Week 4 high school football preview, predictions
(Longview Daily News)
Week 3 brought our best week yet for picking winners in high school football.
We went 12-2 last week — apologies go out to Evergreen and Skyview — to push our season mark to 30-9 for .769 winning percentage.
So as we head into the final week of non-league play for the Greater St. Helens Leagues, we continue to seek out the perfect week and the ever elusive perfect score.
THURSDAY’S GAME
NON-LEAGUE
MARK MORRIS (2-1) vs. PRAIRIE (2-1)
When, where: 7 p.m., District Stadium, Battle Ground HS
Last week: Mark Morris lost to Columbia River 23-20; Prairie lost to Evergreen 29-20
Last meeting: Mark Morris won 28-7 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Mark Morris, Max Tilton was 10-for-13 passing for 160 yards last week vs. River; Prairie, Tyler Armstrong 19-of-44 passing for 376 yards, 5 TDs; Ronnie Evenden 39 rushes for 333 yards 3 TDs; Dallas Goodpaster 47 rushes for 291 yards, 1 TD; Jason Bracken 11 catches for 245 yards, 3 TDs.
Game notes: This is a barometer game for Prairie. The Falcons lost to Evergreen, which was beaten by fellow 3A GSHL rival Mountain View. Now the Falcons meet a Mark Morris team that just lost to another 3A GSHL rival. The Falcons have three running backs with 200 yards rushing or more as the solid line has been doing a solid job. This is the fourth game against a 3A GSHL team for Mark Morris after routing Kelso and Hudson’s Bay in Weeks 1 and 2.
The Pick: Prairie 27-24
WOODLAND (3-0) vs. MONTESANO (2-1)
When, where: 7 p.m. at Stewart Field, Aberdeen
Last week: Woodland beat Seton Catholic 74-0; Montesano beat Hoquiam 35-0
Last meeting: Montesano won 49-7 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Woodland, Eli Whitmire 13 rushes, 335 yards, 6 TDs; Hunter Huddleston 18-of-30 passing, 349 yards, 5 TDs; Vince Nigro 6 catches, 137 yards, 2 TDs.
Game notes: OK, so last season the Beavers were rolling when Montesano came to Woodland and blew the Beavers away. This year, Montesano has suffered one loss and that was to No. 2 Cascade Christian (21-7). Again, the Beavers are rolling and we haven’t even seen them tested. Whitmire is averaging better than 25 yards a carry. How can we go against a team that up 74 points last week.
The Pick: Woodland 27-20
FRIDAY’S GAMES
KELSO (0-3) vs. EVERGREEN (2-1)
When, where: 5 p.m., McKenzie Stadium
Internet broadcast: www.portlandsportsbeat.com
Last week: Kelso lost to R.A. Long 42-21; Evergreen beat Prairie 29-20.
Last meeting: Kelso won 35-21 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Kelso, Davis Radcliffe had 15 rushes for 110 yards last week; Evergreen, Brandon Bea 34-of-63 passing, 413 yards, 3 TDs; Justin Straup 39 carries, 261 yards, 5 TDs; Rey Green 10 catches, 202 yards, 5 TDs; Justice Murphy 17 catches, 189 yards, 1 TD.
Game notes: This is a battle of first-year coaches. Evergreen and coach Don Johnson Jr., got a big boost last week with its win over Prairie. It’s been a rough debut for Kelso’s Steve Amrine. The Hilanders have lost by 20, 18 and 21 points. Two of the losses came against 2A schools. The Plainsmen are gaining confidence with a bevy of weapons.
The Pick: Evergreen 34-12
RIDGEFIELD (0-3) vs. HUDSON’S BAY (0-3)
When, where: 5 p.m., Kiggins Bowl
Live TV: Fort Sports, cable Ch. 29
Last week: Ridgefield lost to River Ridge 39-3; Hudson’s Bay lost to Hockinson 38-7
Last meeting: Ridgefield won 56-6 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Ridgefield, Nick Martin 8-of-15 passing for 112 yards; Nathan Eggleston 21 rushes, 94 yards; Hudson’s Bay, Jeremy Matheney 29-of-79 passing, 339 yards, 2 TDs; Devon Casey 32 rushes, 85 yards; DeWayne Whitley 9 catches, 159 yards, 1 TD.
Game notes: It’s a cliche, but what a difference a year makes. Last year, the Spudders put a running clock on the Eagles. We don’t see that happening this year. In fact, this game may be the Spudders’ best hopes for a win. But the offense has struggled. Meanwhile, Matheney, a sophomore, has shown some promise. The Eagles hung with Hockinson last week until turnovers doomed them. If they can keep from making mistakes, they should be fine.
The Pick: Hudson’s Bay 27-7
LAKES (0-3) vs. CAMAS (3-0)
When, where: 7 p.m. at Doc Harris Stadium, Camas
Last week: Lakes lost to Skyview 24-19; Camas beat Auburn Mountainview 69-24
Last meeting: Camas won 53-14, Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Camas, Reilly Hennessey 43-of-73 passing, 834 yards, 9 TDs; Cole Zarcone 18 rushes, 181 yards, 3 TDs; Zach Eagle 16 catches, 333 yards, 1 TD.
