Prep Football: Week 5 leaves much to the imagination
Looking Ahead: Area teams getting ready for that league grind
Jordan Nailon / blastzonenews@gmail.com
What a week it’s been in the world of high school sports. Last week we saw a bunch of blowouts, a few nail biters and a whole bunch of haymakers. This week most teams will be diving headlong into league competition, which will only serve to up the ante for everyone in this high stakes game.
Will Kelso be able to keep its hot start going in 3A GSHL play?
Will the Lumberjacks, Monarchs and Beavers all be in the same pecking order after another week of wacky 2A GSHL action?
Can Kalama and Castle Rock keep doing enough to keep their names in the running for top spots out of the 1A Trico League?
Can Toledo keep its heads on straight and continue to bully everyone they come across? Can Toutle Lake make a run at a playoff spot in the Central 2B East, and can Winlock find 11 dudes between the ages of 15-18 to stand on the gridiron for a few hours?
Will Wahkiakum look a gift horse in the mouth or is what the Mules are cooking for real? And can Naselle figure out a way to get their starters enough reps to be sharp when push comes to shove?
Oh, and can Rainier pull off the upset of the season while Clatskanie looks to get back in the black over in Oregon Country?
Keep reading to find out what we know and what we hope to learn this week in the Blast Zone.
3A GSHL
Kelso (3-1) at Evergreen (3-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., McKenzie Stadium
Last week: Kelso won 21-0 vs Bremerton
Kelso will want to wipe the sleep from its eyes early this week in the 3A Greater St. Helens League opener at Evergreen. The Hilanders took their sweet time last week and had to talk about a scoreless tie at halftime up at Bremerton. Then Aden Mintonye put the Scots on his shoulders and rushed for a pair of touchdowns on the way to a 21-0 win. Blake Parsons added a touchdown run for the visitors before it was all said and done.
But the Plainsmen defeated Westview (Ore.) 47-14 last week and have been riding a hot hand all season long. Playing this game on their home turf means the Evergreen faithful are hoping for a quick start and expecting a win.
2A GSHL
R.A. Long (3-1, 2-0) at Columbia River (1-3)Â
Friday, 7 p.m., Columbia River High School
Last week: RAL won 47-14 vs Hockinson
The Lumberjacks are not interested in taking prisoners this season and they’ll get to take their pirate show on the road this week with a date at Columbia River. Last week the Jacks put the wood to Hockinson with TraMayne Jenkins accounting for 153 receiving yards and three touchdowns on consecutive possessions. Quarterback Jaxson Rivenes threw for four touchdowns and 253 yards, while rushing for another touchdown. Nick Niday had a scoop and score fumble recovery and Taijon Reagins pulled down an interception and touchdown pass. R.A. Long will put itself in a good position for a playoff run if it can snag another win this week.
For more information, see the N2 Game of the Week Preview at the bottom of this page.
Mark Morris (1-3, 1-1) vs Hudson’s Bay (0-4, 0-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., Longview Memorial Stadium
Last week: Mark Morris lost 22-0 vs Washougal
Quarterback Carter Hughta seems like he may have won the quarterback battle in Monarchland. Last week he passed for 217 yards but the Monarchs tallied just 229 total in a loss. Nate Stephens caught eight passes for 109 yards and running back Kenny Mullen caught eight passes for 48 yards. But there wasn’t much else working. Still, one attentive noted the Monarchs were just one dropped interception from turning last week’s loss all the way around. Fans of the red and blue will be expecting a showroom ready offensive display this week in a must-win 2A GSHL contest.
Woodland (2-2, 2-0) vs Hockinson (0-4)
Friday, 7 p.m., Beaver Stadium
Last week: Woodland won 29-7 vs Columbia River
The Beavers put on another defensive clinic last week, holding Columbia River to just 119 total yards in a big league win. This week Woodland will want to see all of its offensive pieces in motion with Hockinson in town for another 2A GSHL tilt. Logan Busig made the Beavers’ defense hum last week and Elijah Andersen took a pick 64 yards back to the house. Andersen also racked up 171 yards of offense, while completing eight passes for nearly 100 yards and two touchdowns. The Beavers will be shooting for a shutout and some offensive fireworks this week.
1A TRICO
Kalama (4-0, 2-0) at Stevenson (2-2)
Friday, 7 p.m., Stevenson High School
Last week: Kalama won 55-6 vs Fort Vancouver
The Aiden Brown Show continued last week when Kalama blitzed Fort Vancouver in 1A Trico play. Brown connected on 20 passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns. Oh, and he ran for 86 yards on just five carries for three touchdowns. Not a bad day’s work. Quin Han caught seven passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, while Henry Sigfridson hauled in another touchdown pass. Drew Schlangen ran in two more touchdowns for the ‘Nooks and led the defensive effort in a near perfect performance. Kalama will need to continue that sort of stingy defensive work this week to notch a tough league win up the gorge.
