Friday, Oct. 02, 2009

Week 5 picks

An update on the Wahluke volleyball team ...

OK, the Warriors did not add to their win total this week, but they did push River View to five sets and even took a set off Connell, so it definitely looks like they might get a second league win this year.

As for Davis and its long league football losing streak?

"They're definitely going to beat somebody this year," said Southridge coach Andy Troxel after the Suns' 28-0 win Thursday night.

And I agree. The Pirates, as inept as they looked on offense, did some good things defensively. Roberto Rodriguez, their linebacker, is a player. Mitchell Vinsant is a good downhill runner. They've got some pieces.

As for the Suns ... let me paraphrase the great Dennis Green: They are who I thought they would be.

I hadn't seen them this year, but based upon my colleagues' descriptions, I had an idea going into Lampson Stadium what I'd see.

And I wasn't disappointed. As I suspected, they resemble the Kamiakin team that reached the 3A state semifinals a few years ago.

A little better passing game than Kamiakin's. Not as much blitzing. But the reliance on defense, special teams and a stout running game? Just the same.

Southridge's problem? It's not 3A. Kamiakin was helped by not having to face some of the better GSL teams in the playoffs when it made its run. Southridge will. Barring something strange, the Suns will be the No. 2 division seed -- and thus the No. 4 regional seed. They'll get the GSL champion -- in Spokane -- in Week 10.

And if the GSL is what everyone thinks it is again this year, that'll be the end of the Suns' road in 2009.

Got off to a 2-0 start to Week 5 with the picks -- which is good, because I had a so-so 10-5 mark last week. Missed on West Valley (Chiawana), Kennewick (Davis -- should have known better), Moses Lake (Pasco), Zillah (Royal) and Cove, Ore. (Tri-Cities Prep -- what a difference no Will Hoppes makes).

That makes my season mark 39-17.

Kamiakin at Eisenhower

I keep wanting to find a reason to pick the Braves. Their offense has big-play potential. Their defense has been solid all year. But Ike has been just a little better each week since its Week 1 escape vs. Davis (one of the more puzzling scores of the year). And the game is at Zaepfel. Eisenhower 35-21

Richland at Hanford

A pair of struggling teams take the field at Fran Rish Stadium. I don't necessarily think either will solve all its problems tonight, but the Bombers are the more desperate team, because they have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Jake McKinney is blossoming into the feature back Bombers coach Mike Neidhold thought he would be, and that'll be enough in this one. Richland 24-16

Walla Walla at West Valley

Homecoming for the Rams. Wa-Hi, with its two D-1 basketball recruits (Gary Winston to Idaho, Michael Weisner to Montana), will spoil the party. Walla Walla 38-6

Moses Lake at Kennewick

I missed big-time on both these teams last week, which means I'll miss badly on one of them this time around as well. I don't think either offense will misfire much in this game -- both were humming along last week. The difference is ML's defense has been the stronger one much of the year, and I see the Chiefs making the one or two stops necessary to win. Moses Lake 42-28

Sunnyside at Pasco

The last three quarters for the Bulldogs were a disaster -- from 13-0 up to 37-13 defeat at Moses Lake. They've probably been champing at the bit all week to get back on the field to redeem themselves. Pasco 41-14

Hermiston at The Dalles-Wahtonka

This is supposed to be the Eagle-Indians' year. They're at home, which gives them just enough of an edge in this matchup of Intermountain unbeatens. TDW 28-21

Othello at Grandview

The Greyhounds are hurting. The Huskies are rolling. Othello 42-14

Prosser at Toppenish

The Mustangs have become a running team this season. The Wildcats played Othello tough last week. They'll do the same to Prosser, but in the end, same result. Prosser 35-16

Columbia (Burbank) at River View

This is the show-me game for the Coyotes, who are 2-0 in SCAC East play afte beating Warden and Kiona-Benton. But without two of their main offensive weapons, I think the Panthers will show them their first league loss. River View 34-20

Wahluke at Kiona-Benton

The loser of this game probably can say good-bye to their playoff hopes. Wahluke 34-17

Liberty Christian at Pomeroy

A winnable game for the Patriots, but it's on the road. Pomeroy 35-21

Moscow, ID at Connell

Another tough foe for the Eagles. They'll definitely be battle-tested for the playoffs. Connell 36-26

Lyle-Wishram at Tri-Cities Prep

No offense to Prep's other players, but QB Will Hoppes is a special player at the 1B level. You just don't replace him on a moment's notice. Lyle-Wishram 56-48

Still not sure where I'll be tonight. Enjoy the Friday night lights.

Til next time ...