Lakes seniors Kavario Middleton and Jermaine Kearse have given verbal commitments to play football at the University of Washington, Lancers football coach Dave Miller confirmed this afternoon.

"They considered a few schools," Miller said. "But they're hometown guys. Jermaine and Kavario feel like they can be a couple more hands on the rope, pulling the program in the right direction."

The players will have a press conference at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Lakes to formally announce their decisions.

Middleton, a 6-foot-6, 245-pounder, played tight end and defensive end for Lakes, but projects as a tight end in college.

"His athleticism makes him special," Miller said. "He could play defensive end, but he'll be a difference-maker at tight end."

Miller said Kearse, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder, is the best receiver he's coached. Even better than former Lakes and Husky star and current Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Reggie Williams.

"Jermaine does it all," Miller said. "He's a smooth route runner and has better hands. He could get to the NFL like Reggie."

Yeah, there's still a week of football left, but many of you hardcore hoop fans know the season has started. They're already talking about it over at highvoltagehoops.com and hoopgurlz.com.

And we're well aware of it here at TNT. Since the T-Dome hosts football we still have to wrap up this weekend, but know that we're in the process of putting together our full-page conference previews that will run every day next week, starting on Wednesday.

So if you were the prep editor at the TNT, what are the big stories of the hoop season?

Is it the search for a third contributor at Bellarmine Prep to compliment Abdul Gaddy and Avery Bradley?

How much has Kentwood's Josh Smith grown in an offseason?

Will it be if Kentridge's solid returning nucleus led by Renado Parker (top) can return to the 4A state tourney?

How about Federal Way losing Terrell Smith, and possibly being just as good if not better?

Maybe it's Auburn with Ryan Snowden and T.J. Stafford trying to take the SPSL 3A away from Julian Fernandez and Enumclaw?

Don't forget about Gig Harbor and its search for solid guard play to compliment Matthias Ward and a strong group of front court players?

Maybe its Lincoln coach Tim Kelly returning to his alma mater at Curtis, and one of the players he coached, Aubrey Shelton, returning to Lincoln to coach his younger brother Kaleb (above) and a talented Abes squad?

How about for the girls?
How many blocks can Mt. Tahoma's Shauniece Samms (above) get in a season?

What will Lincoln be like without Alex Montgomery and head coach Kevin Strozier?

Is it a question of Auburn Riverside repeating again, or going unbeaten this season?

Can Tabitha Tomlinson and Puyallup build off last year's late season success?

Will the transfer of G-K's Lindsay Flowers to Bethel put the Braves over the top?

How good is Kentwood still going to be without Courtney Vandersloot?

Will Lakes' girls contend in the 3A?

Is River Ridge's run of dominance over in the EvCo?

What's the story? Who's going to win each league? If you had to predict who made our All-Area team at the end of the season, who would it be?

We're listening.

Attendance at the football semifinals played last week at the Tacoma Dome was down slightly from last season.

According to Darin Hanson, WIAA director of communications, 19,603 fans passed through the dome's gates last week. Last year, 20,803 spectators attended the semifinals. These figures do not include semifinals played in Eastern Washington.

I'm a bit surprised that the attendance was down only 6 percent, especially after seeing a sparse crowd at the Bellevue-O'Dea game, which was played at 9 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving.

On the flip-side, imagine how many more people would have been at one of the semifinal's marquee games had it been played in the late-afternoon or evening?

All games are at the Tacoma Dome

FRIDAY

Class 1B: Odessa (12-0) vs. Almira/Coulee-Hartline (12-1), 4 p.m.

Class 3A: O'Dea (13-0) vs. Skyline (13-0), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Class 2A: Burlington-Edison (12-1) vs. Prosser (13-0), 10 a.m.

Class 1A: Royal (13-1) vs. Connell (12-0), 1 p.m.

Class 2B: DeSales (12-0) vs. Toutle Lake (11-2), 4 p.m.

Class 4A: Bothell (13-0) vs. Lewis and Clark (10-2), 7:30 p.m.

McCartney intercepts Eglet and returns to the LC 26. 4 min to go.

The Warrioprs have made a real game of it late, thanks to Tigers miscues.

An interception led to the latest TD. Then, on the ensuing kickoff, Vaughn Kapiko fumbled the return. E-W failed to capitalize however, turning the ball over on four plays ... on downs. LC driving with 4:58 to go ... still up!

Alexander Shaw has 109 yards and a TD on 16 carries for the Tigers.

Tony Heard has 44 yards on 11 rushes for E-W.

Lewis and Clark QB Steven Eglet has five completions - each to a different receiver - and two TDs.

Well, after even more weirdness, we've gone to the half.

Lewis and Clark got the ball back at its own 32 with 1:30 to go ... and took a knee three times ... E-W forced a fourth-down play, using its final timeout with 4 seconds left ... no punt came, just a short QB sneak to end the half ...

This just in: Alexander Shaw is a bruising back!

Shaw went 3 yards with 2:51 to go in the half just minutes after DeAngelo Tauala's interception gave LC the ball at the E-W 25.

All this came after an E-W punt snap went over the head of punter Din Kuses, who tracked the ball down in the end zone and actually kicked it. The ball did not leave the end zone, however.

Carl Preiksaitis fell on the ball for a 0-yard punt return for touchdown! EVER SEEN THAT? It gave the Tigers a 21-7 lead midway into the second quarter.

Antoinne Wafer brings in a 35 yard TD pass to close the gap for Edmonds-Woodway.

Alexander Shaw then rumbles for 33 yards for the Tigers, but they throw an interception on the next play. E-W has the ball again ... 8:31 to go in the half.

It was all about running back Alexander Shaw, who carried seven times on the Tigers opening drive.

But the scoring strike was Alex Gauper on a 14-yard catch from Steven Eglet.

E-W's response ... Tony Heard goes for 15 yards on the first play for 15 yards right up the gut.

Another Eagle turnover late led to Nick Hazeltine's 24 yard touchdown catch from Kevin Baffney ... 28-0.

Life Christian's effort to avoid a shutout reached the Irish 7 with 53 seconds to go when Barrett Schmidtke found Morgan Cox down the seam for 23 yards and a first-and-goal.

Two plays later, Schmidtke was intercepted in the end zone. However, when the DeSales defender attempted to run the ball out, he was stripped. One hop later, Cox recovered the fumble for the Eagles touchdown with 37 seconds left.

Cox jumped up and threw the ball in the air, drawing a flag for excessive celebration. The extra point still was good, even after the 15-yard enforcement.

Life Christian tried an onside kick that was recovered by the DeSales QB, Kevin Baffney, along the front line of the return team.

Bryce Huyanga rumbled in from nine yards out to score his third touchdown of the game. Life just fumbled the ball away to start the fourth quarter.

Kevin Baffney just found Bryce Hayunga on a 7-yard TD pass to put the Irish up a pair of scores.

Not much happening in the second quarter. Here's some unofficial stats, Life Christian has managed just 5 yards of rushing and 26 yards passing. Meanwhile, DeSales has pretty much controlled the ball and the clock.

Running back Bryce Hayunga as 82 yards on 16 carries and 40 yards receiving on three catches. Quarterback Kevin Baffney has 88 yards passing and 16 yards rushing.

The game started about 53 minutes late because of a backlog from the Lummi game earlier today.

After a scoreless first quarter, DeSales broke through with a 7 yard TD run from Bryce Hayunga. With the extra point, DeSales leads 7-0

After going scoreless for four quarters, and possibly setting back football a few years, Toutle Lake scored on its first possession of the overtime period on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Cody O'Connoer to Sage Chapman.

On Asotin's possession, the Ducks defense smothered Asotin's quarterback Creighton Alford twiced and forced a fumble on fourth down to win the game.

Almira/Coulee-Hartline beat Lummi at its own game: scoring.

The teams traded touchdowns through the third quarter when the Warriors broke the game open, taking a three-touchdown lead.

Lummi (10-2) finishes the season with 712 points. That gives the Blackhawks the third-highest single-season points total in national 8-man football history, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Like you'd expect in an 8-man football game, we've got lots of scoring.

ACH scored its final touchdown of the half with 12 seconds left.

This one's far from over. Lummi scored 118 in a game last month.

The second-ranked Spartans were too much for Franklin Pierce.

The Cardinals weren't able to do much after taking a 14-6 lead in the first quarter. Skyline responded by getting more aggressive on defense and scored the next six touchdowns.

