Game of the Week
Naselle vs. South Bend, 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 30, Pentilla Field
Two years ago we called the Naselle - South Bend game the "game of the quarter century." Last year we said it doesn't matter what sport it is, it always seems to come down to the Naselle - South Bend game to decide something big. Weighty connotations can once again be applied to this weeks rivalry match-up at Pentilla Field. (Did we mention that Naselle beat South Bend in both of those games previously?)
The Naselle Comets (7-1, 3-1) have had a little unexpected drama hit their team this week as several players missed the first half of the week battling the flu that has been going around local schools this last month. Several key starters, including QB Austin Burkhalter and FB Alan Erickson were sidelined. But as of last night all but two players are back in action according to a post by Burkhalter on the blog. And while we have been unable to confirm it, you can bet that South Bend has likely had their share of health concerns too.
South Bend (6-2, 3-1) have been dynamite all season, blowing most opponents out, and only giving up three TDs in one game — in a loss to league leader Valley. South Bend is averaging a whopping 36 ppg, while giving up just 12 ppg.
However, the one team in the Pacific League who has scored more points than South Bend is the Comets. In fact Naselle's offense to defense ratio is 2 to 1, as they have scored exactly 300 points this year (38 ppg) while giving up 101 points (13 ppg). And while it these number are impressive for both teams, it should be noted that both have had a fairly easy schedule thus far. South Bend's two losses came against the two best teams they've played, while Naselle's lone loss came against one of the two good teams they have played.
Both teams come into the game on the heels of a blowout win — South Bend topped Ocosta (who had been tied with South Bend and Naselle for second place) 57-6, while the Comets took down North Beach 59-14. South Bend has won two straight since their loss to Valley, outscoring their opponents a collective 105-12. The Comets have won three straight since their loss to Valley, outscoring their opponents a collective 163-34. In those three games the Comets offense has just exploded as the team has been at full strength — and to be fair, a couple of the late TDs they've given up have been in "garbage time" with many JV players on the field.
So as it stands now, if Naselle wins they will be in the drivers seat for a playoff berth. The Pacific League has two automatic bids to the 2B playoffs for the first and second place team, with the third place team going up against the Central League third place team for a final spot on the Tuesday before the playoffs begin. If Naselle wins tonight they will be 4-1 and South Bend will be 3-2. Ocosta will most likely beat North Beach to once again create a tie at third place. Of course if South Bend wins tonight it creates the same situation for Naselle, who would likely be in the two way tie for third. But while South Bend gets North Beach for their final game, a likely win, Naselle travel to Ocosta for the final game of the season, and in this scenario would be a must-win game just to qualify for the play-in game three days later. Of course, if Naselle wins tonight and Ocosta also wins it sets up a scenario where if South Bend wins next week and Naselle somehow loses to Ocosta it would create a three-way tie for second place with all three teams at 4-2. OUCH! My head hurts now. Comets, for my sake, just win the next two games!
The Comets held steady at number 10 in this weeks AP poll, same as last week, while Valley remains number 7. Last years state champion Napavine remains in the top 10 ( no. 8) despite losing their second game of the season last week. They are the only team receiving votes that has more than one loss this year at the 2B level.
Don't forget to check back Saturday for a game recap and photo gallery
Ilwaco @ Castle Rock, 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 23, Castle Rock High School
While they may not be able to realistically play for a win tonight in their season finale, the Ilwaco Fishermen (0-8, 0-4) can still go out with their heads held high knowing they gave it their all this year.
The Fishermen got back to moving in the right direction last week as they hung tough for three quarters with the Columbia Bruins. Now unfortunately the refs seemingly decided to take the last quarter of the game off, turning a blind eye toward multiple rough fouls by the Bruins, in one case knocking a Fishermen senior out for the rest of the game. They finally woke up with two minutes left just in time to eject an Ilwaco player for voicing his displeasure with the lack of fair play.
The Fishermen scored a season-high 21 points on the Bruins, and trailed by only one score at the end of the third quarter, but were unable to score again. Ilwaco should have a chance to put a few more on the board as Castle Rock (5-3, 3-1) give up an average of 25 ppg this season. The Rockets lost a chance at the Trico title last week as they fell to LaCenter 16-34. And since the Rockets have essentially shored up second in the Trico and a playoff berth don't be surprised if you see few starters on the field in the second half, giving the Fishermen a chance to get in the end zone a few more times perhaps. Once again Ilwaco will look to get it done on the ground. Last week the Fishermen ran for 215 yards — 106 of which by Trevor Couch, who recently returned from injury. When they do decide to pass Kyle Breckridge would likely be the one to catch it, as he has been the Fishermen's most reliable receiver all year, usually fighting for extra yards after the catch.
Pigskin Pick'em
After the season I think I'm going to take this luck to Vegas, 2-0 once again. We're now 11-4 on the year
W- Naselle vs. South Bend
I have to say I'm a little concerned about Naselle in this game. Not that I don't think they can win, because they definitely can, but because they've seen so little good competition all year. Add in the flu bug this week, possibly rainy weather, and a tough, tough South Bend team. I think if those factors come into play it can be a tight game. If the Comets are firing on all cylinders like they have the last few weeks they have a chance to put up some big numbers in a win.
L- Ilwaco @ Castle Rock
Playing for pride I think the Fishermen put some more scores on the board and maybe keep it close for awhile, but Castle Rock is a football machine, and will pull away eventually.
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