2008 Week Five Game Previews/Predictions

All I can say is WOW!! What a week!! There were some very close games and even an upset some may think but was it really? I went 4-1 again this week (thanks Okanogan!!) to bring my overall total to 14-4. Some call it bragging but I call it a really good win/loss record if I don't say so myself!!!

 

 VS..

Burbank High School
6:00 p.m.

"GAME OF THE WEEK"

This is going to be the most hard hitting game of the year I'm sure!!! This one has been built up quite nicely if I don't say so myself. What else can you expect when you have the two teams that are literally across the river from each other are the same two teams that have played against one another EVERY year for the Championship?? All I can say is someone call 911...this field is going to be on fire!!!

The Knights (2-1) started getting their offense rolling last week as Scott Biglin threw for 6 touchdowns and 344 yards. He completed passes to six different receivers and touchdowns to four of them. This is the strength of this team. They were also able to rush for 86 total yards as a team which is a lot for this team. Defensively they're led by linebackers Steve Oldham and Mitch Ellerd who continue to put up big numbers each week.

The Stars (4-0) have yet to taste defeat this young season. They continue to have a solid running game led by running back Brandon Tate and Jorge Martinez (QB) is starting to raise some eyebrows with his canon of an arm. This is a team that isn't short on talent that's for sure. Rookie wide receiver Tanner Goforth continues to catch anything thrown his way and linebacker Eric Lindley is proving he belongs in the starting lineup.

Analysis- This game is going to have a little extra zing in it that's for sure. There are several players that seem to put a little more in their hits when these two teams collide. I'm faced with a tough one this week. Can the Knight pass against the excellent defensive backs of the Stars? Will the Knight be able to slow down Brandon Tate or will he run for his usual 100 yards yet again? This game will come down to who can capitalize on their strengths and exploit their opponents weaknesses.

Prediction- Knights win on the road.

 

     VS.        

South Sound Stadium
1:00 p.m.

This will be the first meeting of these two teams. They literally know nothing about one another other than the fact they love to play football. It will take the first half of the game for them to start and figure each other out which will make the second half a fun one to watch.

The Riverhawks (1-3) are not indicative of their record. You take a few mistakes each game out they have a chance to win each one and could easily be 3-1 instead. They have a great wide receiver in Emerson Fergueson, a good running back in Anthony Thomas and a scrappy defense that just doesn't quit.

The Shockers (2-1) are on a two game win streak but are having trouble finding rhythm with their offense. They continue to be rock solid defensively but have been hit with the injury bug and military deployments. Running back Rory Lee is starting to find some momentum in running the ball and now they're working on finding their "go to guy" at the wide receiver position.

Analysis- Being the home team is always a plus and gives anyone in the EFL a distinct advantage. The Riverhawks, if they play solid defense, could very well be in this game and could have a chance to win it but they're also struggling with who is their #1 QB. Being scrappy is a great quality to have and could make this an interesting game to watch.

Prediction- Shockers win at home.

 

    VS.   

North Central High School
TBA

When these two teams meet it makes for some great football. Both teams are struggling offensively which will make this a hard game to predict. The Miners left Okanogan shocked at a 17-0 loss and the Thunder fell victim to the golden arm of Biglin of the Knights. Both teams have a lot to prove in this one.

The Thunder (0-3) are at a loss right now. They have a lot of talent on this team and even had the league leading wide receiver, Greg Frisbee, coming into week four. The one thing that is surely hurting them is depth on their roster. Their QB Jordan Gulley is continuing to work and learn each week which will make him a great QB in the near future. The other weakness they have right now is against the pass. If they can stop the pass it will make get them into the win column.

The Miners (1-2) are in absolute shell shock right now. In the preseason this team looked like the one to be beat. They're having some trouble getting their offense rolling and are starting to struggle a little on the defensive side of the ball as well. This being their first home game is sure to help them get their sights back on track and climb back to a .500 record. 

Analysis- As of right now the passing game is the key. The Thunder are doing very well against the rush but are struggling against the pass. The Miners have a balanced attack but don't really have their go to guy either. This will come down to the simple things, turnovers and who can get their offense rolling first.

Prediction- Miners at home.

 

    VS.    

Oak Harbor High School
1:00 p.m.

This will be another first when these two teams meet. The Lightning just got done with a two week road trip and will be back at home. The Rams fought hard to back from behind but fell short last week against the Mavericks.

The Rams (2-2) are a tough team to prepare for. First year coach Mickey White is doing a great job and is keeping defensive coordinators on their toes each week. The Rams are a team of balance. They run the ball as much as they throw. They also share the wealth with a lot of different players as well. Look for them to get back on track this week and continue to make a run for the playoffs.

The Lightning (1-2) got a much needed week off last week to prepare for this big home game. The one thing that hurt the Lightning the last two games was numbers. They had 14 in Spokane and 18 in Moses Lake. With this being a home game they should be able to field more players this week. Brad Collins had a great showing against the Riverhawks and they played well together defensively.

Analysis- There are two components to this game. Will the Lightning have more players on the field this week and will the Rams be able to bounce back after a disappointing loss last week? These are two very similar teams in they believe in the team concept and not the individual one. There will be some big hits in this game and some exciting football to watch.

Prediction- Rams win on the road.

 

    VS.    

Lakeside High School
6:00 p.m.

Talk about the turnaround from last year!!! These two teams are a combined 5-1!! The SaberCats are undefeated and the Commandos just scored a huge win against the Miners last week at home. Let's call this unofficial second "Game of the Week"!!!

The Commandos (2-1) held the Miners scoreless while they were able to put up 17 second half points for the win. A team that was struggling offensively were able to get it going against a tough Miners defense. I haven't seen the stats yet but all I can say is they're all jacked up right now and ready to take on the next opponent.

The SaberCats (3-0) are undefeated for the first time in franchise history. If you ask head coach Dean Carr if last weeks win was pretty or not he'll probably say no but a win is a win none the less. The thing is the Cats need some consistency. They played very well against the Lightning but then struggled against the Riverhawks.

Analysis- This is a tough one to call. I was yelled at pretty good for going against the Commandos last week and if I don't pick them this week I'm sure I'll get the same thing again. Both of these teams are tough. They play smash mouth football and it could very well come down to who has the home game as the distinct advantage. This is going to be really tough but my gut tells me.....

Prediction- SaberCats win at home.