LaCrosse-Washtucna elected to play eight-man football instead of the 11-man its enrollment last fall dictated.

Even though the state said the Tigercats cannot compete in the state playoffs, they are playing an eight-man schedule. So far they are 7-0 and ranked No. 1 in the B-8 poll.

District 9 officials decided to split the difference. The Tigercats cannot win the Southeast B-8 title and although they play everyone, their games don’t count in the standings. However, the players will be considered for all-league honors after the season.

A nice touch, remembering the kids.

Time for some R&R

With two weeks left in the football season, some teams can start looking ahead to the second season.

Those teams able to fine-tune and rest starters include Panorama League champion Selkirk, headed to the B-11 playoffs for the third time, the first since 1986 when the Rangers made the quarterfinals. Republic is going also, but faces a “play-in” game.

Central Valley and Lewis and Clark are in for the GSL.

Cheney gets the 3A Frontier League spot with a win or Clarkston loss. They play each other next week.

Three advance from the 2A Great Northern with Chewelah, Pullman and Medical Lake in control. Colfax has the 1A Northeast berth wrapped up.

In the Bi-County, Reardan is in, Davenport and Wilbur-Creston hold the inside track for the other two spots. In the Southeast, the berths appear headed to DeSales and Waitsburg. In eight-man, all four Northeast teams are going, with four of six from the Southeast.

Quick kicks

Jonathan Parker of Ferris needs three more receptions to break the GSL record of 79 catches Jamie Buenzli had a dozen years ago. … The GSL is averaging 45.96 points per game. The record is 43.53 in 1995. … Scoring corrections: Reardan actually had two more points against Ritzville, with Jimmy Addington kicking two PATs and freshman Jesse Altizer scored the last touchdown. … John Sarceno scored on the 52-yard run for Gonzaga Prep against Rogers.

Because of the added classification this year, two West Side semifinal games will be played on Thanksgiving Day in the Tacoma Dome. … Bad news for 1A schools: In a battle of 6-0 teams ranked 1 and 2 in the state, defending champion Royal hammered Cle Elum 56-28. It was 44-8 at halftime. … The Big Nine title is on the line Friday when Pasco plays Kamiakin. That game will draw more fans than the combined two nights of GSL doubleheaders at Albi.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: GAMES OF THE WEEK Central Valley (7-0) could clinch a tie for first in the GSL by beating Gonzaga Prep (6-1) at Albi at 7:30 tonight. Chewelah (7-0) can clinch the Great Northern with a win at Medical Lake (6-1) at 7 p.m. Friday. Rosalia (6-0) can claim the Southeast B-8 title when Touchet (5-2) visits Friday at 7.