Castle Rock (3-1, 1-1) at La Center (4-0, 2-0)
Friday, 7 p.m. La Center High School
Last week: Castle Rock won 48-14 vs Stevenson
Will the Rockets have a change in Wildcat country this week? Well, if Trevor Rogen can put up numbers like he did last week then Castle Rock can compete with any team in the land. Rogen picked up two touchdowns through the air and another on the ground, while also returning a pick for a score. Wyatt Orth and Jacob Lafever also ran in a touchdown for The Rock, with Landon Fulton and Owen Langdon each reeling in touchdown passes. Castle Rock will need all of that and even more defense this week on the road at undefeated La center.
CENTRAL 2B EAST/WEST
Toledo (4-0, 1-0) vs Mossyrock (1-3, 1-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., Hippi Stadium
Last week: Toledo won 48-0 vs Toutle Lake
The Riverhawks remained undefeated last week in impressive fashion with a shutout over their Gateway to Volcano Country cousins from Toutle. Toledo quarterback Eli Weeks ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries and also completed one pass for a 21-yard touchdown pass to Trevin Gale. On the ground, Carter Swofford did the dirty work with 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns on a dozen carries. The bad news is the Cheese Town kids lost senior linebacker Leland McCree to a compound fracture in his wrist. The Riverhawks will have another renewed rivalry to enjoy this week, with fewer injuries and incident reports.
Toutle Lake (2-2, 1-1) vs Hoquiam (1-3)
Friday, 7 p.m., Toutle High School
Last week: Toutle Lake lost 48-0 vs Toledo
The Fighting Ducks are ready to finally talk about football again. After last week’s league reunion with Toledo ended early with fisticuffs and shirtless fans on the field, Toutle Lake is taking its lessons from the loss and moving forward with eyes on a playoff spot. Austin Webber was the leading rusher for the East Cowlitz County kids last week, putting up 92 yards and settling in just under a quarter of a mile of gains for the season. Jamison Schelb carried the rock for 38 more yards and passed for 52 yards on five completions. The worst news for the Ducks was the loss of Caleb Webber to a back injury. The goal will be to remain healthy and eligible, while regaining momentum against the 1A Grizzlies.
Winlock (0-4, 0-2) vs Rainier, Wash. (2-2, 1-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., The Nest
Last week: Winlock lost 2-0 vs Mossyrock (forfeit)
Since the last time we checked in on the Cardinals they’ve been working to get injured players healthy and everybody else passing their classes in time to host the Mountaineers for a league contest this week. After getting sent home from school at noon on Thursday due to a power outage, the best the Egg City boys can hope for now is an 8-man contest that will not count in the league standings. Will Landon Cline get a chance to show he’s the second coming? Who knows. But if they’re approved for takeoff, expect the Cards to have a couple tricks up their sleeve after almost a full fortnight to scheme for the Mounties.
Ilwaco (4-0) vs Forks (1-3)
Friday, 7 p.m., Ilwaco High School
Last week: Ilwaco won 42-0 vs Morton/White Pass
The Fishermen have done everything that’s been asked of them this year and that seems likely to continue this week when they host a road weary Forks team at the tail end of a 180 mile drive from the West End of the Olympic Peninsula to the West End of the Blast Zone Media coverage area. Last week Corbin Johnson and Cody Miller each ran in a pair of touchdowns and Cody Kaino added another. But nobody impressed Fishermen fans more than Dylan Pelas. The running back/quarterback hybrid ran for 132 yards on 12 carries, caught a pass and threw a touchdown pass. The Bait Boys will need to continue growing up fast in order to ensure a win against a roster that cuts cedar shingles for breakfast.
1B SWW
Wahkiakum (1-3, 1-1) at Ocosta (3-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., Westport
Last Week: Ilwco won 52-20 vs Oakville
After picking up their first win of the season last week the Mules will be looking to add on out on the coast in Week 5. Quarterback Jayden Stoddard threw for 141 yards and three touchdowns last week and should have a chance to put up big numbers again. Mason Waldeck added 72 rushing yards and a touchdown in the win, while Parker Leitz and Gage Robinson each added touchdowns on the ground. Leitz also caught three touchdown passes and two interceptions. If the Mules can keep the pressure on the Wildcats there could be plenty to celebrate on the way home to Cathlamet.
Naselle (4-0) vs North Beach (1-3)
Friday, 7 p.m., Naselle High School
Last Week: Naselle 88, Evergreen Lutheran 0
What will the Comets do this week to follow up on an 88-point victory in Week 4? Hard to say, but it’s sure to feature a lot of different players. Naselle has been winning so big that they’re starters have been playing just one series in the second half, which is good for limiting wear and tear but isn’t so great for getting up to playoff speed. Last week Jack Strange picked up 104 yards and three touchdowns on just three carries. He also returned a punt for a score. Caiden Burke added 108 yards and two touchdowns on just three carries. I’m sure you’re picking up on the pattern by now. Check back Saturday morning to see more gaudy stat lines from the Comets.
