Sports - High Schools

POSTED: Friday, Nov. 28, 2008

PREP FOOTBALL: Class 2A State Semifinal Capsules

LYNDEN (10-2) AT ARCHBISHOP MURPHY (12-0)

Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. Site: Tacoma Dome

Lions update: Lynden got its running game going in a big way in last week's 21-7 win against Blaine. Some of the reason for that was the weather. It was hardly conducive to throwing the ball, but another reason is because it was working. The Lions rolled up 274 yards in their win with David Gaylord putting together one of his best games. Lynden coach Curt Kramme has trended toward the running game as the Lions have moved deeper into the state playoffs in recent years, and that showed last week. Whether the Lions stick to the ground game in the more pass-friendly Tacoma Dome is anyone's guess, but it's likely Lynden will try a more balanced attack.

Wildcats update: The Wildcats haven't lost a game on the field since the Class 2A state quarterfinals of 2006 and will be considered the favorites against the Lions on Saturday, Nov. 29. Archbishop Murphy opened the season with a 26-15 win over Lynden, handling the Lions on the offensive and defensive lines. The Wildcats have passed more this season than they have in the past, but they are still a Wing-T team. They have good size on the lines and host of capable running backs. They also split time between two players at quarterback, but they don't lose much, if anything, when one or the other is in the game.

Key to the game: Mistakes and a slow start doomed the Lions the first time they played Archbishop Murphy and neither of those things can happen again. It took a full half for Lynden's offense to get moving during the game, but they are a more experienced group this time around. Lynden has to grind out some long drives.

Player to watch: Lynden's Jordan Hastings has improved greatly since Week 1 of this season. He should get the chance to prove just how far he's come against ATM on Saturday.

BURLINGTON-EDISON (11-1) AT PROSSER (12-0)

Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, 3 p.m. Site: Moses Lake High School

Tigers update: Burlington-Edison gets the rematch it had hoped for, but whether or not the Tigers have enough talent to defeat Prosser is hard to say. Burlington-Edison lost to the Mustangs 42-7 last year in the state championship game with what was likely a better team than the one they have this season. Still, Burlington-Edison made a lot of people take notice last week when they went to Spokane and knocked off Pullman 14-7. The Tigers' determination can't be doubted and that's worth something. Burlington-Edison is just hoping it's worth a few points difference on the scoreboard when the game is over.

Mustangs update: Prosser comes into this contest undefeated, basically unchallenged, and the defending state champions. Kirby Moore is one of the best high school receivers in the state and headed to Boise State University next season where he will join his brother Kellen Moore. Kirby broke the national high school record for touchdowns receptions in a career earlier in the season when he hauled in No. 84. He's added to that total since. The Mustangs will spread the field and pass the ball all over the place. They throw it as well as anyone, and it's probably unreasonable to think Burlington-Edison's defense can hold them to just a touchdown or two.

Key to the game: The Tigers will have to decide which will work better for them, trying to blitz Prosser's quarterback or play back and dare him to find a hole in their defense. Burlington-Edison will have to get pressure from its defensive front either way, and it will have to get the Mustangs offense off the field on a majority of its third down chances.

Player to watch: Burlington-Edison's Stetson Shearer led the team in rushing with 83 yards against Pullman, but it's his cover skills that will be tested by Prosser.