THREE TO SEE
Meg Wochnick’s high school football games to attend today
Tenino (4-0 overall, 2-0 SWW 1A) at Montesano (4-0, 2-0), 7 p.m. at Jack Rottle Field
This is the biggest game in recent memory for the Beavers, who are off to their best start since winning four of their first five games in 2007 – the last year Tenino made the Class 1A state playoffs. A big boost came last week with a 20-7 win at Elma, which was Tenino’s first victory over the Eagles in nearly two decades. Tenino’s offense – led by QB Devante Harris, a threat with his arm and legs – is averaging more than 38 points per game, but will be put to the test against a tough Montesano defense. The second-ranked Bulldogs have strung together three consecutive shutouts, and have surrendered only one touchdown this season – in a 60-7 victory in Week 1 over Black Hills. The winner of this game will have the inside track to winning the 1A Southwest Washington Evergreen Division title.
Mount Tahoma (3-1 overall, 1-1 4A Narrows) at Olympia (4-0, 2-0), 7 p.m. at Ingersoll Stadium
Olympia coach Bill Beattie said he was impressed with his team’s defense in last week’s 21-14 win at Central Kitsap. As it stands, sixth-ranked Olympia and Bellarmine Prep are the remaining unbeaten teams in league play. Senior running back Spenser Killman saw his first action last week since sustaining a shoulder injury in the opening game, and he scored two of the Bears’ three touchdowns. Expect him to get more carries tonight. QB Trevor Houser has thrown at least one touchdown pass in three of the team’s four games. The Thunderbirds were dealt a 41-7 loss to No. 3-ranked Bellarmine last week, but still are a dangerous team on the ground. Tevin Novak and Rondie Pate are Mount Tahoma’s top rushers and have combined for more than 500 yards rushing and nine scores.
Capital (1-3 overall, 0-0 3A Narrows) at Yelm (0-4, 0-0), 7 p.m. at Yelm Stadium
The season has been rough so far for both teams going into their 3A Narrows League opener tonight. The Cougars look to keep their momentum going following last week’s 27-7 victory over Enumclaw for their first win in 2011. Capital prevailed without junior running back Kai Van Sickle, who was sidelined with a concussion. Instead, the Cougars relied heavily on two ninth graders – Ryan Rieta and Connor Kennedy – to carry the running-game load. Yelm has also dealt with the injury bug the past few games, but none bigger than in last week’s 29-12 loss to Auburn Mountainview when the Tornados lost five players. Junior running back Jacob Swilley saw limited playing time with an ankle injury sustained the previous week, and the Tornados were down to their fourth-string running back (Aaron Rivera) against the Lions by the end of the game.
Other football games tonight
Black Hills at Aberdeen
Capital at Yelm
Chehalis at River Ridge
Elma at Rainier
Hoquiam at Rochester
Mount Tahoma at Olympia
North Thurston at Centralia
Northwest Christian at Raymond
Stadium at Shelton
Tenino at Montesano
Timberline at Wilson
