Four football teams still standing

Four area teams are one win each away from realizing a dream - playing Dec. 4 or 5 in Gridiron Classic in the Tacoma Dome.

Ferris - as improbable as it was expected, the Saxons are in their third straight State 4A semifinal. Three weeks ago they might just as easily have not been in the playoffs. Playing to their capabilities in post season they are on the verge of making their first state football final.

West Valley - The Eagles were a playoff force with finalists in 1975 and 76 (winning a state tite) and again 1984. Then, following an unbeaten 1987 and quarterfinals appearance, the hard times began. They are in the 2A semifinals again, the school’s fifth such appearance.

Colfax - No surprise here. But the Bulldogs’ 2B semifinal foe is - DeSales. The Irish a perennial finalist until recently, have their old coach back and have been building since an early loss to Colfax, stunning first Asotin and surviving a playoff to reach state, this weekend shocking LaSalle of Yakima, generally regarded as the best team in state.

Cusick - The 1B Panthers may be better than last year when they were a semifinalist and barely lost to eventual champion LaCrosse-Washtucna. They travel against Tri Cities Prep in what is expected to be the state championship before the official state championship game in Tacoma. 

Unfortunately, Mt. Spokane won’t be joining them. The Wildcats couldn’t sustain their offense in Saturday’s loss to Lakes.