Who will win? Week 6 high school football games to watch, predictions

Here are three high school football games to watch this week in the lower South Sound, and a full schedule of every other game a local program is playing in.

SUMNER (3-2) AT OLYMPIA (4-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Ingersoll Stadium, Olympia

About the Spartans: The only South Sound team that advanced to the state semifinals last season is on a two-game losing skid. Two weeks ago, the Spartans lost by two scores to league rival — and favorite to contend for a 4A title — Graham-Kapowsin. Last week, Sumner lost a 21-point stunner to Puyallup on special teams blunders. If there’s a good time for the Bears to try to capitalize on the reeling Spartans — which had the top defense in the league a season ago, and won the 4A SPSL title — it’s now.

About the Bears: Olympia bounced back after an upset loss to Curtis two weeks ago with a dominating win over South Kitsap on the road, 45-13. Senior QB Ketner Young (46 of 86, 618 yards, seven TDs) had his biggest game of the season, throwing for 178 yards and two scores. But senior WR Ibi Ceesay (14 catches, 307 yards, two TDs) could be the player to watch this week on special teams. He is averaging more than 27 yards per kickoff return — and Sumner gave up two of those for touchdowns last week.

Olympian pick: Sumner, 42-35.

YELM (4-1) AT NO. 7 TIMBERLINE (5-0)

7 p.m. Friday, South Sound Stadium, Lacey

About the Tornados: Three teams that advanced to the district playoffs (Capital) — including two that made it to the state playoffs (Timberline, Peninsula) — last season remain on the Tornados’ schedule, but there’s plenty of reason for excitement in Yelm. Undefeated in league play, the Tornados are in the driver’s seat to advance to the district playoffs for the first time since 2006. Junior QB Kyle Robinson (61 of 106, 1,227 yards, 16 total TDs) has recorded more than 300 passing yards in a game three times.

About the Blazers: Timberline has made its dominance in this league clear, outscoring three opponents 113-20, and allowing just three touchdowns in as many weeks. Last week against Shelton, the Blazers’ defense allowed 1 yard of total offense, and scored twice, while their offense combined for six touchdowns by five different players. Perhaps this goes without saying, but it will likely take a herculean effort to dethrone Timberline and keep the Blazers from winning back-to-back 3A SSC titles.

Olympian pick: Timberline, 30-21.

NO. 5 ADNA (4-1) AT NO. 4 RAINIER (5-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Rainier High School, Rainier

About the Pirates: Adna played Napavine — the defending 2B state champion — close last week, but eventually lost its first game, 18-7. The Pirates look to upend Rainier’s perfect streak behind their three biggest offensive threats. Sophomore running back Cole Fay (75 carries, 472 yards, six TDs) is averaging more than six yards per carry, while junior receiver Brady Collins has scored seven times — four touchdown receptions, three punt returns. Senior QB Conner Weed (22 of 40, 264 yards, six TDs) is another consistent performer.

About the Mountaineers: Rainier reached this point a year ago — a perfect start through five weeks — before injuries sunk its season, beginning with a 12-7 loss to the Pirates. But, the Mountaineers appear in fine form so far behind mobile junior QB Zach Lofgren (910 total yards, 19 TDs) and senior running back Ian Russell (59 carries, 611 yards, seven TDs). If Rainier can beat Adna this time, it will be the program’s best start since 1990. The Mountaineers advanced to the state playoffs five times between 1985-1991, but haven’t been back since.

Olympian pick: Adna, 42-38.

This story was originally published October 5, 2017 at 2:06 PM with the headline "Who will win? Week 6 high school football games to watch, predictions."