It's not the result the Cardinals wanted, but they still had a great season, getting to the semifinals for the first time since 1982.

UPDATE: Lummi and Almira/Coulee-Hartline at tied 22-22 with 11 minutes left in the second quarter.

A snap sailed over Erich Armstrong's head and Skyline lineback Eric Beige recovered the ball in the end zone for the Spartans' sixth straight touchdown.

The Cardinals just fumbled the kickoff, giving the Skyline the ball at the 19-yard line.

Skyline has scored again.

After a Franklin Pierce punt, Jakes Heaps capped a 6-play, 41-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run.

The Spartans figured out Franklin Pierce's offense in the second quarter and the Cardinals haven't been able to do much since.

Franklin Pierce is driving, having crossed midfield for the first time this half.

Franklin Pierce's title hopes are dimming.

Tyler Washburn forced Erich Armstrong to fumble and defensive lineman Evan Bull picked up the ball and ran into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown.

Jakes Heaps ran in a 4-yard keeper for Skyline's third straight touchdown.

A Dirk Mortensen sack put the Spartans in a second-and-22 hole, but Heaps found Simone for a 22-yard gain, picking up a first down and giving Skyline a first-and-goal at the 4-yard line.

Franklin Pierce's defense held strong in the final minutes of the first half. Skyline had a first down at the Cardinals' 29-yard line, but couldn't convert or score.

Cardinals running back Earl Fernandez left the game late in the half with an apparent left ankle injury.

First-half stats: FP -- Erich Armstrong 7-14-1-80 and two touchdowns (passing), 6-25 (rushing); Earl Fernandez 8-27 (rushing). Skyline -- Jake Heaps 10-17-1-132 and two touchdowns; Tyler Washburn 11-48.

Skyline's in front now.

Jake Heaps just threw his second touchdown pass of the game, hitting a streaking Phil Tushar for a 32-yard score on second-and-14.

Tyler Washburn ran in the 2-point coversion.

Back comes Skyline.

Gino Simone scored on a 26-yard bubble screen. Simone slipped one tackle, then ran through Erich Armstrong and into the end zone.

Kyle Bailey sacked quarterback Jake Heaps on the 2-point conversion, keeping Franklin Pierce ahead.

There's no stopping Franklin Pierce's offense.

The Cardinals went 67 yards in 10 plays, capping the drive with another Armstrong-to-Lutton touchdown. This time it was a 16-yard score.

Gino Simone just picked off Erich Armstrong, returning the interception nine yards for a touchdown. The extra point was wide right.

Franklin Pierce's defense held the Spartans on their last possession, forcing three incomplete passes.

It may be early on a Saturday morning, but Franklin Pierce isn't snoozing.

Cardinals quarterback Erich Armstrong found receiver Max Lutton behind the Skyline secondary, connecting for a 27-yard touchdown.

The four-play, 42-yard scoring drive was set up when Skyline running back Tyler Washburn fumbled the ball on the Spartans' second play from scrimmage. The turnover negated Gino Simone's 42-yard kick return.

We're back live at the Tacomd Dome. Kickoff is a few minutes away and the stands are a little more crowded today than yesterday for this early-morning Class 3A semifinal.

Franklin Pierce being nearby helps and quite a few Spartan supporters made the trip from the Sammamish Plateau.

The Cardinals' band just finished the national anthem, so here we go.

Tigers safety Luke Thomas intercepted a pass in the end zone in the final seconds of the game, launching the Burlington-Edison Tigers to their first state final since 1986.

Facing fourth-and-4 at the Tigers' 12-yard line with 23 seconds left in the game, Othello made the decision to go for the win. Quarterback Marc Garza rolled left and lofted the ball into the end zone, where Thomas picked it off.

Now, we've got a Prosser vs. Burlington-Edison matchup in the finals. My early prediction is a 38-24 Mustangs win.

We'll be back blogging tomorrow from the Tacoma Dome with five more games. Franklin Pierce kicks off at 9 a.m. against title-favorite Skyline and Life Christian plays DeSales at 4 p.m.

Running back David Walker just scored a 1-yard touchdown, bringing the Huskies within one score of the Tigers.

Othello didn't go for an inside kick, but booted the ball into the end zone for a touchback.

We're not done yet. Burlington-Edison quarterback Kolby Arendse was tackled for a 3-yard loss on third-and-2.

Stay tuned. Will we have overtime? I hope not, I want to go home. I've been here since 8:30 a.m.

We're still here, folks.

Burlington-Edison has been in control for most of the game. Othello just can't get much going. The Huskies thought they had returned a kick for a touchdown, but it was called back because of a penalty.

Sorry for the delay with the updates on this game, but I had to write my game story for Prosser-Lynden and some notebook items.

Prosser receiver Cody Bruns has tied the national record for receptions in a high school career.

Bruns caught nine passes for 130 yards in the Mustangs' 47-30 win over Lynden earlier tonight, which, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations ties him with Abram Booty of Evangel Christian in Shreveport, La. Booty set the mark in 1996.

Booty went on the play at Louisiana State University and is the brother of current Southern Cal quarterback John David Booty.

Bruns has 90 catches for 1,524 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He missed part of his sophomore year with a leg injury.

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that Bruns breaks the mark in next week's title game.

Cody Bruns picked off a Tate Dallas pass and returned it more than 30 yards down to the 1 yard line. Prosser needed just one play as Steve Natho plunged in again to push the lead to 47-30 with the PAT. That pretty much sealed any and all Lynden comeback hopes.

Prosser marched right down the field, throwing and running and picking up big chunks of yards. Steve Natho scored on a 1-yard dive.

The Mustangs have a two-score lead, but with more than five minutes left, don't count out Lynden.

The defending state champions don't want to give up their crown.

Lynden's David Gaylord scored on a 1-yard run and then Tate Dallas ran in the 2-point conversion.

The touchdown was set up after the Lions forced Prosser to punt. But a personal foul (roughing the snapper) on a missed 28-yard field goal attempt was the big play of the drive. It gave Lynden a first down on the Mustangs' 5-yard line.

Lynden's not going away quietly.

Tate Dallas found Adam DeLange for a 16-yard touchdown after Prosser's Jordan Durbin and Kirby Moore connected for their second touchdown.

Lynden just forced Prosser to punt. We've got a comeback brewing...

Prosser is outplaying Lynden, but the Mustangs don't have much to show for it. Turnovers and penalties are hurting Prosser.

Lynden's passing game is hit-and-miss. The Lions had fourth-and-2 at Prosser's 26 with 11 seconds left in the second quarter, but Tate Dallas' pass to Adam DeLange fell incomplete.

Have to get some work done, but I'll be back with more updates in the second half.

We've got some scoring here.

Lynden running back David Gaylord just ran for a 19-yard touchdown on third-and-13.

Prosser's offense hasn't been slowed much. The Mustangs went 66 yards in six plays on their last possession. Running back Drake Washington capped the drive with a 19-yard touchdown run. The two-point pass failed and they led 19-7.

UPDATE: Blair Bomber just intercepted Jordin Durbin. Lynden takes over at its own 45 with 10:00 left in the second quarter

Prosser's offense is rolling, with quarterback Jordan Durbin running for a 35-yard touchdown and hooking up with Cade Wandling for a 59-yard score.

Lynden quarterback Tate Dallas scored on a 2-yard run after Cody Bruns muffed a punt, giving the Lions the ball at the Prosser 7-yard line.

The rematch is set. Connell will face Royal next Saturday for the Class 1A state title. The South Central Athletic Conference teams met in Week 4, with Connell winning 23-20.

Montesano hung with Connell for a bit today, but the Eagles were simply too much, scoring the final 30 points of the game.

As someone whose seen Connell and Royal once this season (today), I like Connell in a close game. I'm going with the Eagles 27-21.

Up next: Prosser vs. Lynden

Connell is running away with this game.

Spencer Hadley just scored on a long touchdown pass. Raul Farias kicked a 28-yard field goal for the only other score in the third quarter.

This game is going a bit long. Looks like the Prosser-Lynden contest won't be starting at its scheduled 5 p.m. kickoff.

Simply incredible.

Connell quarterback Brett Clyde scrambled 53 yards as time expired in the second quarter, giving the Eagles a 35-14 lead.

Clyde dropped back to pass with about 12 seconds left. Then he drifted to the left, than back to the right and then the left again. This time he went upfield. A wall of blockers somehow appeared in front of him, giving him a clear shot at the end zone as he sprinted down the Connell sideline.

