Ryland Spencer Picks
NEI 4A Top 10
1. Skyline (4-0) vs Garfield (1-3)
What do I really say about this game? Garfield just can’t compete with the power the Spartans have. Skyline is really rolling and it should continue into the KingCo championship game that they will host, should they be in it. Second half running clock, Sparta rolls 60-6.
2. Mead (4-0) vs 8. Gonzaga Prep (4-0)
This is a game I will be attending. A 4+ hour drive is nothing I haven’t done many times to go to Spokane for hockey game. No reason I can’t do it for what could be the biggest Greater Spokane League of the year. Davian Barlow from Mead and Griffin Hare from Gonzaga Prep are two of the better RB’s in the state and I expect to see both shine under the lights at Joe Albi Stadium. This is a tough game to predict because I think GP is a better team than they are given credit for. Still think Mead wins though, 34-28.
3. Federal Way (4-0) vs Puyallup (1-3)
The Federal Way Eagles might have the most offensive fire power in the state. Sophomore RB Chico McClatcher has shown the ability to score at any point while on the field. The RB duo of McClatcher and Zeek McNeal have been scoring almost at will and that will continue. Eagles all over the Vikings, 55-13.
4. Camas (4-0) vs 6. Skyview (3-1)
This could be considered the game of the week on the west side of the mountains. Both teams have some good weapons on offense. This could turn into a battle of QB’s with Jordan Berni from Skyview and Reilly Hennessey from Camas. The game will be available with an online video feed from
WIAANetwork.com
. For the best preview of the game go here…
Jordan Johnson’s Game Of The Week Preview
. I’m predicting a Papermaker win, 34-27.
5. Bellarmine Prep (3-1) @ Stadium (1-3)
Since losing in week 2 to Lakes, the Lions really have not had any problems and probably wont until they get into the playoffs. Bellarmine Prep Sr. QB Sefo Liufau is playing at a really high level right now and I don’t expect that to change. Lions dismantle Tigers, 57-10.
6. Skyview (3-1)
View #4 above.
7. Kentwood (4-0) vs Kentridge (2-2)
I know people like to say that rivalry games can go either way. Frankly I don’t see that here. I really think Kentwood is the best team in the SPSL 4A North. The Conks defense is playing as good as any defense in the state and I don’t see them having many problems the rest of the way in conference. Conks grab bragging rights from Chargers, 33-14.
8. Gonzaga Prep (4-0)
View #2 above.
9. Bothell (1-3) vs Redmond (1-3)
The Bothell Cougars got back on track last week with a 33-6 victory over the Eastlake Wolves. The “Blue Train” is going to gain a little more momentum this week as the Redmond Mustangs are young and frankly just can’t compete. I do like the direction the Mustangs are headed, but this is not their year. Bothell blasts Redmond, 40-10.
10.Kentlake (3-1) @ Auburn (3-1) *Game will be televised on Root Sports.
After a week one thumping by at the hands of Kentwood, the Auburn Trojans have been on roll giving up just 20 total points in the last 3 games while scoring over 40 each time. I like a lot about Kentlake, but what I saw last week against Auburn Riverside really scared me. I like the Trojans in this one, 40-23.
NEI 3A Top 10
1. Bellevue (4-0) vs Juanita (2-2)
As a Juanita Alum, this pains me to say… The Rebels simply can’t compete with the Wolverines. Bellevue is a well oiled machine that will not be stopping this week. I expect to see the young guys and a running clock in this one. Bellevue stays undefeated, 55-7.
2. Mount Si (4-0) @ Sammamish (0-4)
The Wildcats defense is FILTHY! They have allowed 14 points on the season and all have been in mop up time. Winless and now scorless for the last three weeks, the Totems will find no pity from Mount Si. I see no reason to believe that the boys from Snoqualmie will give up points this week. Wildcats go wild, 58-0.
3. Meadowdale (4-0) @ Shorewood (1-3)
The Mavericks are really rolling and show no signs of slowing down. Morgan Masanda is having a great all around season and should be in consideration for conference player of the year. If the Thunderbirds beat the Mavericks this week, I will eat my shoe. Meadowdale rolls, 45-14.
4. Eastside Catholic (4-0) vs Seattle Prep (1-3)
The Seattle Prep Panthers are a team that had high expectations at the beginning of the season. Those expectations have been tough to fulfill and the Panthers have had a hard time even scoring points. The Eastside Catholic Crusaders have been awesome this year. They have put up numbers that I was not expecting. They are averaging close to 46 points per game and I don’t see that stopping this week. Crusaders cruise, 48-13.
5. O’Dea (3-1) vs Ingraham (0-3)
The Irish recovered from a loss to Issaquah by blasting rival Seattle Prep 47-7. The Irish are going to get on a roll and I expect them to be fired up for their October 12th game vs Eastside Catholic. This week will be a cakewalk and it will be over by halftime. Irish run away with it, 45-17.
6. Glacier Peak (4-0) vs Shorecrest (1-3)
The Grizzlies had a little bit of a stumble last week, but still came away with a win over Mountlake Terrace. Good teams are able to win games when they are not playing their best and Glacier Peak did that. This week should be no problem and I expect the Grizzles to come out hot and angry. GP pounds the shore, 48-7.
7. Kamiakan (3-1) vs Richland (2-1)
The Braves are coming off a 20-0 win over a tough Southridge team that beat Richland in week 1. I really don’t put much stock into that week one loss for Richland. I think they were a bit surprised by a few things the Suns did. I rarely do this, but I am calling for the upset in this one. Bombers squeak by, 28-27.
