South Kitsap (1-2) at Yelm (2-1)
• Time: 7 tonight @ Yelm Stadium
• Yelm Coach: Jason Ronquillo, second year
• League Affiliation: Class 4A Narrows League
• Offensive formation: Multiple
• Defensive formation: 3-3
• Last year’s Record: 4-6
• 2013 playoff results: Yelm did not qualify for the playoffs.
• Key returners: LB Craig Briggs, 5-8, 205, sr.; RB Bo Campbell, 5-9, 190, jr.; OL/DL Kollin Crown, 6-3, 245, sr.; DB Peter Finley, 5-11, 175, jr.; OL/DL Gabe Krizan, 6-2, 220, jr.; PK Vernon Parker, 5-10, 210, jr.; QB/DB Devante Pearson, 6-2, 190, jr.; LB Tim Piland, 5-11, 190, jr.; RB/LB Brandon Thompson, 5-9, 170, so.
• South Kitsap vs. Yelm: South leads the series 2-0.
• Last meeting with Yelm: South won 40-7 on Oct. 11.
• Last week: The Tornados lost 31-7 against Timberline at South Sound Stadium.
• Eric Canton vs. Yelm: 2-0.
• Overview: Two coaches have guided the Tornados — Randy Swilley and Ronquillo — in their three seasons in 4A Narrows, but the program’s strength has remained the same. Behind Thompson, who had 79 yards on 16 carries last year against the Wolves, Yelm features a talented lead back. Thompson has rushed for 232 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries this season. But the Tornados’ running game is more diversified than usual as Pearson is a stronger runner than thrower. He also has 232 yards and a team-high three touchdowns on 27 carries. After defeating a pair of lower-classification schools to start the season, Yelm surrendered 31 points in its league-opening loss against Timberline. Through three games, the Tornados have allowed an average of 22.3 points per game. Only South (26.7) and Stadium (44.3) are worse in 4A Narrows.