Connell took a 28-14 lead after Montesano fumbled deep in its own territory. The Bulldogs had ended Connell's previous possession with an interception.

Connell dominated the Bulldogs on its last possession, driving the length of the field for a touchdown and a 21-7 lead. But just like that, Montesano got back in it.

Brent Phillips returned the kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. Maybe I should have held off on my Connell-Royal rematch talk...

We've got 8 minutes, 49 seconds left in the second quarter.

Connell started fast, scoring on its first possession and then on an interception return for a 14-0 lead. Montesano answered with a decent drive late in the first quarter.

I've gotta say, Connell looks like the real deal. The Eagles have more size and speed than a Class 1A team should.

It looks like we're headed to a Royal-Connell rematch. The teams met in the fourth week of the season when the Eagles escaped with a 23-20 win. Kicker Raul Farias won the game on a last-second field goal for the second year in a row.

Connell running back/defensive back Spencer Hadley, a BYU recruit, must be one of the best players in the state. He's strong, fast, shifty and not afraid to give a lick. I don't care that he plays 1A, Hadley (6-foot-1 and 210 pounds) would hold his own in any classification.

Cascade Christian's first loss of the season came in the semifinals where it ran up against a bigger and faster Royal Knights squad.

The Cougars from Puyallup end their season at 12-1.

Royal advances to the title game where it will face the winner of this afternoon's Connell-Montesano contest at 1 p.m. next Saturday. Royal's only loss this season is a 23-20 defeat to Connell.

It's starting to get a little ugly. Royal QB Austin Allred snapped off a 38-yard touchdown run and he also added a two-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Christensen.

Cascade Christian did get on the scoreboard with a one-yard touchdown run from Devin Ossman. Unfortunately, all-everything back and TNT Football Friday coverboy Charlie Velling was injured the play before. He is out.

Cascade Christian failed to capitalize on a pair of Royal three first-half Royal fumbles — all deep in Knights territory. And you can't do that against a team like Royal, which can score on just about every possession.

With Cougars offense stalling out, Royal still moved the ball even with the turnovers. The Knights went up 14-0 on an Austin Allred 11 yard run early in the second quarter. Then Allred executed a near-perfect two-minute drill to end the half, moving Royal 72 yards in less than 1:50, hitting Hector Ledezma with a 23-yard touchdown pass as time expired. A two-point conversion gave the Knights a 22-0 lead at halftime.

Not the start Cascade Christian was looking for. The Cougars first drive ended up stalling because quarterback Ben Johnson fumbled the snap on a 3rd down and 2. On the following punt, Royal's Blair Collins returned it 79 yards for a touchdown. With the extra point, Royal leads 7-0.

O'Dea just gave Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff his first loss in the Tacoma Dome. The Irish defeated the defending Class 3A champions 27-17.

Bellevue, which had won 10 straight games in the Tacoma Dome, had a last gasp when it recovered a fumble on its own 1-yard line with 2 minutes, trailing 20-17 with 30 seconds left in the game. But the Wolverines threw four straight incomplete passes.

O'Dea took over and backup quarterback Williams Aksnes-Shanks scored on a sneak, atoning for the fumble on the previous possession. The Irish had trouble hanging onto the fumble, coughing it up four times.

O'Dea will face the winner of Saturday's Skyline-Franklin Pierce semifinal.

Up next: Royal vs. Cascade Christian.

O'Dea quarterback Donald Lisowski just scored on a 5-yard run, giving the Irish a 20-17 lead with less than two minutes left in the third quarter. The extra point attempt was blocked.

O'Dea wore down Bellevue, going 66 yards 14 plays, taking 7 minutes, 28 seconds off the clock.

It's too bad this game was assigned a 9 a.m. start. More folks should have had the chance to see this.

Special teams again put Bellevue on top.

Brayden Van Ackeran set up the Wolverines by returning the kickoff to O'Dea's 12-yard line. A few plays later, Ladell Carroll scored on a 2-yard touchdown run.

Huge turn of events in the final seconds of the first half.

Here's what happened:
Bellevue kicks a field goal with 18 seconds left and takes a 10-7 lead. The Wolverines recover an onside kick. Bellevue running back Peter Nguyen fumbles the ball and defensive end James Palmer goes 52 yards for a touchdown.

Halftime score: O'Dea 14, Bellevue 10.

TNT staff person Doug Drowley says Bellevue had 41 yards of total offense until their final drive, which netted it 44 yards and resulted in the field goal. Wolverines coach Butch Goncharoff made an interesting call to go for a 28-yard field goal facing first-and-10 with 21 seconds left in the half. Bellevue did not have any timeouts left and has not attempted a pass yet.

O'Dea has 151 yards of total offense: 117 rushing and 34 passing.

O'Dea quarterback Donald Lisowski just went 53 yards on a keeper to tie the score 7-7 with 3 minutes, 57 seconds left before halftime.

The Irish defense has been stingy. The Wolverines aren't getting more than a few yards per carry, and most time they're getting less.

O'Dea had an earlier drive end near Bellevue's 30 because of a fumble.

The first quarter is over and, with the exception of Bellevue's 27-yard drive at the start of the game, neither offense is having much success.

O'Dea lineman Daniel Kanczugowski (6-foot-5, 302 pounds) has two tackles-for-losses. The Wolverines have stopped running at his side of the line.

That was fast.

Bellevue running back Peter Nguyen scored on a 23-yard run 49 seconds into the first quarter.

The Wolverines' 27-yard drive was set up when O'Dea's William Aksnes-Shanks fumbled the game's opening kickoff.

O'Dea just converted on third-and-8, let's see if the Irish can get something going.

We're minutes away from kickoff of the Bellevue-O'Dea game and the turnout is weak.

There can't be more than a hundred Bellevue students in the stands. At least the Tacoma Dome's empty blue seats lend to the Wolverines' colors. O'Dea's supporters have traveled well, with at least a few hundred well-caffeinated Irish fans on site.

That's what happens when you schedule a football game at 9 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. It's too bad the game wasn't slated for a later time, giving more people than chance to see what should be a great game.

I'll be back throughout the game with scoring updates.

There’s a lot to semifinal football to digest this weekend. Of course, our Football Friday section, which coincidentally will be available on Friday, will be crammed with coverage.

But you don't want to wait.

So, to get you started, here’s a handy list of things to keep an eye on while you crave Thanksgiving leftovers this weekend from your seat in the Tacoma Dome:

Have you Heard?: Edmonds-Woodway running back Tony Heard might be the best running back in the state. The 5-foot-11, 225-pound junior sure has the stats (2,153 yards, 9.0 YPC and 29 touchdowns) to back up that claim. His undefeated Warriors face Lewis-Clark of Spokane at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Be there: Skyline’s sophisticated spread set vs. Franklin Pierce’s flashy shotgun scheme. If there’s one game to see this weekend, this is it. So what if it’s at 9 a.m. on Saturday? That’s a great start to your weekend.

Attention-starved powerhouses: Grab an espresso, Red Bull or the caffeinated beverage of your choice. You want to be at the Tacoma at 9 a.m. on Friday when Bellevue and O’Dea meet. If not for a 6-0 loss to title-favorite Skyline in the first week of the season, Bellevue (11-1) would be undefeated and the consensus pick to win it all. Have we forgotten that the Wolverines have won five of the last six 3A crowns? O’Dea’s 12-0 season has been overshadowed by playoff dropouts Lakes and Kamiakin and Metro League breakthrough Nathan Hale. Hey, all the Irish have done is win every playoff game by at least 32 points.

Class 2A superpowers collide: Another meeting of shotgun spread offenses, this time it’s Prosser and Lynden at 5 p.m. on Friday. Prosser receiver Cody Bruns is one of the state’s top playmakers, regardless of classification. Lynden is the defending state champion in football and boys basketball. If Black Friday shopping has tired you out, take a seat and prepare to be entertained.

Want to see the state’s most prolific scoring offense?: Then take in Lummi vs. Almira/Coulee-Hartline at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Yeah, it’s 8-man football, but a touchdown is a touchdown, and the Blackhawks from Bellingham have scored more than anyone. Lummi piled up 118 points in a game three weeks ago and is 78 shy of breaking the national record for points in a season.

MVPs:
Central Kitsap's Reese Dever
Gig Harbor's Danielle Reese
Bellarmine's Marlayna Geary

Coach of the Year: Sue Westering, Gig Harbor.

