Week 8 game recaps

Naselle 55 - North Beach 6

Eight weeks, eight wins, eight blowouts. That's been the recipe for the Comets (5-0, 8-0) Pacific League champion season. THey wrapped up the title Friday night with a 55-6 win at North Beach.

As if there needed to be any more evidence to suggest that Dustin Eaton should be the offensive MVP this year, the junior QB throws an efficient 8 of 14 for 149, and four TDs. Eaton also led the team in rushing yards with 136.

As always with the Comets high powered offense Eaton was not alone in the glory. Sam Scrabeck ran for 62 yards and two scores, Robert Eaton ran for 54 yards and a TD, and Nick Strange caught two TD passes and ran for another. Jesse Lopez and Chandler Chapman also caught TD passes for the Comets.

On the defensive side of the ball, Robert Eaton led the team with seven tackles, two of which for losses, and recovered a fumble. Chris Walkowiak had six solo tackles including two for losses, Seth Scrabeck had five and recovered a fumble and Chapman and Strange each had an interception.

The Comets, who continue to be ranked third in the state, complete their regular season Thursday at home against a dreadful Ocosta team. Naselle will host a district crossover game against Central League fifth place team Wahkiakum on Nov. 4. 

Ilwaco 18 - Castle Rock 38

After fighting their way downfield at the start of the second half to score their first score of the night and cut the lead to 13-6, Castle Rock's 

Austin Moore ran back the ensuing kick-off 88 yards for a score that sealed the deal, despite two late scores by Ilwaco (2-4, 3-5). The loss mathematically eliminates the Fishermen from the postseason.

Josh Berteaux, who continues to pad his resume for first team all-league consideration, ran for 178 yards and two scores, and was back under center in the second half after QB Matt Wood suffered an injury to his shoulder. Justice Schenk, after getting injured last week, returned with some very fine runs, including a long reverse he ran in for a TD in the fourth quarter.

Ilwaco will finish up the Trico season Friday when they host Ridgefield.

Week 8 game previews

Road trip! Both Naselle and Ilwaco are on the road for important games this week
Ilwaco @ Castle Rock, 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 21, Castle Rock

If the Ilwaco Fishermen (2-3, 3-4) are going to qualify for the district crossover games in two weeks, they will need to win their last two games of the regular season. The first opponent in their way is the team they are tied with for fifth place in the Trico, Castle Rock (2-3, 3-4). 

These two teams have put up fairly similar numbers this year. Castle Rock's defense gives up an average of 17 ppg, while the Fishermen average 26 ppg — though in their three wins they are averaging 32 ppg on offense while giving up 4.6 ppg. On offense, the Rockets average 17.7 ppg, while the Fishermen average 16 ppg. The Fishermen have scored exactly that, total, in their four losses this year. What about common opponents?

Kalama — Castle Rock lost 34-27, Fishermen lost 41-0

Stevenson — Castle Rock won 27-12, Ilwaco won 30-0

Columbia — Rockets won 26-6 , Ilwaco won 39-14

LaCenter — Castle Rock lost 12-7, Fishermen lost 50-8

In those four games Castle Rock averaged 21.7 ppg, while allowing 16 ppg. Ilwaco averaged 19 ppg, while allowing 26 ppg.

The Fishermen really have their season in their hands, and really the best chance of making the crossover games — the top four teams from the Trico play the top four teams from the Evergreen with trips to the state tournament on the line. If Ilwaco were to win Friday they would have a potential tie-breaker with Castle Rock sewed up. The team currently in the number four slot in the Trico, Ridgefield, faces an incredibly tough Toledo team this Friday. An Ilwaco win and Ridgefield loss would have both teams at 3-3 in the Trico, and tied for fourth place. The Fishermen and Spudders are scheduled to play each other in the final game of the regular season, with a win-and-you're-in situation on the line.

But enough of the crystal ball talk. The Fishermen's biggest hurdle may be themselves, after having 10 different players either not play last week because of injury or surgery, and a couple more getting hurt during the game — Zach Ahlin is out for the rest of the season with a fractured femur.

