3A football: Breaking down the state quarterfinal games

Originally published November 19, 2014 at 7:51 PM | Page modified November 19, 2014 at 9:22 PM

No. 4 Marysville-Pilchuck (9-1) at Columbia River (9-2), 4 p.m. Saturday at Kiggins Bowl (Vancouver)

Marysville-Pilchuck: The Tomahawks are looking to advance to the state semifinals for the first time since they took second in 1989. Marysville-Pilchuck has the talent to advance to the Tacoma Dome, too, with an effective running attack led by Austin Joyner. The senior is arguably the best running back in the state, possessing a blend of speed and size that makes him difficult to tackle.

Columbia River: The winners of the Greater St. Helens League from Vancouver have reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 thanks to a pair of home wins over recent Metro additions (Garfield and Roosevelt). The Chieftans have a balanced offensive attack that features GSHL all-league first-teamers at quarterback, receiver (two), offensive line (two) and all-purpose/kick returner.

No. 6 Peninsula (10-1) at No. 1 Bellevue (11-0), 7 p.m. Friday

Peninsula: The Seahawks have been on a roll since a one-point loss in week one to 4A Gig Harbor. The main reason? Running back Major Ali. The senior has scored three touchdowns in each of the first two playoff games, and theres no reason to think Peninsula will deviate from an effective game plan.

Bellevue: The Bellevue story is not new: Six straight state championships, 64 consecutive wins, victories over national powerhouses. There might not be a cant-miss recruit like Myles Jack or Budda Baker this season, but it has been no different for the Wolverines on the field, who have yet to really be tested through four quarters.

No. 2 Eastside Catholic (10-1) at No. 5 Lincoln (11-0), 4 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln Bowl

Eastside Catholic: The Crusaders have been to the championship game the last two years. Both times, they came up empty. Can this be the year? For an Eastside Catholic defense that has passed two of three tests this season (wins over ODea and American Fork of Utah) and wasnt terrible in a season-opening 31-14 loss to Bishop Alemany (Calif.), Lincoln might be the most dynamic test yet.

Lincoln: It all starts with Jordan Kitna. The son of former NFL quarterback (and current Lincoln coach) Jon Kitna can sling it around just like his dad. The younger Kitna leads the state with 54 TD passes and has a legit playmaking threat on the outside with Jayson Williams. With Kitna at the helm, the Abes are attempting to make it to the Tacoma Dome in their first trip to the state tournament since 2003.

Go here to read the rest:
3A football: Breaking down the state quarterfinal games