First team
Rosa Gimson, Olympia, sr.; Amber roberts, Wilson, sr.; Katlyn Kester, Wilson, sr.; Bree LeRoy, Gig Harbor, sr.; Elizabeth Armstrong, Olympia, sr.; Lamonica McNellis, Gig Harbor, sr.
Second Team
Angela Spieker, CK, sr.; Alyssa Mannikko, Bellarmine, sr.; Jamie Ecklund, Wilson, sr.; Brigit Miller, Olympia, jr.; Sally Candler, Bellarmine, sr.; Katy Ferguson, Stadium, jr.; Jessica Ouellet, North Kitsap, sr.
Honorable Mention
Karina Shelton, Lincoln; Ellen Anderson, Stadium; Stephanie Jones, Foss; Judy Brenneka, Mount Tahoma; Blayne Berryman, GH; Tara Patton, CK; Stephanie Osterdahl, SK; Lauren Forney, CK; Kelsey Potter, GH; Megan Triggs, Olympia; Brandy Johnson, Wilson; Gina Hathorn, Bellarmine.

MVP: Charlie Velling, Cascade Christian
Coach of the Year: Ross Hjelseth, Life Christian
Offensive MVP: Morgan Cox, Life Christian
Defensive MVP: John Matthews, Life Christian

OFFENSE
First Team
QB: Kye Winter, Orting
RB: Devin Ossman, Cascade Christian
RB: Josh Orrico, Cedar Park Christian
WR: Jesse Bechtold Orting
WR: Jeff Riegle, Life Christian
C: Jon Donner, Life Christian
G: John Matthews, Life Christian
G: Taylor Colton, Cascade Christian
T: Neil Fuhrmann, Cascade Christian
T: Mike Burns, Life Christian
TE: Bryan Ide, Cascade Christian
Punter: Kye Winter, Orting
KR: Patrick Philley, Charles Wright Academy

Second Team
QB: Ben Johnson, Cascade Christian
RB: Ishmael Stinson, Charles Wright Academy
RB: Sean Girgus, Cedar Park Christian
WR: Austin Mulcahey, Cascade Christian
WR: Cory Barrett, Charles Wright Academy
C: Cody Baskett, Orting
G: Zack Carstensen, Chimacum
G: John Chong, Charles Wright Academy
T: Danny Shattuck, Charles Wright Academy
T: Trevor Hamilton, Cascade Christian
TE: Brandon White, Charles Wright Academy
Punter: Justin Peterson, Life Christian
KR: Rogen Lopez, Vashon

DEFENSE
First Team
DL: Neil Fuhrmann, Cascade Christian
DL: Taylor Colton, Cascade Christian
DL: Jon Donner, Life Christian
DL: Michael Burns, Life Christian
LB: Dan White, Orting
LB: Josh Orrico, Cedar Park Christian
LB: Ben Johnson, Cascade Christian
LB: Morgan Cox, Life Christian
DB: Kye Winter, Orting
DB: Jake Weyerhaeuser, Charles Wright Academy
DB: Austin Mulcahey, Cascade Christian
DB: Tracy Cubean, Life Christian
Kicker: Justin Peterson, Life Christian

Second Team
DL: Anthony Garcia, Orting
DL: John Modispatcher, Chim
DL: Brian Crawford, Cascade Christian
DL: Sean Matsen, Charles Wright Academy
LB: Calvin Dyer, Life Christian
LB: John Thompson, Orting
LB: John Chong, Charles Wright Academy
LB: Bryan Ide, Cascade Christian
DB: Cody Creech, Cascade Christian
DB: Jeff Riegle, Life Christian
DB: Patrick Philley, Charles Wright Academy
DB: Jason Gregory, Orting
Kicker: John Thompson, Orting

(Voting done by 1A Nisqually League coaches.)

As you know, our annual All-Area football team comes out this week. Normally it runs in our Thanksgiving day issue. However, we pushed it up to Wednesday for a major reason — color photos of the team — so expect to see it Wednesday instead of Thursday.

It seems that the WIAA can do nothing right at times, particularly in the eyes of fans. First it was the messed up scheduling of the first-round of the playoffs, then it was the poor handling of the Archbishop Murphy situation and now it's the scheduling of the football semifinals — with the 3A semifinals, the two most-anticipated games — at 9 a.m.

I talked with WIAA executive director Mike Colbrese yesterday for our prep football notebook that ran today. Since it's a regular story and not a column, I couldn't inject any personal opinion into it. But I do have my thoughts and I plan on sharing them, but before I post them, I want to hear from you and your thoughts. So post them and don't hold back....

As voted on by the Evergreen Conference...

League MVP: Hank Bryant, Tumwater
Offensive MVP: Griffin Squires, Chehalis
Defensive MVP: Erich Schmidtke, Aberdeen
Coach of the Year: Ron Clark, Aberdeen

First team
Offense
QB — Mark McHugh, Centralia
RB — Drew Johnson, Chehalis
RB — Alex Chicano, Aberdeen
RB — Cody Peterson, Black Hills
TE — Kyle Ingles, Centralia
TE — Ryan Bean, Tumwater
WR — Joey Wayman, Hoquiam
WR — Brandon Semken, Tumwater
OL — Mason Witters, Chehalis
OL — Matt Bin, River Ridge
OL — Jon Favro, Aberdeen
OL — James Clark, Tumwater
OL — Max Calnan, Tumwater

Defense
DL — Mike Libero, Chehalis
DL — Jeremy Foulds, Hoquiam
DL — Josh Vega, Tumwater
DL — Joe Cameron, Tumwater
DL — Joey Tivnan, Centralia
LB — Andrew Martinez, Tumwater
LB — Cody Binkley, Centralia
LB — Daniel Manning, River Ridge
DB — Josh Grenier, Tumwater
DB — Teigen Goodeill, Centralia
DB — Josh McFarland, Centralia
DB — Amir Dunn, River Ridge
K — Nate Sampson, Tumwater
P — Corey Kernodle, River Ridge

=> Read more!

South Puget Sound League 3A Division, Volleyball All-League Selections

as voted on by the SPSL 3A coaches...

MVP:
Dominika Kristinikova Auburn Riverside Setter Jr

Coach of the Year:
Chris Leverenz, Auburn Riverside

First Team:
Megan McBride Auburn Mountainview Setter Jr
Brooke Bray Auburn Riverside Middle So
Kaleigh Krantz Auburn Riverside RS Sr
Gabrielle Peterson Enumclaw MH Sr
Gabrielle Sisco Enumclaw Setter Jr.
Jocelyn Levig Sumner OH Jr
Kaela Botz Auburn Libero Sr

Second Team:
Kendall Poppe Auburn Mountainview Setter Sr
Alex Odren Auburn Mountainview Libero Fr
Ashley Parries Auburn OH Sr
Heidi Bell Auburn Riverside OH So
Candice Buchanan Auburn Riverside OH Jr
Claire Anderson Enumclaw Hitter Sr
Brenna Anderson Franklin Pierce MB Jr
Kailey Smith Sumner Setter So
Kaitlin Henke White River Setter Jr

Honorable Mention
Alexi Morton Auburn Mountainview MH So
Krystle Hansen Auburn Mountainview OH Jr
Sierra Atkinson Auburn Setter So
Kristi Neubauer Auburn Riverside Setter Sr
Katy Tauscher Auburn Riverside MH Sr
Allison Hills Bonney Lake MB So
Courtney Smith Sumner OH Sr.
Jodi Owen Franklin Pierce OH/S Sr
Kelsi Tyler White River OH So
Amanda Dills White River OH Jr

As voted on by the Nisqually coaches...

MVP
Ryann Carter, Fife, Sr, S

Coach of the Year
Paul Souza, Washington

First Team
Richelle Heacock, Eatonville, Jr, S
Cami Lubereski, Fife, Jr, S
Lote Faalelea, Fife, Sr, MB
Katie Hildebrandt, Fife, Sr, MB
Casey Hallman, Eatonville, Sr, OH
Allison Beardsley, Fife, Sr, L
Tillie Henry, Fife, Sr, L

Second Team
Krystal Gee, Eatonville, Sr, DS
Rachel Aleaga, Foster, Sr, OH
Leah Johnston, Steilacoom, Sr, OH
Amanda Plaisted, Steilacoom, Jr, MB
Sydney Behrendt, Fife, So, MB
Kayle Salas, Steilacoom, Sr, S

Honorable Mention
Chenoa Henry, Fife, So, OH
Ailua Evans, Washington, So, S
Malaea Faafolau, Washington, Jr, OH
Hayley Bennett, Eatonville, Jr, MB
Monica Beeks, Steilacoom, Sr, DS
Jamie Camp, Foster, Sr, OH

As voted on the WCC league coaches ...