Josh Berteaux continues his great senior year, running for another 109 yards — only problem was the Fishermen only had a total of 138 yards for the game. It's also hard to say if the Matt Wood at QB experiment really works or not, as he has only thrown the ball twice since taking on the roll. The Rockets are mainly a defensive team, without a lot of flash on offense. Last week in their 11-3 loss to Ridgefield, the Rockets only managed 161 yards of offense, but held the Spudders to only 150. If the Fishermen can hold onto the ball it's possible that the big boot of Edgar Galvan could kick their way to a win. 

Don't forget to check back Saturday for a game recap and photo gallery

Naselle @ North Beach, 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 21, Ocean Shores

Though in all reasonable respects the Naselle Comets (4-0, 7-0) won the Pacific League three weeks ago when they destroyed the Valley Vikings, this week they can make it official with a win at North Beach (3-1, 3-4).

The Hyaks may be in third place in the league, but a look at how they got there tells a different story. 

• North Beach have given up 162 points, while only scoring 126. 

• They have lost all three non-conference games, including last week to a particularly poor Mossyrock team, 27-8.

• They beat a terrible Ocosta team 6-0, and a downfallen South Bend team 26-20. Their signature win, if you want to call it that, came against NW Christian, 52-12, while their signature loss came at the hands of the Valley Vikings, 30-16.

• The Hyaks end their season against two of the highest scoring teams in the state - Naselle (1st) and at Raymond (3rd).

Here's a few stats on the Comets

• They are one of only three undefeated teams left in the state at the 2B level. However they have superior points scored and given up differential stats over the other two teams.

• The Comets have scored 337 points in seven games for a 48 ppg average, and have scored at least 42 in every game this year. The next closest in PPG scored is Waitsburg/Prescott with 273. 

• Naselle is only 63 points away from breaking 400 total for the year. 

• Since giving up 20 points to Raymond back in week three, the Comets have given up only 21 points their last four games, an average of 5.25 ppg.

Last week, the Comets went against common theory and took it easy on a team by throwing the ball on almost every play. The few times they did run they scored. And Dustin Eaton threw well enough (9-21 for 174) to rack up three more scores. Don't be too surprised if the Comets put the ball in the air some more this week. They have quite possibly the most potent running game out there, but if they can get even more efficient passing, they will give teams in the playoffs some real problems. 

The defense was stellar once again, and nearly had their third straight shutout (does a fourth quarter score given up by the JV really count?). In fact, when the varsity D left the field in the third quarter NWC actually had negative total yards of offense. A 68-yard JV run gave the Navs a total of 63 yards for the game. I know NWC is bad, but come on, negative total yards? That's impressive against anyone. The defense has continued to get better each week, even without Ryley Queener last game. Queener is back home and returned to practice as of Tuesday.

Looking ahead, if projections play out as they should, Naselle will host Central league fifth place team Wahkiakum in a district crossover game on Nov. 4. A win in that game would give Naselle the top seed in the western side of the 2B state playoff bracket. Speaking of which, said bracket has been released and the top seed from District IV will play the number five from that district. In this case, that is most likely going to be either Adna or Valley (or maybe even Raymond). 

Despite having the top seed on the western side of the bracket, the Comets would have probably the toughest road of any team to get to and win the state title. Projecting that far ahead is a little tough of course, but they would likely have to beat Adna, Morton/White Pass, Napavine and either Colfax or Waitsburg/Prescott. What you have there is the number 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 ranked teams in the state (Naselle continues to be ranked 3rd). Now of course rankings don't really tell the whole story (look at what they did to Valley, South Bend and Raymond), but it does give some idea as to the level of opponents that may lie ahead. (And yes, I already have my bracket all the way filled out...even though there is two weeks left in the season, but I digress).

Pigskin Pick'em

The hits just keep on coming, 2-0 again last week,  12-1 this year

W- Naselle @ North Beach

Ahh, more passing practice...Comets lock up league title.

W- Ilwaco @ Castle Rock

I know this is going out on a limb a little bit, but I think Ilwaco has a really good shot at pulling this off — as long as they don't give up the big play, and don't turn the ball over. This one should be close...I hope.

