A primer for Class 4A football semifinals

CLASS 4A SEMIFINALS

Saturday

Gonzaga Prep (12-0) vs. Richland (11-1) at Edgar Brown Stadium (Pasco), 1 p.m.

Gonzaga Prep: The Bullpups defeated the Bombers in week one, 13-10. Look for California commit Evan Weaver to make an impact on offense and defense. During Gonzaga Prep’s 28-14 quarterfinal win over Woodinville, Weaver scored four touchdowns, including a pick-six. The Bullpups’ defense is their strength, allowing only 11.5 points per game.

Richland: The Bombers did not get an offensive TD in the earlier loss to Gonzaga Prep, scoring on an interception return and a field goal. They rallied past Moses Lake last week, winning 28-23 thanks to a defense that forced four fourth-quarter turnovers. Lakota Wills, a bruising 6-3, 230-pound senior and an Air Force commit, was a first-team selection as a defensive end and a second-team pick as a running back.

TNT pick: Gonzaga Prep 21, Richland 14

Skyline (11-1) vs. Lake Stevens (12-0) at the Tacoma Dome, 7:30 p.m.

Skyline: The Spartans’ offense is explosive and balanced. Skyline averages 415.7 yards per game behind senior quarterback Blake Gregory (59 percent completion percentage, 2,500 yards, 28 TDs, two INTs). Rashaad Boddie provides the spark in the running game (1,664 yards, 18 TDs, 7.4 yards per carry). After edging out Gig Harbor in the first round (17-15), Skyline cruised past Camas (35-10) last week.

Lake Stevens: With the Vikings, it all starts with quarterback Jacob Eason, a University of Georgia commit who has passed for 3,193 yards and 41 TDs. Skyline has defended the pass well this season (19 interceptions), so Vikings tailback Andrew Grimes (1,477 yards, 27 TDs) could play a bigger role Saturday. Lake Stevens was last in the state semifinals in 2011 and last made the title game in 1994.

TNT pick: Lake Stevens 35, Skyline 31

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 4:13 PM with the headline "A primer for Class 4A football semifinals."