It’s one of those days when I have a cluster of odds and ends that don’t fit neatly into one category. So I’ll just throw everything at you all at once.
Mutual support among Jackson XC runners
Alison Ponce, senior co-captain of the Jackson girls cross country team, helps lead a Timberwolves’ squad that is ranked No. 6 in the Washington State Cross Country Coaches Association Class 4A poll. Meanwhile, the Jackson boys are ranked No. 1 in the boys 4A rankings.
The school’s boys and girls teams don’t train together, but they definitely root for one another, Ponce said: “We’re both really supportive of each other. We’re really proud of our boys, who are doing so well.”
So with two cross country teams ranked in the state top 10, the sport is creating a huge buzz at school, right? Not yet, according to Ponce.
“Cross country’s in its own little world. I don’t think people really notice us too much. I don’t even think our events are announced on the (school) intercom, but they’ll talk about football.”
Lake Stevens’ Air Force
Nick Baker continues to amaze me. The Lake Stevens quarterback keeps piling up ridiculous passing numbers.
After another huge game (30-for-41, 369 yards, five TDs, no interceptions) Friday against Jackson, Baker’s season statistics are in the stratosphere. Through five games he has completed 116 of 164 passes (71 percent) for 1,585 yards and 18 TDs with just three interceptions.
My guess is Baker leads the state in yardage and TDs, at least among 4A and 3A teams. But I’ll check into it and try to have a definitive answer by Friday.
To see Baker in action, check out this YouTube video from the Jackson game. He’s the lefty, No. 10 — you know, the one throwing for 369 yards. You can’t miss him.
Finally, after sharing snippets about cross country and football, here’s something for volleyball fans: This week’s state coaches’ volleyball rankings with records through last week.
Class 4A
1. Mead 5-0
2. Kentwood 9-1
3. Lewis &Clark 6-1
4. Kamiak 5-0
5. Kamiakin 8-0
6. Skyview 6-0
7. Kamiakin 5-0
8. Monroe 5-1
9. Olympia 5-1
10. Rogers (Puyallup) 7-1
Class 3A
1. East Valley (Spokane) 6-2
2. Sumner 8-0
3. Kennedy 3-0
4. Mercer Island 8-0
5. Mount Si 5-1
6. Shorecrest 1-3
7. Bishop Blanchet 7-1
8. Eastside Catholic 7-0
9. Auburn Mountainview 7-1
10. Highline 9-1
Class 2A
1. Grandview 6-1
2. Selah 6-0
3. Lynden 5-0
4. Black Hills 6-0
5. Burlington Edison 6-0
6. Mark Morris 4-0
7. Fife 3-2
8. Archbishop Murphy 6-0
9. North Mason 6-1
10. Pullman 6-0
Class 1A
1. Kings 6-0
2. Goldendale 5-0
3. Cascade (Leavenworth) 7-0
4. Lakeside (9 mile falls) 3-0
5. Onalaska 6-0
6. Castle Rock 6-0
7. River View 7-0
8. Freeman 3-0
9. Cascade Christian 7-0
10. Cedar Park Christian 6-1
Class 2B
1. LaConner 5-0
2. Colfax 6-0
3. Tekoa-Oakesdale 5-1
4. Riverside Christian
5. Davenport 7-0
6. Darrington 5-1
7. Northwest Christian (Colbert) 6-0
8. Adna 4-1
9. Toutle Lake 4-2
10. King’s West 6-1
Class 1B
1. Lacrosse/Washtucna 5-1
2. Moses Lake Christian 5-0
3. Klickitat 2-1
4. Odessa 4-1
5. St John Endicott 7-1
6. Wilbur-Creston 1-2
7. Northport 5-0
8. Cusick 5-2
9. Almire Coulee Hartline 3-4
10. Lopez Island 4-1
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