Photo gallery - NHS homecoming

Photos by Damian Mulinix/Chinook Observer

Week 7 game previews - 10/14/11

It's homecoming for Naselle, while Ilwaco hits the road for a tough one against Toledo

Naselle vs. NW Christian, 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 14, Pentilla Field, Naselle

The Naselle Comets (3-0, 6-0) are the toast of the football world these days, undefeated and ranked third in the state in just about every poll and ranking you can find. The NW Christian Navigators (0-3, 0-6) are essentially the exact opposite.
The Navs could very well be the worst 2B football team in the state this year. They have scored only 20 points TOTAL through their first six games, and have been shutout four of the six. They are second only to Liberty, who have scored only 14 points this year. The Navs do however have the regrettable distinction of having given up the most points of any 2B team in the state — 299. For those wondering, that is a 50 ppg average they're giving up. They are behind only 3A Rogers High School (with 330) for the most allowed in the entire state this year. All this coming off a year where they were still in the playoff hunt when the Comets visited last year in week 7, in an exciting 24-21 win for Naselle.
Speaking of stats, the Comets obviously have a superb chance for their third straight shutout win Friday night. Something tells me that by halftime coach Eaton will have no qualms with his boys staying on the field to watch the Homecoming activities. 
The Comets continue to lead the 2B level in scoring with 289 points through six games (a 48 ppg average). They are third in points allowed with 48 (an 8 ppg average). Of course this all comes with the varsity sitting the majority of the second half of their games. 
On a much less festive note for Naselle, senior lineman Ryley Queener while not be playing this week due to a medical emergency over the weekend that has him hospitalized in Oregon. Queener is on the mend however, as he noted on his Facebook page earlier today.
"Thank you all for the prayers it means a lot to me. I'm definitely getting better little by little. Can't wait to come home!"


*Pacific League notes
• Second place Valley play a pretty thin Ocosta team at home.
• With their surprising win at South Bend last week, North Beach finds themselves in a tie for second place. Naselle travels to North Beach next week in a game that would seal the league for Naselle with a win. North Beach travels out of town for a non-league game with Mossyrock.
• Raymond is still alive and kicking, after two straight blowout wins over terrible teams. They play at South Bend against a team that have slipped out of the running for the Pacific League. South Bend play Valley next week before finishing up with NW Christian.

Don't forget to check back Saturday for a game recap and photo gallery

Ilwaco @ Toledo, 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 14, Toledo

The Ilwaco Fishermen (2-2, 3-3) have already accomplished their best season since 2007, but they're still hungry for more. However, they may have to wait another week to take a big bite, as the Fishermen travel to second place Toledo (3-1, 5-1).

Ilwaco got back to what they are good at last week — running the ball with their speedy backs Josh Berteaux and Justice Schenk. Moving Berteaux back to RB meant taking Matt Wood off the line and moving him to QB, where he serves as the official hand-off guy — the Fishermen attempted one pass last week, an incompletion by Berteaux, who had a mega-huge game, scoring 4 TDs and running for 238 yards.

Toledo is a powerful team, averaging 38 ppg, while giving up only 13 ppg. Their lone loss came at the hands of Trico leader Kalama two weeks ago. Toledo had a number of young players on the field last week at Stevenson, filling in for injured starters, but they still put up a balanced offense on the ground and through the air. Even if the Fishermen secondary can slow the passing game, Toledo features three different running backs who have all been putting up nice numbers this year.

*Trico League notes

• After losing their first two games of the year, Kalama has looked like a juggernaut, winning four straight to take the top spot in the Trico. The Chinooks have an easy one this week as they travel to Columbia.

• Tied with Toledo for second in the league, LaCenter hosts a particularly bad Stevenson team this week.

• Tied for third with Ilwaco is Ridgefield, who host Castle Rock this week. This game should really give the Fishermen a good idea of what they'll face over the last two weeks of the Trico season. 

 Pigskin Pick'em

Oooo, el perfecto again, 2-0 last week,  10-1 this year

W- Naselle vs. NW Christian

If this game isn't over in the first quarter I'll be awfully surprised.

L - Ilwaco @ Toledo

I could see myself picking Ilwaco to win next week ... but not this week.