Game notes:Remember when Lakes and Camas played in that thrilling 3A state playoff game in 2011? The programs have gone in opposite directions since then. If there’s an area the Papermakers want more consistency from, it’s the running game.
The Pick: Camas 48-6
UNION (2-1) vs. BONNEY LAKE (0-3)
When, where: 7 p.m. at Bonney Lake HS
Last week: Union beat Peninsula 30-24; Bonney Lake lost to Mountain View 36-21
Last meeting: Union won 52-14 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Bonney Lake, Isaiah Weed 21-of-33 passing, 249 yards last week; Ethan McElderry 20 rushes, 138 yards last week; Union, Nolan Henry 33-of-49 passing, 386 yards, 3 TDs; Leon Siofele 52 rushes, 616 yards, 5 TDs; Ethan Beniga 11 catches, 168 yards, 2 TDs.
Game notes:The Panther hung with Mountain View for three quarters until the Thunder’s defense and running game took over. Union’s defense and running game is better than Mountain View’s. Siofele leads Clark County in rushing.
The Pick: Union 42-14
AUBURN MOUNTAINVIEW (1-2) vs. BATTLE GROUND (1-2)
When, where: 7 p.m. at District Stadium, Battle Ground HS
Last week: Auburn Mountainview lost to Camas 69-24; Battle Ground beat Decatur 45-14
Last meeting: Battle Ground won 33-14 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Auburn Mountainview, Gresch Jensen 46-of-75 passing, 576 yards, 6 TDs, 31 rushes, 105 yards; Joey Cassano 19 catches, 270 yards, 4 TDs. Battle Ground, Colston Vukanovick 63-of-101 passing, 874 yards, 9 TDs; Justin Smalley 26 rushes, 185 yards, 2 TDs; Hayden Humphrey 22 catches, 279 yards, 1 TD
Game notes: The Lions stung Camas early last week with their passing game. Jensen, a sophomore, has a bright future in front of him. This game has all the signs of a wild one, with the ball going up and down the field.
The Pick: Battle Ground 35-31
MOUNTAIN VIEW (2-1) vs. PENINSULA (0-3)
When, where: 7 p.m. at Peninsula High School, Gig Harbor
Internet broadcast: www.kghp.org
Last week: Mountain View beat Bonney Lake 36-21; Peninsula lost to Union 30-24
Last meeting: Peninsula won 28-6 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Peninsula, Robert Kvinsland 20-of-28 passing, 240 yards last week; Mountain View, Austin Mace 56 rushes, 289 yards, 2 TDs; Preston Jones, 34 rushes, 253 yards, 2 TDs; Lex Reese, 15-of-27 passing, 260 yards, 1 TD.
Game notes: Peninsula might be the best 0-3 team in the state in Class 3A. The Seahawks have lost to three 4A teams, including two that are top-10 caliber (Bellarmine Prep, Union). QB Kvinsland was very efficient vs. Union. The Titans had success running vs. Peninsula, which is a good sign for the Thunder.
The Pick: Peninsula 27-16
W.F. WEST (3-0) vs. COLUMBIA RIVER (3-0)
When, where: 7 p.m., Chieftain Stadium, Columbia River HS
Internet broadcast: www.kelaam.com
Last week: W.F. West beat Astoria (Ore.) 41-15; Columbia River beat Mark Morris 23-20
Last meeting: W.F. West won 18-16 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: WF West, Tanner Gueller 33-of-47 passing, 611 yards, 14 TDs; 14 rushes, 161 yards; Columbia River, Jonathan Branson 34-of-57 passing, 398 yards, 5 TDs; 45 rushes, 265 yards, 4 TDs; Nathaniel Hawthorne 10 catches, 172 yards, 3 TDs
Game notes: W.F. West is a very good 2A program, ranked fifth in the state. The Bearcats have had three impressive wins this season. Columbia River has been living dangerously, allowing last two victories to be decided by field-goal attempt on the final play. Last season’s meeting came down to a late two-point conversion that River did not convert. If it comes down to that this year, you got to like River’s mojo right now.
The pick: W.F. West 20-17
FORT VANCOUVER (0-3) vs. R.A. LONG (3-0)
When, where: 7 p.m. at Longview Memorial Stadium
Last week:Fort Vancouver lost to Washougal 35-0; R.A. Long beat Kelso 42-21
Last meeting: R.A. Long won 49-22 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Fort Vancouver, Jordan Suell 21-of-51 passing, 281 yards, 2 TDs; Marquis Taylor 11 catches, 225 yards, 1 TD.
Game notes: R.A. Long’s Jacob Yordy is a touchdown-scoring machine. The Lumberjacks have impressive wins over Battle Ground (4A) and Kelso (3A).
The pick: R.A. Long 48-6
WASHOUGAL (3-0) vs. RAINIER, Ore. (1-3)
When, where: 7 p.m. at Rainier HS
Last week: Washougal beat Fort Vancouver 35-0; Rainier lost to Portland Christian 26-22
Last meeting: First meeting
Stat pack: Washougal, Bobby Jacobs 45 carries, 360 yards, 4 TDs.
