Week three is over, two teams have made bold statements, a top ten team got their first win, and their are nine teams left undefeated. For an updated look at the standings from around the state, head on over to WaPrepZone.com .
This week I saw five games, involving five 4A teams, including Federal Way, Tahoma, West Valley (Yakima), Camas and Rogers (Puyallup).
Game Recap
The big game Thursday night looked to be at Federal Way Memorial Stadium, where the #10 ranked Eagles played host to the undefeated Tahoma Bears.
Between injuries and just all-around bad luck, the Eagles came in 0-2, while the Bears were coming off a gigantic offensive performance against Rogers in week two.
The game looked like it was going to be tight early, with both teams exchanging scoring drives, and Federal Way holding a 14-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
That is when Chico McClatcher decided he has seen enough. The high touted McClatcher would finish the night with 286 yards on just 15 carries and five touchdowns, all in the first half.
Most of the second quarter saw McClatcher and company move the ball with ease, as they rolled to a 51-10 halftime lead.
McClatcher wouldn’t see the field in the second half, and the Eagles would hand the rock to sophomore Jamon Chambers, who finished with two touchdowns on just five carries and 124 yards.
Tahoma got a second half touchdown from Caleb Brown, but what looked like a great game on paper, would end as a 58-17 route.
My Notes
Federal Way is still dealing with its fair share of injuries. Jared Pulu is still out, David Tiumalu missed the game with a leg injury, Charlie Taumoepeau was in a walking boot and not expected to return until the end of October. Only notable I have from Tahoma was LB Blake Donahue, who was on crutches.
With al the injuries at LB, Federal Way started Messiah Brooks (’17, 6’2″ 245). He moves well for his size, and has a nose for the ball. While he has a long ways to go, my initial reaction was very good, and being in the 2017 recruiting class, he has plenty of time.
I got to see Federal Way LB’s Chris Tuiasosopo (’15) and Andrzej Hughes-Murray (’16) for the first time this season and both looked to be in mid-season form. Tuiasosopo is a big physical presence that should be seeing more collegiate interest than he is. Hughes-Murray is listed at 6’3″ 230 pounds and he can really move. He looks to be one of the top LB’s in the 2016 class, and if you are looking for a FB, he is your guy.
The defensive line combination of Robert Savusa (’15, 6’2″ 290) and Alu Taito (’15, 6’2″ 265) is deadly. Once Pulu, Taumoepeau and Tiumalu make their return, Federal Way may have the best front seven in the entire state.
I tweeted that Chico McClatcher was chased down during the game, and I want to give credit where credit is due, it was Caleb Brown. While McClatcher told me after the game that Brown had a good angle, and he is right, Brown can really move.
That being said, there is a lot to like about Tahoma’s Caleb Brown. He is a 2016 class recruit, that looks great on both sides of the ball. Brown is listed at 5’10” 160 pounds and is a name we will definitely be keeping an eye on from here on out.
I continue to be impressed by Federal Way QB D’Jimon Jones (’16, 6’1″ 175). On a pass to Bobby Sims in the first half, Jones threw the ball from his own 9, left hash, and Sims came down on the opposite 40, right hash. That’s a solid 60 yard throw that Jones did with relative ease.
There was only one game report I found from the game, Sandy Ringer from the Seattle Times has that report Right Here .
Next Up: Federal Way vs Jefferson (0-3), Tahoma vs Decatur (1-2)
Other 4A Notes/Links
The 4A classification is tougher than originally thought. The Skyline Spartans and Camas Papermakers look like bona fide state championship caliber teams. Skyline came away with an impressive win at Mount Si, as they really took it to a good Wildcat team. Camas travelled for a 4pm start on Saturday, and absolutely hammered Rogers 68-0.
I attended the Camas win, and must say I was impressed with the Papermaker offense. While they may not have the same flair of last year’s squad, they are still very good. QB Liam Fitzgerald (’16) does a great job running the offense, and his chemistry with WR James Price (’15) is as good as any duo in the state.
It was good getting a chance to see West Valley (Yakima) OL Shane Lemieux play. The hulking senior is committed to Oregon, and it was interesting to see how the Ram coaches moved him around on the line. Clearly trying to take advantage of his size and athleticism, they used him on both sides of the OL, as well as in an unbalanced formation.
The playoffs in any sport of in this state can be confusing. Down in the Vancouver area, things are just now getting sorted out. Tim Martinez of The Columbian has a great piece Right Here . Don’t blame Tim if you are really confused when you are done reading.
Ferris and University battled on Friday night, with the Saxons coming out on top. Jalen Hicks (Ferris) and Bryce Williamson (University) put together two of the top rushing performances we will see all season. Greg Lee of NWPrepsNow.com has the story Right Here .
Greg Lee has another great piece, this one about Jack Bamis of Gonzaga Prep. Bamis is a tremendous all-around athlete, and one of my favorite players to interact with. Oh, he also speaks 5 languages. Learn more about Jack Right Here .
The guys over at the Everett Herald have their week four podcast available. If you got time to sit down and listen, you will not be disappointed. That can be found Right Here .
If you read last week, or heard elsewhere, you know about Chiawana QB Mac Graff. The Riverhawks have to continue playing without him, and they did so by hammering rival Richland. Jeff Morrow of the Tri-City Herald has the game story Right Here .
It’s not 4A, but I have nowhere else to put it. The Cascade Christian Cougars are now 3-0 on the year after an impressive win over Nooksack Valley. RB/DB Robert Terhune is one of the state’s top two-way athletes, and worth the price of admission. Kevin Manning has the story Right Here .
This Week’s Top Ten
1. Bothell Cougars (3-0)
2. Union Titans (3-0)
3. Skyline Spartans (3-0)
4. Camas Papermakers (3-0)
5. Kentwood Conquerors (3-0)
6. Mount Si Wildcats (2-1)
7. Lake Stevens Vikings (2-1)
8. Gonzaga Prep Bullpups (3-0)
9. Gig Harbor Tides (2-1)
10. (T) Evergreen Plainsmen (2-1)
10. (T) Federal Way Eagles (1-2)
Tweet of the Week
Rogers (Puyallup) LB Shane Ward needs to get a new facemask after his current one gave way.
Bruh pic.twitter.com/DnG1tfTVMk
— Fantastico (@ShaneW253) September 23, 2014