8. Mercer Island (3-1) vs Interlake (1-3)
Risley Lesko of Mercer Island and Kamana Adriano of Interlake are not only two of the most explosive players in the state and both kind of fly under the radar. After 4 weeks of play they are both near the top of the all-purpose yards list for KingCo 3A. This game should be very fast and I expect it to be fairly high scoring. Islanders win, 40-34.
9. Oak Harbor (3-1) @ Stanwood (2-2)
Both teams started hot going 2-0, but then fell in week 3. The difference here is that Stanwood lost again last week to a Marysville-Getchel team that now has their first win streak in history. Oak Harbor took the loss to Lake Stevens personally and hammered Everett last week 47-7. I expect OH to do that again this week. Wildcats run WILD on Stanwood, 47-14.
10. Shelton (4-0) vs Foss (1-2)
I can’t get enough of Ralph Kinne. To me he is the most unappreciated player in the state. I truly believe that not enough people know who he is because he plays for Shelton. Kinne is rushing his way through the record books and this week I can only imagine how many yards he will put up. Highclimbers continue unbeaten, 55-9.
Scott Eklund Picks
Kentlake at Auburn (Thursday) – This could be one of the top matchups of the weekend. Steffin Church and the high-flying Falcons head to Auburn to take on the upstart Trojans who are a surprising 3-1 to start the season behind explosive RB/S Harold Lee who scored two defensive touchdowns, took back a kick for a touchdown while also running for a touchdown and catching a touchdown pass in Auburn’s 42-7 win over Tahoma. This matchup is pretty even, but I’m going to lean to Auburn because that crowd will be pretty raucous. Auburn 31 – Kentlake 24.
Skyview at Camas – The Papermakers have looked unbeatable so far this season, destroying a talented Lakes squad last week, 53-14 on the road. They are led by the precision passing of junior QB Reilly Hennessey and a very strong defense. Skyview is still a force to be reckoned with, but they aren’t quite as explosive or as dangerous as they were in 2011 when they made it all the way to the state championship game. I see Camas winning this one relatively easily as they continue on their way toward a GSHL 4A title. Camas 38 – Skyview 30.
Jackson at Kamiak – Jackson and Kamiak have both recovered from down years recently to find their way into the discussion of top 10 teams. Kamiak has an outstanding running back in junior Austin Hall and the Knights like to grind things out and let their defense get after the opposition’s quarterback. Jackson is led by a RB Larry Baker-Bruce and an opportunistic defense – six turnovers in four games. Kamiak will wear down the Timberwolves and get the inside track at the Wesco 4A South title. Kamiak 27 – Jackson 20.
Richland at Kamiakin – Richland had a bye last week and travel to face a surging Kamiakin squad who is using a sound defense and opportunistic offense to get to 3-1. I expect the Braves to pull this one out, but Richland will give them a run for their money. Kamiakin 27 – Richland 23.
Wilson at North Thurston – A battle of Rams, this one is set up to be a better matchup than many might think. North Thurston is led by the running exploits of senior running backs Brandon Belisario and Mo Morris who together have totaled nearly 700 yards on the ground as well as a very stingy defense. Wilson won its first two games of the year, but haven’t had much luck recently with losses to two ranked teams. I see North Thurston getting the win, but as I said, this one will be closer than expected. North Thurston 21 – Wilson 14.
Mead at Gonzaga Prep – Whoever wins this game, they will have the inside track at going undefeated and winning a GSL title. The Bulldogs are led by their terrific offensive line, led by Jared Sonneborn, while Mead features several players getting looks from D-1 football programs, but are led by TE/DE Danny Mattingly who is already committed to play for Notre Dame. While the Panthers have plenty of size up front, the real difference-makers for them are twins Davian and Darian Barlow who have amassed over 850 yards and 10 touchdowns between them. Mead will grind this one out and keep them near the top of the 4A rankings. Mead 31 – Gonzaga Prep 17.
Lincoln at Timberline – Timberline has looked outstanding so far this season with their only loss to Tumwater which beat Capital last week. The Blazers have a good running game and like to us the clock and wind up with a huge time of possession gap to their opponent, while Lincoln lost their first game under first-year head coach John Kitna last week falling to North Thurston 36-78. Timberline will come out on top, but Lincoln makes them very uncomfortable at home. Timberline 28 – Lincoln 20.
Yelm at Central Kitsap – Two very good teams from the Narrows League will meet up over on the Kitsap Peninsula Friday night and you can expect a very well played contest. CK has some talent on both sides of the ball and they are very well coached, but Yelm has an explosive offense that has multiple threats, but are led by senior RB Jacob Swilley who already has 701 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. I see the visitors pulling this one out in what would be an upset. Yelm 29 – Central Kitsap 27.
Ellensburg at Prosser – The Mustangs play host to an undefeated Bulldogs squad that uses a multiple offense and a stingy defense to get their wins. Prosser is 3-1 behind an explosive offense that is averaging 42 points per game. I see Ellensburg getting the win, but Prosser could make things very tough on their guests. Ellensburg 31 – Prosser 27.
Interlake at Mercer Island – Interlake moved up to 3A this year and has paid the price, getting walloped by some of the bigger teams in the conference including Mount Si last week. MI on the other hand seemingly hasn’t missed a beat since the departure of Jeff Lindquist to the University of Washington and are averaging 40.3 points per game. The Islanders should win this one pretty easily, but remember, the Saints have Kamana Adriano and Ryan Turman to make plays for them outside. Mercer Island 28 – Interlake 19.
