Week three is over, there are fourteen teams left undefeated, and one team moving into the top ten this week. For an updated look at the standings from around the state, head on over to WaPrepZone.com .
This week I saw five total games, involving three different 3A teams, including Bellevue, Mercer Island and Ballard.
Game Recap
The Bellevue / Mercer Island rivalry is one of the more underrated rivalries in the state. Being in the same conference helps, but the close proximity is really what makes it special (Google Maps says 4.4 miles / 10 minute drive).
You will find the rivalry is in just about every sport, as each school has won state championships in many different sports, but tonight’s was about football.
Bellevue would come out throwing the ball early, but once they got close to the goal line, it was the running game that would put them on the board, as senior Yofiel Wyle got in from five yards out.
Things then took an interesting turn, as Mercer Island would quickly answer, when QB Alfonso Gonzalez found WR Jack Counihan behind the defense for a 77 yard TD strike.
Mercer Island’s defense was rather tough for the most part in the first half, and would get off the field on the next two possession’s, including creating a turnover.
The Islander offense would start the second quarter with the ball in Bellevue territory, and the would capitalize. On fouth and long, Gonzales found Steven Duchaine across the middle for an 11 yard TD strike, and a 14-7 lead.
Bellevue would scrap the passing game and get into their Wing-T formation for the next drive, and they made it look easy. Isaiah Gilchrist would scamper in from about 15 yards out to tie the score at 14.
The tie wouldn’t last though, as Mercer Island would put together an 80 yard scoring drive, taking over 4 minutes off the clock. Gonzales would power in from one yard out on the read option, and Mercer Island would be back on top 21-14, with just over 4 minutes to play in the first half.
Things slowly went down hill from there for the Islander. Bellevue would tie the game before the half, when Yofiel Wyle scored his second touchdown of the game.
To start the second half, the Islanders would attempt an onside kick, the end result being a Bellevue first down at mid-field.
Just a few plays later, Bellevue would take a 28-21 lead on a 20 yard TD run by Ercle Terrell.
Following a very short kickoff return, Mercer Island would start at the 11 yard line, and two plays later they would turn the ball over on their own 5.
Two plays later, Yofiel Wyle would get into the endzone from four yards out to make it a 35-21 game, and all but close the door on an upset.
Wyle would cap the scoring with his fourth touchdown of the game with five and a half minutes left in the third quarter.
What was a great game in the first half, turned into another 57th straight victory for Bellevue, as they doubled up Mercer Island 42-21.
My Notes
– Bellevue was without RB Sam Richmond for the game. We were told Richmond had surgery on a torn meniscus and will miss some time.
– This was one of the more sloppy games I have seen Bellevue play over the years. Unofficially we had them for 10 penalties for 100 yards. I have been to many Bellevue games in the past, and never seen the team told to go straight to the locker room following the game. No on-field post game speech, no saying hi to friends/family. They participated in the singing of the alma-mater, and were quick to get off the field. Maybe reading more into it than needed, but it just seemed odd.
– If you would like to watch a replay of the game, you can do so Right Here . You will have to sign up for an account, but to watch the game itself is free.
– I really like what I saw from Mercer Island WR/LB David Emanuels. At 6’2″ 210 pounds, he is a good sized target offensively, and is in on or around most tackles defensively. The senior is also a tremendous student, with multiple Ivy league schools showing interest.
– The Islander passing game was fun to watch. While QB Alfonso Gonzales doesn’t pass the immediate eye test, the kid is a gamer. He has the arm to get the ball deep down field, and pocket presence to allow the play to develop and hit the underneath crossing routes.
– Bellevue’s defensive line is fun to watch. They do not have the gigantic size as previous years, but Omar Dyles, Jamal Thomas, Ryan Bowman and Isaac Garcia get after it, creating havoc on just about every play.
– Watching Bellevue’s Ryan Gilbert is also fun. His play on specials teams is especially fun. Gilbert flies to the ball, and is in on most special teams tackles. His play in the defensive backfield is great as well, as you will rarely see him get beat.
– Only one game recap from the local media, Joe Livarchick of the Mercer Island Reporter has the story Right Here .
– Next week: Bellevue @ Sammamish Totems (2-1), Mercer Island vs Juanita Rebels (3-0).
Other 3A Notes/Links
– Even in a loss, I feel like the Ballard Beavers are headed in the right direction. Head coach Joey Thomas has playmakers, he just needs better consistency from those playmakers. They will make a spectacular catch deep down the sideline, then drop the next 5 yard toss over the middle. Once they get consistency, they will be players in the Metro League.
– 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 .
– It maybe a little early, but the Columbia River Chieftains look to be one of the better teams in 3A. They gave up their first points of the season this week, but still got the win. Aaron Van Tuyl has the story Right Here . If we had an 11th team in our team rankings, it would most like be the Chieftains.
– The big game in 3A looked to be the matchup between the O’Dea Fighting Irish and Marysville Pilchuck Tomahawks. It was supposed to feature the state’s top two runningbacks, Myles Gaskin (Washington Commit) and Austin Joyner (Washington State Commit), but it wasn’t the case. Aaron Lommers of the Everett Herald has the story Right Here .
– Not a great week for the 3A division of the Greater Spokane League, as only North Central picked up a win. Shadle Park lost to Lake City of Coeur d’Alene, while Mount Spokane had a tough go with Sandpoint, having a chance to tie late, but were stopped just short. NWPrepsNow as the article Right Here .
– The Kamiakin Braves of Kennewick look to be the top 3A team in the Mid-Columbia Conference. They can do it through the air, on the ground, and a really tough defensively. They beat rival Southridge this week, and did so in convincing fashion. Jack Millikin of the Tri-City Herald has the story Right Here .
– Sumner made the jump from the SPSL 2A to 3A this year, and some wondered how they would respond. Right now they are 3-0 and looks to be adjusting nicely. They really took it to Enumclaw this week, and sophomore RB Connor Wedington is really starting to turn head. The game recap can be found Right Here .
– After a late loss to Gig Harbor in the Fish Bowl, the Peninsula Seahawks are rolling again, with RB Major Ali and QB Robert Kvinsland leading the way. They are now 2-1, following a win over new SPSL 3A member Auburn. Jon Manley has the story Right Here .
This Week’s Top Ten
1. Bellevue Wolverines (3-0)
2. O’Dea Fighting Irish (3-0)
3. Lincoln Abes (3-0)
4. Eastside Catholic Crusaders (2-1)
5. Juanita Rebels (3-0)
6. Lakes Lancers (3-0)
7. Marysville Pilchuck Tomahawks (2-1)
8. Glacier Peak Grizzlies (3-0)
9. Peninsula Seahawks (2-1)
10. Sumner Spartans (3-0)
Tweet of the Week
Shadle Park QB Brett Rypien giving teammate Jahden Nguyen a hard time after he found a picture of the 5’8″ 150 pounder celebrating.
He’s an angry elf pic.twitter.com/ICnHG99YHR
— Brett Rypien (@B_Ryp2611) September 18, 2014
