Week 8 football predictions
Well, here it is, the matchup many in the KingCo 4A have been waiting for all season — Eastlake vs. Skyline. There’s a few other big contests around the league this week, but this one stands out as the marquee matchup.
Be sure to get your votes on who you think will win. Overall season standings are at the bottom of the page.
BIG 5
Eastlake vs. Skyline
Kevin - This one’s for all the marbles in the KingCo Crest with the winner moving on to face Woodinville for the KingCo 4A Championship. These teams have contrasting offensive strengths and have struggled defensively to stop what the other is good at. Eastlake’s offense is run-heavy behind Ryan Lewis and Keegan Kemp, averaging 254 rushing yards per game. Skyline’s offense is pass-heavy behind junior quarterback Max Browne, averaging 342 passing yards per game. Both teams certainly have the motivation. Eastlake has never defeated Skyline (in five attempts). Skyline is used to being ranked No. 1 and doesn’t like sharing a limelight that historically belongs to the Spartans. Who will be able to rise up and make the big stop on Friday? I see this being a high-scoring affair. The team with the least amount of mistakes wins.
Pick: Eastlake 42-38
Josh -This should be one of the most competitive, well played games of the year. Both teams should be confident in their identity and devoid of silly mistakes at this point in the season. Max Browne gets a lot more attention, but Eastlake signal-caller Keegan Kemp is also a solid passer and is dangerous when he decides to take off and run. I would say the Wolves have the advantage because of Ryan Lewis and their run game, but Browne and the passing attack of the Spartans is so dynamic and precise, it can overcome the lack of a dominant rushing performance. I’m going to make a prediction, but pretending like I know who is going to win this game is a farce. But for the perception of Washington high school football and assuming both teams make deep playoff runs, I hope it’s a good one.
Pick: Eastlake 35-34
Kevin - Eastside Catholic has had some of the top Metro teams against the ropes this season, falling just short to O’Dea and Seattle Prep. The Crusaders have another stiff test against Bainbridge — a squad that has suffered similar fate in 2011. The winner gets the No. 3 seed out of the Mountain Division. Neither of these teams need a win, but I expect a close one. Look for Chevy Walker and a couple of special teams plays to be the difference.
Pick: Eastside Catholic 28-24
Josh -The Crusaders have missed on their two biggest opportunities of the year against Seattle Prep and O’Dea. Eastside Catholic badly need this win to salvage an otherwise lost season for first-year head coach Jeremy Thielbahr and I think they get it.
Pick: Eastside Catholic 40-20
Kevin - The winner of this game gets the No. 3 seed headed into the KingCo 4A crossover, the loser falls to No. 4. There’s not much at stake, except for momentum. Something Issaquah will be looking to recover after a tough 44-17 loss to Eastlake last week. Look for the Eagles to pound the ball with sophomore Jack Gellatly and for quarterback Ethan Kalin to rediscover his groove after a tough week (15-44, 2 TDs, 4 INTs).
Pick: Issaquah 35-20
Josh -Newport got exactly what it needed last week by beating Redmond and now has a chance to take a major step forward as a team and program by beating someone from the Crest other than the Mustangs. If Isaac Dotson accounts for five touchdowns like he did last week, the Knights are going to win. Even though the Issaquah defense struggled to finish against Skyline and Eastlake, I think they are going to get enough stops to win.
Pick: Issaquah 34-24
Kevin - Mount Si could create some issues atop the KingCo 3A if the Wildcats could pull off an upset over Bellevue. But that’s a big IF. Bellevue has shown no weakness in recent weeks, rolling over weaker opponents. The Wolverines should make another big statement this week, locking up the top seed in their division.
Pick: Bellevue 42-14
Josh - The Wildcats are one of the more respected and consistently good programs in the conference. They have a long tenured coach, a physical mentality on both sides of the ball and will be playing at home on Senior Night in front of a packed house. The official Mount Si football website is telling spectators to “Come see Mount Si Wildcats new uniforms” as well. Oh and did I mention, a win over the Wolverines would clinch a playoff berth for Mount Si? While all of that would spell potential upset for most other teams, Bellevue isn’t most other teams. Even facing some injury questions, I expect the Wolverines to roll.
Pick: Bellevue 42-19
Kevin - Interlake certainly has motivation in this game, hoping to lock up a 2A playoff spot and the Saints are coming off big wins over Sammamish and Lake Washington. Liberty has struggled to find any real groove this season, but I think when it comes down to it, the Patriots size and depth will prevail.
Pick: Liberty 28-20
Josh - The Saints are in prime position to earn one of the three playoff spots from 2A Seamount after last week’s win over Lake Washington, but there is no doubt getting at least one of the final two would have folks around Interlake resting a little easier. Jordan Todd was up to his old tricks again last week against the Kangs and if he can find some room to operate in the Patriots’ defense, his team could be in business. Liberty has been up and down while attempting to replace their top three offensive producers from last year (and probably, in the school’s history) but they have won three of four and two straight after the 0-2 start.
Pick: Liberty 20-18
Kevin: 11-0
Josh: 11-0
Readers: 11-0
Year to date
Kevin: 59-15
Josh: 56-18
Readers: 59-15
