Week 4 prep football preview, picks
We more than doubled our number of incorrect picks last season, after a 10-4 week.
Well, if a 10-4 week is a bad week, we’ll take that. It pushes our record on the season to 33-7.
One last week of non-league action.
Here are the Week 4 previews:
FRIDAY’S NON-LEAGUE GAMES
Bonney Lake (1-2) vs. Union (2-1)
When, where: 5 p.m., McKenzie Stadium.
Radio: KKOV 1550 AM or www.1550talk.com.
Last week: Bonney Lake lost to Mountain View 37-27; Union beat Peninsula 28-21.
Game notes: Bonney Lake came into the season looking to run more than in the past. But old habits die hard. The Panthers threw for 161 yards but rushed for just 49 against Mountain View. … The Panthers can expect an even tougher defense against Union. …. Treve’ Ensley had a big 69-yard run in the fourth quarter against Peninsula. He finished with 126 yards on six carries. … Leon Siofele rushed for 3 TDs. … Union beat Mountain View 35-7 in Week 1.
Columbian’s take: The Titans are looking to put their lopsided loss to Jesuit behind them. Prediction: Union 38-7
Evergreen (2-1) vs. Kelso (3-0)
When, where: 7 p.m., Schroeder Field, Kelso HS
Last week: Evergreen beat Prairie 28-14; Kelso beat R.A. Long 20-14.
Game notes: Evergreen has made clear strides this season, but will be tested in its first trip outside of McKenzie Stadium this season. … The Plainsmen pounded out 300 yards on the ground last week. … Evergreen mixes it up on who carries the ball. Justin Straup leads the team with 281 yards this season. Jamaree Jones has 209 yards. … Kelso’s M.O. is to run the ball and play good defense, as evidenced in the Hilanders’ wins over Mark Morris and R.A. Long. But Kelso can also put points on the board when necessary, putting up 49 points against Heritage. … Kelso RB Taylor Radcliffe rushed for 141 yards and 3 TDs vs. R.A. Long.
Columbian’s take: This game will be a good measuring stick for both teams. Kelso’s ability to throw the ball could be the difference. Prediction: Kelso 21-14
Skyview (2-1) vs. Enumclaw (2-1)
When, where: 7 p.m., Enumclaw Stadium
Last week: Skyview beat Lakes 35-14; Enumclaw beat Heritage 54-35.
Game notes: Enumclaw’s Maricio Portillo rushed for 268 yards and 6 TDs against Heritage on a day when he went home sick from school. … The Hornets also gave up 404 passing yards to the Timberwolves. … Skyview QB Jordan Berni passed for 203 yards last week vs. Lakes, including two TD passes to Jacob Dennis. … RB Jabari Marshall has rushed for 9 TDs this season.
Columbian’s take: Enumclaw put up 54 on Heritage. But Columbia River scored 40 on the Timberwolves, and the next week the Chieftains were shut out by Skyview. Prediction: Skyview 38-7
Camas (3-0) vs. Lakes (1-2)
When, where: 7 p.m., Harry Lang Stadium, Lakewood.
Last week: Camas beat Auburn-Mountainview 45-14; Lakes lost to Skyview 35-14.
Game notes: This is the first meeting between the two schools since Lakes beat Camas 27-24 in overtime in a Class 3A state quarterfinal game in Camas in 2010. … This Lakes team is not quite as talented as that squad, but the Lancers remain dangerous. … Camas is the fourth ranked Class 4A team that Lakes has played this season. … Camas QB Reilly Hennessey passed for 301 yards last week. … K Roldan Alcobendas kicked a 52-yard FG last week.
Columbian’s take: Camas has the complete package: passing, running, special teams, defense. And this will be a good test to see where the Papermakers are at. Prediction: Camas 28-17
Battle Ground (3-0) vs. Auburn-Mountainview (1-2)
When, where: 7 p.m., Auburn-Mountainview HS.
Last week: Battle Ground beat Decatur 56-20; Auburn-Mountainview lost to Camas 45-14.
Game notes: Battle Ground has averaged 46 points a game this season. … Battle Ground’s Kevin Haynes has rushed for 669 yards and eight TDs. He’s gained more than twice as many rushing yards as any other player in Clark County. … Auburn-Mountainview QB Domenic Rockey passed for 196 yards last week vs. Camas, including eight passes for 102 yards to Kekoa Nahaku.
Columbian’s take: Haynes has not yet been contained, which should allow the Tigers to control the ball. Prediction: Battle Ground 31-14
Columbia River (1-2) vs. W.F. West (2-1)
When, where: 7 p.m., Bearcat Stadium, WF West HS, Chehalis.
Last week: Columbia River lost to Mark Morris 20-6; W.F. West lost to Lake City (Idaho) 52-17.