Week 6 game recaps - Ilwaco, Naselle both win at home

Ilwaco 39 - Columbia 14

Josh Berteaux made darn sure that the Ilwaco Fishermen (2-2, 3-3) and their fans would have a happt Homecoming Friday night as he ran for three TDs, returned a punt for another, and racked up 238 yards on the ground to help lead Ilwaco to a 39-14 win over Columbia of White Salmon.

"Our offensive line stayed with its blocks which allowed us to move the ball effectively," Ilwaco coach Kevin McNulty said. "We played physical football, and had a big third quarter to break open the game."

Berteaux scored on runs of 73, 79 and 6 yards. His punt return TD was for 45 yards.

The Fishermen moved senior Matt Woods, usually a lineman, to quarterback so JoshBerteaux could move back to running back, where he is most effective. McNulty said. Berteaux had been playing QB since Eric McMillan was lost for the season two weeks ago.

Justice Schenk, who ran for 105 yards, scored on a 35 yard TD, and Tom Odneal ran in a 1 yard score.

Ilwaco's defense held the Bruins to only 118 total yards.

Naselle 42 - Pe Ell 0

Dustin Eaton continued his fantastic season as he accounted for five TDs in the Naselle Comets (3-0, 6-0) second straight shut out win, topping the Pe Ell Trojans 42-0
Unlike last week the Comets got off to a slow start before running away in the second quarter. They also lost three fumbles.
After going scoreless in the first quarter, the Comets scored five TDs to take a 35-0 halftime lead. Eaton scored on runs of 15 and 5 yards, and passed for scores of 29 and 59 yards to Nick Strange and Brenden Greenfield, respectively. Sam Scrabeck scored on a 66 yard run and Eaton rounded out the ended his night with a 13 yard scoring pass to his brother Robert.
Despite the blowout win, the Naselle offense was held to lower than average numbers,  rushing for 198 of its 346 total yards. The defense was on top of their game, holding Pe Ell to ony 165 total yards.
Dustin Eaton threw for 148 yards and ran for 81 more. Scrabeck had five carries for 80 yards, and Robert Eaton had 37 on the ground.
Defensively, Jesse Kimball had 10 tackles, Tervin Leeland eight, and Robert Eaton and Dustin Eaton added seven each. Dustin Eaton also recovered two fumbles, and Sam Scrabeck recovered one.
Naselle will host Northwest Christian this Friday in their Homecoming game.

Week 6 game previews

It's homecoming week for Ilwaco, and Naselle takes a mid-season break from the Pacific League

Ilwaco vs. Columbia of White Salmon, 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 7, Peterson Field, Ilwaco

After what transpired over the last two weeks, the Ilwaco Fishermen (1-2, 2-3) are more than ready to get their feet back under them, and their homecoming opponent looks like just what the doctor ordered.

The Columbia Bruins (0-3, 0-5) are by far the worst team in the Trico League. The Bruins have only scored 29 points over five games, while giving up 212 (a 42.4 ppg average). Only three other 1A teams have scored fewer points so far this year — Evergreen League team Onalaska has only scored 12 points this year. 

On the other side of the field, the Fishermen look to even their league and season records after losing two straight by a combined score of 91-8. This coming after two consecutive wins by a combined score of 58-0. 
The Fishermen are still without QB Eric McMillan, which means Josh Berteaux will once again be under center. Justice Schenk had a very fine game last week in his start at tailback.
This is easily the Fishermen's best shot at winning another league game this year, as their schedule has them playing Toledo, Ridgefield and Castle Rock to finish out the Trico season. Homecoming is just as much a celebration as it is a game, and the Fishermen can help by giving the fans something to really celebrate.

Naselle vs. Pe Ell, 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 7, Pentilla Field, Naselle

Can the Naselle Comets (3-0, 5-0) be stopped? Well, definitely not by the Pe Ell Trojans (1-4, 1-4). Similar to Ilwaco's opponent this week, the Trojans have scored only 25 points this year, tied for third worst in the state at the 1A level. Their defense is pretty average, allowing 21 ppg. This week's game will be the first non-league game for Pe Ell.

For the Comets, after their fifth blowout win in five weeks, they have scored more points (247) than any team in the state at the 2B level. On the other side of the ball, the Comets have given up 48 points this year (only a 9.6 ppg average). However, only about half of that came with the varsity defense on the field — being up by such high scores, the varsity have mostly sat in the second half of most of their games. The two teams who have given up the fewest points this year — Central League teams Adna with 12, and Morton/White Pass with 14 — will face each other this Friday in what is bound to be one of the lowest scoring games of the year. 

