The End Zone

Well, here it is, the matchup many in the KingCo 4A have been waiting for all season — Eastlake vs. Skyline. There’s a few other big contests around the league this week, but this one stands out as the marquee matchup.

Be sure to get your votes on who you think will win. Overall season standings are at the bottom of the page.

BIG 5
Eastlake vs. Skyline
Kevin - This one’s for all the marbles in the KingCo Crest with the winner moving on to face Woodinville for the KingCo 4A Championship. These teams have contrasting offensive strengths and have struggled defensively to stop what the other is good at. Eastlake’s offense is run-heavy behind Ryan Lewis and Keegan Kemp, averaging 254 rushing yards per game. Skyline’s offense is pass-heavy behind junior quarterback Max Browne, averaging 342 passing yards per game. Both teams certainly have the motivation. Eastlake has never defeated Skyline (in five attempts). Skyline is used to being ranked No. 1 and doesn’t like sharing a limelight that historically belongs to the Spartans. Who will be able to rise up and make the big stop on Friday? I see this being a high-scoring affair. The team with the least amount of mistakes wins.
Pick: Eastlake 42-38
Josh -This should be one of the most competitive, well played games of the year. Both teams should be confident in their identity and devoid of silly mistakes at this point in the season. Max Browne gets a lot more attention, but Eastlake signal-caller Keegan Kemp is also a solid passer and is dangerous when he decides to take off and run. I would say the Wolves have the advantage because of Ryan Lewis and their run game, but Browne and the passing attack of the Spartans is so dynamic and precise, it can overcome the lack of a dominant rushing performance. I’m going to make a prediction, but pretending like I know who is going to win this game is a farce. But for the perception of Washington high school football and assuming both teams make deep playoff runs, I hope it’s a good one.
Pick: Eastlake 35-34

Bainbridge vs. Eastside Catholic
Kevin - Eastside Catholic has had some of the top Metro teams against the ropes this season, falling just short to O’Dea and Seattle Prep. The Crusaders have another stiff test against Bainbridge — a squad that has suffered similar fate in 2011. The winner gets the No. 3 seed out of the Mountain Division. Neither of these teams need a win, but I expect a close one. Look for Chevy Walker and a couple of special teams plays to be the difference.
Pick: Eastside Catholic 28-24
Josh -The Crusaders have missed on their two biggest opportunities of the year against Seattle Prep and O’Dea. Eastside Catholic badly need this win to salvage an otherwise lost season for first-year head coach Jeremy Thielbahr and I think they get it.
Pick: Eastside Catholic 40-20

Issaquah vs. Newport
Kevin - The winner of this game gets the No. 3 seed headed into the KingCo 4A crossover, the loser falls to No. 4. There’s not much at stake, except for momentum. Something Issaquah will be looking to recover after a tough 44-17 loss to Eastlake last week. Look for the Eagles to pound the ball with sophomore Jack Gellatly and for quarterback Ethan Kalin to rediscover his groove after a tough week (15-44, 2 TDs, 4 INTs).
Pick: Issaquah 35-20
Josh -Newport got exactly what it needed last week by beating Redmond and now has a chance to take a major step forward as a team and program by beating someone from the Crest other than the Mustangs. If Isaac Dotson accounts for five touchdowns like he did last week, the Knights are going to win. Even though the Issaquah defense struggled to finish against Skyline and Eastlake, I think they are going to get enough stops to win.
Pick: Issaquah 34-24

Mount Si vs. Bellevue
Kevin - Mount Si could create some issues atop the KingCo 3A if the Wildcats could pull off an upset over Bellevue. But that’s a big IF. Bellevue has shown no weakness in recent weeks, rolling over weaker opponents. The Wolverines should make another big statement this week, locking up the top seed in their division.
Pick: Bellevue 42-14
Josh - The Wildcats are one of the more respected and consistently good programs in the conference. They have a long tenured coach, a physical mentality on both sides of the ball and will be playing at home on Senior Night in front of a packed house. The official Mount Si football website is telling spectators to “Come see Mount Si Wildcats new uniforms” as well. Oh and did I mention, a win over the Wolverines would clinch a playoff berth for Mount Si? While all of that would spell potential upset for most other teams, Bellevue isn’t most other teams. Even facing some injury questions, I expect the Wolverines to roll.
Pick: Bellevue 42-19