Game notes: Washougal has depended upon its solid running game led by Jacobs and some good defense. The Panthers have allowed just seven points in three games. This is also Washougal’s first road game of the season.
The Pick:Washougal 28-13
DECATUR (1-2) vs. HERITAGE (1-2)
When, where: 8 p.m., McKenzie Stadium
Internet broadcast: www.portlandsportsbeat.com
Last week: Decatur lost to Battle Ground 45-14; Heritage lost to Enumclaw 41-22
Last meeting: Heritage won 34-33 on Sept. 22, 2012
Stat pack:Heritage, Tiger Geesling 24 carries, 306 yards; Loreen Standiford 41-of-71 passing, 579 yards, 7 TDs; E’Lon Mack 15 catches, 230 yards, 1 TD.
Game notes: The Timberwolves got their first win on the road at Federal Way last season against the Gators. Behind Geesling, Heritage is developing a running game, which should help open things up in the passing game. If Heritage doesn’t win this game, it might be a rough road for the T-wolves as they head into league play next week.
The Pick: Heritage 27-23
ENUMCLAW (2-1) vs. SKYVIEW (1-2)
When, where: 8 p.m., Kiggins Bowl
Live TV: Fort Sports, cable Ch. 29
Last week: Enumclaw beat Heritage 41-22; Skyview beat Lakes 24-19
Last meeting: Skyview won 44-7 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Skyview, Nate Arriola 50 rushes, 270 yards, 2 TDs; Jacob Dennis 18 catches, 242 yards, 1 TD; Zac Shomler 24-of-45 passing, 372 yards, 4 TDs.
Game notes: Skyview rebounded nicely with a road win at Lakes after a very frustrating loss to Columbia River. Now, the Storm return home for the first time since Week 1. We would expect Skyview to be a team that gets better as it gains more experience.
The Pick: Skyview 28-24
TRICO LEAGUE
LA CENTER (3-0, 3-0) vs. CASTLE ROCK (2-1, 2-1)
When, where: 7 p.m. at Castle Rock HS
Last week: La Center beat Kalama 49-20; Castle Rock beat Stevenson 15-6
Last meeting: La Center won 28-3 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: La Center, Connor Fulton 38 rushes, 261 yards, 3 TDs; Wyatt Aguirre 12-of-23 passing, 305 yards, 5 TDs; Connor Wonderly 6 catches, 233 yards, 3 TDs.
Game notes: We’ve seen nothing that has led us conclude that the Trico title will come down to La Center-Woodland in Week 9. Castle Rock’s one loss was a 40-point setback to Woodland. We’d expect more of the same from La Center.
The Pick: La Center 48-6
SATURDAY’S GAMES
TRICO LEAGUE
STEVENSON (0-3, 0-3) vs. SETON CATHOLIC (1-2, 1-2)
When, where: 7 p.m., Doc Harris Stadium, Camas
Last week: Stevenson lost to Castle Rock 15-6; Seton Catholic lost to Woodland 74-0
Last meeting: Stevenson won 50-0 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Seton Catholic, Will Noce-Sheldon 21-of-43 passing, 400 yards, 5 TDs; 33 rushes, 238 yards, 1 TD; Justin James 8 catches, 266 yards, 3 TDs.
Game notes: Seton Catholic must regroup after getting shellshocked last week at Woodland. Stevenson hung tough with a Castle Rock team that beat Seton by 4 TDs in Week 1.
The Pick: Stevenson 19-16
NON-LEAGUE
HOCKINSON (3-0) vs. RIVER RIDGE (2-1)
When, where: 7 p.m. at Tumwater Stadium
Internet broadcast: www.elisportsnetwork.com
Last week: Hockinson beat Hudson’s Bay 38-7; River Ridge beat Ridgefield 39-3
Last meeting: River Ridge won 28-14 on Sept. 21, 2012
Stat pack: Hockinson, Curtis Baker 55 rushes, 255 yards, 3 TDs; Jess Krahn 34-of-82, 523 yards, 4 TDs; Cameron Loos 8 catches, 173 yards, 2 TDs
Game notes: Battle of the Hawks here. Hockinson has the experience QB in Krahn, but he’s struggled to connect with his receivers, completing at a 41 percent rate. But when he does connect, it results in big plays. Instead, Hockinson has depended on a solid ground attack and a stellar defense. Hockinson has allowed just 7 points in three games. However, Hockinson’s three foes are a combined 1-8. River Ridge has routed Sequim and Ridgefield, teams that are a combine 0-6. Hockinson cannot continue its trend of slow starts in this one.
The Pick: River Ridge 21-14
Other games
White Salmon (3-0, 2-0) at Kalama (1-2, 0-2), 7 p.m.
Toledo (1-2, 1-1) at Ilwaco (0-3), 7 p.m.
King’s Way Christian (3-0) at Perrydale, Ore. (2-2), 7 p.m.
