For the first time this season I went a perfect 5-0 in my predictions. There were some very close games last week and now we're down to the final three weeks of the season. My overall record now stands at 22-6.

 VS..

Shelton High School
4:00 p.m.

"GAME OF THE WEEK"

This is going to be another first time meeting between these two teams. The Shockers and the Knights are very comparable on paper and this will be a very physical game for both teams. This will be a run vs. pass competition.

The Knights (5-1) have been on fire these past few weeks. Scott Biglin, quarterback for the Knights, has thrown a total of 21 touchdown passes thus far. The problem is he has also thrown 12 interceptions but still has a 107 quarterback rating. They have had flashes of developing a running game with Tony Coburn but they still favor the pass.

The Shockers (3-2) had a 17 point lead last week on the road against the defending champion Stars but were unable to hold onto it as they fell 20-17. The Shockers have one of the best running games in the EFL but they're struggling with the passing game. The other problem they're having is turning over the ball. If they do that this week against the Knights they will make it a long day.

Analysis- This is going to be the second best game of the year. You have the Knights who are throwing the ball very well going against a defense that prides itself on putting pressure on the quarterback. The difference in this one is Scott Biglin reacts very well to pressure and always seems to find the open receivers when being blitzed. Key to success on this one for the Shockers will be getting to Biglin and trying to get interceptions. Without being successful in those two areas the Knights could walk away with this one.

Prediction- Knights win on the road.

     VS.        

Mt. Vernon High School
1:00 p.m.

These two teams know each other very well. They were formers opponents in their old league. There really isn't a home field advantage for this one due to the close proximity of their teams. The only true advantage in this one will be the number of players on each team which the advantage goes to the Bulldogs on this one. Basically the the team that loses this game will be eliminated from playoff contention. This is a HUGE game for both teams.

The Bulldogs (1-4) are in a must win situation if they want a chance at post season play. This team is not indicative of their record. Last week they suffered the biggest loss of the year against the Knights but they still fought hard to the bitter end. The Bulldogs have a very good running back in Mike McKinley so look for him to carry the load in an effort to win this game.

The Lightning (1-4) have struggled this year with numbers and they're also in a must win situation in order to keep their playoff dreams alive. Each week they go out and give it their all and would be in a much better position. Brad Collins is wearing multiple hats this season and keeping the team going. Last week on the road they only lost by 10 points to the Mavericks which is a great accomplishment it itself.

Analysis- I've said it before, this will come down to numbers. Advantage goes to the Bulldogs but the Lightning have proven they can win games playing iron man football. This will come down to execution. The Lightning have proven they can pass the ball and the Bulldogs struggled against the pass last week. This could be a very interesting game to watch.

Prediction- Bulldogs win on the road.

    VS.   

North Central High School
3:00 p.m.

I hate to have to say this but if someone would've told me the Miners would have the record they do I would say they're full of it. They have struggled offensively with the pass but are showing some signs of life with their running game. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are on fire and playing the best ball in their franchise history. If the Miners lose this game they will be officially eliminated from playoff contention.

The Mavericks (5-0) were on a mission last week. I said they have struggled with the running game and said that being one dimensional will hurt any team in the long run so they proved me wrong and ran for a total of 179 yards as a team. You put this with a very effective passing game and it equals success. Look for them to keep the momentum going as they control their own destiny in playoff seedings.

The Miners (1-4) are in a must win situation if they hope to make the playoffs this year. They have struggled in the passing game where as a team they've thrown 1 touchdown to 11 interceptions. Josh Adams is starting to become more effective as a runner which is something to build on. They have a solid defense which with some help offensively will put them back on the top they're enjoyed in the past.

Analysis- This has the making of a great game. If the Miners could get their passing game going this would take some of the pressure off of their defense. To stop the Mavericks you have to stop James Phillips. Do that and make them try and beat you with the running game will be in the favor of the Miners. If you can't stop Phillips you can't win.

Prediction- Mavericks win on the road.

    VS.    

Lapwai High School
3:00 p.m.

The one thing that has never happened is the Thunder beating the Stars. They've had some great games against one another over the years but the Thunder have yet to be able to taste victory against them. Greg Frisbee is on track to break three league records but will need an effective passing game to accomplish this.

The Stars (5-1) are having a great year thus far. They're still one of the best running teams in the league and Jorge Martinez is shaping up to be a great quarter back. Defensively they're sound against both the pass and the rush. They had a come from behind game last week against the Shockers and are now fighting for playoff position.

The Thunder (3-3) are having one of the most successful seasons they're had in four years. They have a great wide receiver in Greg Frisbee and are starting to have a descent running game. Defensively they're led by line backer Tim Nicollelo and are known as a team that plays with a lot of heart. This will be a tough game for them but it is a winnable game if they can put it all together and slow down Brandon Tate.

Analysis- The key to this game, as it is each week with any team, is can they slow down Brandon Tate? The last time these two teams met Tate ran for 160+ yards. The Stars also have a deadly receiving corp. to contend with. To beat the Stars you have to bring your A game.

Prediction- Stars win on the road.

    VS.    

Eastmont High School
6:00 p.m.

This will be a true test for the SaberCats. They've enjoyed some success this season but will be pushed to the limits against the Rams this week. The Rams have been a solid team this year and continue to show that each week. This would be a fun game to watch because it will basically fall on the shoulders of both quarterbacks.

The SaberCats (3-2) are having a great year thus far. They've put up solid numbers each week and have a couple of notables in players Kyle Look (WR), Ben Johnson (RB) & Freddie Miller (DE). Iain Ashley is having a solid year and if he can get his arm going it will definitely open up the running game.

The Rams (4-2) had an offensive explosion last week against the Miners. Matt Sligar had a solid game as well as did Jacob Deluna and Dave Mott. Defensively they they're pretty solid against both the pass and the rush. They have a very talented secondary and some quick line backers. The problem is they're injury riddled this year and that could be a factor down the stretch.

Analysis- This is true for both teams when I say it depends on which of their teams show up for the game. If both teams bring their "A" game then this could be a great battle the the end. Both teams are pretty well balanced and distribute the ball evenly to several players. The big factor in this game will be who can finish off the other team? The team that is able to execute in the red zone and the team that wins the turnover battle will win this game.

Prediction- Rams win at home.

    VS.    

Warden High School
7:00 p.m.

Last year these two teams had a great battle that the Riverhawks won by one point. They match up well against each other and this is a must win for the Riverhawks if they want a shot at the playoffs. The Commandos have the best record they've had since they started playing in the EFL and they control their own destiny as far as playoff seedings go.

The Commandos (4-1) are having a great year so far. They started off really slow offensively but have really picked it up these past three games. Defensively they're very sound and have had no problem putting pressure on any team. If they travel full strength then they should be able to continue with their sound defense.

The Riverhawks (1-4) have been very competitive thus far this year. Of their four losses only one was a true blowout. They have some new talent that has raised the eyebrows of many people around the league. They have a solid corp. of players and have some building blocks in place to build for a successful team in years to come.

Analysis- This is a tough game to think about. There are many variables that are unknown at this time. How is Czak Conley & AJ Eldridge? They were injured two weeks ago against the Shockers. This could be a big determining factor in how successful their offense will be. If the Riverhawks have these two players then they could surprise a few people around the league. If the Commandos travel at full strength, especially defensively, then this could turn out to be a very close game. This has potential to be a low scoring and defensive game so we'll see. Turnovers will determine the winner of this game.

Prediction- Commandos win on the road.