Prep roundup: Local football teams prep for playoffs
As the playoff schedule begins to ramp up for fall sports, the Columbia Basin has three football teams still alive in the postseason.
Moses Lake vs. Bothell, Nov. 12, 1 p.m.
Moses Lake will make its second playoff appearance in a row Saturday afternoon against Bothell.
The Cougars finished third in the KingCo with a 5-2 record and bring an 8-2 record overall. Both losses came against fellow KingCo foes Skyline — 34-13 — and Woodinville — 17-10.
In the final Associated Press Washington High School Football Poll, Woodinville was ranked sixth and Skyline was ranked ninth.
Bothell is led by junior quarterback Jacob Sirmon. Sirmon verbally committed to the University of Washington as a sophomore.
The Chiefs have some experience with top-flight quarterbacks, hosting University of Oregon verbal commit Cole Yankoff earlier this season. Moses Lake’s defense finished ranked second in the Columbia Basin Big Nine this season.
The Chiefs had 16 all-league selections. On offense, running back Draven Nevarez, offensive lineman Warren Catey and offensive lineman Auston Downs were first team. Downs was also nominated for the East-West All-Star Game.
Wide receiver BJ Mullin and offensive lineman Joey Hassan were second team. Mullin was also named first team all-league as a defensive back.
Quarterback Brandon Griffith, wide receiver Gio Walker and offensive lineman Braydon Lindholm were honorable mention.
Joining Mullin on first team all-league defense, linebacker Payton Castro and defensive lineman Beau Mauseth. Jon Ochao (defensive back), David Hersch (linebacker), Hunter Cruz (linebacker), Edwin Garay (defensive lineman) and Caleb Fisher (defensive lineman) were second team. Defensive lineman Daniel Zermeno was honorable mention.
No. 1 Royal vs. Colville, Nov. 12, 1 p.m.
Royal will open its state title defense Saturday, 1 p.m., against Colville.
Royal has won 22 games in a row since losing to Colville in the 2014 state quarterfinals. The Knights haven’t lost a step since finishing 2015 with a state championship, toping the AP poll the entire season.
The Indians finished the regular season 7-3 with losses to Class 2A West Valley, Deer Park and Freeman.
No. 5 Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Pomeroy, Nov. 11, 6 p.m.
After a 28-8 win at Cusick in its crossover game, fifth-ranked Almira/Coulee-Hartline will hit the road to face Pomeroy Friday night.
The Warriors, coming off a state championship in 2015, were ranked No. 2 for most of the season until a loss to Odessa-Harrington spoiled their undefeated season.
Pomeroy is 6-4 overall. ACH is led by quarterback Maguire Isaak and wide receiver Payton Nielson.