Camp success in June energizes Woodinville

When Woodinville won the tournament to cap the team camp at Eastern Washington University last June, playing under the lights in an electrifying atmosphere, it proved to be a springboard.

"The kids were really jacked up after that," coach Wayne Maxwell said. "Our kids definitely believed in each other and it gave them confidence. That just kicked off a great summer."

Which has evolved into a great autumn. The second-ranked Falcons are in the quarterfinals for only the second time, and first since 2006. They host Union (9-2) of Vancouver Saturday at 2 p.m. at Pop Keeney Stadium in Bothell.

Woodinville (11-0) has never had a 12-win season. The school's best mark was 11-3 in 2005, when the Falcons lost to Skyline in their only championship-game appearance.

Disappointing finishes in 2009 and 2010, when Woodinville was eliminated early, have provided motivation.

"This group of seniors knows they have some talent and that they were capable of playing better than they did last year," Maxwell said, noting that injuries were also a factor. "The kids realize it's their last chance to get this."

Skyline finds its swagger

The confidence is back.

After knocking off Mead 27-17 in the first round of the 4A playoffs in Spokane last week, Skyline is playing its best football when it counts.

"The biggest thing, more than anything, is the kids have a tremendous amount of confidence right now," Spartans coach Mat Taylor said. "I think they kind of got their swagger back that we've been looking for all year."

Skyline (8-3) plays another team from the Greater Spokane League in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 1 p.m. when Central Valley (9-2) travels to the Plateau.

Interlake aims to take next step

For the second straight year, Interlake is in the quarterfinals. For the second straight year, the Saints will play the state's top-ranked 2A team with a trip to the Tacoma Dome on the line.

Last year, Interlake fell to Archbishop Murphy 58-13. The Saints host Lynden Saturday at 1 p.m.

"Our kids are more mature," Interlake coach Jason Rimkus said. "They're more confident. They understand that it's more about us focusing on us and not beating ourselves than worrying about your opponent."

The Saints (5-6) also have running back Jordan Todd, coming off a 432-yard rushing performance in a first-round win over Franklin Pierce.

But Todd, who is 266 yards shy of the state season rushing record, isn't talking about his accomplishment. He is pushing his teammates to get ready for the Lions (11-0).

"He has remained so humble and focused on our opponent and hasn't even batted an eye about the people who are calling about his numbers," Rimkus said. "That's not what's important to him right now."

Times staff reporter Mason Kelley contributed to this report.