SPSL SOUTH
Beamer (1-3) at Curtis (3-1), 7 p.m. today at Viking Field, University Place
About the Titans: First-year Beamer coach Darren McKay will face off against his son, Carter, who is a Curtis receiver. The older McKay’s Titans will have more to worry about, but their interior defense, led by LB Meilo Tauala (9.8 tackles per game), is stout. Beamer got its first victory last week, a 6-3 decision over Jefferson.
About the Vikings: Expect more heavy lifting from RB EJ Deveaux (98 carries, 619 yards, four TDs), but look for the Curtis offense to attack the perimeter with off-tackle runs, sweeps and perhaps a well-timed reverse. A couple of touchdowns is all the Vikings might need, especially with their defense playing well (10 turnovers forced, 58 points allowed in four games).
TNT pick: Curtis, 35-14.
SPSL 3A
Bonney Lake (1-3) at Peninsula (2-2), 7 p.m. today at Roy Anderson Field, Purdy
About the Panthers: Offensive balance was one of the offseason themes under new Bonney Lake coach Jason Silbaugh, but has QB Chris Brown (61-of-108, 717 yards, six TDs, six INTs) been reined in too much? The area’s 2011 passing leader did throw more last weekend in a loss to Union, but the offense made too many red-zone mistakes in the passing game.
About the Seahawks: With the way the non-league schedule finished, maybe Peninsula – not Lakes – should be considered the SPSL 3A favorite. Some of the early personnel and pass-protection issues in the new “Air Raid” offense have been cleaned up, and QB Austin Filkins (54-of-83, 552 yards, four TDs) had his best game last week at Mountain View.
TNT pick: Peninsula, 33-24.
NISQUALLY
No. 10 Charles Wright (3-0) at No. 6 Cedar Park Christian (3-0), 7 p.m. today at Juanita High School, Bothell
About the Tarriers: Charles Wright coach Mike Finch considers this the program’s most important game since it lost the 1989 Kingbowl. Why? The winner has the inside track to play for the Nisqually League title. To slow down Cedar Park Christian’s rushing attack, DE Beau Iverson must continue to be a force on the edge, and DL Robert Luke must keep shedding blocks.
About the Eagles: Cedar Park Christian will rarely go one-on-one in its blocking scheme. Instead, the Eagles will pull guards and tackles and try to double-team defenders at the point of attack to open holes for RB Daniel Watts (56 carries, 454 yards, four TDs) and backups Andrew Rickman and Connor Johnson. The Eagles average 342.7 rushing yards per game.
TNT pick: Cedar Park Christian, 30-25.
STATE GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 4 Skyview (3-1) at No. 6 Camas (4-0), 7 p.m. today at Harris Stadium, Camas
Skinny: Skyview has won the past four 4A Greater St. Helens League titles and pummeled Camas last season with a second-half rushing attack in a 31-10 win in Vancouver. Today’s game will be played in Camas, and more than 5,000 people are expected to attend (temporary bleachers are being added). Skyview will let quarterback Jordan Berni (63-of-101, 850 yards, six TDs) air it out. He can also run – as can tailback Jabari Marshall (53 carries, 316 yards, 11 TDs). Camas arguably has more weapons for quarterback Reilly Hennessey (51-of-79, 872 yards, seven TDs), who has been nearly flawless in play-action stuff.
TNT pick: Camas, 28-20.
todd.milles@ thenewstribune.com
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.