Game notes: Since scoring 40 points in its opener, Columbia River has scored just six points in its past two games. … The Chieftains played last week without QB Clayton Frank, who was out with a concussion. His status this week is uncertain. … W.F. West, ranked No. 10 in Class 2A, traveled all the way to Moscow, Idaho, to play Lake City last week. … QB Tanner Gueller was 11 for 22 for 98 yards and had 5-yard TD run for the Bearcats. … Gueller passed for 243 yards against Pendleton in Week 2, including nine passes for 111 yards to Bryan Moon. … After rushing for 126 yards in Week 1, River’s Remick Kawawaki has rushed for 51 yards in the past two games.
Columbian’s take: River had trouble with an unranked 2A team at home last week. Now the Chieftains get a ranked 2A team on the road Prediction: W.F. West 21-13
Hudson’s Bay (0-3) vs. Ridgefield (2-1)
When, where: 7 p.m., Ridgefield Stadium, Ridgefield HS.
Last week: Hudson’s Bay lost to Hockinson 43-8; Ridgefield lost to River Ridge 61-40.
Game notes: This is the first meeting between these two schools since Ridgefield played the Bay JV squad in 1968. … Bay scored its first points of the season last week when Ayrrius Presley returned the opening kickoff against Hockinson 90 yards for a touchdown. … But the Eagles are still looking for their first offensive TD as they struggle to get their passing game going. … Devon Casey led Bay with 90 yards rushing last week. … Ridgefield fell behind 40-0 in the second quarter to River Ridge and a late second quarter TD kept the game from being played in the second half with a running clock. That fact helped the Spudders score 32 fourth-quarter points, mostly against the Hawks’ reserves. … Clayton Farr rushed 16 times for 77 yards, caught seven passes for 59 yards and even was 2 for 2 for 54 yards and two TDs passing the ball. … Bay’s three losses have all come to 2A Greater St. Helens League (Washougal 50-0, Mark Morris 63-0, Hockinson 43-8).
Columbian’s take: As Ridgefield prepares to play its first game next week in the 2A GSHL, this will be a good measuring stick for the Spudders. Prediction: Ridgefield 40-6
R.A. Long (1-2) vs. Fort Vancouver (0-3)
When, where: 7 p.m., Kiggins Bowl.
Last week: Fort Vancouver lost to Washougal 74-7; R.A. Long lost to Kelso 20-14.
Game notes: R.A. Long’s potent offensive attack was stifled by a stingy Kelso defense last week. The Lumberjacks figure to have better luck against the Trappers. … The points against for Fort keeps getting higher — 40 vs. Evergreen, 60 vs. Hockinson, 74 vs. Washougal. … Fort QB Jordan Suell has put up solid numbers, passing for 518 yards in three games. That’s fifth-best among Clark County QBs. … William Doty is Suell’s favorite target with 18 catches and 275 yards.
Columbian’s take: If you haven’t figured it out, 48-6 is our default lopsided predicted score. Prediction: R.A. Long 48-6
Prairie (1-2) vs. Mark Morris (2-1)
When, where: 7 p.m., Longview Memorial Stadium
Last week: Prairie lost to Evergreen 28-14; Mark Morris beat Columbia River 20-6.
Game notes: Prairie rushed for 89 yards and passed for 73 yards against Evergreen last year. … Mistakes have killed the Falcons this season. … Mark Morris’ Keigan Baker rushed for 151 yards on 18 carries last week against River. … The Monarchs held River to 45 total rushing yards. … Mark Morris has allowed opponents to score 23 total points in three games.
Columbian’s take: Prairie has looked good at times, and not so good other times. Mark Morris’ defense has looked very good. Prediction: Mark Morris 23-13
Washougal (2-1) vs. Clatskanie (0-3)
When, where: 7 p.m., Clatskanie HS
Last week: Washougal beat Fort Vancouver 74-7; Clatskanie lost to Cascade (Ore.) 52-8.
Game notes: Washougal beat the Tigers 40-14 in Washougal on its way to a 6-0 start to the 2011 season. … The Tigers are a young team with a sophomore QB (Nick Donaldson) and junior RB (Cedet Bailey). They also have a senior all-state wide receiver Kyle Sharek, who scored the Tigers’ lone TD last week. … Washougal’s Bobby Jacobs rushed for 195 yards last week.
Columbian’s take: Long road trip for Panthers, but they should be good enough to deal with that. Prediction: Washougal 27-13
River Ridge (2-1) vs. Hockinson (3-0)
When, where: 7 p.m., Nautilus FIeld, Hockinson HS
Last week: River Ridge beat Ridgefield 61-40; Hockinson beat Hudson’s Bay 43-8.
Game notes: This is Hockinson’s first home game of the season. The Hawks have actually played two games at Kiggins Bowl and none at home this year. … If the Hawks can produce results at home like they did at Kiggins, they’ll be happy. … Against River Ridge, that won’t be easy. … The Hawks led Ridgefield 40-0 in the second quarter last week. … River Ridge QB Colby Schultz was the WIAA 2A boys athlete of the week after completing 14 of 17 passes for 384 yards vs. Ridgefield. … Hockinson QB Jess Krahn passed for 149 yards and rushed for 68 last week.
