Week 8 football preview: Hockinson vs. Woodland

When, where: 7 p.m. Friday at Woodland HS (Class 2A Greater St. Helens League game).

Last meeting: Hockinson won 14-10 on Oct. 22, 2010 in Hockinson.

Last week: Woodland beat Washougal 35-28 in 2 OT; Hockinson beat R.A. Long 55-19

Hockinson (5-2, 2-0): The Hawks had a balanced offensive attack in their win last week against R.A. Long. QB Jess Krahn passed for 236 yards. RB Josiah Niemela led the rushing attack with 131 yards. … Niemela had rushed for 529 yards on the season. … The Hawks have won three in a row and four of their last five. … A win in Week 8 and Week 9 will give the Hawks the 2A GSHL title and a home district playoff game in Week 10. … Even if Hockinson loses to Woodland, the Hawks could still gain a playoff berth by beating Washougal next week.

Woodland (4-3, 3-0): Adam Shoup had a huge game against Washougal, passing for 113 yards and rushing for 115. … But last week’s win was really a credit to the defense. Woodland, after giving up 28 points in the first half, shut out Washougal in the second half, plus two overtimes. … Woodland would win the 2A GSHL title with a win over Hockinson. … If Woodland loses, the Beavers would take the No. 2 seed to the district playoffs if Hockinson beat Washougal in Week 9. If Washougal wins, there may be a three-team tiebreaker between Woodland, Washougal and Hockinson.

Bottom line: Expect another thrilling 2A GSHL battle in Woodland.

Columbian’s pick: Hockinson.

Fans’ pick: Hockinson.