Glance at prep football playoffs
Idaho, 4A semifinal
Rigby Trojans (7-3) at Sandpoint Bulldogs (7-3)
When: Saturday, 1
How they got here: Sandpoint defeated Kuna and Rigby topped Blackfoot.
At a glance: The Bulldogs sailed in their opener last week, but this should be a test. You have to like Sandpoint at home, though. While Rigby will make the trip on Friday, there are no short cuts from eastern Idaho to North Idaho. That aside, Sandpoint’s skill players like Davan Norris, Kyle Perry and Wyatt McCormick-Cox will be tough matchups for the Trojans.
Washington, 4A
Central Valley Bears (8-2) vs. Richland Bombers (9-1)
When: Friday, Lampson Stadium (Kennewick), 7.
How they got here: CV defeated Chiawana and Richland beat Lewis and Clark.
At a glance: CV will be patient offensively and not take any risks. The Bears can afford to do that with their defense. And it’s a defense that plays into Richland’s strength – passing. CV has 25 interceptions, 15 in the last three games. Defense and punter Ryan Rehkow need to keep the Bombers at bay.
Battle Ground Tigers (8-2) at Gonzaga Prep Bullpups (10-0)
When: Saturday, 2
How they got here: Battle Ground defeated Kentlake and G-Prep shut out Walla Walla.
At a glance: This is a matchup of experience vs. inexperience. BG is making its first trip to the playoffs since 1979. The Bullpups are too difficult of a matchup for BG. For a second week G-Prep will feast on an inferior opponent.
Washington 2A
Prosser Mustangs (9-1) at Clarkston Bantams (7-2)
When: Saturday, 1
How they got here: Clarkston smoked East Valley (Yakima) in a glue-in game Tuesday. Prosser finished second in the CWAC.
At a glance: Prosser historically is one of the top teams in the state, and this year is no different. But the Bantams have a chance, especially playing at home. Prosser beat EV (Yakima) 47-7 while Clarkston thumped the same team 61-6 on Tuesday.
Cheney Blackhawks (9-1) at Ellensburg Bulldogs (10-0)
When: Saturday, 4
How they got here: Cheney defeated Selah on the road 48-21 on Tuesday while Ellensburg won the CWAC title.
At a glance: The Blackhawks have a good opportunity to pull off an upset because of their defense and do-everything Ty Graham. Ellensburg beat Selah 42-0 during league. Cheney must play error free.
Washington 1A
Eatonville Cruisers (6-4) at Colville Indians (8-1)
When: Saturday, 1
How they got here: Colville won the NEA title and Eatonville defeated LaCenter 23-20 on the road.
At a glance: Colville had a bye last week, affording the Indians time to rest up and fine tune some things. The Indians have been there and done that, and they will enjoy home field.
Lakeside Eagles (7-2) at Zillah Leopards (9-1)
When: Saturday, 1
How they got here: Lakeside finished second in the NEA and Zillah defeated Wahluke 56-14 in a play-in game.
At a glance: Zillah wants to run the ball and Lakeside has had difficulty stopping the run. So Lakeside must clamp down in that area. And the Eagles will need a big game from QB Cameron Gay.
Washington 2B
Mabton Vikings (8-2) at Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos (10-0)
When: Friday, 6
How they got here: Mabton defeated Oroville 42-20 in a play-in game and LRS thumped Kettle Falls 49-13.
At a glance: Mabton’s postseason experience should be short lived. The Broncos are poised for another deep run. They’ll clamp down on the Vikings with defense and use ball control to keep Mabton’s offense off the field.
Davenport Gorillas (7-3) at Okanogan Bulldogs (9-1)
When: Friday, 7
How they got here: Davenport defeated Waitsburg 32-19 in a play-in game and Okanogan won its league.
At a glance: This is a tough opener for the Gorillas, having to travel to the defending state champs. But Davenport won’t go down without a fight. Okanogan isn’t as good as last year but they’re still stout. It’ll take a near perfect effort for Davenport.
Northwest Christian Crusaders (8-2) at Warden Cougars (9-1)
When: Friday, 7
How they got here: NWC defeated Reardan in a play-in game and Warden handled Manson 60-0 in a play-in game.
At a glance: This is uncharted territory for the Crusaders, but this is certainly a winnable game. NWC just needs to use the same recipe it used during league.
Liberty Lancers (7-3) at Toledo Mules (9-1)
When: Saturday, 1
How they got here: Toledo defeated Rainier 55-34 and Liberty shut out DeSales 48-0 in play-in games.
At a glance: What makes this game difficult for Liberty is it’s a long road trip. The Lancers are prepared, though, having played in a challenging league.
Washington 1B
Garfield-Palouse Vikings (5-4) vs. Republic Tigers (8-2)
When: Saturday, Kettle Falls, 1
How they got here: Gar-Pal won a tiebreaker Tuesday and Republic earned berth by winning its division.
At a glance: Republic must rebound from 60-30 loss to Almira/Coulee-Hartline in a crossover seeding game last week. If the Tigers play like they did most of the season, they advance.
Odessa-Harrington Titans (6-3) at Liberty Christian Patriots (10-0)
When: Friday, Edgar Brown Stadium (Pasco), 6
How they got here: LC won its league and O-H lost to Cusick 38-32 in a crossover seeding game.
At a glance: The Patriots handled the Titans 76-14 in the second week of the season. Do-everything back John Lesser will give O-H fits.
Touchet Indians (7-1) vs. Cusick Panthers (7-3)
When: Saturday, Newport, 1
How they got here: Touchet finished second in its division and Cusick defeated Odessa-Harrington 38-32 in a crossover seeding game.
At a glance: The teams have a common opponent, Inchelium. Touchet beat Inchelium 42-8 and Cusick did the same 56-14. So this will be a competitive game, perhaps down to the wire.
Selkirk Rangers (8-2) at Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (9-1)
When: Friday, 7
How they got here: ACH handled Republic 60-30 in a crossover seeding game and Selkirk romped over Entiat 90-56.
How they got here: Both teams are playing well. The Rangers will have their hands full trying to stop Dallas Isaak. That’s the key.