2016 4A Gridiron Classic
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2016 3A Gridiron Classic
Click here for the 3A Championship Bracket
Monthly Archives: November 2016
2016 Gridiron Classic
Garfield Rolls Past Sentinels in Season Debut
Garfield Rolls Past Sentinels in Season Debut
By Steve Dion
| Tuesday- November 29th | 2016 | Boys | 3A | Metro/Pierce County | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Spanaway Lake | 8 | 12 | 19 | 17 | 56 | |
| Garfield | 22 | 22 | 28 | 22 | 94 | |
Garfield Senior Jaylen Nowell
In the season opener for Metro League basketball, the Garfield Bulldogs welcomed in the Sentinels hailing from Spanaway Lake. This was an up-tempo contest from the opening tip in which the home team picked up an early lead and continued to build upon throughout the game.
Senior sharpshooter Jaylen Nowell had no-rust to shake off as the versatile guard was extremely efficient from the field scoring a game high 23 points. Curtis Walker also had a nice night logging 22 tough points, most of which down in the scrum.
Spanaway Lake battled despite trailing by a wide margin as Divante Moffitt and Derek Gordon Jr. notched 14 apiece in the ballgame.
Daejon Davis excited the crowd with a few highlight dunks and J’Raan Brooks even entered the mix with a two-handed slam of his own late.
Overall, a good showing for what’s expected to be another tough Garfield team this year.
The Final Score
Garfield 94, Spanaway Lake 56.
Top Performers:
Garfield
Jaylen Nowell- 23 points
Spanaway Lake
Divante Moffitt-14 points
2016 Christmas Classic- Registration
2016 Christmas Classic
Registration Page
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Kamiakin Spoils Crusader Three-peat Bid, Title Game Bound
| Saturday | Nov 26th | 2016 | 3A Semifinal | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pop Keeney Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Eastside Catholic | 10 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 27 | |
| Kamiakin | 0 | 17 | 0 | 13 | 30 | |
Kamiakin Spoils Crusader Three-peat Bid, Title Game Bound
By Steve Dion
The two teams representing the 3A state championship game were to be determined at Pop Keeney Stadium in a double dip, the first of which between reigning back-to-back champs and their challenger Kamiakin Braves.
In typical Crusader fashion, they were up a touchdown before anyone could blink when Chris Lefau scampered 62 yards to the house putting the Braves in a hole early in the ballgame. Kamiakin was able to move the ball down the field following the EC touchdown, but came away emptyhanded when it stalled and resulted in a missed field goal.
The Cru were able to grab their first double digit lead of the game when Scott Lees knocked through a 27 yard field goal before the first quarter expired.
Kamiakin needed a big momentum swing and they got it with a heavy dose of old school ground and pound football. The one-two punch of Zach Borisch and Jethro Questad moved the ball at will and scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a halftime lead. This included a pair Borisch quarterback keepers from 6 and 15 yards out respectively and a Garrett Paxton field goal.
Just like the game started, the Crusaders started the second half with a bang by recovering an onside kick. This led to a game tying score minutes later. Eastside continued to roll with 10 more unanswered point to take their second double digit lead.
Could the Braves fight back again?
Another string of chunk runs on the ensuing drive set up a tremendous touchdown reception by Benson Smith who hauled in a tipped ball showing complete concentration. The Kamiakin defense started to heat up and gave their potent offense another crack at the Cru. Isaiah Brimmer gave KHS the lead again on a picture-perfect fade route. The missed point after made the score interesting with the Braves only up by three.
In Eastside’s final drive in the closing minutes, they were able to move the sticks, but the Braves prevented a big play by one of their many capable stars and closed the deal with a Brimmer pick with just over a minute remaining. A new 3A champion will be crowned this year.
Does Kamiakin have 48 more minutes of magic this season?
The Final Score:
Kamiakin 30, Eastside Catholic 27.
Top Performer
Kamiakin
Zach Borisch- 4 total TDs
VIDEO -Varsity Football Live
2016 Playoffs
Lincoln vs. O’Dea
2016 Playoffs – 3A Quaterfinals
Friday, November 18, 2016
Video – 2016 copyright ZUMA Media
VIDEO -Varsity Football Live
2016 Playoffs
Archbishop Murphy vs. Tumwater
2016 Playoffs – 2A Quaterfinals
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Video – 2016 copyright ZUMA Media
Murphy Avenges 2015 Tumwater Knockout in Otton’s Final Game
| Saturday | Nov 19th | 2016 | 2A Playoffs | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tumwater District Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Tumwater | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | |
| Archbishop Murphy | 10 | 7 | 14 | 17 | 48 | |
Murphy Avenges 2015 Tumwater Knockout in Otton’s Final Game
By Steve Dion
The juggernaut of 2A this season Archbishop Murphy traveled south to take on Sid Otton and Tumwater for a state semi berth and a chance to avenge last year’s finish when the Wildcats were eliminated by this same Tumwater team.
