Pick: Wenatchee 28-14
Joel- Saxons survived mini-playoff, but will fall to Panthers. Pick: Wenatchee 25-21