OREGON COUNTRY
Rainier (1-3, 1-1 league) at Banks (4-0)
Friday, 7 p.m., at Banks High School
Last Week: Rainier won 46-42 vs Valley Catholic
Last week the Columbians won a shootout behind four touchdowns from Jayden Quivedo. Rainier had to pull off a comeback in order to net the victory, and that experience may come in handy this week at No. 2 ranked and undefeated Banks. Quivedo finished with 204 yards on the ground and Adrian Nguyen added two more rushing touchdowns last week as Rainier neglected to even attempt a pass.
Clatskanie (3-1, 1-1 league) at Colton (3-2)
Friday, 7 p..m., Colton
The Tigers came up just short last week but will be looking to get back on track in Week 5 with a trip to Colton on the schedule. Against Gaston in Week 4, Clatskanie managed just 171 offensive yards. That production included a 127 rushing yards and a touchdown from Lucas Anderson. Meanwhile, Daylon Gutierrez and Ben Blackwood each added a touchdown on the ground for the Tigers.
OTHER GAMES YOU MIGHT CARE ABOUT
Heritage (3-1) at Shelton (0-4)
Last week: Heritage won 49-7 vs Kentlake
Last week: Shelton lost 62-0 vs W.F. West
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Prairie (2-2) vs Mountain View (0-4)
Last week: Prairie lost 64-0 vs Dalles (OR)
Last week: Mountain View lost 20-18 vs Mountainside (OR)
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Ridgefield (4-0, 2-0) vs Washougal (2-2)
Last week: Ridgeifeld won 49-0 vs Hudson’s Bay
Last week: Washougal won 22-0 vs Mark Morris
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Seton Catholic (4-0, 2-0) vs Fort Vancouver (0-4)
Last week: Win 41-6 vs Columbia-White Salmon
Last week: Fort Vancouver lost 55-6 vs Kalama
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Onalaska (3-1, 2-0) vs Morton-White Pass (2-2, 0-1)
Last week: Onalaska won 70-0 vs Rainier (WA)
Last week: MWP lost 42-0 vs Ilwaco
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Napavine (2-2) at Adna (2-2, 1-0)
Last week: Napavine lost 35-19 vs Montesano
Last week: Adna won 47-7 vs Raymond-South Bend
N2Â MEDIA STREAM OF THE WEEK
Nick Sissson / N2 Media
Some games have a way of feeling like they are slightly more magnified than others and this week’s league tilt in the 2A GSHL between Hudson’s Bay and Mark Morris on the gridiron feels just that way.
The Monarchs (1-3, 1-1) are looking to get back into the win column after a tough 22-0 defeat at the hands of Washougal last Friday night, while Bay is just hungry to get a win against any opponent at this point. No doubt the Eagles (0-4, 0-2) had high hopes on 2024 being a year where they can continue their accent into the league championship conversation after a playoff berth just a season ago. It hasn’t quite looked like that so far, but as we have learned over the last two seasons you are always within striking range in the 2A GSHL.
The same outlook seems to be shared by Mark Morris coach Mike Peck in the sense that all of the team’s goals remain achievable and right in front of them. During a Pick 6 Podcast interview earlier this week coach Peck alluded to the fact that his Monarchs still control their own destiny when it comes to clinching at least a share of the league championship. Make no mistake about it though, Mark Morris will not be looking past their opponent Friday night at what figures to be a packed Longview Memorial Stadium for homecoming.
Hudson’s Bay Eagles
The Eagles prefer the ground and pound approach over the passing game and have a big bruising fullback to pave the road. Tai Telea is listed at 270lbs. and led Bay in rushing last week against Ridgefield with 67 yards. Typically behind him in offensive formation is running back Xavier Lions who is the beneficiary of having Telea opening up holes to run through. At the QB position is Michael Miller who has the ability to run the ball some if needed and is currently in his second year of starting duties for the Eagles. If Mark Morris can jump out in front early it will bode extremely well, but a low scoring affair that features long, time consuming drives makes Hudson’s Bay dangerous.
Mark Morris Monarchs
The competition has been tough so far each week for the squad in Columbia blue, but thus far they have had their moments and deep down they know they are capable of beating just about anyone. It might not come to a surprise to the kids or the coaches from the north side of the lake, but the defense has been impressive so far in league play after pitching a shutout against Columbia River two Fridays ago and only giving up 14 points of offense to Washougal last week on the road.
Coach Peck is well known for his high flying offense and his teams posting big numbers as he did at previous stops at Burley and Prairie, but the scoring numbers haven’t been there so far. In four games the Monarchs have totaled 32 total points which leaves more to be desired. It just comes down to execution in the red zone and avoiding penalties in plus territory for Mark Morris to turn the corner because the offense has been very effective in between the twenty yard-lines.
Look for an emphasis to work ahead of the chains behind Kenny Mullen at running back to get in position to open things up down field. Deker Bartell has developed nicely as a downfield threat at receiver and has an ability to win jump balls and make highlight worthy catches. A big X-factor in the game could be sophomore Daniel Kobayashi, another talented Monarchs receiver that should benefit from a lot of defensive secondary focus on Bartell.
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