Week 8: Five things to watch in high school football

No letting up

Sumner coach Keith Ross is thankful how the 3A SPSL schedule has fallen, especially after last week’s big 34-27 win over Lakes. Up next — intradistrict rival Bonney Lake for the outright league crown. “I would be nervous about a letdown if we were playing any other team,” Ross said.

One-week blip

Before last week, Gig Harbor’s defense was giving up fewer than 75 rushing yards a game. And then Olympia’s David Woodward rushed for 158 yards and three TDs. Tides coach Aaron Chantler said “no panic” exists as they face Yelm’ RB Brandon Thompson this week.

Crunch time

With three 4A Narrows League playoff berths available, Bellarmine Prep is in must-win mode — especially after last week’s OT loss to Yelm. Up next: Olympia, which has won eight of the past 10 meetings. “This is why you get into athletics, to play games like these,” Lions coach Brian Jensen said.

Staying home

Graham-Kapowsin finishes its regular season with two home games. A win over Bethel next week could mean an extended stay at Art Crate Field, including three Class 4A playoff games. “It’s like the old days at (Art Crate) — packed … loud and you can feel the vibe,” coach Eric Kurle said.

Opposite game plan

Last week, Cascade Christian had to defend Charles Wright’s read-option spread with QB Henry Cheney. This week? It is Vashon’s unbalanced power-I run formations with RB Bryce Hoisington. “It’s very similar to us, except with wider (blocking) splits,” Cougars coach Randy Davis said.

This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Week 8: Five things to watch in high school football."