Playoff picture | This week’s E-C, Eastlake, Issaquah, Skyline football games at a glance

Here's a quick glance at this week's state-qualifying playoff games for the four area football teams.

By Kevin Endejan • November 1, 2011 6:55 pm
Eastlake running back Ryan Lewis breaks across the goal line for a touchdown against Woodinville. The senior should play a key role in this Friday's playoff game against Jefferson.
Eastlake running back Ryan Lewis breaks across the goal line for a touchdown against Woodinville. The senior should play a key role in this Friday's playoff game against Jefferson.

Here’s a quick glance at this week’s state-qualifying playoff games for the four area football teams.

Eastlake (8-1) vs. Jefferson (5-4)

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday at Eastlake High School

At stake: Winner moves on to state as the District 2 No. 2 to face either Snohomish or Federal Way on the road.

Breakdown: No. 4 ranked Eastlake is coming off its first loss of the season, falling 17-14 to Woodinville in the KingCo 4A title game. Jefferson enters the playoffs for the first time in the school’s 43-year history. While the Raiders will be riding a wave of emotion, the Wolves enter Friday’s game with a chip on their shoulder. Look for the variety of Eastlake weapons, including running back Ryan Lewis and quarterback Keegan Kemp, to overpower the Jefferson defense.

Skyline (6-3) vs. Monore (6-3)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., Friday at Skyline High School

At stake: Winner moves on to state as the District 2 No. 3 to face the District 5/6/8 No. 1 seed east of the mountains.

Breakdown: Skyline managed to rest its starters in a 45-14 crossover win over Roosevelt. Monroe is having one of its best seasons decades, but the Bearcats haven’t seen an offensive attack like that of the Spartans. Quarterback Max Browne continues to put up big numbers and should do so again against a team that is rarely forced to defend the pass.

Issaquah (7-2) vs. Skyview (7-2)

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday at Kiggins Bowl in Vancouver, Wash.

At stake: Winner moves on to state as the District 4 No. 1 and will host Gig Harbor or Kentwood the following week.

Breakdown: Issaquah has continued its annual trend of getting stronger as the postseason nears. The last three years, head coach Chris Bennett’s teams have advanced to the state quarterfinals or farther. Skyview, the Greater St. Helens League champions, bring a balanced attack behind quarterback Kieran McDonagh and running back Parker Henry. The Eagles do the same with quarterback Ethan Kalin and running back Jack Gellatly. In order to find success, Issaquah will have to limit turnovers on the road.

Eastside Catholic (6-3) vs. Oak Harbor (8-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday at Oak Harbor High School

At stake: Winner moves on to state as the District 1 No. 2 to face Bellevue or Glacier Peak on the road.

Breakdown: Eastside Catholic has had a solid season and probably would have a couple more victories if it wasn’t for a combined 18 turnovers. The Crusaders can’t afford to make these mistakes on the road against a tough Oak Harbor team. The Wildcats run a Wing-T offense and will control the clock while spreading the ball around to a variety of athletes. Running back Josiah Miller has carried the load with 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns. Watch for updates from Friday’s game by following issy_sam_sports on Twitter.