Naselle continues to be ranked fourth in the state in the polls, but are also the top ranked 2B team in the state by the MaxPreps.com computer rankings. The Comets should have little trouble padding their stats, staying undefeated ... and once again resting their starters in the second half.

Pigskin Pick'em

Bounced back, going 2-0 last week,  8-1 this year

W- Naselle vs. Pe Ell

Like the rest of their regular season schedule, this one could be over before halftime.

W - Ilwaco vs. Columbia

Easily the last best chance for the Fishermen to get a W this year, and I think they'll cash in.

Photo Gallery - NHS defeats Valley 55-0

Photos by Damian Mulinix/Chinook Observer

Week 5 previews - 9/30

Naselle face their last tough opponent of the regular season and Ilwaco tries to get back on track

Naselle @ Willapa Valley, 7 pm, Friday, Sept. 30, Crogstad Field, Menlo

The Naselle Comets (2-0, 4-0) continued to bulldoze through opponents last week as they totally destroyed the defending state champs, South Bend. The last real test in the regular season comes this Friday when they travel to Willapa Valley (2-0, 3-1). If the Comets can pull off the hat trick of beating Raymond, South Bend and Valley over three weeks they will essentially lock up in the Pacific League title in the fifth week of the season.

Last Friday the Vikings knocked the much touted Raymond Seagulls out of the running for the league title with a 7-0 win. Raymond had beaten the Vikes two weeks earlier in a non-league game, 31-14. And while Valley was surely happy to notch the win, they couldn't have been too happy about how they did it. Their lone score took place in the second quarter, not sniffing the end zone again until running out the clock at the end of the game on the Raymond 3 yard line — they lost possession on downs at the same mark on their opening possession. 

The Comets giant line will face their biggest test of the year when they face off with Valley RB Michael Neumeyer, who was averaging nearly 200 yards per game before last week, when he was held to just 89 yards on 19 carries (4.6 ypc). Valley's other RB, Markus Eastham, ran for 109 on 25 carries (4.3 ypc) and the lone TD. Little surprise, but Valley attempted on three passes the whole game, which means the Comets could try some blitzing with their secondary without much chance of getting burned.

The Comets, who remain ranked fourth in the state in the News Tribune and AP polls this week, continued racking up serious amounts of yards and points, while holding their opponent to very little in those departments.

After putting up 600+ yards against Raymond, the Comets backed it up with 500+ against South Bend, scoring a season high 55 points (all in the first three quarters) and giving up 14 (all in the first quarter). The three-headed monster of the Eaton brothers and Sam Scrabeck rushed for 434 yards — Scrabeck 139, R. Eaton 115 and D. Eaton 112.

Let's take a look at the stats over the first four games to back up the hype.

• QB Dustin Eaton has rushed for 548 yards and 7 TDs, and has passed for 432 yards and 8 TDs

• FB Robert Eaton has rushed for 348 yards and 7 TDs, and caught 1 TD pass

• RB Sam Scrabeck rushed for 273 yards and 3 TDs, and passed for another

• That adds up to nearly 1,200 rushing yards, a 292 ypg average (did I mention the season isn't even half over yet?)

• WRs Brenden Greenfield and Chandler Chapman have each caught 4 TDs

• The offense has scored 192 points, a 48 ppg average

On defense

• The Comets have only given up 48 points thus far, a 12 ppg average

• The defense have given up fewer total yards and fewer passing yards than the previous week each week this season

• Given up only 340 rushing yards, an 85 ypg average

• Given up a paltry 231 yards passing — including 0 last week — a 57.7 ypg average

• And last, but definitely not last, the Comets have given up only 575 total yards, a 143 ypg average

'Nuff said

Don't forget to check back Saturday for a game recap, photo gallery and player blog posts

Ilwaco @ La Center, 7 pm, Friday, Sept. 30, La Center High School

The Ilwaco Fishermen (1-1, 2-2) had their third straight shutout last week, only this time they were on the wrong end of it. They travel to La Center Friday night to face a Wildcats team with an identical 1-1, 2-2 record with a hope of getting back on track.