Archbishop jumped out to a quick double digit lead as Ryan Henderson buried a 39 yard field goal on the opening drive. Later in the quarter Collin Montez scored the first of many Wildcat touchdowns, this time from one yard out.
The Tbirds gathered their composure and established a run game with Noah Andrews and Jakob Holbrook to set up a circus catch in the endzone by Andrew May. Tumwater then tied the game when Nathan Seaman buried a field goal.
As the half was winding down, the Tbirds had a chance to take the lead, but the Cats defense held firm and gave their offense a chance to take a lead to the locker room.
Anfernee Gurley hauled in a late touchdown grab before the second quarter elapsed and the scoreboard read 17-10 in favor of ATM with one half to go.
Tumwater’s defense emerged from the locker room with renewed energy and were able to force two early turnovers. However, these opportunities did not result in any points.
The turning point occurred when Collin Montez picked off a pass deep in his team’s territory and ran the ball back 96 yards for the score.
Emmanuel Osuoha joined the party with a few late touchdowns to add to the Wildcats lead. Abraham Lucas played a crucial role in the second half shutout of the Tumwater attack.
With the win, Archbishop continues their run of dominance and places themselves one step closer to a state title. For Tumwater, their season ends, but more importantly, Sid Otton closes out his legendary coaching career.
The emotions on the field after the game covered the gamut and reminded us why we love high school football.
The Final Score:
Archbishop Murphy 48, Tumwater 10.
Top Performer
Archbishop Murphy
Collin Montez- 2 TDs (1 yard rush, 96 yard interception return)
O’Dea Bookends Abes Season to State Semi Berth
| Friday | Nov 18th | 2016 | 3A Playoffs | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Lincoln | 0 | 7 | 0 | 13 | 20 | |
| O’Dea | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 | |
O’Dea Bookends Abes Season to State Semi Berth
By Steve Dion
In a rematch of week one between the O’Dea Fighting Irish & Lincoln Abes which O’Dea prevailed 31-14, the winner of Friday night’s game at Memorial Stadium would punch their ticket to the state semis.
Lincoln worked the opening possession down the field effortlessly until they reached the one yard line where they were stopped and held scoreless. The Irish countered with a touchdown drive capped off with a 36 yard Hunter Franco run.
The momentum swung in Lincoln’s favor midway through the first half when a fourth down stop led to a Ben Malietufa run to the endzone to tie the game. LHS even had a chance to take the lead when they regained possession. However, a forced fumble gave O’Dea the ball back and before the half concluded, Ben Beale found a wide open Sam Sanchez to give the Irish a 14-7 lead heading into the break.
When play resumed, Jamyn Patu earned a heavy dose of O’Dea touches and found an opening from 19 yards out early in the third to put his team up 21-7.
The Abes returned the favor by marching down the field and punching it in from two yards out by LJ Lovelace.
Patu struck back with another touchdown to retain the two-possession lead, could Lincoln keep pace?
Joey Sinclair took to the air and found a heavily covered Kavon Holden who hauled in a tremendous grab to bring the score back within one possession.
With the clock winding down, the Abes found themselves with an opportunity to tie up the game, but a big stop by O’Dea tough defense was enough to finish the Abes comeback threat.
The Fighting Irish return to semifinal weekend under Monte Kohler illustrious tutelage still in heavy contention for another state title.
The Final Score:
O’Dea 28, Lincoln 20.
Top Performer
O’Dea
Jamyn Patu- 2 TD’s (18, 19)
2016 Coach Interview
Kamiakin
Head Coach Scott Biglin
2016 Coach Interview
Kamiakin – Head Football Coach
Scott Biglin
The Kamiakin Braves have reached the quarterfinal round of the 3A state football bracket under Head Coach Scott Biglin and are getting set for a big game against Bonney Lake on Saturday in Kennewick. Listen as Steve Dion catches up with Coach Biglin to reflect on their season and discuss the culture of the program that has led to its success over many years.
