Homecoming for both teams this week
Game of the Week
Ilwaco (1-6, 0-5) vs. Castle Rock (2-5, 1-4), 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 22, Peterson Field
Another long season is winding down for the Fishermen, and potentially one of the funnest games of the year is upon us once more — it's homecoming!
The Fishermen had their least fun game in awhile last week, as they fell 54-0 to Trico-leading Toledo.
I know times are tough once again on the gridiron for the Fishermen, but I really hope they aren't giving up. I don't think they are. It's unclear why the JV team has forfeited their final two games of the year, but usually it's because they don't have enough players to fill out the roster. It's common for students to lose interest when success doesn't come. But perhaps the players need to look past the W's and L's and look at the successes they have had.
Look up at the stands and see that the fans — students, parents, friends — have not given up on you. You have one of the best pep bands in the region. Your cheer squad is great, and both keep the crowd alive during the games. They know you're playing hard and appreciate the effort they see. You play in an extremely tough league, where five of the eight teams have winning records, and all of which also averaging at least 27 ppg and only give up an average of 14 ppg.
You've had a bevy of troubles on offense, namely turnovers, that have made it tough to get in the endzone. That being said, you've been IN almost every game, and for a good portion of the game. That shows heart. Sometimes heart is reflected by the scoreboard, but more often not. More often it is shown along the sidelines, in the huddle, getting up after a tackle, and after the game. You don't see heads down, you see guys wanting to get back in the game, thinking the next set of downs is the opportunity to get something going.
And while your team has seen more than its fair share of hard times over the years, look around at the accomplishments your school has had in other athletic endeavors, including golf, basketball, cross country and track, all of which have had great success at the highest levels of competition. Some day, and maybe sooner than later, football will have those same opportunities, but until then, enjoy the time you have on the field. Enjoy the fact that you have the opportunity just to play — and that word is used for a reason by the way.
Homecoming is usually the most highly attended game of the year, and in this case is also the final home game of the year. The fans know what's up, their expectations are not outrageous. They want to see guys playing, playing hard, and playing to have fun. Win or lose, they won't be let down by that.
Don't forget to check back Saturday for a game recap and photo gallery
Naselle (5-2, 2-2) vs. North Beach (2-5, 1-3), 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 22, Pentilla Field
Can you say clutch? After an impressive performance in the clutch to win on the road against NWC last week the Comets are that much closer to saying clinch, as in clinch their fourth-straight playoff appearance.
The Comets go into their final two games with sole possession of third place in the Pacific League, as they now own the tiebreaker over NWC. The Comets next two opponents — North Beach and Ocosta — are a combined 2-12 on the season and should be easy work for a Comets team that is starting to play its best football at the right time of the year. Should the Comets win out they would be 4-2 in league. Friday's South Bend @ Valley game will likely decide the league title. Should South Bend lose, and then lose at home to NWC to end the season, they too would be 4-2 and NWC would be 4-2, causing a three way tie for second and third. If this were to happen, South Bend would have the tiebreaker over NHS, NHS would have the tiebreaker over NWC and NWC would have the tiebreaker over South Bend, resulting in a three-way playoff tournament of sorts, likely on Saturday, Oct. 30, to decide second and third, with the second place team automatically advancing to the state playoffs and the third place team playing a crossover game with the Central League for the last state playoff spot. Going into this week, third place in a very strong Central League, is perennial power Adna. Of course if South Bend were to win either game against Valley or NWC the Comets would likely be assured of the third place finish.
Coming to Pentilla Field this week are the North Beach Hyaks, having lost their last two by the identical scores of 6-49. Through seven games the Hyaks have averaged only 13 ppg while giving up 34 ppg. Their two wins came in a one-point win at Seattle Lutheran, 7-6, and a six point win at 0-7 Ocosta.
For the Comets, QB Dustin Eaton has come miles since the beginning of the season. Whereas he looked shaky and uncertain in early games, he has looked downright poised the last two. At Pe Ell two weeks ago he ran for over 100 yards (for the first time) and scored three TD's. Last week, on the road again, Eaton threw for 172 yards (!!) for a 17-yard average per pass and a game-winning TD (he also ran for 48 yards and another TD). Perhaps the best example came after NHS took the lead late in the fourth quarter. With the opportunity to stop an NWC drive and salt away the last minute of the game, Eaton was called for three penalties (only one of which was legitimate in my eyes) that practically gave the Navigators their go-ahead score. On the sideline before heading back to the field, with multiple coaches in his face, Eaton's only answer was "I'm going to score a touchdown!" in a highly emotional voice. And that's exactly what he did. Awe inspiring, especially for such a young player.
The Comets will be without Robert Eaton again this week, as he continues to heal from an injury that has kept him out of the previous two games. Leo Mendoza, who returned from his own injury last week and scored twice, will continue to fill in at FB in two back sets.
Pigskin Pick'em
Boy, hit both nails on the head last week — now 9-4 this year
W- Ilwaco vs. Castle Rock
With pride on the line and facing a team with little to play for, I think Ilwaco pulls a small upset and gives the big crowd something to cheer about
W- Naselle vs. North Beach
This should be an easy one as the Comets come down the stretch looking better each week
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