Week 9 football preview: La Center vs. Kalama

When, where: 7 p.m. Friday at La Center MS (Class 1A Trico League game).

Last meeting: La Center won 32-21 on Oct. 29, 2010 in Kalama.

KALAMA (6-2, 6-0)

Last week: beat Stevenson 41-21.

Notes: Kalama broke out the passing game last week to get ready for La Center. QB Ethan Oomittuk passed for 192 yards against Stevenson. RB Jake Clizbe rushed for 106 yards on 14 carries and scored three TDs vs. Stevenson. … Kalama clinches the 1A Trico League championship with a win, but can fall to the No. 3 seed and road game in the district playoffs with a loss and a Toledo win over Castle Rock.

LA CENTER (6-2, 5-1)

Last week: beat White Salmon 34-7.

Players to watch: QB Jake Johnson 45-91, 657 yards, 4 TDs; RB Mike Polyakov 92-754 yards, 9 TDs; Patrick Mayolo 87-508 yards, 8 TDs.

Notes: Defense has sparked the Wildcats’ late-season surge into a shot for the Trico League title. … After giving up an average of 33.5 points a game in the first four games, La Center has given up an average of 7.5 points a game in its last four games. … La Center comes into the game with a five-game winning streak. … A win would give La Center the No. 2 seed to the district playoffs and a home game next week, if Toledo beats Castle Rock. A loss drops La Center to the No. 3 seed and will put the Wildcats on the road next week.

Bottom line: Turnovers and miscues played a key role in La Center’s loss to Toledo on Sept. 16. If they play clean game, they’ll have a shot at Kalama.

Columbian’s pick: La Center.

Fans’ pick: TBA (Place your vote at www.facebook.com/360preps ).