Helmets

 
CONCRETE, WA - Desales

Head Coach - Pat Graham

Players to watch - WR/DB Shane Roach, QB/DB Pat Richard, RB/LB Kyle Lindgren; OL/DL Ben Konen

Strengths - Richard is a senior with an explosive receiver in Roach. If the Irish are able to spread the field and create mismatches it can be a deadly situation for opposing teams. The return of Coach Graham to the Irish brings automatic respectability to the program.

Weakness - They are undersized on the line. Lindgren has the tough task of filling the shoes at running back and linebacker of All State RB Bryce Hayunga. The youth overall and lack of playing experience will lead to some growing pains for Coach Graham.

X-Factor - If Desales can minimize the turnovers and control the clock they will be in good shape. They will need their linebackers to flow to the ball successfully and finish plays on first contact. The will have mismatches when they spread the field but will need time to get rid of the ball.

VS

#2 Colfax

Coach - Mike Morgan

Players to watch - OL/DL Ryan Conrad; OL/DL Tyler Morse; OL/DL Sam Mellor; QB/DB Alex Teade; WR/DB Will Hatley; K/RB Tyler McNannay; LB/TE Kellen Morgan

Strengths - They are massive up front. They have experience, size, speed, and power which are a deadly threesome when it comes to controlling the trenches. Teade is one of the best all-around athletes in the state and can make plays throwing the ball to Morgan or Hatley or turn the corner as you get a good look at the back of his jersey.

Weakness - If there is a weakness it maybe in the inconsistency in the passing game. A dominate running team that throws off of play action mostly struggles when forced to drop back and throw when trailing by a couple scores.

X-Factor - How deep in the playoffs the Bulldogs go will rely heavily on the boys up front. They have one of the biggest lines in the state and are able to put some great players behind it with the ball and attacking the ball. If they can control the line of scrimmage they are built for a run to Tacoma the first weekend in December.

Predicted Outcome

Desales rebounded well after an embarrassing loss to La Salle to open the season with a 26-0 shelling of Mac-Hi. Desales will need to control the line of scrimmage to have success throwing the ball and creating lanes for Lindgren to run through which is a big question mark considering the size of the Bulldog lineman. I predict Colfax to control the game from start to finish as they have more experience, bigger up front, and have an amazing set of athletes across the board.

Final Score - Colfax 31 DeSales 13