SPSL NORTH
No. 7 Kentlake (5-0 overall, 5-0 league) at Kentwood (4-1, 3-1), 7 tonight at French Field
Lowdown: Tempo could be a defining aspect of this titanic, intra-city matchup. The no-huddle Falcons want to play fast; the bigger and more physical Conquerors want a controlled pace. Kentwood must keep track at all times of Kentlake’s do-everything WR Austin Purnell (871 all-purpose yards, eight total TDs), who has scored on a kickoff return, an interception return, a reception and a rushing attempt. If Kentlake can snap its seven-game skid in the series, it will have the inside track to its first outright SPSL North title.
TNT pick: Kentlake 27, Kentwood 23.
SPSL SOUTH
Bethel (3-2, 3-1) at Graham-Kapowsin (2-3, 2-2), 7 tonight at Art Crate Field
Lowdown: Once upon a time, these two coaches shared the same sideline at Bethel High School. When Eric Kurle took over at G-K, Gavin Kralik was promoted – and has won all five games against his former boss. Certainly, two weeks ago, the Eagles would have been considered big underdogs in this game after starting 0-3. Personnel issues have been settled, notably moving RB Dylan Campbell (33 rushes, 224 yards, two TDs in two starts) from his receiver spot. Bethel has weapons, and motivation after last week’s stunning loss to Federal Way – and will ride QB Justin Hordyk (71-of-118, 1,062 yards, 13 total TDs).
TNT pick: Bethel 34, Graham-Kapowsin 29.
SPSL 3A
No. 2 Lakes (5-0, 1-0) at Decatur (4-1, 1-0), 7 p.m. Saturday at Federal Way’s Memorial Stadium
Lowdown: Quick, name the team closest to the SPSL 3A powerhouse Lancers in the early-October standings? Unexpectedly it is the Gators, who haven’t finished with a winning league record since 2003 but have run off a four-game winning streak. Their high-quality athletes now have a toughness factor with bullish RB Nick Karis (68 rushes, 214 yards, two TDs), who was a state wrestling semifinalist last season. Lakes will continue to utilize QBs David Wood (43-of-73, 814 yards, 15 TDs) and Cedric Dozier as a tandem, and RB Levonte Littlejohn (40 rushes, 336 yards, seven TDs) is finally running on a healthy ankle.
TNT pick: Lakes 40, Decatur 20.
Todd Milles, staff writer
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