Prep football preview
Published 12:12 am Friday, September 16, 2011
The big games just keep coming for Arlington.
Having vanquished two Wesco South powers in Mariner and Jackson, the Eagles now get a big showdown with a nonconference opponent in Ferndale tonight.
And if anyone remembers what happened last year this could be a beauty. Ferndale scored in
overtime and knocked in an extra point — Arlington missed its PAT — to win 56-55 in Ferndale.
“It’s a great nonconference test for us,” said Arlington head coach Greg Dailer.
Dailer said his team learned a lot about the Wing-T offense in last year’s game, which gave them an advantage in the Eagles game against Marysville Pilchuck later in the season. “We’re hoping we can apply some of those lessons to this year’s game,” Dailer added. “(Defending the Wing-T) is all about being disciplined in your reads.”
One would think that revenge would be a big factor in Arlington’s mind, but Dailer said that isn’t really the case. “We haven’t actually talked about last year’s game,” said Dailer. “We’re more focused on continuing to improve.”
Fatigue may not be affecting the Eagles — “It’s not hard to get up for these games,” said Dailer — but two injuries could have an impact on an already thin Eagles team. Outside linebacker Lucas Revelle, who notched 100 tackles last season, broke his ankle against Jackson and is out for the year and defensive back Conner Davis is out 2-4 weeks with a knee injury.
Colton Hordyk, who already plays running back and handles all kicking duties, will move into Revelle’s spot and sophomore Nate Lewis will take over for Davis.
My pick: Arlington 49, Ferndale 37
Monroe at Kamiak
7 p.m., Goddard Stadium
Kamiak is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Lake Stevens in which the Knights missed a potential go-ahead field goal with less than 10 seconds remaining. Monroe, which showed a lot of promise in its opening win over Edmonds-Woodway, is coming off a 35-0 shellacking at the hands of Woodinville. Kamiak coach Dan Mack said his team is coming off a great week of practice and is squarely focused on Monroe. “They have some real players,” said Mack. “Dick (Abrams, Monroe’s head coach) is a great football coach and he’ll have those kids ready.” Kamiak quarterback Anthony Berg, who suffered a knee injury during practice before the season, was not cleared to play so Brett Ludeman, who threw for 124 yards and a touchdown last week, will get another start. Mack said Berg is being re-evaluated on Tuesday and they’ll know then whether he can play against Wesco South rival Jackson.
My pick: Kamiak 27, Monroe 18
Marysville Pilchuck vs. Cascade
5 p.m., Everett Memorial Stadium
A week after losing starting quarterback Larry Bruce for the season (knee injury), Cascade watched as senior Tay’lor Eubanks stepped into the role and performed nicely. Eubanks, who played for the Bruins as a sophomore before moving away for his junior season, ran for 74 yards and threw for another 125 in Cascade’s 31-24 loss to Everett. In the first half, however, Cascade jumped out to a 17-0 lead behind some inspired play, showing some life after its demoralizing 70-6 loss to Lake Stevens in the opener. Marysville Pilchuck, meanwhile, got 131 yards rushing from Cody House in a 21-13 win over Edmonds-Woodway.
My pick: MP 38, Cascade 20
Edmonds-Woodway vs. Meadowdale
8 p.m., Edmonds Stadium
This game between district rivals was a heated one with the Warriors hanging on to beat the 3A Mavericks 10-7. This year, though, the matchup might be a bit more lopsided — in Meadowdale’s favor. Edmonds-Woodway is off to an 0-2 start after losses to two Wesco North schools (Monroe, MP), while Meadowdale has reeled off two wins by a combined score of 85-15. Meadowdale is led by the two-headed running attack of Kyle Newsom (16 carries, 155 yards, 5 TDs) and Giavani Shepard (13-135-1). Edmonds-Woodway’s Spiral Horn is a dynamic player who already has a 90-yard kickoff to his credit and has been solid in the passing game (eight catches, 133 yards, 1 TD).
My pick: Meadowdale 26, Edmonds-Woodway 10
Other games: Everett at Lynnwood at Edmonds Stadium, 5 p.m.; Shorecrest at Glacier Peak at Snohomish Veteran’s Memorial Stadium; Mountlake Terrace at Marysville Getchell at Marysville Pilchuck H.S.; Shorewood at Oak Harbor, 7 p.m.; Mariner at Stanwood; Snohomish at Jackson at Everett Memorial Stadium, 8 p.m.; Granite Falls at South Whidbey; Lakewood at Coupeville; Archbishop Murphy at Cedarcrest; King’s at Sultan, 7 p.m.
