Without fail, something big is always on the line when King’s and Tacoma Baptist tangle.
In the past, the Chinook League title was reserved for the winner of the annual end-of-the-season football clash.
But with the emergence of Cascade Christian, the Knights and Crusaders have been forced to duel over the league’s second and final Class 1A state playoff berth.
As the case was last year, postseason pairings once again hinge on the outcome of tonight’s encounter between King’s and Tacoma Baptist, a state finalist in 2000 and 2001.
Both teams boast 2-1 league records — their only loss coming to Cascade Christian in blowout fashion — and are averaging roughly four touchdowns per game.
The similarities end there.
“They have a larger line than us. We have a quicker, more physical line,” King’s coach Jim Shapiro said.
“Their passing game is a little more sophisticated than ours, but our running game is a little stronger than theirs. We sort of balance each other out.”
In addition to home field advantage, the Knights have momentum on their side. King’s blanked Life Christian 21-0 Nov. 1 at Lakewood Stadium for its third straight victory.
Junior running back Victor Quan rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries and quarterback Chris Faidley ran for 130 yards and a score on seven attempts for the Knights.
King’s (5-3 overall) grounded out 360 yards and held the Eagles to 110 passing and just 57 rushing yards. The Knights also dominated the time of possession, logging 59 plays to Life Christian’s 37.
Junior Ryan Dixon was in on 10 tackles for the Knights and safeguarded their lead with an interception in the fourth quarter.
“It was a good night defensively,” Shapiro said. “Our defensive line really controlled the line of scrimmage and our secondary covered the pass well.”
Behind a 22-point third quarter, Cascade Christian buried Tacoma Baptist 49-7 last week. It was the first loss for the Crusaders (4-5) since Sept. 26.
King’s snapped Tacoma Baptist’s 10-year streak of consecutive state playoff appearances with a 15-12 upset last season.
The winner of this year’s regular-season finale goes on to face the Southwest Washington 1A League champion in the opening round of the 16-team state tournament next week.
“Like last year, it’s two good teams going head-to-head for a playoff berth,” Shapiro said. “The kids are finding ways to succeed and that’s creating some great momentum.”
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