SEQUIM — The Sequim defense brings a six-consecutive quarter scoreless streak into tonight’s Olympic League showdown with Class 2A No. 7 North Kitsap.
After allowing 66 points and more than 500 yards of offense in a 66-34 loss to Class 1A No. 4 Montesano, the Wolves (1-0, 3-1) have recommited on defense — shutting out Centralia in the second half and blanking Bremerton 7-0 last week.
Sequim has also shown the ability to run the ball more consistently on offense, which only helps the Wolves pass-heavy scheme.
But this is North Kitsap, and the Vikings (2-0, 4-0) have run over opponents by an average margin of 45-9, including last week’s 38-14 pounding of Olympic, a contender for the Olympic League title.
All of the following games start at 7 p.m. tonight, unless otherwise listed.
Prediction: North Kitsap 34, Sequim 14
Port Townsend at Chimacum
PORT TOWNSEND — The Rhody Bowl Rivalry has been one sided as could be since the Redhawks and Cowboys joined the Olympic League 1A Division in 2014.
The two Jefferson County squads faced off twice in 2014 and 2015, but will only play once this year in the Nisqually/Olympic League.
Port Townsend (1-0, 2-2) shut out Chimacum (0-1, 1-3) in three of those four games, and outscored the Cowboys by a total of 225-12.
Prediction: Port Townsend 40, Chimacum 12
Port Angeles at Kingston
KINGSTON — Another chance at a win awaits tonight when the Roughriders (0-2, 0-4) visit the Buccaneers (1-1, 1-3).
Kingston topped North Mason 17-14 earlier this season, while Port Angeles fell to the Bulldogs 6-0.
It stands to reason the Riders have a shot, maybe their last of the season, for a win.
Prediction: Kingston 15, Port Angeles 0
Forks at Montesano
MONTESANO — Two teams that like to run the football up the middle will meet at the Bulldogs’ Jack Rottle Field in the opening game of Evergreen League 1A play.
The Spartans’ goal against the machine-precision offense of No. 4 Montesano (4-0 ? Play hard and don’t get injured.
Despite dropping an overtime heartbreaker 26-20 to Neah Bay last Friday, Forks (2-2) is improved, but not to the level required to run with the Bulldogs.
The Spartans need to focus on games against Elma and Tenino later in the season as three of the five Evergreen 1A teams will advance to crossover playoff games against Trico League competition.
Prediction: Montesano 46, Forks 6
Crescent at Neah Bay
NEAH BAY — If the Loggers are without quarterback/safety KC Spencer, injured in last Saturday’s 40-24 loss to Quilcene, Crescent could be in for a long night against the Red Devils (3-1) in the Northwest Football League opener for both sides.
Neah Bay seemed a little out of sorts in the first half last week against Forks, listless and maybe bored, but came to life immediately after halftime when Rwehabura Munyagi Jr. went up and fought for a jump ball thrown by Ben Greene, caught it, and strolled to the end zone for a 53-yard TD reception.
Spencer plays a mean free safety for the Loggers, and if he’s out, the Red Devils may take to the air.
Prediction: Neah Bay 62, Crescent 12
Quilcene at Tacoma Baptist
UNIVERSITY PLACE — Rangers coach Trey Beathard knows his team will have their hands full against a tough Crusaders squad.
He’s seen Tacoma Baptist up close at two games in blowout wins against Crescent and Oakville.
“Tacoma Baptist is by far the best offensive team I’ve seen so far, but I haven’t seen Neah Bay or Lummi play yet,” Beathard said.
“Their QB [junior P.J. Talen] is a difference-maker. He’s extremely calm, and whenever you get pressure on him, you can’t tackle him. He’ll make a little move and then set up and throw or run to the other side.
“They ran the option with him [against Oakville], and they ran that four times and probably scored on every run.”
Prediction: Tacoma Baptist 44, Quilcene 20
Saturday Clallam Bay at Tulalip Heritage
MARYSVILLE — Another six-man contest for the Bruins, this time on the artificial turf of Marysville-Pilchuck Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Clallam Bay claimed a 26-24 victory earlier this season, blocking a Hawks’ two-point kick attempt with no time on the clock (kicked extra points count for two points in six-man football).
The Bruins fell 68-65 to Seattle Lutheran last week, but I expect them to rally and knock off Tulalip once again, this time with more points on the scoreboard.
Prediction: Clallam Bay 53, Tulalip Heritage 52
Last Week: 6-0. Season to date: 23-3.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
