Week 9 football preview: Hockinson vs. Washougal
When, where: 7 p.m. Friday at Nautilus Field, Hockinson (2A Greater St. Helens League game).
Last meeting: Washougal won 36-0 on Oct. 29, 2010 in Washougal.
WASHOUGAL (6-2, 1-2)
Last week: lost to Mark Morris 14-7.
Players to watch: QB Colton Sullivan 42-66, 902 yards, 7 TDs; RB Sam O’Hara 99-919, 10 TDs; RB Caleb Howard 83-649, 7 TDs; WR Karsten Short 11-360, 4 TDs.
Notes: Thoughts of dream season quickly evaporated for the Panthers. After scoring at least 28 points in their first six games and then scoring 28 points in the first half against Woodland, the Panthers have scored just 7 points in their last six quarters, plus two overtime periods. … Last week’s loss to Mark Morris ended Washougal’s postseason dream, but the Panthers would still like to finish on a strong note.
HOCKINSON (6-2, 3-0)
Last week: beat Woodland 29-19.
Players to watch: QB Jess Krahn 46-89, 782 yards, 6 TDs; RB Josiah Niemela 108-732, 8 TDs; WR Beau Sparks 22-411, 5 TDs.
Notes: Hockinson clinched a share of its first 2A GSHL title since 2008 last week. The Hawks can make it an outright title with a win over Washougal. … Win or lose vs. Washougal, Hockinson will host a 2A district playoff against the loser of North Thurston-W.F. West next week … Both of Hockinson’s losses this season have come against 3A GSHL teams that remain alive for a playoff berth (Prairie and Columbia River).
Bottom line: This game looked HUGE a couple of weeks ago, and even last week. But now, it’s mostly for pride … and momentum for Hockinson.
Columbian’s pick: Hockinson.
Fans’ pick: TBA (Place your vote at www.facebook.com/360preps ).