The question of the week is pretty simple.
Can Meadowdale push through to the state football semifinals for the first time in school history?
The last two times Meadowdale has advanced to the quarterfinals have not been pretty. The Mavericks lost 42-7 to O’Dea in 2007 and fell 49-7 to Union in 2009.
Meadowdale is going to have to play a lot crisper against a Camas team that manhandled Kennedy Catholic 48-14. The Mavericks struggled on offense and were shut out by Mercer Island in the second and third quarter. Meadowdale actually was outgained by the Islanders 402-281 in yardage and was just plain inconsistent, according to coach Mark Stewart.
The Mavericks also caught a break when Mercer Island quarterback Jeff Lindquist, a UW recruit, left the game with a leg injury in the second quarter.
This week Meadowdale faces another stellar quarterback in senior Tony Gennaro, who threw for 301 yards and five touchdowns against Kennedy Catholic. The Papermakers have outscored their opponents 98-14 the last two weeks.
Camas also has never been to the state semifinals.
Last week’s record: 2-0
Year to date: 29-8
MEADOWDALE VS. CAMAS
Game time: 5 p.m., Saturday at Doc Hastings Stadium
Records: Meadowdale 11-0 overall; Camas 10-1
Last week’s results: Meadowdale 20, Mercer Island 17; Camas 48, Kennedy Catholic 14
Players to watch: Meadowdale junior running back Giavani Shepard ran for 141 yards on 20 carries and scored one touchdown. Seniors Kyle Newsom and Kyler Larsen also could see plenty of touches. Junior quarterback Brian Marty completed 5 of 8 passes for 128 yards and one touchdown. Camas quarterback Tony Gennaro threw for 301 yards and five passes against Kennedy Catholic. Running back Zack Marshall rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Breakdown: The Meadowdale defense goes up against a potent Camas offense that appears to be equally dangerous on the ground and through the air. Quarterback Gennaro picked apart the Lancers’ secondary last week and Marshall was a threat as a running back and a receiver. Meadowdale needs to establish its ground game and then take some chances with Marty throwing. The junior quarterback has shown the skills to throw the big pass.
Weekly Herald pick: Meadowdale 35, Camas 31
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
