I didn't fair as well this week where I went 2-2. Yakima had a come from behind victory over the Shockers and the Rams defeated the Knights without ever looking back. My overall record now stands at 6-2. This week is going to be just as challenging so let's get it going!!

 VS..

Burbank High School
6:00 p.m.

"GAME OF THE WEEK"

Talk about two teams that thrive on defense. We have the Stars that have been a pretty dominant team with the running game and the Miners pride themselves on their strength being their run defense. The Miners have never defeated the Stars and they will be looking to make this their first.

The Miners will be led into battle by long time offensive coordinator and how head coach Daniel Franklin. What he looses in height he gains in football knowledge. He is a very savvy coach that commands respect from his players. Tim Mitrovich will be taking the snaps this year with the return of the 2007 Defensive MVP linebacker Casey Lawrence. Josh Queen will be anchoring the defensive line looking to be the league leader in sacks for the third straight year.

The Stars have picked up where they left off. They have won 12 straight league games and will continue with that momentum. Brandon Tate is continuing to get 100 yards rushing each and every week and they have a rookie wide receiver tearing up the league being Tanner "Go For It" Goforth. Defensively they're faster than last season and have a big line on both sides of the ball..

Analysis- All I can say is WOW!!! I would probably have better luck tossing a coin to predict this one. The key to this game will be can the Miners stop the powerful running game of the Stars and slow down their quick defense? This is going to be quite the battle in the trenches and whoever wins that battle will win this game.  The Stars have a slight advantage being this will be their fourth game whereas the Miners have yet to take the field against anyone other than their own teammates.

Prediction- Stars win at home.

     VS.        

South Sound Stadium
1:00 p.m.

The Shockers went to Yakima and left 7 points short of their first ever EFL league victory. They have a great defense and a great running back in Rory Lee. The Commandos are the team that people seem to look past at times. They also have a great defense but are looking for an offensive identity.

The Commandos may have only been able to muster up 88 total yards of offense against the Thunder but it was enough to get the victory. They were missing running back Jeff Nelson which was certain to hurt any team. They have a new quarterback in Levi Heyen and his first official outing was a little rocky. Look for them to get the ball moving a little more this week.

The Shockers led the Mavericks by a score of 21-6 but then quarterback James Phillips got hot and was able to score 22 straight points to get the win. The Shockers are comprised of mostly former college football players and various levels and they also pride themselves on defense. They lost a few key players to military deployment which has hurt them at some skilled positions but look for them to bounce back this week.

Analysis- Both the Shockers and Commandos have solid defenses. The Shockers were able to get more offense in week two than the Commandos which will really be the difference. Not to sound cliché but the team that has more success running their offense will be the team that wins the game. Defense isn't the key to this game it's who can get their offense rolling.

Prediction- Shockers win at home.

    VS.   

Lapwai High School
3:00 p.m.

When these two teams face off it's usually a really good game. The Thunder have yet to defeat the Mavericks in EFL play and would like very much to get the proverbial monkey off of their back. That Mavericks are coming into the game with a big come from behind victory and had a lot of success throwing the ball.

The Mavericks started off slow last week against the Shockers but got their offense going in the second half. James Phillips was able to throw for 343 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. They're still struggling running the ball and finding their go to guy so this could plague them as the season goes on as well as not having a true kicker.

The Thunder make the long trip in week one and lost a nail biter in overtime against the Commandos. The key to that game was not having a true kicker which is something that could affect their ability to go deep in the playoffs. They have a very talented and athletic quarterback in Jordan Gulley. All he needs is a few more snaps to get comfortable with this offense.

Analysis- The key to this game will be the passing game. The Thunder have historically been a team that struggles against the pass. They have a solid rush defense but have trouble stopping the long ball. This will be the big question, can they stop the pass? If yes, then this could be a very interesting game. If not, Yakima will go 2-0 in league play.

Prediction- Mavericks win on the road.

    VS.    

Eastmont High School
6:00 p.m.

The Rams are fresh off of a big win against the Knights and the Bulldogs lost a close game to the Stars at home. This is the first meeting between these two teams and has the making of a rivalry.

The Bulldogs had a hard fought game against the Stars. The score didn't show it but they were down by seven points with three minutes to go. They have a very good running back in Mike McKinley. They struggle in the passing game which could go against them making them one dimensional. They also have very good kick returners which could help balance out other weak areas.

The Rams are on an emotional high getting their first ever win over the Knights. They had a very balanced attack on the ground and through the air last week. Matt Sligar, the Rams QB, had a rating of 91 which is good enough to win any game at any level. Nate Gowing ran for 86 yards against a tough Knights defense. They struggled in punting the ball which could come into play in a close game.

Analysis- This will be the toughest game this week to predict. Both teams have very good running games and have had inconsistent passing games thus far in this early season. The key will come down to who can throw the ball more successfully to open up their already consistent passing games. This is going to be a great game to watch.

Prediction- Rams win at home.

    VS.    

Warden High School
7:00 p.m.

These two teams will be pretty much evenly matched. Both teams have some talented players and the Lightning have Brad Collins throwing the ball which has been commented as having the strongest arm in the league by some of his peers.

The Lightning had a great showing at home in week one where they only lost by 14 points to the Knights but then last week they traveled awfully thin with only 14 guys to Spokane. Even with thin numbers they battled to the bitter end. Rumor has it that they were missing several key players due to military commitments which may not be the same problem this week. The one thing that is consistent with this team is the play of their QB Brad Collins.

The Riverhawks lost a tough game to the Bulldogs in the first week. They had last week off and have gotten a chance to get some rest. Emerson Fergueson is the go to guy that they will look to get going early. One of the preseason strengths for them is their offensive line. They struggled in week one and gave up seven sacks, six to one player, and will look to correct that this week.

Analysis- There are many unknowns in this game. The key will come down to a couple of things. First is how well will the Lightning travel this week? Second is will the Riverhawks give their quarterback enough time to be able to throw the ball? I think I will toss a coin on this one and let's see

Prediction- Riverhawks win at home.