Western Cascade Conference Coach of the Year
Dave Miller, Lakes

Conference MVP
Calvin Schmidtke, Senior, Quarterback, Lakes

Offensive MVP
Kyle Burbridge, Senior, Running Back, Shelton

Defensive MVP
Jermaine Kearse, Senior, Defensive Back Lakes

First Team Offense
QB — Jacob Hicks, Senior , Shelton
RB — Riley Wall, Junior, Capital
RB — Dominick Davis, Senior, Lakes
WR — Koreye Dixon, Senior, Lakes
WR — Brett Roberson, Senior, North Thurston
WR — Derrick Johnson, Senior, Shelton
TE — Kavario Middleton, Senior, Lakes
OL — Mandrell Nauer, Senior, Clover Park
OL — Ryan Wingate, Senior, North Thurston
OL — Abe Schlauderaff, Junior, Shelton
OL — Jacob Nikolaisen, Senior, Shelton
OL — Marcus Turnquist, Senior, Yelm

First Team Defense
DL — Jonathan Thomas, Senior, Capital
DL — Tala Leomiti, Senior, Clover Park
DL — Tupou Manaea, Senior, Lakes
DL — Jacob Hanes, Senior, Shelton
LB — Thor Hanson, Junior, Capital
LB — Kolio Iafeta, Senior, Lakes
LB — Dylan Maxwell, Senior, Timberline
LB — Alex Ward, Senior, Timberline
DB — Jonathan Ingman, Junior, Capital
DB — Tony Thomas, Senior, Lakes
DB — Adam Spurling, Senior, Shelton
DB — Ronnie Hamlin, Junior, Timberline

First Team Special Teams
K — Austin Case, Senior, Shelton
P — Riley Baker, Sophomore, North Thurston
R — Will Sharp, Senior, North Thurston
STP — Cannon Milligan, Sophomore, Capital
STP — Travis Brooks, Sophomore, Clover Park
STP — Kyle King, Senior, Lakes
STP — Mike Powell, Senior, North Thurston
STP — Chad Chapman, Senior, Shelton
STP — Conner Adams, Senior, Timberline
STP — Marco Lugo, Senior, Yelm

=> Read more!

As voted on by SPSL North coaches

Offensive Back of the Year
Demitrius Bronson, Kentwood, Sr, RB
Justin Southern, Federal Way, Sr, QB

Offensive Lineman of the Year
Le’Roi Edwards, Kentridge, Sr, OC

Defensive Back of the Year
Brandon Turner, Kentridge, Sr, FS/C

Defensive Lineman of the Year
Tyler Weincrecht, Kentwood, Sr, DE

All Purpose Player of the Year
Bryant Cameron, Jefferson, Sr, WR

Special Teams Player of the Year
Chase King, Decatur, Sr, K

Head Coach of the Year
John Meagher, Federal Way

Assistant Coach of the Year
Sam Beasley, Federal Way

All-SPSL 1st Team Offense
Justin Southern, Federal Way, Sr, QB
Demitrius Bronson, Kentwood, Sr, RB
Chase King, Decatur, Sr, RB
Andrew Barrington, Federal Way, Jr, RB
Aaron Broussard, Federal Way, Sr, WR
Bryant Cameron, Jefferson, Sr, WR
Chris Washington, Kentridge, Sr, WR
Tyler Weinbrecht, Kentwood, Sr, TE
Le’Roi Edwards, Kentridge, Sr, OC
Andru Pulu, Federal Way, Jr, OL
Alex Warnake, Kentlake, Sr, OL
Greg Humphreys, Kentwood, Jr, OL
Russell Turpin, Kentridge, Jr, OL

All-SPSL 1st Team Defense
Brandon Turner, Kentridge, Sr, DB
Andre Moore, Kent Meridian, Sr, DB
Artise Gauldin, Kentwood, Jr, DB
Chris Marangon, Tahoma, Jr, DB
Andru Pulu, Federal Way, Jr, LB
Nick Mead, Kentridge, Sr, LB
Johnny Wilson, Kent Meridian, Sr, LB
Josh Loveland, Kentwood, Sr, LB
Tyler Weinbrecht, Kentwood, Sr, DL
Caleb Curry, Kentridge, Sr, DL
Le’Roi Edwards, Kentridge, Sr, DL
Connor Fischesser, Tahoma, Sr, DL

=> Read more!

Narrows League runners led their Washington teams to victory at the Nike Borderclash Invite on Saturday at Nike’s campus in Beaverton, Ore.

Gig Harbor’s Miles Unterreiner and Bellarmine Prep’s Nicole Cochran won the boys and girls races, helping Washington sweep Oregon for the third year in a row.

Unterreiner covered the 4,400-meter course in 14 minutes, 13.34 seconds, and Cochran finished in 16 minutes, 23.70 seconds. Tahoma’s Jonathan Lafler placed second in 14 minutes, 17 seconds. Wilson’s Kevin Rosaaen was fifth, Puyallup’s Rob Webster finished seventh and Auburn-Riverside’s Julian-Blake Cowan was 10th. Washington’s boys topped Oregon 73-137.

Cochran’s Bellarmine Prep teammate Kayla Evans finished four seconds back, placing third. The Washington girls beat Oregon 68-144.

Borderclash is an invitation-only race that draws the top high school cross country runners from Washington and Oregon.

Class 4A
Bothell (12-0) vs. Ferris (12-0), 1 p.m. Saturday at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane
Lewis-Clark (9-2) vs. Edmonds-Woodway (12-0), 8 p.m. Saturday at the Tacoma Dome

Class 3A
O'Dea (12-0) vs. Bellevue (11-1), 9 a.m. Friday at the Tacoma Dome
Skyline (12-0) vs. Franklin Pierce (12-0), 9 a.m. Saturday at the Tacoma Dome

Class 2A
Othello (9-3) vs. Burlington-Edison, 8 p.m. Friday at the Tacoma Dome
Prosser (12-0) vs. Lynden, 5 p.m. Friday at the Tacoma Dome

Class 1A
Royal (12-1) vs. Cascade Christian (12-0), 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Tacoma Dome
Connell (12-0) vs. Montesano (10-2), 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Tacoma Dome

Class 2B
DeSales (11-0) vs. Life Christian (11-2), 5 p.m. Saturday at the Tacoma Dome
Asotin (10-2) vs. Toutle Lake (10-2), 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Tacoma Dome

Class 1B
Tri-Cities Prep (9-3) vs. Odessa (11-0), 4 p.m. Saturday at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane
Almira-Coulee-Hartline (11-1) vs. Lummi (10-1), 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Tacoma Dome

The fifth-ranked Cardinals are in the state semifinals for the first time since 1982.

Franklin Pierce fended off Ferndale, forcing the Golden Eagles to punt twice in the fourth quarter, while it built a 14-point advantage.

This is a big win against a team that's been one of the state's best in the last decade (three trips to the title game). Franklin Pierce could get a shot at another juggernaut next week if Skyline beats Kennewick.

We're tied up here at Civic Stadium in Bellingham.

Franklin Pierce's offense is moving the ball, but untimely penalties are killing the Cardinals' momentum.

Franklin Pierce took a 14-7 lead when Earl Fernandez scored on a 3-yard run early in the second quarter. The touchdown was set up when Erich Armstrong picked off a halfback pass.

Ferndale answered on its next possession. Quarterback Casey Locker connected with receiver Max Hannah on two 20-yard plays, with the latter going for the game-tying touchdown with 7:10 left in the first half.

Ferndale threatened to take the lead late in the second quarter but Locker was intercepted in the end zone. Franklin Pierce's Garrett Gunderson made the pick with 25 seconds left in the half.

We could be in for some offensive fireworks.

Franklin Pierce moved the ball easily against Ferndale, tying the score 7-7 with 3:18 left in the first quarter.

Cardinals quarterback Erich Armstrong found Max Lutton wide open on his knees in the corner of the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown.