To catch the complete interview with Kamiakin Coach Scott Biglin,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
VIDEO -Varsity Football Live
2016 Playoffs
3A Preview Quarterfinals Weekend
2016 Playoffs – 3A Quaterfinals
Playoff Preview
Video – 2016 copyright ZUMA Media
2016 Coach Interview
Ellensburg
Head Coach Randy Affholter
2016 Coach Interview
Ellensburg – Head Football Coach
Randy Affholter
The Ellensburg Bulldogs have advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2A football tournament with Coach Randy Affholter at the helm and the Sedro-Woolley Cubs on tap. He talks about the identity of the program he has built and the adversity his team has overcome this season. He also previews the matchup versus Dave Ward’s tough Cubs squad and how the 2A bracket has shaped up.
To catch the complete interview with Ellensburg Coach Randy Affholter,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Kelso vs. Meadowdale
Audio Game Recap
Dick & Steve Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – Steve Willits
Kelso vs. Meadowdale
Listen to Dick and Steve Willits break down a thrilling playoff battle between the Hilanders & Mavericks.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Catch Steve Willits’ game of the week every Friday on SoundLiveSportsNetwork.com
Raymond vs. La Conner
Audio Game Preview
Dick & Kaleb on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Preview – Kaleb Hart
Raymond vs. La Conner
Dick and Varsity Football Live guest Kaleb Hart preview Saturday’s playoff game between Raymond & La Conner.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Catch Kaleb Hart’s game of the week every Friday Night on KAPSradio.com
Graham-Kapowsin vs. Camas
Audio Game Recap
Dick & Paul on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – Paul Valencia
Graham-Kapowsin vs. Camas
Dick and Paul Valencia bring us this playoff wrap-up of the Eagles and the Papermakers.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Read Paul Valencia’s full article at Columbian.com
Graham-Kapowsin vs. Camas
Audio Game Recap
Dick & TJ on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – TJ Cotterill
Graham-Kapowsin vs. Camas
Dick and TJ Cotterill talk about the playoff matchup between the Eagles and the Papermakers.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Read T.J. Cotterill’s full article at TheNewsTribune.com
Montesano vs. Connell
Audio Game Recap
Dick & Ian on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – Ian Cope
Montesano vs. Connell
Listen to Dick and Ian Cope talk about the playoff battle with the Bulldogs and the Eagles.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Catch Ian Cope’s game of the week every Friday Night on 1490 KWOK and KXRO.com
VFL’s Big Game of the Week:
Ferndale vs. O’Dea
Game Recap as broadcasted on Sports Radio 950 KJR
Listen to Varsity Football Live’s Radio Recap by clicking on play button below
Varsity Football Live’s Big Game of the Week
Ferndale vs. O’Dea
Big Game of the Week: Ferndale vs. O’Dea
11-11-16
O’Dea Roars Past Ferndale in Dominant Second Half
| Friday | Nov 11th | 2016 | 3A Playoffs | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Ferndale | 14 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 21 | |
| O’Dea | 0 | 7 | 21 | 14 | 42 | |
O’Dea Roars Past Ferndale in Dominant Second Half
By Steve Dion
With only sixteen teams remaining in the quest for a state championship, one of the standout contenders in O’Dea welcomed in the Golden Eagles from Ferndale. The Fighting Irish were looking to keep their undefeated record intact, but would need to knock off a tough Northwest squad to move on.
Ferndale jumped out to quick lead through some sleight of hand in the backfield. Ben Broselle ripped off a 60 yard run early in the first quarter.
The Golden Eagles defense fed off that momentum and contained O’Dea’s playmakers in the early going.
FHS grabbed possession back and were facing a 4th and long from the O’Dea 40. Showing no fear, they went for it and Broselle dashed right up the gut to the endzone 14-0.
Ferndale had a chance to put themselves up 3 scores and potentially put themselves in a great position to put the Irish in big trouble, but fumbled and O’Dea recovered.
O’Dea took advantage and finally broke through on a drive which Warren King imposed his will with quarterback sneak into the teeth of the Ferndale defense to move the sticks. The offense capped it off with a jump pass to Sam Sanchez who was wide open in the endzone.
With 8 seconds remaining and Ferndale punting the ball, Shea Carstens returned the kick 77 yards for a touchdown. Unfortunately, a personal foul negated the score and Ferndale maintained their 14-7 lead heading into halftime.
O’Dea responded in a big way.
Early in the 3rd frame Jamyn Patu finally found some daylight from the backfield and took the rock 70 yards up the sideline to tie the game up.
Moments later, Kyle Hollabaugh returned a fumble for touchdown to give the Irish the lead. Coincidentally, the rain started to fall as Hollabaugh crossed the goal line.
