Tonight’s games could be decisive in 4 league races
Published 11:56 pm Thursday, September 30, 2010
A week that features this many big football games deserves a special title.
Is Fan-tastic Friday too cheesy? How about Midseason Madness? Maybe this is better: Pigskin-palooza.
Whatever you call it, tonight’s lineup of high school football matchups is exciting. In particular, four games stand out.
Arlington (1-0, 3-1) at Lake Stevens (1-0, 4-0)
Conference: Wesco North 4A
Why it’s important: These talented squads appear to be the cream of the North crop. Last week Arlington beat two-time defending division champion Marysville-Pilchuck. Meanwhile, Lake Stevens completely dominated Snohomish and remained unbeaten.
The big questions: Can Lake Stevens’ solid defense slow down a multi-faceted Arlington team that averages 37 points per game? Also, will the Vikings be distracted by all the attention stemming from Ike Ditzenberger’s now-famous touchdown run and the sadness they feel following the death of former teammate Tyler Reside?
Meadowdale (2-0, 3-1) at Glacier Peak (3-0, 3-1)
Conference: Wesco 3A
Why it’s important: Once again, this battle appears to be the Wesco 3A game of the year. After losing 34-21 in 2008 and 34-28 last year in overtime versus Meadowdale, Glacier Peak seeks its first win against the always-tough Mavericks.
The big questions: Was 3A No. 10 Glacier Peak’s loss last week against Lake City (Idaho) significant? Plus, how will the previously potent Grizzlies
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— who average 46 points per game but have not been tested in league play — fare versus Meadowdale’s speedy, sure-handed defenders?
Lakewood (2-0, 4-0) at 2A top-ranked Archbishop Murphy (2-0, 4-0)
Conference: 1A/2A Cascade Conference
Why it’s important: Other than 1A second-ranked King’s (3-0, 4-0), 2A foes Lakewood and Murphy are the only other teams unbeaten in conference play.
The big question: Will Justin Lane, Lakewood’s prolific senior QB, have time to throw? Led by fearsome, enormous seniors Tani Tupou and Julius Tevaga, Murphy has one of the best D-lines in the state, regardless of classification.
Jackson (1-0, 2-2) at Edmonds-Woodway (0-1, 3-1)
Conference: Wesco South 4A
Why it’s important: Coming into the season, coaches picked these teams to fight for the South title. Jackson is the two-time defending division champ.
The big question: Now that Jackson is back on track following two consecutive wins, will the Timberwolves make it three straight and seriously damage E-W’s playoff hopes? In a revamped South that includes four league games per team, two losses could prove to be too many to advance.
Lake Stevens will honor Reside
Before kickoff at tonight’s Arlington-Lake Stevens game, Lake Stevens will have a moment of silence in memory of former Vikings football player Tyler Reside, who was found dead on Sunday. The team’s current players, many of whom were close friends with the 2010 Lake Stevens High graduate, will wear a sticker on their helmet in honor of Reside.
Glacier Peak’s Rally Through the Valley
To get pumped up for their team’s big battle with Meadowdale, Glacier Peak fans will join players for a community rally at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon in Snohomish. Dubbed the Rally Through the Valley, the event will include a caravan of decorated vehicles that escorts the Grizzlies from Glacier Peak High to Veterans Memorial Stadium. The school’s pep band will play, a prize will be awarded for best-decorated vehicle and fans will tailgate near the stadium before kickoff.
Desire, great offensive line propel Arlington running back Cobb
Arlington running back Riley Cobb leads the Wesco North 4A with 628 yards rushing and nine TDs on the ground. Cobb, a junior who averages 7.1 yards per carry, benefits from effective blocking up front. “Our O-line is playing great,” said Eagles coach Greg Dailer.
Senior Brandon Allen (260 pounds) is the only returning starter on the line. He is joined by seniors Blake Petersen, Hayden Love, Adam Dallman, and junior center Adam Roehl.
In addition to having capable linemen who open space for him, Cobb excels because he greatly increased his strength and speed since last season and “has an incredible desire that drives him during the game,” coach Dailer said.
Seahawks’ Deon Butler visits King’s
Pro and prep football worlds convened Wednesday when Seahawks wide receiver Deon Butler visited the unbeaten King’s Knights in Shoreline. Invited by King’s coach Jim Shapiro, Butler spoke to Knights players during practice at Woolsey Stadium. Last year (now-former) Seahawk Josh Wilson visited King’s, Shapiro said.
Quick slants
Which local football team is the best? Vote for your choice in a Herald reader poll at cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/heraldnet/doubleteam. … Arlington’s win over Marysville-Pilchuck last week ended M-P’s long North winning streak. The Tomahawks were unbeaten in league games the past two years and had not lost against a division foe since Oct. 26, 2007. The culprit that time: Arlington, which prevailed 21-20.
Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/heraldnet/doubleteam and follow Cane on Twitter at MikeCaneHerald.
