Week 2 football predictions

Well, after our first week of predictions it’s the readers who pulled ahead getting 11 of 15 games correct. Bellevue sportswriter Josh Suman and myself both finished with 10-5 records.

There are a lot of really good games on the list this week, led by the headliner, Skyline vs. Bellevue. Here are our picks for week two.

BIG 5

Skyline vs. Bellevue
Kevin - These two teams have quite a history. In 11 matchups, Bellevue has a 6-5 edge over Skyline, with the Spartans taking the last two games in 2010 (28-21) and 2007 (6-0). The Wolverines enter Friday’s game with a No. 15 ranking by US Today, but don’t count Skyline out. The Spartans and quarterback Max Browne found their groove after a slow start against Liberty last week. The junior connected on 16 of 18 passes for 190 yards and four TDs. Can Skyline stay disciplined on defense against Bellevue’s vaunted Wing-T? Will the Wolverines be able to control the clock and stop the Spartans’ quick and efficient passing attack? Something has to break.
Pick: Skyline 24-20
Josh - No rest for the weary in week two as the Wolverines try and follow-up last week’s win over Oaks Christian with another against the Spartans. Skyline is far more accustomed to seeing the Wing-T than were the Lions, but that doesn’t mean they are more likely to stop or even slow it. You have to be impressed with the 62 points Skyline put on Liberty last week, but this Bellevue defense is probably a little better suited to matchup with Browne and his crew of receivers than were the Patriots. Too much Bellevue run game, too little time with the ball for Skyline in this one.
Pick: Bellevue 34-22

Issaquah vs. Liberty
Kevin - These two teams enter week two on opposite ends of the spectrum. Issaquah thumped Heritage 48-0 last week, while Liberty got routed by Skyline, 62-27. The Patriots looked good for nearly the first two quarters, leading Skyline 21-14 in the second quarter. Can they find that mojo and hold onto it? The Eagles also looked impressive for two quarters before pulling all their starters in the second half. Did the starters get enough reps to carry over momentum into this week? It will be a test of wills between these Issaquah School District and former KingCo 3A rivals.
Pick: Issaquah 34-21
Josh - As expected, Issaquah trampled Heritage in the opener behind a huge night from freshman Jack Gellatly and a shutout from the Eagles’ defense. Until the Patriots prove they are ready for life without Bainton, Jenkins and Wheeler, I’m going to keep questioning whether they are ready for life without Bainton, Jenkins and Wheeler. This isn’t that week.
Pick: Issaquah 40-28

Bothell vs. Mount Si
Kevin - This matchup doesn’t bode well for Mount Si, which struggled last week stopping Woodinville’s rushing attack, eventually falling 31-10. Bothell earned 231 yards on the ground against a solid Union team on its way to a 27-10 win. Unless Mount Si has made some serious adjustments this week, things could get ugly.
Pick: Bothell 42-14
Josh - Mount Si made me look bad last week by getting crushed by Woodinville after I picked them to win on this blog. I don’t like looking bad. I think when all is said and done, the Wildcats are going to be the second or third place team in 3A KingCo and earn a spot in the round of 32. But that doesn’t mean they are going to beat the Cougars. Trent Sewell welcomes himself to the party in a big way as his team rolls.
Pick: Bothell 35-21

Newport vs. Mercer Island
Kevin - This should be an exciting battle between two athletic quarterbacks. Newport’s Isaac Dotson rushed 19 times for 228 yards and three touchdowns and threw for another. University of Washington-bound Jeff Lindquist completed 31 of 47 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown and rushed 24 times for 106 yards. Which defense will be able to step up and slow the other offense?
Pick: Newport 35-28
Josh - I saw the Knights last week so I’ll start with them. Isaac Dotson is the real deal. When he has the ball with even the slightest amount of space in the open field, it’s usually going for six. Arm tackles aren’t going to get it done and there is no doubt he loves to lower the shoulder and invite contact. The Islanders gave up big plays both on the ground and through the air (70 yard run and a 66 yard pass plus a 76 yard run that was called back) in last week’s loss to Seattle Prep. If that happens again, and it will, it’s going to be a long night for M-I.
Pick: Newport 45-20

Peninsula vs. Eastside Catholic
Kevin - This is a great chance for Eastside Catholic to prove its a contender in 3A. It will be no easy task, however, as the Crusaders face No. 9 ranked Peninsula on the road. The Seahawks dominated 4A opponent Gig Harbor, 48-9, last week, while Eastside rolled over Cleveland, 63-20. The Crusaders will have to slow senior running back Danny Welstad, who rushed for over 200 yards and six touchdowns last week. Chevy Walker will also be a concern for Peninsula. The senior scored five TDs, including an 83-yard for a TD. Having not seen either team this season, this isn’t an easy pick. I’ll give the Seahawks the slight edge with the home-field advantage.
Pick: Peninsula 32-28
Josh - This one will be a huge test for new coach Jeremy Thielbahr after the soft landing against hapless Cleveland in week one. Peninsula is no Cleveland and Danny Welstad is going to be a name the Crusaders get to know well on Friday night. Walker will get his on offense, but his team won’t get a win.
Pick: Peninsula 35-31

OTHER GAMES
Eastlake vs. Snohomish
Kevin - Eastlake 42-7
Josh - Eastlake 50-0

Redmond vs. Lake Washington
Kevin - Redmond 24-14
Josh - Lake Washington 28-14

Garfield vs. Sammamish
Kevin - Garfield 24-20
Josh - Sammamish 24-13
 

Inglemoor vs. Juanita
Kevin - Juanita 35-20
Josh - Juanita 35-14