Week 5 promises to be another good one on the gridiron, and Kitsap News Group staff writer Mark Krulish will join his media bretheren in making picks for each game in addition to previewing the matchups.
Port Angeles (0-1, 0-4) at Olympic (2-0, 3-1), 6:30 p.m.
The Trojans have been decimated by injuries so far this year and will likely be missing three running backs and their starting quarterback, so it’s next man up in a game that could give them temporary solo custody of the top spot in the Olympic League as North Kitsap plays a non-league game this week.
Fortunately, the Olympic defense has played well in its first two league games, holding Kingston and North Mason to six points each. Port Angeles is only averaging 10 points per game through its first four contests, so even without some of their top skill guys, the Trojans should be favored. They need to get healthy quick, though. A huge game against Sequim looms in the distance next week.
The pick: Olympic.
North Mason (0-2, 2-2) at Bremerton (0-1, 2-2), 6:30 p.m.
The Knights are hoping to bounce back after a heartbreaker against North Kitsap. The offense is clicking thanks to the stellar play of quarterback Kelo Logova, who already has over 800 yards rushing and passing this season. He also has a solid supporting cast in Darick DeJesus, Junior Newman, Jayden Quenga and Ethan Farley. North Mason was toasted by the Trojans for 46 points two weeks ago and gave up 27 to Sequim, so the Knights shouldn’t have much of an issue putting up points in this one.
The pick: Bremerton.
Kingston (1-1, 2-1) at Sequim (1-1, 3-1), 6:30 p.m.
A tough assignment for the Bucs, who took their first loss of the season last week to Olympic. Sequim’s starting quarterback, Taig Wiker, was injured in his last game, so Kingston may get a break here facing their opponent’s backup. Still, the Wolves are a tough team and the Bucs will need to get their running game going early to have a chance.
The pick: Sequim.
Central Kitsap (1-1, 2-1) at Shelton (0-2, 0-4), 7 p.m.
The bad news is the Cougars scored only five points last week. The good news is, that’s all they needed when they beat Timberline, 5-0. Shelton’s average points per game so far? Five, and the Highclimbers have been shut out three times in four games this year. Hopefully, Central Kitsap can reach the end zone this week. If they can, it should result in a victory.
The pick: Central Kitsap.
South Kitsap (1-3, 1-3) at Bellarmine Prep (0-3, 0-4), 7 p.m.
The Wolves hit the road to face a winless Bellarmine squad this week, hoping to erase an ugly 41-0 loss to a surprisingly strong and physical Emerald Ridge team. The Lions are averaging just 8.3 points per game and just 6.3 against SPSL opponents, which should help the South Kitsap offense get back on track after being shutout last week.
The pick: South Kitsap.
Steilacoom (1-0 SPSL 2A, 2-2) at North Kitsap (2-0, 3-1), 7 p.m.
The Vikings welcome in one of the best wide receivers in the state, Steliacoom’s Emeka Egbuka this week and they will have to find a way to slow him down without their top cornerback. The Sentinels believe they are in contention for a 2A state title this year, so a young North Kitsap will get a gauge of their progress in this one. Steilacoom is currently ranked No. 5 in 2A in the Associated Press poll. North Kitsap is No. 10.
The pick: Steilacoom.
