Well...not to brag but I went 4-0 in my first week of predictions. We had two very close games with one going into overtime. This week will be a little more difficult to predict but I'll do my best. This year is tougher because of the growth of the league and the competition level has definitely raised a few bars and my analysis will become more insightful as the season goes on.

 VS..

Zaepfel Stadium
3:00 p.m.

"GAME OF THE WEEK"

I'm going to call this one the "Clash of the Titans". These two teams met last season in a non-league game and the Shockers won that game by a significant margin. Granted these are different teams in much regard to last year but it's going to be a nail biter none the less. Both teams had the first week off so this will be each of their first league games.

Let's start with the Mavericks. They have a solid offensive line, a good quarterback and potential for a good running game as well. The one thing that hurts them each year is their secondary. It has been thought in the past that if you want to beat the Mavericks throw the ball. Jon Devolve had a solid performance in their non-league victory over the Vancouver Vipers where he had four interceptions. That's more than most people have in a season. James Phillips looked very rusty and they really don't have a true kicker any longer after they lost the 2007 Special Teams MVP Joe Smith.

The Shockers are the new kid on the block as this is their first year in the EFL. They dominated their previous league but fell short in the Regional Championship game against the Blue Mountain Stars. The Shockers have prided themselves on their defense but they have a new weapon in new comer running back Rory Lee from the University of Puget Sound. They have lost a few other key players to military deployment but look as strong as ever. This is a team that can put points up on anyone quickly.

Analysis- This is a tough game to predict. On one hand you have a solid team in the Mavericks who looked less than stellar in their victory over the Vancouver Vipers and in the other hand you have a solid team that has outscored their opponents 90-12 in their first two non-league games. The strength of the Mavericks defense is against the rush and it appears the strength of the Shockers is the run and special teams. This will come down to who can effectively pass the ball and capitalize on special teams' opportunities.

Prediction- Shockers win on the road.

     VS.        

Civic Stadium
1:15 p.m.

This should be a great game. The Bulldogs won their first ever EFL game over the Riverhawks by a score of 36-21 and the Stars scored the game winning touchdown against the Rams with 41 seconds remaining in the game. I still am learning about the Bulldogs but the one things I've been told they have a very classy and knowledgeable head coach Dick McKinley.

The Stars started the 2008 season with a victory over the rival Rams. When those two teams meet it's usually an epic battle. Brandon Tate did what he does best and broke the 100 yard mark yet again. The Stars used two different quarterbacks who also have two different styles. The problem they're going to have to figure out is who is the true leader of this team. The one thing they do know is they have a fast defense and a great running game.

The Bulldogs made the trek across some snowy passes and went to Moses Lake to have their first ever EFL game. They left victorious and are looking to take out the EFL's defending champion Blue Mountain Stars. The one thing is the Bulldogs feel they're the underdog each week. They have a solid defense and are looking to continue to score points like they did last week.

Analysis- The key to this game is can you stop Brandon Tate? If the Bulldogs can accomplish that they can force the Stars to try and win the game through the air which would play to their advantage. If they can't stop Tate then it could be a long day.

Prediction- Stars win on the road.

    VS.   

Lampson Stadium
7:00 p.m.

This could be a defining game for both teams. Knights went to Skagit Valley and escaped with a 21-7 victory and the Rams lost a nail biter to the Stars in the last 41 seconds. These two teams play each other tough and the Knights knocked them out of the playoffs last season before losing to eventual champion Blue Mountain Stars.

The Rams lost a tough game and were very close to being able to get the go ahead score before they fumbled it on the 3 yard line. The Rams have Matt Sligar back at quarterback and Brian Bailey at running back. They have a solid defense that rushes very well and they have a tough secondary to compliment them. The Rams are a class team and have a very good head coach in Mickey White.

The Knights have added a few very good players including quarterback Scott Biglin. They went to Skagit and escaped with a win even though they had seven turnovers with five of them being interceptions. They have the best receiver corp. in the league and a solid defense but turnovers will haunt them if they continue to do that.

Analysis- The key to this game will be who can win the turnover battle. Both teams turned the ball over several times last week and with that being said whoever wins the turnover battle will win the game. Look for this to be a hard hitting action packed game that could go down to the wire.

Prediction- Knights win at home.

    VS.    

Lakeside High School
6:00 p.m.

This will be a close game. Both teams are pretty equal in many areas and for football fans alike this will be a great game to watch. The Lightning had a hard fought game last week against the Knights and this will be the first league game for the SaberCats. I'm going to have a tough time with this one.

The Lightning shocked the league last week when they went toe to toe with the Knights and only lost the game by 14 points. They had several interceptions but were unable to capitalize on them. If they continue to do that week in and week out they will win some games because you can't win if you can't score. I'm still working on learning about this team so hopefully next week I'll know more about them.

The SaberCats are fresh off of a very successful season where they finished at .500 and almost made the playoffs. Look for them to have a solid running game and once Iain Ashley gets into a groove the EFL will need to look out. Dean Carr is the head coach and is doing a great job. He has a few new players and some returning veterans that will keep the momentum they've established from 2007.

Analysis- I'm going to have a tough time with this one. You have one team that hung in there with a powerhouse last week and a team that is looking to keep the momentum going. Turnovers will play a factor in this one. Whoever can control the ball will have a good chance of winning this game. Fatigue could play a factor and this year the Cats have more numbers than they historically have which will be a factor as well as the long road trip the Lightning have to make.

Prediction- SaberCats win at home.