The sports staff at the Yakima Herald-Republic has provided their predictions for the outcomes of local prep football games in the Yakima Valley, as well as matchups involving local colleges and the Seattle Seahawks. The focus this week is on crucial games that will determine playoff berths.
This week”s standings show sports editor Michael Ambrose leading with a record of 153-25, followed by sports reporter Luke Thompson at 147-31, and former sports editor Scott Spruill with 142-36.
Here is a breakdown of the upcoming games:
- Sunnyside at Gonzaga Prep – The winner moves on to state while the loser is out. Scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday. The consensus pick is Gonzaga Prep (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- Pasco at Eisenhower – This matchup kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday. All three staff members predict Pasco to win (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- Davis at Toppenish – Scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, with Davis selected as the favorite by all (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- West Valley at Central Valley – This game takes place at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The pick is West Valley (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- North Mason at Prosser – The winner advances to state while the loser is eliminated. Set for 6 p.m. on Friday, Spruill opts for North Mason, while Ambrose and Thompson choose Prosser.
- Rogers (Spokane) at East Valley – Another critical game at 2 p.m. on Saturday, with East Valley expected to win according to all three staff members (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- Selah at Sehome – This matchup is also a state qualifier scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, with Sehome as the favorite (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- Hanford vs. Ellensburg – Taking place at Central Washington at 7 p.m. on Friday, the pick is Hanford (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- Grandview at Wahluke – Scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, all three predict Grandview to win.
- Naches Valley at Lynden Christian – This game is a must-win for state qualification at noon on Saturday, with Lynden Christian favored (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- Zillah at Life Christian Academy – The winner will advance to state, with the game set for 2 p.m. on Saturday. Zillah is the pick (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- Wapato at Mount Baker – Another crucial game at 4 p.m. on Saturday with Mount Baker favored by all.
- Tonasket at Cle Elum – At 6 p.m. on Friday, Cle Elum is the predicted winner (Ambrose, Thompson, Spruill).
- Granger at Tri-Cities Prep – This game at 7 p.m. on Friday sees Tri-Cities Prep as the consensus pick.
- River View at Kittitas – Also scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Kittitas is favored.
- White Swan at Liberty Bell – Scheduled for 3 p.m., with Liberty Bell predicted to win.
- La Salle at College Place – Set for 6 p.m. on Friday, College Place is the pick.
- Sunnyside Christian at Odessa – The winner moves on to state at 6 p.m. on Friday, with Odessa favored.
- Central at Sul Ross State – This college game is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, with Central as the predicted winner.
- Washington at Wisconsin – Kicking off at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Washington is the pick.
- Arizona at Seattle – Finally, the Seahawks will face Arizona at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, with Seattle expected to win.
As the Valley”s teams battle it out this week, the stakes are high with playoff implications on the line. Fans are eagerly anticipating these crucial matchups.
