We are now into the semifinal round of the state playoffs! Below is the preview for the game this weekend, our predictions, the Randy Small weather forecast and a podcast that gives our thoughts on the game! Thank you to Blake Witman for being our guest picker, and to Pioneer senior Dalton Hickey for the intro!
NOOKSACK VALLEY (9-2) AT LAKESIDE – NINE MILE FALLS (11-0)
Time: 1:00 PM Saturday
Site: Union Stadium in Mead, WA (Spokane County)
What to expect: I would expect the Pioneers to take advantage of their huge athletes up front, and run the ball heavily. Look for running backs Colton Lentz and Skyler Whittern, and quarterback Joey Brown, to all get involved early on the ground and set the tone. The Eagles have major weapons in quarterback Calvin Mikkelsen and do-everything back Hiro Patterson. Mikkelsen likes to run, and is hard to bring down at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, much like Lentz.
Player to watch: Nooksack Valley junior left tackle/defensive end Brady Ackerman. The Pioneers are averaging 9.55 yards per play on the entire season, and Ackerman is a huge reason why. His run blocking and pass blocking is fantastic, and defensively he will man the strong side of the defensive line and take on multiple double-teams throughout the contest.
Historical significance: This is the first meeting between the two schools.
Moving up the record book: Senior kicker Jorgen Vigre has made 66 extra points on the season, just five shy from the Whatcom County record of 71.
