Prep football playoffs: Three area teams remain going into semifinals
Semifinals
1A
Royal Knights (11-0) vs.
Deer Park Stags (10-1)
When, where: Saturday, 1 p.m., Gonzaga Prep
At a glance: The Knights, the defending state champs, bring a 25-game winning streak and No. 1 ranking into the game. Stags coach Keith Stamps knows his team is a big underdog. “They’re Goliath,” Stags said after his team recorded a 24-6 win in the quarterfinals over Zillah, a team Royal ran over 40-7 earlier this season. Royal defeated Colville 27-6 two weeks ago. To have a chance, Deer Park must contain the Knights with defense. The Stags can’t get into a shootout. The Stags’ offense isn’t built for a shootout. Deer Park needs to control the ball and keep Royal’s offense off the field.
Asotin Panthers (10-1) vs.
Liberty Lancers (10-1)
When, where: Saturday, 4, Gonzaga Prep
At a glance: This should be an entertaining rematch. During league, Liberty pulled off a 22-20 win in triple overtime at Asotin. In that game, Asotin lost its standout quarterback, Blake Magnuson. He has since returned and had his way against most opponents. Playing on turf will allow the offenses good footing, but it may not matter. The defenses could dominate. The best path for a Liberty win is a low-scoring game.
Sunnyside Christian Knights (12-0)
vs. Odessa-Harrington Titans (11-0)
When, where: Saturday, 1, Lions Field, Moses Lake
At a glance: Titans coach Jeff Nelson knows a little about winning state championships. He coached five teams to state titles when he was at LaCrosse-Washtucna. He has the ingredients for another title with the Titans. They were a year away last year. “There was a certain toughness, mental and physical, that we lacked last year,” Nelson said. The Titans have posted two signature victories over the defending state champs, Almira/Coulee-Hartline, including a 60-28 romp last week. Nelson said the Titans face a similar team in the Knights. “They have some real good athletes, good speed, skill kids with strength,” Nelson said. “They like to throw the ball a lot. They go for the big play a lot and try to set you up with a lot of short passes and hit you deep. They have a lot of weapons.” Brothers Sage and Gavin Elder have led the Titans. They’ve combined for 2,140 yards rushing and 38 TDs.