Liberty vs. Interlake
Kevin - Interlake certainly has motivation in this game, hoping to lock up a 2A playoff spot and the Saints are coming off big wins over Sammamish and Lake Washington. Liberty has struggled to find any real groove this season, but I think when it comes down to it, the Patriots size and depth will prevail.
Pick: Liberty 28-20
Josh - The Saints are in prime position to earn one of the three playoff spots from 2A Seamount after last week’s win over Lake Washington, but there is no doubt getting at least one of the final two would have folks around Interlake resting a little easier. Jordan Todd was up to his old tricks again last week against the Kangs and if he can find some room to operate in the Patriots’ defense, his team could be in business. Liberty has been up and down while attempting to replace their top three offensive producers from last year (and probably, in the school’s history) but they have won three of four and two straight after the 0-2 start.
Pick: Liberty 20-18

OTHER GAMES
Roosevelt vs. Woodinville
Kevin - Woodinville 35-14
Josh -Woodinville 44-10

Bothell vs. Ballard
Kevin - Bothell 42-7
Josh - Bothell 42-14

Garfield vs. Inglemoor
Kevin - Inglemoor 35-6
Josh - Inglemoor 35-6

Lake Washington vs. Juanita
Kevin - Juanita 28-13
Josh - Juanita 35-12

Mercer Island vs. Sammamish
Kevin - Mercer Island 45-0
Josh - Mercer Island 55-21

Edmonds-Woodway vs. Redmond
Kevin - Edmonds-Woodway 35-7
Josh - Edmonds-Woodway 40-12

Bellevue Christian vs. Tacoma Baptist
Kevin - Tacoma Baptist 28-14
Josh - Tacoma Baptist 33-32

Week 7 results
Kevin: 11-0
Josh: 11-0
Readers: 11-0

Year to date
Kevin: 59-15
Josh: 56-18
Readers: 59-15

Here’s a unique video compilation I wanted to share. The 5-minute piece was put together by local videographer Cameron Crisp.

A very well done video with a Friday Night Lights feel.

Here are the week seven Reporter Newspaper football polls for 4A, 3A and 2A as voted on by a group of sports writers on the Eastside.

Eastlake holds strong as the No. 1 ranked team in 4A, with Skyline moving up to No. 3. This Friday’s matchup between the Wolves and the Spartans should be one for the ages.

4A
1. Eastlake (7-0)
2. Bellarmine Prep (7-0)
3. Skyline (5-2)
4. Chiawana (7-0)
5. Kentlake (7-0)
6. Olympia (7-0)
7. Ferris (6-1)
8. Federal Way (7-0)
9. Woodinville (7-0)
10. Lake Stevens (7-0)

3A
1. Bellevue (7-0)
2. Lakes (7-0)
3. O’Dea (7-0)
4. Kamiakin (7-0)
5. Meadowdale (7-0)
6. Oak Harbor (7-0)
7. Camas (6-1)
8. Peninsula (6-1)
9. Seattle Prep (7-0)
10. Kennewick (6-1)
Others receiving votes: Mercer Island, Kennedy Catholic

2A
1. Lynden (7-0)
2. Tumwater (5-1)
3. Prosser (6-1)
4. Sequim (7-0)
5. North Thurston (6-1)
6. Archbishop Murphy (6-1)
7. Lakewood (6-1)
8. W.F. West (6-1)
9. Othello (5-2)
10. Cheney (6-1)
Others receiving votes: Deer Park

There are some big games this week, including Eastlake vs. Issaquah and Woodinville vs. Inglemoor.

Below, Bellevue Reporter sportswriter Josh Suman and myself take a shot at the outcomes of this week’s KingCo matchups.

Be sure to get your votes in on who think will when. The readers and I are currently deadlocked for first place with 48-15 records. Up-to-date results from last week and the overall season are at the bottom of the page.

