Classic rematch
Tigercats edged WV in September
The last time LaCrosse-Washtucna-Kahlotus played Wishkah Valley was a thriller at home in mid-September, the second game of the football season.
Their 44-38 shootout, won by LWK, turned out to be a preview of things to come.
They meet again at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, this time for the State 1B 8-man championship in the finale of Gridiron Classic in Tacoma.
It will be the second rematch of the six-game weekend series. District rivals Skyline and Issaquah meet for the 4A title in the Tacoma Dome at 7:30 tonight.
When the Tigercats and WV first met, the game turned on LWK’s 14-point second quarter and 14-8 halftime lead. The teams matched points in the second half, each scoring 22 in the final period.
“I know they want a piece of us, a little revenge,” Tigercats coach Jeff Nelson said following their 36-32 win over Cusick last weekend in the semifinals. “The kids said they were one of the hardest-hitting teams they’ve gone up against. They have some serious speed.”
LWK’s speed was also evident against Cusick. Linemen Anthony Bennett, Grant Burke and Seth Weekes and defensive ends Gary Marmes and Beaux Martin range in weight between 205-225 pounds and got after the Panthers on offense and defense.
“We knew we were the bigger, more physical football team and just had to wear them down,” said quarterback Justin Aune, who has passed for 19 touchdowns and rushed for 17 more, is a defensive standout and team leader.
He was one of the injured last year when LWK went 5-5 and was beaten by the 45-point rule in its last two games.
“That left a sour taste in our mouths,” Nelson said.
Beginning with the fourth game of the season, LWK’s offense has revolved around junior Garrett Blauert, who has rushed for more than 2,000 yards and scored 40 touchdowns, either running or receiving.
“It’s up front with the big guys,” Blauert said of his success.
Wishkah Valley mirrors the Tigercats, with seven players weighing more than 200 pounds, including a 235- and 280-pounder. The Loggers scored 68 and 78 points in wins this year and won four games by shutout. They’ve averaged 46 points in two state playoff wins.
“This is wonderful,” Nelson said of the return trip to the finals. “I never thought we’d be there the first time and you can’t plan for it.”