Okay, I took a little bit of a beating this week where I went 3-2 which makes me 17-6 overall. The games are really starting to count and a loss can mean the difference between being in the playoffs or just watching them.

 VS..

Burbank High School
6:00 p.m.

"GAME OF THE WEEK"

They say if you want to be the best you have to beat the best. This is the case because the last time these two teams met was in 2007 where both teams came in undefeated. The Stars won that game in convincing fashion by 21 points. Things are a little different this time being the players aren't the same as last year. Either way, this will be a fun game to watch.

The Shockers (3-1) are on a three game winning streak. They're running the ball very well but have been hampered by injuries and turnovers. They're also struggling with the passing game but are making up for it with a tough and physical defense. Rory Lee is starting to warm up and put up some big numbers. Kicker Pat Hutnik has been solid in the kicking game as well.

The Stars (4-1) lost their first game of the 2008 season last week to their bitter rival Tri-City Knights. They did very well against the rush but gave up 405 yards passing through the air. The Stars blitz very well and can slow down any teams' rushing attack. Brandon Tate continued his rushing success as he gained 187 yards on the ground against the Knights but he was kept out of the end zone.

Analysis- The strength of the Shockers offense (running the ball) will play into the strength of the Stars defense (against the rush) which will make things very interesting. If the Shockers can get their passing game going it could open up their run but if not it will be a difficult day. The Shockers are also very strong against the rush which is the strength of the Stars' offense. This game will come down to who wins the turnover battle. Whoever wins that battle wins this game.

Prediction- Stars win at home.

     VS.        

Zaepfel Stadium
3:00 p.m.

The Mavericks are #1 in the EFL right now which could be intimidating for any team except the Skagit Valley Lightning. What the Lightning lack in numbers of players they gain in heart. They've been averaging about 18 guys per road trip but they bring in none the less. The Mavericks are firing on all pistons right now and will be a tough opponent for any team.

The Lightning (1-3) are new to the league but are quickly being known as the "Iron Man" of the EFL. They don't have a lot in the way of numbers of players but that hasn't stopped them from showing up each week and playing their heart out. The team is head coached by Brad Collins who is also their quarterback. They have quick defense and are pretty big up front which could wear down any offense.

The Mavericks (4-0) are absolutely on fire right now. They are the EFL's #1 team thus far. James Phillips is the #1 quarterback averaging just over 400 yards per game passing. They have a very fast defense that is led by stud linebacker Ryan "Red" Evers. The only weakness of this team is the lack of a running game which could haunt them as they go deeper into the season.

Analysis- Numbers...numbers...numbers. You can only go so far with heart before the body finally gives up. With the Lightning traveling thin thus far this year that puts them at a distinct disadvantage. They have a pretty good secondary but Phillips is playing the best football of his EFL career thus far. Slow down Phillips and the Lightning will have a great chance in this game.

Prediction- Mavericks win at home.

    VS.   

Lapwai High School
3:00 p.m.

The Thunder and the SaberCats met earlier this year in a non-league game where the Thunder were victorious 20-18. The thing is it's hard enough to beat a team once but can lightning strike in the same spot twice?

The SaberCats (3-1) lost their first game of the year last week against the Commandos at home. This is the best start in the history of the Cats and are sure to look at getting back on track this week. Iain Ashley had a great day through the air and Ben Johnson has some tough fought yardage against a scrappy Commandos defense.

The Thunder (2-3) went to Spokane last week and left victorious against the Miners. Greg Frisbee had a great day and the Thunder defense played very well against the Miners. Rookie quarterback Jordan Gulley is starting to get comfortable with his offense and the defense is getting better each week. They're still suspect against the pass and this could be a problem this week.

Analysis- It's always a great game when the Thunder/Cats meet. The Thunder have an unstoppable wide receiver in Greg Frisbee. The SaberCats have struggled the past two games and this pitted with the Thunder being the home team gives them a distinct advantage. I think momentum is going to be a big factor in this game.

Prediction- Thunder at home.

    VS.    

Eastmont High School
6:00 p.m.

This game will tell a lot about both teams. The Miners have struggled thus far and the Rams have started out strong. This is a must win for the Miners or the playoffs may not be possible without a lot of help as the season goes on.

The Miners (1-3) are turning the ball over a lot each week. Their quarterback has thrown one touchdown to eight interceptions so far. They've had a consistent running game but when they get in the red zone they've been turning the ball over. With their offense not getting many snaps it's forcing their defense to be on the field too much which will certainly hurt any team.

The Rams (3-2) had a great showing last week at Skagit and put themselves one game above .500 with their road victory. They're struggling with the pass but their rushing offense is doing very well. They've also had a lot of success on the defensive side of the ball getting some touchdowns via interceptions. Mickey White is doing a great job with this team and they'll be looking to get a big home win during Apple Blossom weekend.

Analysis- With the Miners struggling offensively and the Rams defense putting points on the board this will be a difficult game for the Miners to win. The Miners have great talent from top to bottom but haven't started clicking yet. If the Rams are able to run the ball effectively they could get a big home win.

Prediction- Rams win at home.

    VS.    

Lampson Stadium
7:00 p.m.

This will be the first meeting between these two teams and it's a must win for the Bulldogs. The Knights are coming off of a big win against their rival the Stars and got their passing game going very well.

The Bulldogs (1-3) are not indicative of their record. Their last game they held the Shockers to no touchdowns and only lost that game by six points. They have a good running back in Mike McKinley but have struggled with the passing game. Defensively they're quick and don't ever stop until the whistle blows.

The Knights (4-1) are starting to hit their stride. Last week Scott Biglin put up big numbers and more importantly, he didn't throw any interceptions. Their rush defense did get swiss cheesed by running back Brandon Tate but they got two interceptions that were both pivotal. The Knights, usually a passing team only, nearly got 100 yards rushing as a team.

Analysis- The Bulldogs are a tough team and play with a lot of heart. Unfortunately for them the Knights are starting to play well together and will be looking to build on that emotional win last week. The Bulldogs do run the ball very well which is a weakness of the Knights defense.

Prediction- Knights win at home.