BIG 5
Eastlake vs. Issaquah
Kevin - These two teams played to an exciting triple-overtime finish last season, with Eastlake prevailing 34-33. Both teams have a lot on the line in this week seven matchup. The Wolves enter 6-0 and ranked No. 1 in the latest Reporter Newspaper poll. The Eagles are 5-1 with their only loss coming to rival Skyline. With a win, Eastlake sets up a winner-take-all matchup with Skyline the following week. Issaquah could move itself right back into contention for the Crest championship with a victory. Can the Wolves continue the success they’ve seen in their run game in their toughest matchup yet? Eastlake has 1,595 rushing yards, averaging nearly 266 per game. They’ve also passed for 843 yards (140 yards per game) — and would undoubtedly have more if they didn’t have such large leads in all their games. Issaquah has been solid all season on defense, except the second half of the Skyline game. Take away the bad half, and they only have allowed 10 points per game. In order to have success the Eagles will have to slow the dual threat of running back Ryan Lewis and quarterback Keegan Kemp. They’ll need to force a few turnovers, too. I see this being another close one, but the Wolves just have too many weapons.
Pick: Eastlake 34-21
Josh - Crucial Crest division matchup with the winner remaining in prime position for the 4A KingCo title game and the loser likely relegated to a third-place finish. In the end, I think both of these teams end up in the state tournament but both want that inside track a win will bring. For anyone who went to the Issaquah-Skyline game a few weeks ago, there will likely be a sense of dejavu. Eagles hang tough early, falter late.
Pick: Eastlake 38-24

Inglemoor vs. Woodinville
Kevin - Woodinville can secure the KingCo Crown championship Friday with a victory over Inglemoor. Falcons’ quarterback Brett Arrivey and a relentless group of running backs led by Alec Schwend have rolled over Crown opponents this season. Inglemoor provides a big test with its stingy defense, but Woodinville is a focused group.
Pick: Woodinville 28-14
Josh - Woodinville may be the biggest surprise in the state thus far in 4A with that perfect record, which will likely remain in tact at least until the 4A KingCo title game. The Falcons should have the edge in this one on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Woodinville 35-20

Liberty vs. Mercer Island
Kevin - The only real comparison I have for these two teams is their performance against a formidable opponent in Mount Si. Mercer Island routed the Wildcats, while the Patriots fell by three points, 16-13. From all indications Islander quarterback Jeff Lindquist and his receivers are clicking at the perfect time. Liberty is never an easy place to play, and both teams know second place in the KingCo 3A is on the line. I just think Mercer Island has the edge in this one.
Pick: Mercer Island 32-20
Josh - The Islanders walloped Mount Si last Thursday and are in control of their own destiny for the second playoff spot from 3A KingCo. The Patriots’ defense allowed 62 points to Skyline in the opener but has been much improved since. In wins, Liberty is allowing just over nine points per game. In losses that number jumps to over 33 points. Jeff Lindquist has been on fire and unless Liberty finds a way to slow the M-I passing game, it could be a long night.
Pick: Mercer Island 44-28

Skyline vs. Jackson
Kevin - On paper, these two teams have the same record. In reality, this one shouldn’t even be close. Jackson’s defense has serious holes in it, allowing 30 points to Snohomish, 49 to Arlington and 63 to Edmonds-Woodway. That doesn’t add up very well for the Timberwolves who will face one the most efficient offenses in the state. Look for Skyline quarterback Max Browne to put up big numbers on homecoming night.
Pick: Skyline 48-10
Josh - Skyline doesn’t need to win this game for the standings, but they do need to win. After the 1-2 start and two deflating defeats at the hands of Bellevue and Lake Oswego Ore., the Spartans have built the momentum they will need in the playoffs. Now is not the time to take a step backwards. Jackson has some weapons on offense in quarterback Sam Brown and running backs Trai Patrick and Trevante Robinson. If the T-Wolves can build some momentum early, say a quick score and takeaway, things could stay interesting into the second half. But if the Spartans can keep the athletic Brown in check, they should roll.
Pick: Skyline 48-12