Defensively, Franklin Pierce started great, tackling Ferndale running back Spencer Hannah for a 5-yard loss on the Golden Eagle's first play from scrimmage. But back-to-back encroachment penalties let Ferndale off the hook.

The Golden Eagles then went 80 yards in 11 plays, taking 5 minutes, 13 seconds off the clock. Quarterback Casey Locker, cousin of UW quarterback Jake Locker, capped the drive with 5-yard touchdown around right end.

We're about 30 minutes from kickoff at Bellingham's Civic Stadium. Ferndale fans began showing up before 6 p.m. and they've almost filled the home stands, which seats about 3,000. A couple hundred Franklin Pierce fans have already made their way safely through Interstate 5 traffic.

Bet you didn't know: Franklin Pierce is making its first state quarterfinals appearance since 1982. The Cardinals advanced to the state title game that year where they lost to Arlington. Ferndale's defensive coordinator, Tim Richard was Arlington's quarterback.

Linkage: Here's what The Bellingham Herald had to say about today's game.

I'll be back with more updates throughout the game.

Before you start seeing a strange byline in The News Tribune, I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Doug Pacey and this is my first week as the TNT’s prep sports coordinator.

I’m new to Tacoma, but not Western Washington. I spent the last five years covering prep sports for The Bellingham Herald. (Here’s a link to the prep football blog I maintained at that newspaper. Apparently, they loved me so much, that they haven’t taken down my photo – I’m the one on the right.)

Before Bellingham, I was at the University of Kansas, where I never saw the Jayhawks football team finish .500, let alone climb into conversations about the national championship.

I grew up in Issaquah, graduating from Issaquah High School in 1998. I got my first taste of South Sound sports when Lakes eliminated my football team in the 1997 state quarterfinals. Thanks for the memories, Lancers.

I’m looking forward to discovering prep sports in the South Sound. On Friday, I’ll be at the Franklin Pierce-Ferndale football game and then the Lynden-Fife game on Saturday.

Say "Hi" if you see me out at a game or the grocery store. Give me your thoughts on prep coverage and story ideas. Or send me an e-mail at doug.pacey@thenewstribune.com.

See you around.

Early signing period (for sports such as basketball, baseball and fastpitch) is upon us and it kicked off this morning with at least a half-dozen South Sound high school students getting to school at 7 a.m. to sign papers for college.

We've got a list of nearly a dozen already, and we'll have that list and a story in tomorrow's paper. But if you know of someone you think we've missed, leave a comment and let us know.

Some of the highlights:
Athlete, School, College, Sport

Ashley Andrews, Tumwater, Tennessee, Softball
Amy Friedhoff, Jefferson, San Jose State, Swimming
Katie Grad, Auburn Riverside, Washington State, Basketball
Sadena Parks, Bethel, Washington, Golf
Mathias Ward, Gig Harbor, Montana, Basketball
Kevin Whitehead, Franklin Pierce, Texas Tech, Baseball
Colby Sokol, Emerald Ridge, Oregon, Baseball

The football season is almost over in Washington, but those who are still playing should check their chin straps just in case.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nike Inc. is recalling about 235,000 football helmet chin straps after the company received 18 reports of the chin straps breaking, including some that resulted in concussions and facial lacerations, a government safety group announced Tuesday.
Users are at risk of injury when the chin strap’s plastic cup breaks as a result of contact, exposing the player to facial or head injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Beaverton, Ore., company has received two reports of concussions, two reports of facial lacerations requiring stitches, and a report of a broken nose.
The chin straps, made in China, were sold at sporting good stores nationwide and on Nike’s Web site from April 2006 through October 2007. They were sold in both youth and adult sizes in four style numbers: FA0016 046, FA0016 130, FA0021 046 and FA0021 130.
For more information, consumers can call Nike at 888-583-6453 or visit http://www.nikebiz.com or http://www.cpsc.gov.

SPSL North

MVP: Jessie Genger (KW)
Coach of the Year: Bil Caillier

SPSL South

MVP- Ashleigh Pollard, outside, Rogers
Coach of the Year- Mandy Flores-Handley, John Reopelle

The teams are behind the jump...

=> Read more!

With the wind and rain blowing outside the office, I figured I'd take this chance to let everyone know that it's almost time to head into warm gymnasiums around the South Sound for basketball, wrestling, gymnastics and boys' swimming.

With just soccer (semis and championships) and football (at the quarterfinals) remaining on the fall schedule, most schools across the region and state are kicking off winter tryouts/practices today (or tomorrow for a few, since today is Veterans' Day).

Volleyball and girls' swimming wrapped up this weekend and, in soccer and football, we lost a few local schools. Look for more on the blog and in the paper this week and next to continue wrapping up the fall season. Until then, stay warm!

The Ravens, who were a perfect 23-0 heading into the title match, lost 3-0 to Hanford.

Oh, and in 4A, Mead won its fifth title.

I spoke too soon. Mead came back and won the match in five games, while Kentwood made a comeback and lost to (Mead's league rival) Lewis & Clark in five. VERY, very good volleyball, but the SPSL teams will meet for 3rd/6th.

Curtis is down, 2-0, against Kamiak in the fifth-place game.

Everyone in the media area at Kennewick's Toyota Center is just stunned right now - Rogers is up 2-0 on Mead, with a 14-9 lead in game three.

Yes, Rogers is *beating* Mead.

The Panthers have just looked horrible in this match, completely out of sorts.

And on the other court? Kentwood is down, 2-1, to Lewis & Clark with game four about to begin.

Could it be? Rogers vs. LC in the title, with Kentwood-Mead set for third???

The Vikings beat Bothell, 3-1, to earn a spot in the 4th/7th-place game. They'll face Kamiak.

Kentwood has an early 8-3 lead on Lewis & Clark in the first game of their semifinal. Rogers and Mead still warming up.

3A courts are on game 3's of the 2 p.m. match with semifinal teams waiting in the wings.

I'm getting out of here and I'll post something more later.

Kentlake lost in four to Shadle and Auburn Mountainview lost in four to Holy Names.

4A:
Shadle Park vs. Monroe for 5th/8th

3A:
Holy Names vs. Mount Si for 5th/8th

Curtis is up 1-0 against Bothell and Kamiak is up 1-0 on Skyview in 4A. The 2 p.m. matches in 3A are just warming up. So much for 3:30 p.m. semifinals!

After a botched double pass by Lakes that resulted in a Riley Gervais interception, the Spartans capitalized as Jake Heaps hit Phil Tushar on 28-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 25-18.

Skyline struck again, backed up deep in its own territory -- Heaps connected with Cameron Lusuegro for a 86-yard touchdown pass on a fade route. Lusuegro shook a pair of Lakes tacklers and tip toed down the Skyline sidelines.

Steve Gervais pulled out the trick plays in the second quarter, calling a double pass as Jake Heaps tossed it backwards to receiver Phil Tushar, who turned and fired a wobbly duck of a pass to Gino Simone, who waited for the pass to come down, and then juked past a Lakes defender for a 52-yard touchdown.

Lakes, which has struggled to find a rhythm offensively, answered as only it can. Calvin Schmidtke hit Jermaine Kearse on a pretty 61-yard touchdown pass up the seam to cut the lead to 18-14.

Well, it hasn't been disappointing. The rain stopped and a bright sun came out.

Skyline score on its first drive as Jake Heaps hit Tyler Washburn on a 17 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was wide and the Spartans led 6-0. On the ensuing kickoff, Lakes Brandon Jimenez fumbled giving Skyline the ball back. The Spartans needed just five plays as Heaps barreled in from 1 yard out.

Lakes answered though, as Calvin Schmidtke converted a fourth down and 13 by hitting Jermaine Kearse on a 22 yard play that kept the drive alive. Schmidtke finally snuck in from one yard out.

Kentlake (4A) and Auburn Mountainview (3A) survived their first consolation games of the day. Sumner (3A), Timberline (3A), Enumclaw (3A), Puyallup (4A) and Bellarmine (4A) all lost their first game and have been eliminated.

Kentlake just took the court for its second game and, if the Falcons win, they play for 5th/8th at 5 p.m.

Auburn Mountainview is about to warmup to play Holy Names for a loser-out, winner to 5th/8th game.

Curtis-Bothell is scheduled to tip at 2 p.m., but nearly every court is running at least an hour behind schedule right now.

