Class 1A football semifinal capsules

CLASS 1A SEMIFINALS

Saturday

Connell (10-1) vs. Royal (12-0) at Lions Field (Moses Lake), 4 p.m.

Connell: The Eagles lost to Royal, 27-20, in Week 3. They’ve been the only team to hold a lead against the Knights all season, and if not for two dropped passes in the end zone, they might have been the undefeated team in this matchup. Balance is the key for the Eagles; running backs Parker McCary and Jax Witby have combined for over 1,500 yards and 25 TDs. Quarterback Brian Hawkins is efficient (just two TDs) and a threat passing (1,536 yards, 17 TDs) or running (over 200 yards, nine TDs).

Royal: The rivalry between these two schools – just an hour separates the two — is intense not just because of the frequency that they play but because of their similarities, Connell coach Wayne Riner said. Royal handled Colville last week in the quarterfinals, 21-7, behind running back Joe Lang’s big day (180 yards, two TDs).

TNT pick: Royal 21, Connell 17

King’s (11-1) vs. Montesano (10-2) at The Tacoma Dome, 1 p.m.

King’s: Senior QB Koa Wilkens’ return has sparked the Knights to back-to-back playoff wins against previously undefeated Port Townsend (24-7) and Hoquiam (42-21). Last year’s 1A Cascade MVP suffered a broken collarbone during the Knights’ opener, and was unable to play until three weeks ago. King’s, traditionally a spread offense, had to rely a little more on the run (2,668 yards vs. 1,258 yards passing) this season. Since coming back, Wilkens has thrown for 412 yards and six TDs. King’s has been to the quarterfinal round in the playoffs for the past six years.

Montesano: The Bulldogs beat Cascade Christian on a Hail Mary pass in the first round of the playoffs. Quarterback Jake Herzog launched a 50-yard pass to a wide-open Kylar Prante to win the game. The Bulldogs routed Mount Baker in the quarterfinals (51-21) to set up their semifinal date with the Knights.

TNT pick: King’s 30, Montesano 28

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 5:54 PM with the headline "Class 1A football semifinal capsules."