Soon to follow: another Patu touchdown run. Then a pitch and catch by King to Quinton Lewis. The ensuing kickoff was fumbled and returned by Parker Dana for a score to put a stamp on the contest.
When the dust settled, O’Dea walked away winners 42-21. They will face the Lincoln Abes in the quarterfinal round.
The Final Score:
O’Dea 42, Ferndale 21.
Top Performer
O’Dea
Jamyn Patu- 2 TD’s (5, 70)
2016 Coach Interview
Ferndale
Head Coach Jamie Plenkovich
2016 Coach Interview
Ferndale – Head Football Coach
Jamie Plenkovich
The Ferndale Golden Eagles have put together a strong season in the always competitive Northwest League. Head Coach Jamie Plenkovich joins Steve Dion to take a look back at the notable games against Lynden & Squalicum, the strong football roots in Northwest Washington, & looks ahead to Friday’s big playoff game against O’Dea.
To catch the complete interview with Ferndale Coach Jamie Plenkovich,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Lynnwood vs. Garfield
Audio Game Recap
Dick & Steve Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – Steve Willits
Lynnwood vs. Garfield
Listen to Dick and Steve Willits break down an opening round playoff battle between the Royals & Bulldogs.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Catch Steve Willits’ game of the week every Friday on SoundLiveSportsNetwork.com
Skyview vs. Olympia
Audio Game Recap
Dick & Paul on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – Paul Valencia
Skyview vs. Olympia
Dick and Paul Valencia bring us this playoff wrap-up of the Storm vs. the Bears.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Read Paul Valencia’s full article at Columbian.com
Richland vs. Central Valley
Audio Game Recap
Dick & Mike on Varsity Football Live
Oak Harbor vs. Timberline
Audio Game Recap
Dick & JJ on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – JJ Jensen
Oak Harbor vs. Timberline
Dick and JJ Jensen recap the 3A playoff thriller between the Wildcats and the Blazers.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Catch JJ Jensen’s game of the week every Friday Night
Sedro-Woolley vs. Sammamish
Audio Game Recap
Dick & Kaleb on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – Kaleb Hart
Sedro-Woolley vs. Sammamish
Dick and first-time Varsity Football Live guest Kaleb Hart talk playoff football between Sedro-Woolley & Sammamish.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Catch Kaleb Hart’s game of the week every Friday Night on KAPSradio.com
Peninsula vs. Stadium
Audio Game Recap
Dick & TJ on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – TJ Cotterill
Peninsula vs. Stadium
Dick and TJ Cotterill talk about this first-round playoff battle between the Seahawks and the Tigers.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Read T.J. Cotterill’s full article at TheNewsTribune.com
Hoquiam vs. Kings-Way Christian
Audio Game Recap
Dick & Ian on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – Ian Cope
Hoquiam vs. King’s Way Christian
Listen to Dick and Ian Cope talk about the first round playoff matchup with the Grizzlies and the Knights.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Catch Ian Cope’s game of the week every Friday Night on 1490 KWOK and KXRO.com
Gig Harbor Fends Off Interlake in Playoff Downpour
| Saturday | Nov 5th | 2016 | 3A Playoffs | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interlake High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Interlake | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | |
| Gig Harbor | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 | |
Gig Harbor Fends Off Interlake in Playoff Downpour
By Steve Dion
A late Saturday afternoon with unrelenting rain at Interlake High School was the scene for an opening round playoff matchup between the host Saints and visiting Gig Harbor Tides.
Interlake was ready to defend their home field at the onset as their first play from scrimmage was a flea flicker to put them within striking distance. Moments later, Duncan Varela found Micheal Veliyev behind the Tide secondary for the opening score of the game from 31 yards out.
A minute later, Veliyev picked off Nick Yockey’s pass and the Saints were in business.
In the closing seconds of the first quarter, Varelia connected with Charlie Galanti to put Interlake up by 13. The Tides were reeling.
Needing a successful drive, the Gig Harbor put together a series of plays which eventually placed them in striking distance for their first points of the game; a fake handoff by Ben Hollenbeck which allowed the Tide quarterback to trot into the endzone untouched.
Feeding off the momentum swing, Gig Harbor came up with a fumble by the Saints and before the half concluded grabbed a one-point lead when Martin Brazier punched it in from 2 yards out.
When play resumed, so did the rain and a flurry of turnovers created a game which saw few legitimate scoring opportunities. The score remained 14-13 and the clock was winding down.
