Here’s a look at the best Washington high school sports action of the weekend. We’ll go with the most intriguing state quarterfinal football matchup in each classification and take a look at the two key Class 4A state semifinal matchups in girls soccer.
Here is this week’s edition of Game Tracker:
Football
Skyline (9-2) at Curtis (11-0) – Saturday at Curtis High School, 7 p.m.
The team of the 1990s takes on the team of the new century in this classic Class 4A state quarterfinal. Curtis won three state football titles in the 1990s – and another in 1989 – and is trying to remain in contention to go after another. But the Vikings from University Place, near Tacoma, face Jake Heaps, Kasen Williams and the rest of the Skyline Spartans, who are coming off a 63-14 victory over South Kitsap and are playing at a different level than most.
The pick: Skyline 40, Curtis 20.
Zach Banner, offensive lineman for Lakes High School in Lakewood, Wash., August 31, 2009 (photo by Ron Newberry).
Lakes (11-0) vs. Mount Spokane (10-1) – Saturday at Albi Stadium, Spokane, 1 p.m.
The Lancers’ fearsome defense faces a new wrinkle against a high-powered spread offense that features quarterback Travis Ward and slotback Colten Williams, who’s one to keep an eye on. Lakes is trying to get back to the Class 3A state semifinals, whereas Mount Spokane is having its best season ever with its only loss coming to 4A quarterfinalist Ferris. Mount Spokane has seen some excellent offensive lines in the Greater Spokane League but nothing like the one at Lakes that features University of Washington-bound senior Sione Potoa’e (6-3, 285) and sophomore Zach Banner (6-8, 285).
The pick: Lakes 36, Mount Spokane 17.
Mark Morris (10-1) vs. Ellensburg (11-0) – Friday at Lampson Stadium, Kennewick, 7 p.m.
Forget about the Greater St. Helens League’s track record in the playoffs. This is a Mark Morris team to be reckoned with in this Class 2A encounter. Ellensburg already has found the postseason road to be a bit more challenging than the regular season and things only get tougher against Mark Morris, which is senior dominated and has a tough defense. The trouble for Mark Morris is that strong-armed Ellensburg quarterback Ethan Sterkel (6-3, 210) is one tough customer himself.
The pick: Ellensburg 24, Mark Morris 23.
Cascade Christian (11-0) vs. Montesano (11-0) – Saturday at Tumwater Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Montesano coach Terry Jensen has a lot of respect for this Cascade Christian bunch in this Class 1A battle. He considers Cascade Christian well-coached and a team that executes well. Montesano’s defense is one of the biggest stories of Washington’s 2009 high school football season as the Bulldogs have posted nine shutouts. But Montesano’s offense is powerful, too, behind Ryan Campbell (1,071 yards rushing, 21 touchdowns) and quarterback Josh Tyler (1,156 yards passing, 18 touchdowns, 6 interceptions). Defensively, Montesano is led by Kurt Fry (88 tackles), Tyler Fry (six interceptions), Campbell (89 tackles) and Dylan McDougall (nine sacks).
“Cascade Christian is well coached, fast and physical,” Montesano coach Terry Jensen said. “Everything they do, they do well. They believe in their systems. It’s the best team we have seen.”
The pick: Montesano 33, Cascade Christian 17.
Adna (10-0) vs. Napavine (9-2) – Friday at Tumwater Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
These rival teams met before early this season with Adna coming out on top, 18-7, in Napavine. They sort of figured they’d be seeing each other again. Napavine is the defending 2B state champion and has gotten better as the season has progressed.
“Adna is an outstanding football team,” Napavine coach Josh Fay said. “They are well coached and have multiple weapons. They have an innovate quick-hitting offense and always have something new for their opponents. They have a defense that has given up very few points. We will need to stop multiple weapons to be successful defensively.”
The pick: Napavine 20, Adna 19.
Colton (9-1) vs. Cusick (10-0) – Friday at Newport High School, 7 p.m.
Cusick has been ranked No. 1 all season and has played that way. This eight-man football team also prides itself on defense, having allowed only 19 touchdowns and forcing 31 turnovers. Offensively, quarterback Spencer Shanholtzer is 181 yards away from 10,000 career passing yards. Josiah Rhoades has 21 touchdowns. The Panthers’ line is big and strong with Johnny Andrews (6-6, 280), Louie Bluff (6-3, 240) and Joseph Andrews (6-0, 255). Colton’s only loss this season came to Tri-Cities Prep. The Wildcats are led by running back Sam Robertson (2,132 yards, 33 touchdowns) and sophomore quarterback Josh Straughan (2,444 yards and 30 touchdowns with only two interceptions).
“Colton has a great team,” Cusick coach Sonny Finley said. “Their skill players are very talented with good speed. Sam Robertson is the type of player that will make an impact on the game no matter how we game plan for him, so we must contain how the rest of their skill players impact the game. Playoff experience could be a huge plus for us in this game, knowing how important every snap of the ball is. This should be a great game.”
The pick: Cusick 48, Colton 34.
Girls soccer
Issaquah (16-2-0) vs. Kamiakin (18-1-1) – Friday at Harry E. Lang Stadium, Lakewood, 6 p.m.
This is a Class 4A state semifinal against two soccer powers from opposite sides of the state. Issaquah is making its fifth trip to the “Final Four” in the past six seasons. The Eagles were Class 3A state champions in 2004, 2006 and 2007 and runners-up in 2005. Kamiakin, from Kennewick, has made 16 state appearances in coach Chris Erikson’s 23 seasons with the Braves. Kamiakin hasn’t been in the state finals since 1999. Forward Jori Skorpik leads Kamiakin with 20 goals and eight assists. Erikson has won 325 games at Kamiakin, a Washington high school record for girls soccer.
Kamiakin coach Chris Erikson on Issaquah: “Our semifinals match is against Issaquah, a high-pressure, direct play team that is fast and aggressive, which will match up well against our strong defense led by Brianna Brannan. We are up for the challenge and are looking forward to meeting another tough opponent in the championship game.”
Issaquah coach Tom Brunnell on Kamiakin: “We are looking forward to a quality game with a quality opponent.”
Kentwood vs. Skyline – Friday at Harry E. Lang Stadium, Lakewood, 8 p.m.
This 4A state semifinal pits defending state champion Skyline against a Kentwood team that has allowed only two goals all season. This is Kentwood’s first trip to the “Final Four.” Kiana Kraft and Alex White lead the Conquerors with 10 goals apiece.
Kentwood coach Aaron Radford on Skyline: “Skyline is an excellent team. Any team that comes from the Kingco Conference is going to be very experienced and a tough team. Not to mention, they are prepared to defend the state title they won last year. They are a determined team.”
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