Skyline (9-1) VS. Federal Way (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday
4A state quarterfinal spots are up for grabs on the gridiron this week and Skyline will get a chance to continue its state championship defense Friday against Federal Way after dismantling Jefferson 43-13.
The Eagles bring in a dynamic group of playmakers, led by junior Chico McClatcher, who returned a kickoff 84 yards for a score last week in his team’s 37-20 win over Edmonds-Woodway, and quarterback Keenan Curran, who had a pair of long touchdown runs in his team’s district playoff win.
That duo has kept their offense rolling along to the tune of 39 points per game, a number even more staggering considering Federal Way was held to 28 points combined in its two losses.
Kilton Anderson, Rashaad Boddie and the Skyline offense enter the game with a powerful offense of their own and one that has grown steadily and markedly since the 45-7 opening week loss to Bellevue, the Spartans only setback to date.
Only two other teams, state playoff bound Eastlake and Bothell, managed to keep coach Mat Taylor’s squad under 30 and each lost by double digits in the process.
Cole Blackburn had a pair of first half touchdowns in Skyline’s win last week and is one of eight players who have scored a rushing touchdown on the year.
Chandler Wong and Derek Loville have steadily emerged as threats on the outside, combing for 46 catches, more than 600 yards and six scores.
Defensively, a front led by a pair of standout bookends has set the tone, with senior Cameron Saffle and Josh Wright totaling more than 100 tackles and 18 sacks.
The winner faces the winner of another first round game between Skyview and Richland.
Eastlake (8-2) VS. Union (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday
Troy Lewis, Blue Thomas and the Eastlake offense wasted no time in last week’s 52-7 district playoff win over Kentwood, as Lewis took a handoff 70 yards on the first play of the game for a lead that would never be threatened.
The Wolves have hit 50 in each of the past three games, all blowout wins, and also scored 48 against Meadowdale.
The Titans from Vancouver enter the game off a dominant win over another KingCo squad, 51-21 at Issaquah last week.
Top-ranked Camas is the only team from Washington to beat Union, along with Portland-Jesuit during the non-conference.
A win sends Eastlake to a quarterfinal game against either upstart Cascade (Everett) or top-ranked Camas.
Eastside Catholic (8-2) @ Marysville-Pilchuck (10-0)
The Crusaders head back on the road after taking care of Lincoln 41-21 last week at Charlie Acosta Field.
EC has rolled off three straight wins since its loss to O’Dea and can get back to the 3A quarterfinals with a win over the unbeaten Tomahawks.
Quarterback Harley Kirsch threw three touchdowns last week in the win, while Brandon Wellington rushed 19 times for 146 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The defense came up with a pair of interceptions and fumble recovery in the win.
Marysville-Pilchuck downed Metro Mountain foe Blanchet 48-21 last week to earn its spot at state. The 3A Wesco champs, which beat a trio of 4A foes in non-conference play in Arlington, Lake Stevens and Snohomish, have scored fewer than 40 points only three times this year and have hit 50 on three occasions.
The winner faces either Lakes or Meadowdale next week.
