Sports - High Schools

POSTED: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

PREP FOOTBALL: State quarterfinal previews

BLAINE (7-4) AT LYNDEN (9-2)

Time: Friday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.

Site: Civic Stadium

Borderites update: Blaine blasted Mark Morris' playoff hopes out of the water with three quick touchdowns in the third quarter to beat the Monarchs 49-25. It was the second straight road win for Borderites, who now get a home game of sorts against Lynden at Civic Stadium despite being the visiting team. Blaine has been one of the more balanced teams in the Northwest Conference all season, but the running game has to be working for the Borderites to have success. Getting Casey McCabe going on the ground will be the key for Blaine. If they can establish the run, the semifinals could be within reach.

Lions update: Lynden stepped up in a big way against Interlake last week, looking every bit the top Class 2A team from the Northwest Conference in a 34-0 win. The Lions' defense intercepted five passes and hassled the Saints from the start. Lynden's offense also did a little bit of everything, grinding out the tough yards when it needed to and hitting some big plays when they were open. Lynden can't look past Blaine in this one, but the Lions have to be the favorites after beating the Borderites 25-3 earlier in the season.

Key to the game: This game will be decided by the offensive and defensive lines. If Blaine can pressure the Lions and stop them from running in the middle of the field, the Borderites will win. If Lynden can hold Blaine's Casey McCabe from having a big game, it will be the Lions that are headed to the state semifinals.

Player to watch: Lynden's David Gaylord can shut down one side of the field from his outside linebacker position.

FERNDALE (11-0) AT CAMAS UNION (11-0)

Time: Saturday, Nov. 22, 4 p.m.

Site: McKenzie Stadium, Vancouver

Golden Eagles update: Ferndale shocked some folks around the state with its easy win over West Seattle last week. The Golden Eagles dominated all phases of the game and had the Wildcats ready to call it quits by the start of the second half in Ferndale's 42-3 win. It was the most complete game the Golden Eagles have put together so far, and it showed just how strong their defense is. Union could provide some matchup troubles in the secondary, though, so the defensive line is going to have to get some pressure.

Titans update: There's a lot of excitement surrounding this Union team and with good reason. After putting together a 6-3 mark in the school's first season last year, the Titans wrapped up the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League title with an undefeated record. Receiver Mitch Saylor is 6-foot-6 and the top target in the passing game. Blake Russell is a good running back, and Brandon Weller runs the show at quarterback. The big question is whether Union has seen a team quite like Ferndale this season.

Key to the game: Ferndale has to stop Mitch Saylor from making those big plays and find a way to stop him on the fade in the end zone.

Player to watch: Ferndale's Casey Locker will make a bigger impact on defense in this game than he does at quarterback.

NOOKSACK VALLEY (10-1) AT MONTESANO (11-0)

Time: Saturday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m.

Site: Tumwater Stadium

Pioneers update: After a slow start, Nooksack Valley rolled to a 39-14 win over Forks. This week it won't be so easy. The Pioneers' fast-paced offense wore down Forks and Montesano has better depth than the Spartans. The health of starting quarterback Wade Rediger could also be an issue. He dislocated his non-throwing shoulder last week and that limited what the Pioneers could do in their running game. Nick deGrasse and Tyler Perry did a great job picking up the slack in the running game, but Nooksack Valley isn't quite as dynamic without Rediger.

Bulldogs update: Montesano snuck past Vashon Island 14-7 last week, but that doesn't mean the Bulldogs should be taken lightly. Montesano always seems to have a strong team and this season it's more of the same. Running back Taylor Church is a big back and was named the offensive most valuable player of the Class 1A Evergreen League. His teammate Alex McNealley was the defensive MVP. In short, there is a reason the Bulldogs are undefeated.

Key to the game: Nooksack Valley can't start out slow again. Montesano likes to jump out on opponents and they know how to finish. The Pioneers can't spot them any points.

Player to watch: Nooksack Valley's Nick deGrasse has made big plays when the Pioneers need them. They might need a couple against the Bulldogs.

BURLINGTON-EDISON (10-1) AT PULLMAN (9-2)

Time: Saturday, Nov. 22, 1 p.m.

Site: Gonzaga Prep High School, Spokane

Tigers update: Burlington-Edison used a second-half rally to dump undefeated Steilacoom 38-21 on the road last week. The Tigers trailed 21-7 at the half, but didn't allow another point while its rushing attack gained traction. Cole Sager led the charge for B-E, rushing for three touchdowns and catching another one. It wasn't exactly the kind of game the Tigers wanted to play in the opening round at state, but a win is a win.

Greyhounds update: Pullman gets the rematch it's been waiting for when it meets the Tigers on Saturday. Burlington-Edison ended the Greyhounds season in the quarterfinals last season in Spokane and they don't want that to happen again. Pullman's only losses this year came in back-to-back weeks early in the season. The Greyhounds lost to Lewiston of Idaho 21-14 and Class 2A Colville 21-20. Last week they defeated Tumwater 36-12.

Key to the game: Burlington-Edison has to get its ground game going early enough to take away some of Pullman's momentum. The Greyhounds don't want to lose at home again in the state tournament to the Tigers.

LAKE QUINAULT (9-1) AT LUMMI (10-1)

Time: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m.

Site: Civic Stadium

Elks update: Lake Quinault should provide the best test for Lummi since it saw Tri-Cities Prep earlier in the season. The Elks' only loss came against Wishkah Valley, 34-32, and they've been rolling since then. Lake Quinault thumped Crescent 66-20 last week to reach the state quarterfinals. The Elks bring a solid pass rush and that's going to be a key. They also run the ball and will look to control the clock. If they can do those things, it will be interesting. Lake Quinault has dedicated this season to head coach Ron Hoiness who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident this summer.

Blackhawks update: If Lummi was trying to send a message to the rest of the state about the potency of its offense during last week's game against Oakville, then consider the message received. The Blackhawks defeated the Acorns 70-20 and needed just two quarters to do it. Lummi's speed and precision is magnified on turf and the Blackhawks will have a loud crowd at Civic Stadium. Lummi has to avoid becoming too confidence and making mistakes, but right now it looks like the Blackhawks will be headed back to Tacoma.

Key to the game: It seems like the only team that is going to defeat Lummi is Lummi. If the Blackhawks can keep the mistakes down, they should be able to get past this test.

Player to watch: Lummi wide receiver Gale Jefferson has been a favorite target of quarterback Dustin Tom. Jefferson had four catches for 200 yards last week.