NISQUALLY OLYMPIC
Fife (4-2) at Eatonville (3-3)
7 p.m. Friday at Eatonville Stadium

The lowdown: Winner takes a big step in securing one of the league's three berths to the postseason. Teams have split the last four meetings, with the Trojans winning at Eatonville last season, 26-7.
Why the Trojans will win: Ball security, especially after fumbling six times in a 35-24 loss two weeks ago to Steilacoom, has become a critical issue for coach Kent Nevin – so much, the team went back to ball-handling drills in practice. It paid off as the Trojans blanked Klahowya, 26-0, last week with no turnovers. RBs Alex Rohrer (46 carries, 468 yards, four TDs) paces wing-T attack finally hitting its stride.
Why the Cruisers will win: This team has issues on offense, and it likely won't get much better with QB Nick Fairhart (undisclosed illness) sidelined the next couple weeks. Sophomore QB Kyle Edwards (9-of-20, 130 yards, TD) will start his second game. The defense, led by LBs Jeremy Leonard (10.7 tackles per game) and Mark Hoffman (9.2 tpg) will have to continue to keep games close.
The News Tribune pick: Just a hunch, but with their backs against the wall, the Cruisers will rally around Edwards and spirited home crowd.
Eatonville 17, Fife 13

OLYMPIC WESTERN LEAGUE
Timberline (5-1) at Capital (3-3)
7 p.m. Saturday at Ingersoll Stadium

The lowdown: A Blazers' win, and that would almost guarantee them a share of their fifth league championship in the past six seasons. Timberline has won the past two against Capital, including a 6-0 victory last year in Olympia.
Why the Blazers will win: It ain't pretty, but Timberline is getting it done in the fourth quarter (63-44 scoring advantage), including last week's last-minute scoring drive to beat Port Angeles. QB Delas Raiford (60-of-81, 630 yards, six TDs) is a dual threat, usually looking for WR Ronnie Hamlin (54 receptions, 726 yards, nine TDs), and RB Jordan Radcliffe (56 carries, 420 yards, three TDs) has been an able replacement for Immanuel Garraway (knee).
Why the Cougars will win: Isn't the wounded animal usually the most dangerous? Capital still has enough big athletes to take care of business Saturday, but could get a big boost if RB Riley Wall (ankle) can go. His brother, Reid (cervical vertebra) is already out for the season. RB Taylor Sundberg (45 carries, 282 yards, three TDs) has picked up the slack in his Riley's stead.
The News Tribune pick: Cougars stay in league title hunt and make it a four-way tie at 4-1 at the top.
Capital 27, Timberline 21

NON LEAGUE
No. 3 Lakes (6-0) at Lincoln (3-3)
7 p.m. Friday at Lincoln Bowl

The lowdown: The Lancers hold a one game lead over Peninsula in the SPSL 3A standings while the Abes are one game behind three schools fighting for a playoff spot out of the Narrows League.
Why the Lancers will win: When coach Dave Miller gets the opportunity to put a 4A school on the schedule, he takes it. Tonight marks the first of a two-year agreement against Lincoln. The Lancers are 4-0 against Narrows schools under Miller. Rushing offense keeps rolling along (248.8 ypg), led by RBs Willis Wilson (67 carries, 508 yards, five TDs) and Teddy Cotton (47 carries, 436 yards, five TDs), and backups Jordan Rivera and John Taufa aren't too bad, either.
Why the Abes will win: It's been hit or miss in coach Ben Cochran's first season, which can be expected. But Lincoln picked up in a big way in last week's 49-20 win over Wilson, amassing 328 rushing yards. RB Jordan Russell (78 carries, 655 yards, nine TDs) has been the team's big-play performer. They'll need a big effort from LBs Greg Coleman and Jackie Robinson, who returns tonight from pinched nerve, to slow Lakes down.
The News Tribune pick: Miller pleased with how his team is preparing, and performing in big games.
Lakes 38, Lincoln 24

SPSL NORTH
No. 9 Federal Way (5-1) at Kentwood (4-2)
7 p.m. Friday at French Field

The lowdown: Kentwood is 10-2 against the Eagles all-time, but hasn't won since a 41-0 thrashing in 1998. Federal Way defeated the Conks, 17-13, last season en route to capturing its first league title since 1976.
Why the Eagles will win: The return of RB Andre Barrington (58 carries, 431 yards, four TDs) has energized Federal Way on both sides, especially on defense. After holding Auburn Riverside to 132 total yards in last week's 21-0 win, the Eagles are now the SPSL leader in total defense (171.5 yards given up per game). The defensive line has had five sacks in the past two games, and LB Damon Hardy had three tackles for loss, including a pair of sacks against the Ravens.
Why the Conquerors will win: Grab an SPSL record book, and at the top of many lists is Kentwood – including league winning percentage (.739) since 1968. And yes, even though they're 3-2 in the SPSL North, they've won three in a row. Kentwood will try and test the middle of the Eagles' defense with RB Darrius Coleman (78 carries, 801 yards, eight TDs).
The News Tribune pick: As season winds down, expect Eagles to wind up passing attack – starting tonight against vulnerable Kentwood secondary.
Federal Way 27, Kentwood 19

No. 1 Skyline (6-0) at No. 2 Issaquah (6-0)
7 p.m. Friday at Issaquah High

The rare instance of having two top-ranked teams play during the regular season happens tonight. What does Issaquah have to contend with? QB Jake Heaps (58-of-101, 981 yards, 14 TDs) throwing to WR Gino Simone (15 catches, 359 yards, seven TDs), and a first-unit defense that hasn't given up any points. Last time the Eagles were in a similar position was in 2003 when, ranked No. 3, they beat No. 1 Bellevue, 24-21, on the road. A rash of injuries might be too much for Issaquah to overcome.
TNT pick: Skyline 26, Issaquah 20