Juanita vs. Mount Si
Kevin - Mount Si looks to rebound after its first KingCo 3A loss, while Juanita is just trying to stay above water. The Rebels have struggled this season with a 2-4 record, while the Wildcats (4-2) are still in the hunt for a top three finish. This will be a grind-it-out game on the ground. The only question is whose backs will have bigger games?
Pick: Mount Si 28-14
Josh - Juanita has fallen back to the pack after last year’s run to the state playoffs and never was that more apparent than in last week’s 42-14 thrashing at the hands of Bellevue. That game was 21-14 last season, for a point of reference. Mount Si needs this one to keep pace with Mercer Island and especially Liberty, which the Wildcats beat and hold the tiebreaker over. Only three from KingCo get spots in the play-in round of 32 and that means either Liberty, Mercer Island or Mount Si are going to get left out in the cold. If I had to guess which team that will be, I wouldn’t choose the Wildcats.
Pick: Mount Si 32-9

Ballard vs. Roosevelt
Kevin - Roosevelt 28-24
Josh - Roosevelt 31-10

Redmond vs. Newport
Kevin - Newport 35-7
Josh - Newport 40-14

Sammamish vs. Bellevue
Kevin - Bellevue 55-0
Josh - Bellevue 40-6

Interlake vs. Lake Washington
Kevin - Interlake 28-21
Josh - Interlake 35-13

Eastside Catholic vs. Blanchet
Kevin - Eastside Catholic 35-14
Josh - Eastside Catholic 40-8

Bellevue Christian vs. Darrington
Kevin - Bellevue Christian 28-13
Josh - Bellevue Christian 32-20

Week 6 results
Kevin: 11-1
Josh: 10-2
Readers: 12-0

Year to date
Kevin: 48-15
Josh: 45-18
Readers: 48-15

In an effort to give back to soldiers who have made sacrifices for their country, the Eastlake football will support Operation Bald Eagle at Friday’s homecoming game against Issaquah.

Coach Gene Dales and his team encourage community members to bring school supplies to be donated to the children of military personnel stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Donated items could be anything from paper and pencils, to backpacks or calculators.

Marines will be present to collect these items and distribute them to the children of Fort Lewis.

Dr. Mark Nelson, of Nelson Orthodontics, will sell $5 raffle tickets during the game to raise money for the Operation Bald Eagle benevolence fund, supporting families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty serving in the military, police or fire services.

Raffle participants must be 18 or over to purchase or win. Winners don’t have to be present.

For more information please contact Stephanie Doyle at dsilb@hotmail.com.

Here are the week seven Reporter Newspaper football polls for 4A, 3A and 2A as voted on by a group of sports writers on the Eastside.

4A
1. Eastlake (6-0)
2. Ferris (6-0)
3. Bellarmine Prep (6-0)
4. Chiawana (6-0)
5. Skyline (4-2)
6. Kentlake (6-0)
7. Olympia (6-0)
8. Federal Way (6-0)
9. Woodinville (6-0)
10. Lake Stevens (6-0)
Others receiving votes: Issaquah

3A
1. Bellevue (6-0)
2. Lakes (6-0)
3. O’Dea (6-0)
4. Kamiakin (6-0)
5. Meadowdale (6-0)
6. Camas (5-1)
7. Oak Harbor (6-0)
8. Peninsula (5-1)
9. Seattle Prep (6-0)
10. Kennewick (6-0)
Others receiving votes: Kennedy, Auburn Mountainview

2A
1. Lynden (6-0)
2. Tumwater (4-1)
3. Prosser (5-1)
4. Sequim (6-0)
5. North Thurston (5-1)
6. Lakewood (5-1)
7. W.F. West (5-1)
8. Archbishop Murphy (5-1)
9. Spokane West Valley (5-1)
10. Port Angeles (6-0)
Others receiving votes: Othello, Cheney, Mount Baker

Left to right are coach Freddy Walsh, James Wu, Cameron Coe, Rachael Bear, Megan Bastian, Rachael DeCaires, Ryan Hung, Stuart Toda, Melanie Lee and coach Jason Chapman.

Members of the Robinswood United States Tennis Association 14U team will participate in the 14U Junior Nationals Oct. 20-23 in Surprise, Ariz.

Two of the participants, Rachel Bear and Megan Bastian, are from Sammamish. Bear attends Skyline and Bastian attends Eastside Catholic.

Other members attending the championships are James Wu (Newport), Cameron Coe (Mercer Island), Rachael DeCaires (St. Louise School), Ryan Hung (Newport), Stuart Toda (Mercer Island) and Melanie Lee (Mercer Island).

