Panthers aim to finish Phase 2 of grand plan

The Cusick Panthers have their wish. Before the playoffs, coach Sonny Finley said, coaches talked of meeting Tri-Cities Prep, then LaCrosse-Washtucna-Kahlotus and ultimately facing Wishkah Valley for a state championship.

They are a third of the way there.

“So far, so good,” said Finley after last week’s 48-28 dismembering of Tri-Cities Prep in the State 1B eight-man football quarterfinals.

Next up are the Tigercats in a dream game today at Joe Albi Stadium at 4 p.m. between unbeaten teams ranked first and second in the state. It is the second game of a semifinal doubleheader. Wishkah Valley faces Lake Quinault in the western semifinals. Wishkah lost to LaCrosse-Washtucna 44-38 in the second game of the season.

In the Albi opener, Ferris hosts Skyline, the top-ranked 4A team (and reigning 3A champion) at 1.

At the same time, Colfax faces Asotin at Martin Stadium in Pullman for a Class 2B berth in the Gridiron Classic state finals next weekend in Tacoma.

“It’s time for our big boys to step up to the plate,” said Finley of Cusick’s first game on artificial turf and biggest of the season.

Cusick played in the 1B semifinals in 1996 and 2000, losing both times to Odessa. The Tigercats have five state titles, including 2002-2005 when they won all 48 football games.

There’s excitement in Cusick for the opportunity, said Finley. He estimated 450 people in attendance when the Panthers beat Tri-Cities Prep in Newport. The high school has been broadcasting games for those who can’t attend.

“The whole county enjoys our success and that’s the way we want it,” said Finley, a former Cusick player. “We’re a very tight-knit community and they’re more excited than I ever imagined.”

Cusick football players made the commitment last summer, lifting weights and attending camp at Whitworth. They have a multifaceted approach to defense and offense, combining speed with power and adapting to whatever style they’ve faced.

“I’m not sure where this team ranks in the history of the school, but we’ve been ranked No. 1 most of the year and I couldn’t be more proud,” Finley said.

They get a chance to prove worthy of that ranking against a Tigercats opponent with a proud history of its own.