By Dannie Oliveaux and John Leggett | The Courier-Herald
What a Week 7!
Enumclaw’s impressive come-from-behind win over Bonney Lake in the Mud Bowl and Sumner getting their first win of the season at homecoming. And now it gets interesting. From here on out, each game has playoff implications as the regular season is coming to a close. For sure, it looks like Enumclaw (5-1) and Bonney Lake (3-2) will lock up two of the four playoff berths from SPSL 3A with Lakes and Peninsula. A win by Enumclaw or Peninsula seals the No. 2 seed and the loser and Bonney Lake fight for the No. 3 and No. 4 spot.
For the first time this season, one of the Ol’ Pickers (JL) posted a subpar 3-4 mark, while DO went 5-2. DO regained the lead at 35-14 and JL is one game back at 34-15.
Enumclaw at Peninsula
DO: This game will decide the No. 2 seed in SPSL 3A behind Lakes. The Hornets proved last week, they can’t be rattled and the Seahawks should provide a tough test. And for their efforts, Enumclaw received a No. 10 ranking in 3A last week. This could go down to the wire in Purdy. PENINSULA
JL:It’s like head coach of the Hornets, Don Bartel said last week, “This is a special group of kids.” They’ve come this far having only lost to Lakes and finally cracking the Top 10, should bolster their confidence even more. There is no turning back for this 2009 group of Hornets, because they only know one speed and they have all vowed to the coaching staff to improve each week. So for the good ship EHS it’s full speed ahead and damn the torpedos. ENUMCLAW
Franklin Pierce at Bonney Lake
DO: After a two-game losing skid, the Panthers look to regain their winning ways. The past two weeks has been frustrating for Coach Chad Barrett and his squad. But it’s homecoming time in Panther Land and the Cardinals will be ground before they can get off the ground. Chalk up another win for the Panthers. BONNEY LAKE
JL: If the Panthers look anything like they did playing the Hornets in the monsoon rains last Friday night at Pete’s Pool – let it rain, baby! The Panthers will be singing in the rain for the homecoming entertainment. Additionally, Franklin Pierce is having a rare down year. Sorry Redbirds – there just isn’t any mercy in the jungle. It’s survival of the fittest. BONNEY LAKE
Sumner at Clover Park
DO: The Spartans finally got a win and are looking to put together a three-game streak before the season ends. Sumner’s offense isn’t fancy, but they have proven they can break the big play. The defense will be key in this game and stopping the Warriors’ balanced attack is a must. SUMNER
JL: Congrats on the Homecoming victory Sparts! Keep it going and give yourselves something to build on for next season. Sleeper alert though. The Warriors aren’t any pushovers. Their quarterback is a gifted athlete and they have a huge running back that could probably run through a brick wall if he was motivated to do so. SUMNER
White River at Foss
DO: The Boys from Buckley travel to Falcon Territory for a non-league game against Class 4A Foss. The Falcons are explosive and can ground the Hornets’ rushing attack. Long ride back from the Lincoln Bowl. FOSS
JL: I am a big believer in what Coach Fagan has done at White River HS – Fagan Forever! But Foss is 4A, which of course means that they have a larger student body to compose a bigger, stronger team from. Just remember guys, you just about beat Peninsula last week and as far as I am concerned that is a feather in your cap, but I can’t pick WRHS this week, because those darn Falcons own the home field advantage and I am behind in this thing now. FOSS
Washington State at California
DO: The Cougars hit the road and will return to Martin Stadium until Nov. 14. First, a trip to Berkley to face the Cal Bears, then to the Lone Star State against Notre Dame and to the Sunshine State against Arizona. I don’t see Wazzu getting a win this week, or the next, or next. CALIFORNIA
JL: Sorry Coug fans, but it’s a no go. CALIFORNIA
Oregon at Washington
DO: The Ducks fly north to Seattle for an important Pac 10 matchup with UW. After an opening season loss to Boise State, Oregon has ripped off five straight wins. The Ducks definitely have the ugliest uniforms in college football, but they win. As for the Huskies, they are 0-2 in their all-white uniforms. Both teams need this win. For OU a chance at the Pac 10 title, but UW a bowl invitation. OREGON
JL: With a possible shot at the Pac 10 crown, the Ducks don’t want to quack that up. OREGON
Minnesota at Pittsburgh
DO: Could be a preview to February’s Super Bowl. The Steelers win with defense, while the Vikings are explosive on offense. It will be a low-scoring affair in the Steel City. PITTSBURGH
JL: Sometimes you have to base things on fate and I am not just saying this because I am an avid Viking fan. The Steelers have lost a game this year and the Viks haven’t. I am truly of the opinion that the Vikings are Destiny’s Darlings in this 2009-10 campaign, why else would that joker from the Ravens have missed that kick? Even though the Vikings are playing at Heinz Field I’m still going with the Purple People-eaters to win and go 7-0. And that’s coming from a guy that was born in Pittsburgh folks. MINNESOTA
