A primer on the Class 2A state semifinals
Class 2A state semifinals
No. 10 Sedro-Wooley (9-3) at No. 5 Prosser (11-1)
3 p.m. Saturday, Zaepfel Stadium, Yakima
About the Cubs: Much of the nucleus of last year’s squad graduated, but this is turning out to be one of coach Dave Ward’s best jobs as the defending state champions are making another run at the title. Sedro-Wooley runs one of the most physical brands of Wing-T offense in the state, led by Quinn Carpenter (113 rushes for 706 yards and 11 TDs). But the Cubs have enough of a passing attack to keep defenses honest. QB Devin Willard is 80 of 120 for 1,036 yards and 10 TDs.
About the Mustangs: Prosser is back in the state playoffs for the sixth straight year, and is making its third trip to the 2A semifinals in the last four years. But Prosser is 0-3 in those semifinal games. The Mustangs took a big step last week by eliminating Eastern Washington rival Ellensburg, 31-0, in the quarterfinals. Prosser, a three-time state title winner (most recently in 2007), is led by QB Tanner Bolt (169 of 270 passing, 2,672 yards, 38 TDs), who runs the multifaceted offense.
TNT pick: Prosser, 45-32
No. 4 Archbishop Murphy (11-0) at No. 1 Tumwater (12-0)
10 a.m. Saturday, Tacoma Dome
About the Wildcats: A lot of similarities to the team standing on the opposite sideline. Haven’t lost a game this season, and haven’t won one by less than three scores. Kerry Jackson (127 carries for 1,018 yards, 17 TDs) is the workhorse running back for the Wing-T juggernaut, but was day-to-day this week after he was hurt in the first quarter in the quarterfinal against North Kitsap. Anfernee Gurley (1,189 total yards with 21 TDs) is explosive offensively and a special teams threat.
About the T-Birds: Fourth consecutive trip to the semifinals, but got knocked out by defending champion Sedro-Woolley at this point last season. Defense, led by Cade Otton (110 tackles), will face a new challenge in a Wildcats team that averages 46.5 points per game (Tumwater averages 47). The Wing-T will continues to spread the work around, led by Jarid Barrett (158 carries, 979 yards, 18 TDs) and Dominic Jones (95 carries, 892 yards, 11 TDs).
TNT pick: Tumwater, 31-27
lsmith@thenewstribune.com
This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 7:45 PM with the headline "A primer on the Class 2A state semifinals."