All four semifinals (Rogers, Kentwood, Auburn Riverside for locals) are scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

We're live at Skyline Stadium about an hour and 15 minutes before kickoff. I got here about at 11 a.m. and there was a line of 30 people outside waiting for tickets. Now, there's a steady stream of cars rolling into Skyline's little parking lot.

In preparation for the game, they've added 800 extra seats to the stadium with seats in the end zone and to the right of the Skyline stands.

The Skyline section already had sections of the main bleachers reserved as fans came in on Friday morning and taped tarps and blankets to the prime locations.

There's a steady rain that's been falling for about an hour and it's dropped the temperature probably 10 degrees. Since both teams like to run, it really doesn't favor either. But Lakes did play in a wind driven monsoon against Foss earlier this season.

As for any pregame thoughts, I really believe that Lakes has more talent and speed at just about every position. But that doesn't always mean much because the best talent doesn't always win in football.

I think it's critical for Lakes to get off to a good start. The past year's playoff disappointments could come creeping back into their minds if Skyline jumps out early. That being said, this Lakes team is much tougher mentally and physically than those of the last three years. That's vital in the playoffs and moments of adversity.

My gut prediction is Lakes 35, Skyline 31

I'm going to update you with scores after every quarter as wells as if anything big happens....

Check out the previous post for a little energy being geared toward beating Mead. I didn't ask Kentwood coach Bil Caillier what he thought, though, because his response would have been very similar to "we're not at that match yet."

However, here's what is on tap today:

Semifinals
In Kennewick
4A: Rogers vs. Mead, Kentwood vs. Lewis & Clark
3A: Auburn Riverside vs. Kamiakin, Hanford vs. Blanchet
4A bracket
3A bracket

In Yakima
1A bracket
2B bracket

I'm going to try and update scores/progress as the day goes on tomorrow, so check back if you can't make the drive to watch some great volleyball.

For those volleyball fans who remember our article at the beginning of the season profiling Rogers and Kentwood, "Feeling the need to beat Mead", it's about to happen. The Rams face Mead at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. If the Panthers (Mead) escape, they find Kentwood (assuming the Conquerors beat Lewis & Clark).

"We'd love to be the team to take out Mead," Rogers' coach Mandy Flores-Handley said after a late win against Bothell. "We've been wanting that game all season."

The Rams, who don't play until the 3:30 p.m. Mead showdown, plan on waking up in time to watch the Puyallup-Monroe match at 10:30 a.m.

"We're going to come out and support Puyallup," Flores-Handley said.

It tips at 8 p.m. and No. 6 Tumwater, after pulling a 3-2 victory from Lynden, will meet No. 2 Selah, which survived a rally from Ellensburg, 3-2.

Should be a good match for the 2A title.

edit: Tumwater lost the title, 3-0, to Selah, which won its third consecutive state championship.

Volleyball's well underway here today, and I'm still getting my bearings. For now, here are links to the (semi-regularly updated) brackets:

4A bracket
3A bracket
2A bracket

South Sound-area schools that advanced to the second round, as well as the rest of the bracket, with game times and places for this weekend:

4A
Bellarmine at Eastlake, 7 p.m. Saturday
Redmond at Richland, 1 p.m. Saturday
Beamer vs. Kentwood, 7:30 p.m. Friday at French Field in Kent
Woodinville at Snohomish, 7 p.m. Friday

3A
Issaquah at Kennedy, 1 p.m. Saturday at Highline Stadium
Mt. Spokane at West Valley (Yakima), 1 p.m. Saturday at Cottonwood (Yak.)
Holy Names at Lakeside, 7 p.m. Friday at Chief Sealth HS
Seattle Prep at Everett, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Everett Memorial

2A
Burlington-Edison at Pullman, 2 p.m. Friday
West Valley (Spokane) at Cheney, 11 a.m. Saturday
Cedarcrest at Archbishop Murphy, 5 p.m. Saturday at Everett Memorial
Sehome vs. Fife, 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner

1A/2B/1B
Seattle Christian at Lakeside, 4 p.m. Saturday at Gonzaga Prep (Spk.)
Cashmere at LaSalle, 4 p.m. Saturday at Marquette Stadium (Yak.)
Forest Ridge at Meridian, 5 p.m. Friday at Whatcom CC
Kings at Seattle Academy, Noon Saturday at Interlake HS

2B/1B boys
The bracket:
Mt. Vernon Christian at St. Georges, Noon Saturday at Gonzaga Prep
Riverside Christian at Northwest Christian, 2 p.m. Saturday at Gonzaga Prep
North Sound Christian at The Bear Creek, 10 a.m. Saturday at Interlake High
Shoreline Christian at LaConner, 6 p.m. Friday at Mt. Vernon Stadium

Here is the final week of state rankings for Washington high school volleyball as voted on by coaches.

4A
1. Mead
2. Kentwood
3. Kamiak
4. Skyview
5. Rogers
6. Monroe
7. Curtis
8. Woodinville
9. Lewis & Clark
10. Bothell

3A
1. Auburn Riverside
2. Bishop Blanchet
3. Kamiakin
4. Camas
5. Mt. Spokane
6. Hanford
7. Mercer Island
8. Auburn MountainView
9. Shorecrest
10. Kennedy

2A
1. Grandview
2. Selah
3. Fife
4. Burlington Edison
5. North Mason
6. Tumwater
7. Lynden
8. Mark Morris
9. Ellensburg
10. Lynden

1A
1. Colfax
2. Lakeside
3. Kings
4. Connell
5. Lynden Christian
6. Onalaksa
7. Chelan
8. Goldendale
9. Nooksack Valley
10. Cedar Park Christian

2B
1. LaConner
2. Wilbur-Creston
3. Toutle Lake
4. Wahkiakum
5. Davenport
6. Manson
7. Rainier Christain
8. Darrington
9. Riverside Christian
10. Northwest Christian

1B
1. Tekoa-Oakesdale
2. Northport
3. Lake Quinalt
4. Moses Lake Christian
5. Pateros
6. Garfield Palouse
7. Klickitat
8. Sunnyside Christian
9. Entiat
10. Taholah

Bellarmine's Jen Hunter and Kelly Watts, two all-league team performers.

Here are the Narrows League all-conference soccer teams as voted upon by the league coaches.

First Team
Co-MVPs
Kelly Watts, Bellarmine, Senior, Forward
Brandi Hamre, Central Kitsap, Senior, Forward

Coach of the Year Nominees
Dani Phillips, Gig Harbor

Keepers:
Kaitlyn Savage, Gig Harbor, Junior

Defenders:
Ariam Teclemariam, Bellarmine, Senior
Kayla Russ, Bellarmine, Junior
Claire Yearian, Bellarmine, Junior
Jordan King, Central Kitsap, Senior
Lauren Perteet, Gig Harbor, Senior
Erin Stehr, Olympia, Senior
Kaileigh Westermann, South Kitsap, Senior
Ashley Polen, South Kitsap, Senior
Bridget Grant, Stadium, Junior
Sierra Wang, Stadium, Junior

Midfield:
Kaitlyn Pavloich, Bellarmine, Sophomore
Laura Stewart, Bellarmine, Junior
Hannah Anderson, Central Kitsap, Sophomore
Natalie Daniels, Olympia, Senior
Kylie Balstad, South Kitsap, Senior
Morgan Swanson, Stadium, Sophomore

Forwards:
Jen Hunter, Bellarmine, Senior
Allie Branham, Gig Harbor, Senior
Josie Graybeal, Gig Harbor, Sophomore
Chelsea Jennings, Stadium, Junior

Second Team
Keepers:
Kelsey O’Brien, Bellarmine, Senior
Sierra Peterson, Bellarmine, Junior

Defenders:
Olivia Lee, Bellarmine, Senior
Lindsay Emery, Gig Harbor, Junior
Jill Lahmann, Olympia, Junior
Kelsey Fuik, Olympia, Junior
Sarah Milne, South Kitsap, Senior
Alyssa Nystrom, South Kitsap, Junior
Lacey Scott, Stadium, Frosh
Anna Callaghan, Stadium, Senior

Midfield:
Marissa Golesh, Bellarmine, Junior
Gabbie Levandowski, Bellarmine, Senior
Kate Andrews, Gig Harbor, Senior
Marina Austin, Olympia, Junior
Stephanie Skelly, North Kitsap, Senior
Katie Anderson, South Kitsap, Senior
Nicole Padmos, South Kitsap, Junior
Tiana Brockway, Stadium, Junior
Rachel McMahon, Stadium, Sophomore
Victoria Edwards, Stadium, Senior

