Ilwaco vs. Kalama, 7 pm, Friday, Sept. 23, Peterson Field, Ilwaco
Last week the Fishermen (1-0, 2-1) did something they hadn't done since 2007 — win back to back games. This week they have the opportunity to do something they haven't since 2005 — get multiple league wins. Ilwaco will host rival Kalama (1-0, 1-2) and will have a legit shot at doing just that.
While the Fishermen couldn't have liked getting blown out by Naselle in their first game, they can't feel too terrible about now, seeing as how the Comets have done that to everybody this year. And since that game, the Fishermen have not given up a single point in two straight wins.
Kalama on the other hand is lucky to have have their one win, which came last week on a last second interception run back for a TD to beat Castle Rock. The Chinooks staked themselves to a 27-13 lead before giving up two scores on special teams mistakes that tied the game. Kalama can score — even in their loss to Woodland in week one they still managed 33 points. Their weakness appears to be on the defensive side, where they have given up 108 points in three games (36 ppg average).
Ilwaco will once again look to capitalize on their quickness in the running game, and in the defensive secondary. Josh Berteaux is having a huge senior year, and Justice Schenk isn't too far behind, as both have reeled off long runs, racked up the yards and scored multiple TDs. Ilwaco's success could be in part because they finally seem to understand the kind of team they have — small and fast — and are using that to their advantage, rather than trying to play like a bigger built team. Senior lineman Elliot Marcus calls it "assignment football" where everyone knows where they're supposed to be and what they're supposed to do, rather than trying to play outside of their skill and size level.
I have no idea why Ilwaco and Kalama are rivals, but the fact is, IHS haven't beaten the Chinooks on the gridiron in more than seven years. This Friday night I have a feeling that the home crowd (which should be extra loud after missing their last home game) will have the players pumped and Ilwaco will put their assignments into play and get that win over the Chinooks.
Don't forget to check back Saturday for a game recap and photo gallery
Naselle @ South Bend, 7 pm, Friday, Sept. 23, South Bend
The Comets (1-0, 3-0) travel to South Bend this Friday to face off with their biggest rival, and defending state champs, South Bend. If you thought last week's thumping of Raymond was personal, just wait till Friday night.
South Bend (1-0, 2-1) lost in the season opener at Valley, then beat two pretty bad teams the last two weeks — beating an Onalaska team that has only scored 12 points all year, and blowing out Ocosta — who forfeited their first game this year — via the mercy rule
Somewhat similar to the Comets' QB Dustin Eaton — who is just as big a threat to run as he is to pass — South Bend QB Levi Bale led his team in rushing with 71 yards on four carries last week and three scores. He was also 4-for-4 passing for 69 yards. The South Bend defense has yet to see a line like the Comets have, but were pushed around by Valley in their one loss, to the tune of 437 yards. "We obviously have issues on defense," said South Bend coach Tom Sanchez after the loss.
Last week the Comets racked up nearly 600 yards of offense in destroying a Raymond team that was billed as being Naselle's equal.
In this "golden era" for Comets football that began in 2007, Naselle's highest scoring year was 2009 when they put up 361 points in the regular season. One third of the way through this season, the Comets are on pace to score more than 400 points. And while the Eaton boys are killing it out on the field each week, it's the Comets line on both sides of the ball that has been the key to their success. Ryley Queener, Tanner Hoven, Trevin Leeland, Nick Zimmerman and Seth Scrabeck should be up for co-MVP honors through three games.
This week is the first of the statewide AP poll, which has Naselle at 4 in the 2B class, same as they have been in the Tacoma News Tribune poll since the start of the season. But while you can't really argue with the top four (though I think Naselle and Waitsburg should be one and two), I think it's pretty obvious that whoever votes on the 2B teams probably haven't watched any of their games, as the bottom half of top 10 are 2-1 teams, including Raymond, who were embarrassed by the Comets last week.
* () denotes first place votes, then overall record and number of total votes
1. Adna (3); 3-0; 55
2. Colfax (3); 2-0; 54
3. Waitsburg; 3-0; 50
4. Naselle; 3-0; 42
5. Napavine; 2-1; 29
6. DeSales; 2-1; 25
7. White Pass; 2-1; 18
8. Orcas Island; 2-1; 13
9. Raymond; 2-1; 11
10. Lind-Ritzville; 2-0; 8
Don't forget to check back Saturday for a game recap and player blog post
Pigskin Pick'em
Believe it or not, but I am perfect this year in picks! 5-0 this year
W- Ilwaco vs. Kalama
Kalama's luck from last week will run out all over Peterson Field as the Fishermen run all over the Chinooks
W- Naselle @ South Bend
Always a tough contest, but the Comets got the goods and shouldn't have too much trouble with the defending champs
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