In the final two minutes of the contest, Interlake had the ball on the Gig Harbor side of the field and were driving. Varela was able to move the sticks a number of times to retain fresh sets of downs. The Interlake quarterback tucked the ball and was endzone bound, but the ball came loose and the Tide defense jumped on it within their own 5 yard line.
Utilizing timeouts effectively, Interlake was able to stop the Tides from running the clock dry and had one last gasp effort. However, Cole Workman hauled in a late interception to put the game on ice. Gig Harbor moves on in the 3A state playoffs, Interlake concludes their season.
The Final Score:
Gig Harbor 14, Interlake 13.
Top Performer
Gig Harbor
Martin Brazier- Go-ahead 2-yard TD
Lakes Advances in Road Win Over Warriors
| Friday | Nov 4th | 2016 | 3A Playoffs | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonds Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Edmonds-Woodway | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | |
| Lakes | 0 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 21 | |
Lakes Advances in Road Win Over Warriors
By Steve Dion
The opening round of the playoffs featured an intriguing Pierce County vs. WesCo matchup between the Lakes Lancers and host Edmonds-Woodway Warriors.
Edmonds-Woodway caught Lakes flat early in the opening minutes. Cappassio Cherry was able to punch the rock in at the goal line after a handful of big carries in their first drive.
The Warriors defense matched the intensity by stuffing the Lancer attack. Ali Gaye was a force coming off the edge to pressure Lakes quarterback Cody Roe.
Lakes utilized a dual quarterback system as Jaylen Antoine made his debut after a long absence from injury. Cody Roe got the start who is more of a running quarterback.
Wind was a factor as northerly gusts affected punts and long passes.
Early in the second quarter Lakes capitalized on the punt affected by the elements as Daeon Hudson pounded it in from 3 yards out. Like the old football saying “low man wins”, Hudson got low on Ransom Gardner which is tough task because Gardner is listed at 5’0 165 pounds.
As the half wore on Edmonds-Woodway faced a crucial 4th and 2. They called timeout to talk it over. This proved to be a good decision because Cherry took a pitch from the backfield as if he was shot from a cannon and bolted to the endzone untouched from 49 yards out.
Enter Jaylen Antoine.
With 1:03 left. Lakes faced a 3rd and long from their own 25. Antoine aired it out and found Dedrian Milligan on the other end. On the next play, another long ball. At the 0:29 second mark, Aaron Richardson found himself standing in the Warriors endzone with the football and a tied ballgame. Coach Miller later admitted this was a crucial series of heading into the locker room and second half.
The third quarter was a pick party as Anthony Lindamood intercepted a Lindsey pass in the opening minutes, but was immediately nullified when Dedrian Milligan returned the favor. Not to be outdone, Lindamood came up with a second pick shortly thereafter.
Lakes came up with a big 4th down stop early in the final quarter when the Warriors were threatening. However, the next play was another interception, this time by Noah Becker.
Unfazed, the Lancers defense stepped up yet again and this time were rewarded. With 5 minutes remaining and Roe back in the game, a shotgun snap and a clunky run-option execution in which Roe ran into his running back Melvin Miller, he tucked it and ran down the sidelines. He followed key blocks and barreled into the endzone for a 46 yard score to take the lead.
This ignited an already amped Lancer defense. Edmonds-Woodway’s offense was stuffed in their desperation drive and Lakes regained position to lined up in victory formation to find themselves victors.
The Final Score:
Lakes 21, Edmonds-Woodway 14.
Top Performer
Lakes
Cody Roe- Game-winning 46 yard touchdown run
2016 VFL Coach Interview
Monroe Bearcats
Head Coach Michael Bumpus
2016 Varsity Football Live Coach Interview
Monroe Bearcats – Head Football Coach
Michael Bumpus
Former Washington State Cougar, Seattle Seahawk and now budding Head Coach for the Monroe Bearcats Michael Bumpus joins Dick to talk about the Bearcats whose 2016 season has been one of the most impressive in school history. He talks about his transition from player to coach and some of the top players that comprise this talented Monroe squad.
To catch the complete radio interview with Monroe Coach Michael Bumpus,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
WesCo Double Header
Audio Game Recaps
Dick & Steve Varsity Football Live
2 Varsity Football Live – Game Recaps – Steve Willits
Edmonds-Woodway vs. Everett &
Shorewood vs. Mountlake Terrace
Listen to Dick and Steve Willits break down two WesCo League Matchups.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Catch Steve Willit’s game of the week every Friday on SoundLiveSportsNetwork.com