Here are our week-six football predictions for KingCo, along with Eastside Catholic and Bellevue Christian. There are some big games this week, including Mercer Island vs. Mount Si and Woodinville vs. Bothell.

Be sure to get your votes in on who you think will win this week. Up-to-date season standings are at the bottom of the of the page.

BIG 5
Mercer Island vs. Mount Si
Kevin- Second place in the KingCo 3A is on the line Thursday when Mount Si (4-1) and Mercer Island (3-2) clash. The Wildcats are on a roll since losing their season opener, while Mercer Island is looking for a rebound after last week’s loss to nationally-ranked Bellevue. Jeff Lindquist and the Islanders’ pass attack will be the best Mount Si has seen. Will their defensive backs be able to step up? The Wildcats have found success with their grind-it-out run game. This should be a fun matchup.
Pick: Mercer Island 24-22
Josh- The Wildcats have continued to find ways to pick up wins after their opening week loss to Woodinville. This is probably the only time all season I’ll talk about a kicker, but Cameron VanWinkle is a weapon for Mount Si. It’s hard enough to get stops without having to worry about a guy knocking in 40-yard field goals. In the same position where most high school teams would be forced to choose between going for it on fourth down and punting to pin an opponent, Mount Si can just tack on a quick three points. That has been valuable all season and will continue to be so this week against an Islanders’ squad that is more than capable of putting points up. Lindquist gets his both on the ground and in the passing game, but its just not enough.
Pick: Mount Si 30-27

Woodinville vs. Bothell
Kevin- This KingCo 4A showdown will likely determine the Crown champion. Is Woodinville for real at 5-0? It would appear so. The Falcons’ defense has allowed just 17 points in five games and have three shutouts to their credit. The skeptic might say those wins came against soft opponents (minus the week one road win at Mount Si). Bothell (3-2) has had its struggles this season, mainly stemming from inconsistent quarterback play and injuries on the offensive line. This could very well be Woodinville’s first win over its rival since 2005. One thing’s for certain, it will be a fun one to watch.
Pick: Woodinville 28-20
Josh- Big time division showdown here, with Woodinville still sporting that undefeated record and the Cougars looking to keep the momentum rolling after their two point Spaghetti Bowl win last week over Inglemoor. The winner is poised to make a run to the 4A KingCo title game and history will be on the side of the Cougars, who haven’t lost to the Falcons since back in 2005. The Bothell quarterback situation will be interesting to watch in this one, particularly against a Woodinville defense that already has ten interceptions (and six touchdowns) this season.
Pick: Woodinville 35-25

Newport vs. Skyline
Kevin- Newport struggled against one dynamic offense last week, and things certainly won’t get any easier this week for the Knights. Skyline (3-2) has found its groove after starting the season 1-2. Spartans’ quarterback Max Browne is averaging over 300 yards and three TDs per game. Expect another big game from the junior.
Pick: Skyline 42-14
Josh-The Knights were buried early in last week’s loss to Eastlake, which has been a theme in both of their losses in 2011. If they can manage to hang onto the football and maybe even create a turnover or two of their own, this one could stay close. But if Max Browne and his receiving corps is hitting on all cylinders, that likely won’t happen. I’ve seen Newport twice this season (against Interlake and Bothell) and they are definitely capable of playing sound, productive football at times. But not often enough to beat a team like the Spartans. Even with their trouble against the run, (see: seven touchdowns allowed to one RB against Lake Oswego) it’s unlikely Newport will be able to mount a consistent enough attack to keep this one interesting.
Pick: Skyline 44-28

Mariner vs. Eastlake
Kevin- The big question as to whether or not Mariner has a chance in this one is whether or not KeiVarae Russell will be healthy. The talented running back exited last week’s game against Cascade with a first-quarter ankle injury and his status is unknown for this week. Regardless, Eastlake’s defense was a force against a solid Newport rushing attack last week, holding the Knights to 90 yards.
The undefeated Wolves will just have to be careful to not look ahead too far with games against Issaquah and Skyline looming.
Pick: Eastlake 42-20
Josh-The Wolves take their show on the road to face the Marauders’ sensational offensive weapon KeiVarae Russell, the consensus top running back in the state for the class of 2011. The Mariner superstar has struggled with injuries this season and his team has struggled to do much of anything. Eastlake won’t take this one lightly, but it should serve as a nice tune-up before facing Issaquah and then Skyline to close the regular season.
Pick: Eastlake 55-9

