State playoff quarterfinal football preview: Union vs. Woodinville

When, where: 2 p.m. Saturday at Pop Keeney Stadium, Bothell (4A state playoff). Webcast: www.carlclick.com.

Last meeting: First meeting.

At stake: Berth in state semifinals against Skyline/Central Valley winner

WOODINVILLE (11-0)

Last week: beat Bethel 37-7 in state first round.

Players to watch: QB Brett Arrivey (98-171, 1,206 passing, 13 TDs); RB Alec Schwend (126-996 rushing, 24 TDs); RB Devin McKee (70-589 rushing, 7 TDs); WR Kyle Adkins (36-542 receiving, 7 TDs).

Notes: The Falcons won the KingCo 4A Crown Division with a 5-0 record … Bothell, which beat Union 27-10 in Week 1, placed second in that division. … Signature win was a 17-14 victory over then top-ranked Eastlake for KingCo championship. … Falcons depend on a variety of players for their success on offense. Schwend led the way in win over Bethel, rushing for 178 yards on 18 carries. … Falcons used an option-style offense to run the ball against Bethel. … But Woodinville’s strength lies in its defense. Woodinville has recorded four shutouts this season. … Woodinville’s front four shut down Bethel’s running attack, and QB Justin Hordyk, who is getting looks from Army and Air Force, could get little going through the air in the cold, misty conditions.

UNION (9-2)

Last week: beat Kentlake 31-7 in 4A state first round.

Players to watch: QB Kaben Humphrey-Butler (83-140, 1283 passing, 8 TDs); RB Brandon Brody-Heim (121-846 rushing, 15 TDs); RB Gabe Rego (85-727 rushing, 12 TDs); WR Tanner Nelson (24-443, 3 TDs).

Notes: Union lost to Bothell on the road to open the season, but the Titans were missing several key starters in that game, including Brody-Heim. .. Brody-Heim missed first half of the season after undergoing knee surgery. … Brody-Heim has rushed for six consecutive 100-yard games since returning to full-time action. … Like Woodinville, Union also has a stout defense. … Nelson, a linebacker, was the 4A GSHL’s defensive player of the year. … Union has only one shutout this season, but has held opponents to 10 points or fewer seven times, including both playoff wins.

Bottom line: These two teams look awfully similar. Both like to run the ball, but can pass it when time comes. And the defense sets the tone. Expect a low-scoring battle, especially if the weather is poor. Turnovers likely will decide this one.

ScoreCzar.com prediction: Woodinville 23, Union 14

Columbian’s pick: Woodinville.

Fans’ pick: Union (94 percent)