The Wildcats have traded wins and losses each week this season, losing their opener at Hockinson, beating a really bad Rochester team, losing to Trico heavy weight Toledo in a blowout, and somewhat surprisingly beating a pretty good Ridgefield team last week. They did so after taking a 28-0 first half lead, and holding on late to win. RB Patrick Mayolo ran for 3 TDs in the game and QB Jake Johnson ran for a 31-yard TD and threw a 62-yard bomb for another.

The Wildcats have scored their fair share of points, a 29 ppg average, but have also given up just as many, a 33.5 ppg average. 

For the Fishermen, last Friday proved that Murphy was right, and everything that could go wrong, did go wrong for Ilwaco. Start off with fumbles on their first two snaps, both ended up as Kalama TDs. The Fishermen would add a few more to that total, ending with seven turnovers. The Ilwaco players had a difficult time keeping their feet under them on the wet, sloppy field, hampering their ability to get outside on runs, something that is usually a strength. And then there were the injuries. QB Eric McMillan went out at halftime with a broken left wrist, C Elliot Marcus injured his upper thigh but played on and Matt Wood, Josh Berteaux and Justice Schenk all played through despite being injured multiple times during the game.

With McMillan out, the Fishermen will most likely go back to Berteaux at QB, though they prefer him at RB. This means Schenk will likely see more carries at RB this game, though if they wanted a switch it up, Schenk does throw a nice ball. 

Pigskin Pick'em

Well, there goes the perfect record, 1-1 last week,  6-1 this year

W- Naselle @ Willapa Valley

Anybody remember the last time Naselle beat Valley in the regular season? Didn't think so. But this year, the Comets should have the advantage.

 Ilwaco @ La Center - W

I don't like doing it, but can't not after last week.

Game recaps - Week 4

Naselle 54 - South Bend 14

Just like last week against Raymond, the Comets got off to a bit of a shaky start against rival and defending state champ South Bend Friday night. But, just like last week, once they got it going, they never looked back.

The Comets broke open a close game wide open with 34 unanswered points in the second and third quarters as they rolled to a 55-14 victory.

QB Levi Bale scored South Bend's two touchdowns on a punt return and a 35-yard run in the first quarter before being knocked out of the game in the second quarter with a concussion.

 Sam Scrabeck led the way for the Comets with 121 yards on the ground and two scores. The Comets balanced attack also featured Dustin Eaton running for 109 yards and two scores in the first half and throwing for 79 more, including a 24 yard scoring strike to Chandler Chapman. His brother Robert Eaton ran for 108 yards and three scores.

 The Comets had 491 yards on offense. Defensively, Levi Wasmundt had nine tackles, Jake Condon made seven, and Chandler Chapman picked off two passes.

Naselle (4-0, 2-0 league) visits Willapa Valley (3-1, 2-0) on Friday in a game that could decide the Pacific League.

Kalama 41 - Ilwaco 0

The Fishermen were down before they even knew what hit'em Friday night as Kalama blew out Ilwaco 41-0.

The Fishermen's first two offensive possessions ended in fumble turnovers on the first snap, both times leading to easy Kalama TDs. The Fishermen were down 20-0 four minutes into the game.

Kalama's Jake Clizbe ran for 147 yards and scored four touchdowns. With the game easily in hand, the Chinooks chose to attempt on-side kicks after their last two scores, including once up by 41 points and with the mercy rule in effect. Ilwaco recovered the kicks both times.
Ilwaco coach Kevin McNulty said. "We got down in the red zone three times and fumbled each time. We made a good team look like a stellar team by our fumbling the ball seven times."

Ilwaco quarterback Eric McMillan, who  left the game with a wrist injury,  completed 3 of 8 passes for 75 yards, including a 50-yard strike to Edgar Galvan. The Fishermen also rushed for 118 yards.
On Friday, Ilwaco (2-2, 1-1) visits La Center.

Photo Gallery - IHS vs. Kalama

Photos by Damian Mulinix/Chinook Observer

Week 4 preview - 9/23

Fishermen get a chance to do something they haven't done since 2005 and Naselle faces off with their biggest rival

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