Forwards:
Siara Byers, North Kitsap, Sophomore
Sammi Thompson, Olympia, Sophomore
Alex Kytan, Stadium, Junior
Tristian Dear, Stadium, Junior

Honorable Mention
Kate Berni, Central Kitsap, Senior, Mid.
Ellen Boyd, Central Kitsap, Senior, Goal
Bekka Daniel, Central Kitsap, Sophomore, Defender
Ali Washburn, Central Kitsap, Junior, Defender
Tiare McGee, Lincoln, Sophomore, Forward
Ashley Denbrock, Mt. Tahoma, Junior, Foreward
Brianna King, Mt. Tahoma, Senior, Defender
Elya Le, North Kitsap, Frosh, Mid
Karina Hoogestede, North Kitsap, Senior, Defender
Ashley Tobin, North Kitsap, Senior, Defender
Jennifer Sargeant, North Kitsap, Junior, Defender
Marissa, Marcotte, North Kitsap, Junior, Defender
Alyssa Walker, North Kitsap, Junior, Forward
Christine Parker, North Kitsap, Junior, GoalKeeper
Nicole Arrington, Gig Harbor, Senior
Meghan O’Keefe, Stadium, Sophomore, GK

As voted by coaches.

Co-Player of the Year
Brit Bowman, senior, Shelton
Jena Russell, senior, Capital

Co-Coach of the Year
Brett Bartlett, Shelton
Devin Proctor, Capital

FIRST TEAM
Forwards
Kelsea Huston, Shelton
Kassi Profitt, Shelton
Cecil Flores, Capital
Midfielders
Carmen Luce, North Thurston
Michelle Robinson, Shelton
Devon Walker, Yelm
Maddy Glainyk, Timberline
Kelcey Young, Lakes
Defenders
Jordan Pritchard, Clover Park
Erin Ranny, Shelton
Caitin Conlon, Lakes
Rachel Clark, Capital
Tori Conner, Capital
Keeper
Libby Stone, Capital

SECOND TEAM
Forwards
Ashley DeNio, Yelm
Zoe Ostrander, Lakes
Ariele Reeves, Lakes
Nicole Green, Shelton
Midfielders
Ellycia Bolling, Shelton
Tashi Kerr, Timberline
Megan Lund, Shelton
Mikaela Cox, Capital
Defenders
Beth Anne Feero, North Thurston
Alexan Ehrich, Shelton
Danna Warman, Timberline
Hannah Scholes, Capital
Keeper
Jaki Hawkins, Lakes

Here are the 2007 Western Cascade Conference's all-league volleyball teams as voted on by the league's coaches.

MVP: Deedra Foss, Lakes

FIRST TEAM
Monika Karney, North Thurston
Caitlin McIver, Capital
Brittany Lawrence, Capital
Megan Birge, Timberline
Tori Foss, Lakes
Alex Zawadski, Lakes

SECOND TEAM
Brenna Peterson, Capital
Fei Oloi, Timberline
Bevin Darby, Capital
Sacha Haia, Timberline
Brianna Morrison, Lakes
Kirsten Ross, Capital

HONORABLE MENTION
Carissa Krumpols, Shelton
Marissa Hill, Shelton
Kelsie Alexander, North Thurston
Taylor Smith, Timberline
Myra Questel, Lakes
Brianna Landis, Yelm

Here's the most updated version of the schedule we have with links to the WIAA brackets for each division.

4A bracket
3A bracket
2A bracket
1A bracket
2B bracket
1B bracket

Tuesday — 11/6/07
2A
Selah at Colville,
West Valley at Ephrata,
1A
Orting at Coupeville, 7 p.m.
Life Christian at Concrete, 7 p.m.

2B
Mossy Rock vs. South Bend at Lacey, 7 p.m.

Friday — 11/9/07
4A
South Kitsap at Graham-Kapowsin, 7:30 p.m.
Mead vs. Ferris at Albi, 7 p.m.
Mariner at Inglemoor, 7 p.m.
Eastlake at Cascade, 7:30 p.m.

3A
Auburn at O’Dea, 7 p.m.
Meadowdale at Evergreen, 7:30 p.m.
Nathan Hale at Franklin Pierce, 7:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon at Ferndale, 7 p.m.

2A
Sequim at Tumwater, 7 p.m.
Chehalis at Burlington-Edison, 7 p.m.
Blaine vs. Fife at Sunset Chev, 7:30 p.m.
Clarkston at Prosser, 7 p.m.

1A
Cascade at Cle Elum, 7 p.m.
Brewster at Connell, 7 p.m.

2B
Kittitas at Reardan, 7 p.m.
Liberty Bell vs. DeSales at Walla Walla, 5:30 p.m.
Asotin at Lind-Ritzville, 7 p.m.
Davenport at La Salle at Yakima, 7 p.m.

Saturday — 11/10/07
4A
Oak Harbor at Olympia, 7 p.m.
Snohomish vs. Edmonds-Woodway at Seattle Memorial, 5 p.m.
Central Kitsap at Bothell, 7 p.m.
Woodinville vs. Lewis & Clark at Albi, 1:30 p.m.

3A
Lakes at Skyline, 1 p.m.
Bellevue at Newport, 7:30 p.m.
Southridge at Kamiakin, 1 p.m.
Camas at Kenneick, 5:30 p.m.

2A
Lynden at Centralia, 2 p.m.
TBD at Othello, 1:30 p.m.
TBD at Pullman, 1 p.m.
Mark Morris at Archbishop Murphy, 1 p.m.

1A
Tenino vs. Cascade Christian at Sunset Chev, 7 p.m.
TBD at Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls), 1 p.m.
TBD at Kalama, TBA
TBD at Cashmere, TBA
Castlerock at Meridian, 6 p.m.
TBD at Montesano, 7 p.m.

2B
Naselle vs. Seattle Lutheran at Interlake, 2 p.m.
TBD at Adna, 7 p.m.
TBD vs. Willapa Valley at South Bend, 1:30 p.m.
Toutle Lake at Darrington, 2 p.m.

(day one)
A few unexpected things happened at Kentwood Friday in the first day of the West Central District III 4A volleyball tournament:
- Kentwood, now 30-0, lost just its third game of the season in a 3-1 defeat of rival Kentlake.
- No teams from the Narrows League advanced to today’s semifinals.
- Curtis earned its first state tournament berth in volleyball since 1978.
Talk about a day.
Kentwood, ranked No. 2 in Washington 4A, extended it nearly perfect season with a first-round victory against Emerald Ridge, 25-10, 25-22, 25-23.
The Conquerors, who boasted a 87-2 game record entering the second-round match with Kentlake, took the first game, 25-19, but started to unravel in the second game.
“They had some good serving and got on runs,” junior outside hitter Jessie Genger said. “We didn’t handle it very well, but I thought we got better as the match went on.”
The Falcons won the second game, 25-14, and opened up a 13-10 lead in the third game before Kentwood caught itself. The Conquerors, with individual game losses to No. 6 Monroe and No. 7 Rogers this season, went on a five-point rally and went on to win, 25-19. They took the fourth game 25-15 for the 3-1 match victory.
As for the Narrows League, which gets just six spots in the 16-team tournament, Bellarmine Prep and Olympia both advanced to the quarterfinals Friday evening.
The Lions, facing a tough Puyallup squad, won the second game, 25-17, to tie the match at one apiece before dropping the final two, 25-19, 25-19.
On a neighboring court, Olympia rallied back from a 2-0 Curtis lead to win the third game, but lost, 25-16, in the fourth game, giving the South Puget Sound League a quarterfinal sweep.
“The SPSL this year was pretty competitive,” Puyallup coach Tony Batinovich said. “I think it helps us quite a bit.”
The Curtis win gave the Vikings’ program its third state berth in the program’s history. The other two were in 1973 and 1978, well before any of the current players were born.
Rogers was the only team to advance to the semifinals without losing a single game. The Rams (25-4-2) cruised past Stadium in the opening round, 25-8, 25-15, 25-15, then defeated Tahoma, 25-11, 25-20, 25-23, in the quarterfinals.
Rogers and Puyallup face each other for the third time this season at 10 a.m. for the first berth into the 4 p.m. championship. The Rams have won both previous matches 3-0. Curtis and Kentwood play in the second semifinal at noon in the first meeting for the programs this season.

-- Mindi Rice