Class 3A state football semifinals capsules

Class 3A State Semifinals

FRIDAY

No. 12 Lakes (10-2) vs. No. 1 Eastside Catholic (11-0), at the Tacoma Dome, 4 p.m.

About the Lancers: There is a lot to be said about the rushing attack the Lancers have. Led by junior running back Andrew Bostic (203 carries, 1419 yards, 14 TDs), expect a heavy dose of the run game from coach Dave Miller. Complementing Bostic are senior running back Yisrael Stephens (74 carries, 659 yards, 12 TDs) and dual-threat senior quarterback Jaiave Magalei (64 carries, 331 yards, 11 TDs). Magalei can burn opponents in the air, too, with his dangerous arm having thrown for more than 2,700 yards and 28 TDs this year.

About the Crusaders: The Crusaders come into the game boasting the No. 1 3A ranking in the state — and they deserve it. Eastside Catholic has run over some of the toughest teams from the 3A SPSL the past two games — Auburn Mountainview (42-7) and Bonney Lake (47-7). The vaunted defense will ruin the day for most any team’s offense. It’s led by Brandon Wellington, who has a team-leading five interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Sophomore Ryan Taylor adds a team-high three sacks.

TNT pick: Eastside Catholic, 28-17.

No. 5 Bellevue (10-1) vs. No. 11, at the Tacoma Dome, 7:30 p.m.

About the Wolverines: If there is one constant in Washington high school football, it’s the Wolverines playing for a state championship. Bellevue has been in 10 straight state semifinal games, nine straight 3A state title games, winning eight of them, and have won 11 championships since 2001. Coach Butch Goncharoff has a team that’s built for contention and is well-disciplined on both sides of the ball. The offense has scored 444 points over their 11 games, a little more than 40 points a game, and the defense has only just 118, a little more than 10.5 points a game.

About the Braves: The Braves are going to rely on the leaders of the offense — senior quarterback Alex Freeman, senior running back Oshea Trujillo and senior receiver Clinton Allen Jr. — to have the game of their lives in this one. All three are keys to a Braves offense that needs to put up points in order to keep up with the Wolverines. On defense, senior Jon Flanagan comes with six sacks for the season, and Sam Gardner has five interceptions.

TNT pick: Bellevue, 32-21.

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 6:48 PM with the headline "Class 3A state football semifinals capsules."