Week six is over, teams have started punching their tickets to the playoffs, Kingco is a complete mess outside of Bothell, and only three teams remain unbeaten. For an updated look at the standings from around the state, head on over to WaPrepZone.com .
This week I attended four games in my Quest For 60, featuring six 4A schools, including Gig Harbor, Timberline, Graham-Kapowsin, Skyline, Kent-Meridian and Tahoma.
I actually attended three different 4A games this week, and looking back I wish I would’ve done a recap of each game. This week’s recap will be of the Graham-Kapowsin/Skyline game, but below I will give notes and thoughts from the other two games as well.
Game Recap
It was homecoming on the Sammamish Plateau, and not many teams put on a show like the Spartans. There was a parade, food vendors outside the stadium, and the fans absolutely packed the place.
The pageantry looked like something out of the small town my family comes from, Glasgow, Montana… Btw, the hometown Scotties are 7-0 after beating the Wolf Point Wolves 41-0.
Either way the place was rocking and rolling as the Spartans took the opening kickoff and promptly marched downfield to take a 7-0 lead on a one yard run by Rashad Boddie (’16).
The two teams would exchange punts, with Graham-Kapowsin really controlling play. It was on this drive that the Spartans penalty parade would really begin to take off. They were flagged twice in two plays, and ended up with third and long inside their own five.
Graham-Kapowsin’s next drive would really take some time off the clock, as the Eagles marched their way down the field and inside the redzone, before Skyline LB Chandler Wong (’15) picked off a pass in the endzone and returned it out close to midfield. After two Skyline penalties, the Spartans would take over.
Skyline would end up punting, due in large part to more penalty trouble.
The Eagles continued to control the clock on their way to the end zone, this time QB Trevor Asbjornsen (’15) would find TE Donald Walkinshaw (’15) from six yards out to tie the score.
If you read this post two weeks ago, you know I am fond of Walkinshaw and his abilities in the passing game. It was really nice to see him get in the end zone.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, the tie game wouldn’t last long, as Gregory found WR Derek Loville (’15) wide open for the score. The combination of Gregory to Loville was fun to watch most of the night, as the two really have a strong connection.
GK didn’t wait long to respond, as they rolled down and RB Shannon Edwards (’15) would plow his way into the end zone from one yard out. The play of the offensive line was crucial on this drive, as the Eagles were able to move the line of scrimmage on virtually every play.
First half play would end tied at 14, with what looked to be a very exciting second half ahead.
The Eagles would take the opening kick of the second half and rumble 63 yards down field, and Noah Harden would split the uprights from 34 yards out to give GK a 17-14 lead.
Give credit to Graham-Kapowsin as their defense really did a nice job limiting the big play, but sloppy play and penalties really hampered the Skyline offense in the second half. Outside of a missed FG early in the third quarter, Skyline’s offense really didn’t muster much, other than committing fouls.
Graham-Kapowsin would roll off the Plateau with a 17-14 hard fought win.
My Notes/Links
I want to thank the Skyline staff for their help. It can be very difficult to put together a broadcast, and their staff provided everything we needed to put on a good show.
If you would like to view the on-demand version of the broadcast Click Here . You will have to set up and NFHS account, but they are free and you can watch a done of games.
Skyline’s Blake Sypher (Appendix) and Graham-Kapowsin’s Malik Asagai (Lower Body) both missed the game with injuries.
Following the game, I grabbed Trevor Asbjornsen for a quick video interview, which can be seen Right Here .
The Spartans were flagged 12 times for 111 yards on the night. I was told they were flagged 18 times total, and frankly deserved every penalty.
I really like the way Graham-Kapowsin RB Shannon Edwards runs the ball. He is a small back, but has zero fear lowering the boom when needed. The senior finished with 21 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Cameron Saffle (’15, Skyline) is the real deal. He came away with three sacks (unofficially) on the night, with at least one of them coming against big time recruit Foster Sarell (’17). Saffle is relentless on the rush, and frankly it surprises me he hasn’t received more offers.
There are a few reports from the game… Doug Drowley has a report in the Seattle Times, read Right Here , while the Tacoma News Tribune’s recap can be found Right Here .
Other 4A Notes/Links
Thursday night I attended the game between Gig Harbor and Timberline. The was every bit as impressive in person as the 41-0 score sheet shows. Gig Harbor’s offense looks to be one of the best in the state, and with QB Davis Alexander running the show, the sky truly is the limit.
I really liked the play out of the Gig Harbor offensive line. Alexander had plenty of time to throw the ball, and when needed there was running lanes.
There is a lot to like about Gig Harbor WR Santana Johnson. If you were seeing him play for the first time on Friday, you would think he is a surefire D1 athlete. Johnson did a little bit of everything. I caught up with Santana following the game, you can view that video Right Here .
In the late game Saturday, I saw my first lightning delay of the season. The delay lasted just over and hour, and before all was said and done, it appeared to have helped Tahoma. Give Kent-Meridian a lot of credit, as they were down 2+ scores fairly late in the game, and rallied.
Kent-Meridian’s receiving duo of Emmanuel Daigbe (’15) and Marc Dennis (’16) are two of the better WR’s in the state. Both have explosive big play ability and length to go get any ball in their direction.
You gotta like the play of RB/DB Gabriel Gallman (’16) of Kent-Meridian. The junior came up with a late INT to setup the game winning touchdown, which he also carried. After the game, I snagged Gallman for a quick interview, which can be seen Right Here .
Michael Clausen (’16) was all over the place for Tahoma. He and Amandre Williams (’16) teamed up to be a lethal duo coming off the edge on the defensive line. Offensively Clausen also saw time on the line, and did everything he could to open lanes and pass protect all night.
Kingco’s 4A conference gets four berths into the round of 32 this season. Barring a historic collapse, the Bothell Cougars look to have locked up one spot, while five other teams look ready to battle for the final three spots in the coming weeks. Skyline (4-1 League), Newport (4-2), Eastlake (3-2), Woodinville (3-2) and Mount Si (3-3) are al in search of a berth, with just three weeks left to play.
The SPSL South was all but decided on Friday night, when the Emerald Ridge Jaguars dropped previously unbeaten Bethel. Kevin Manning has the story Right Here .
As we head towards the finish line, most leagues are beginning to take shape. In Spokane, the level of parity is one that has never been seen before. NWprepsNow has the story Right Here .
This week’s 4A Top Ten
1. Bothell Cougars (6-0)
2. Union Titans (6-0)
3. Camas Papermakers (6-0)
4. Chiawana Riverhawks (5-1)
5. Federal Way Eagles (4-2)
6. Lake Stevens Vikings (5-1)
7. Gig Harbor Tides (5-1)
8. Kentwood Conquerors (5-1)
9. Skyline Spartans (4-2)
10. Gonzaga Prep Bullpups (5-1)