Columbian’s take: The Hawks will need to be ready to defend a strong passing team, something they haven’t seen the last couple of weeks. Prediction: River Ridge 31-17
Montesano (1-2) vs. Woodland (3-0)
When, where: 7 p.m., Woodland HS
Last week: Montesano lost to Hoquiam 41-14; Woodland beat Seton Catholic 66-6.
Game notes: It appears very odd to see a traditional 1A power Montesano with a losing record. But it’s been a rough season for the Bulldogs. … Last Friday, the Bulldogs had their 40-game winning streak in the 1A Evergreen Conference snapped by a loss to rival Hoquiam at Jack Rottle Field. Two days later, the grandstand at the stadium was completely destroyed by fire. Montesano will play their next home game Sept. 28 in Aberdeen. … Monte coach Terry Jensen said preparing for the Woodland game has been a good distraction for his team. … Jensen said his team has tried to simplify things this week to improve his team’s running game and running defense. … The Beavers will provide a challenge in the running game with brothers Cy and Eli Whitmire both capable of putting up good numbers on the ground.
Columbian’s take: A good non-league test for the Beavers, whose ground game should sustain them if they can avoid turnovers. Prediction: Woodland 26-20
Peninsula (1-2) vs. Mountain View (2-1)
When, where: 8 p.m., McKenzie Stadium
Radio: KKOV 1550 AM.
Last week: Peninsula lost to Union 28-21; Mountain View beat Bonney Lake 37-27.
Game notes: Peninsula has a losing record, but with both loses against solid Class 4A teams. … Jimmy Price was a one-man wrecking crew for the Seahawks last week, with 145 yards on 13 carries and three TDs. He had an 89-yard TD run … QB Austin Filkins completed 12 of 16 passes for 98 yards. … Mountain View’s Eddie Richardson had his first big game of the season, rushing for 146 yards last week. … But the Thunder like to run different players at teams. Carl Falls had 137 yards.
Columbian’s take: Peninsula led Union in the fourth quarter last week; Union routed Mountain View in Week 1. Prediction: Peninsula 28-14
SATURDAY’S NON-LEAGUE GAME
Heritage (0-3) vs. Decatur (1-2)
When, where: 2 p.m., Federal Way Memorial Stadium
Last week: Heritage lost to Enumclaw 54-35; Decatur lost Battle Ground 56-20.
Game notes: Decatur is not an offensive powerhouse. The Gators have averaged 19 points a game. But against Heritage, that doesn’t really matter much. Columbia River scored 40 against the Timberwolves, six in its other two games; Kelso scored 49 vs. Heritage; 37 in its other two games; Enumclaw scored 54 last week; 36 in previous two games. … Decatur gave up 363 rushing yards and 135 passing yard to Battle Ground. … Tip for Decatur: On kickoffs, just kick the ball out of bounds and let Heritage take over on the 35. The Timberwolves have returned four kickoffs for TDs this season … Timberwolves also have five TD pass plays of 33 yards or more.
Columbian’s take: Good thing this game starts at 2 p.m. It could last a while. But until Heritage stops someone, we’ve got to go with the Gators. Prediction: Decatur 55-48
FRIDAY’S TRICO LEAGUE GAMES
Seton Catholic (0-3, 0-3) vs. Stevenson (0-3, 0-3)
When, where: 7 p.m., Stevenson High School.
Last week: Seton Catholic loses to Woodland 66-6; Stevenson lost to Castle Rock 41-0.
Game notes: If there’s one team you would expect to get better as the season goes along, it would be Seton Catholic. … This would seem like an opportunity to get a win for the Cougars as Stevenson has scored just 14 points in three games this season. … But Ilwaco scored nine total points in its two losses, but put up 66 against Seton. … Look for a big game Zack Irwin for Stevenson. He had 46 yards rushing and 58 receiving.
Columbian’s take: If this game were played later in the year, we might give Seton a better chance. But now, it’s Stevenson. Prediction: Stevenson 40-22
Castle Rock (2-1, 2-1) vs. La Center (3-0, 3-0)
When, where: 7 p.m., La Center Middle School.
Last week: Castle Rock beat Stevenson 41-0; La Center beat Kalama 41-16.
Game notes: The Trico can be divided into the first and second divisions with La Center, Woodland, Toledo and Castle Rock making up the first division. … Castle Rock lost to Woodland 28-20 in the lone meeting this season between first-division teams. … La Center’s ability to pass the ball makes the Wildcats dangerous. Dylan King has thrown for 396 yards and 9 TDs. … A.J. Myers has six catches for 205 yards and 4 TDs. … Jared Huddleston leads LC’s running game with 213 yards.
Columbian’s take: Turnovers may be the deciding factor in this one, but we like the Wildcats. Prediction: La Center 26-20