Sammamish vs. Interlake
Kevin- Sammamish is on a high after getting its first KingCo win in four years, while Interlake is still in search of that illusive ‘W.’ That said, I’ll take it easy on the 2A Saints, who have lost to quality 3A and 4A opponents the last five weeks. Look for Interlake back Jordan Todd to have a big performance as Interlake targets a much-needed win. The Totems are certainly an improved team, but I see the win streak falling.
Pick: Interlake 32-20
Josh- The Totems picked up a program defining win last week over Lake Washington, in overtime nonetheless. But bringing the Crossroads Cup back to Sammamish for the first time since 2006 will likely take an even better performance. Austin Lee broke out in a big way last week, scoring on four touchdown runs. Nick Meyers also went over 100 yards and with Acie Black as another force in the backfield, the Saints’ defense is going to have plenty to contend with. When Interlake has the ball, look for the Totems to stack the box against Jordan Todd (just as every other Saints’ opponent has and will for the rest of the year). The deciding factor is going to be who wins the battle on the outside. If Ryan and Evan Turman and the rest of the Interlake receiving corps can win matchups with Sammamish defensive backs, the Saints are going to win. If the Totems can get pressure on Kamana Adriano and disrupt the timing of the passing game, they will likely generate enough offense to get the victory. But I’m leaning with Todd and the Saints in this one.
Pick: Interlake 34-32 OT

OTHER GAMES
Bellevue vs. Juanita
Kevin- Bellevue 45-7
Josh- Bellevue 40-6

Redmond vs. Issaquah
Kevin- Issaquah 42-7
Josh- Issaquah 55-10

Eastside Catholic vs. O’Dea
Kevin- O’Dea 34-24
Josh- O’Dea 40-20

Lake Washington vs. Liberty
Kevin- Liberty 38-7
Josh- Liberty 38-14

Inglemoor vs. Roosevelt
Kevin- Inglemoor 34-28
Josh- Inglemoor 42-28

Ballard vs. Garfield
Kevin- Ballard 21-14
Josh- Ballard 24-20

Concrete vs. Bellevue Christian
Kevin- Concrete 35-14
Josh- Concrete 30-27

Week 5 results
Kevin: 10-1
Josh: 8-3
Readers: 10-1

Year to date
Kevin: 37-14
Josh: 35-16
Readers: 36-15

Here’s a great photo submitted to me over the weekend by reader Robert Taaffe. The picture was taken by Paul Gibian and captures Sam Taaffe of Skyline JV Black getting airborne for a touchdown against Issaquah Gold.

The Spartans won the Greater Eastside Junior Football Association game, 24-19, on a last second touchdown.

Here are the week six Reporter Newspaper football polls for 4A, 3A and 2A as voted on by a group of sports writers on the Eastside.

Eastlake took back over the top slot after a convincing 52-14 victory over Newport. Skyline holds strong at No. 5, while Issaquah earned mention again after thumping Kamiak 42-7.

4A
1. Eastlake (5-0)
2. Ferris (5-0)
3. Chiawana (5-0)
4. Bellarmine Prep (5-0)
5. Skyline (3-2)
6. Kentlake (5-0)
7. Olympia (5-0)
8. Federal Way (5-0)
9. Lake Stevens (5-0)
10. Woodinville (5-0)
Others receiving votes: Issaquah

3A
1. Bellevue (5-0)
2. Lakes (5-0)
3. O’Dea (5-0)
4. Kamiakin (5-0)
5. Meadowdale (5-0)
6. Camas (4-1)
7. Oak Harbor (5-0)
8. Mount Si (4-1)
9. Peninsula (4-1)
10. Bonney Lake (4-1)
Others receiving votes: Seattle Prep, Kennewick

2A
1. Lynden (5-0)
2. Tumwater (3-1)
3. Prosser (4-1)
4. Lakewood (5-0)
5. North Thurston (4-1)
6. Sequim (5-0)
7. W.F. West (4-1)
8. Spokane West Valley (4-1)
9. Othello (3-2)
10. Port Angeles (5-0)
Others receiving votes: Cheney, Mount Baker