It was supposed to be the Olympic League’s game of the year.
Sequim versus North Kitsap, winner sits in the driver’s seat for the league championship.
The matchup might be a bit tarnished with the two teams combining for one win in the first three weeks of the season.
But despite the early season struggles, it is entirely possible that this game will still be the deciding factor for the Olympic League championship since both teams have only played two games that truly count.
The Vikings are 1-0 and the Wolves are 0-1 in league play.
Even the loser of this game won’t necessarily be eliminated from the Olympic League title chase.
In fact, just last season North Kitsap went on a second-half tear and finished only a game behind Sequim for the league crown.
Besides, look at who the Wolves and Vikings have played this season. Neither team has had a cupcake schedule.
Sequim has lost to Idaho small-school power Shelley, River Ridge and an improved Bremerton — all on the road.
Tonight’s game is the first the Wolves have played in Sequim, one of only three home games in 2012.
North Kitsap lost to 2A power Archbishop Murphy and undefeated 3A Bishop Blanchet before earning its first victory of the season against Klahowya last week.
This game still matters, and it could still be the game of the year in the Olympic League.
Quilcene
at Clallam Bay
After sitting out the opening week of the season, the Bruins (2-0) have rolled to 104 points in two games.
The Rangers are 0-3, but have been held back by suspensions and illness.
Forks at Tenino
The Spartans (2-1) held Toledo to six points last week, but their defense is in for a huge test against the Beavers’ dynamic duo of Mac Shaw and Devante Harris.
Shaw, who transferred from Rainier to Tenino (3-0) when his father became the Beavers’ offensive coordinator, is one of the best passers in the state.
Against Washougal this season, he threw for 460 yards and five touchdown passes in a 55-28 victory.
Harris was the Beavers’ quarterback last year, but this season he plays primarily at wide receiver where his athleticism can be better utilized.
Port Angeles
at Olympic
Both teams enter the game winless and craving a victory.
Like Port Angeles (0-1, 0-3), the Trojans (0-1, 0-3) received some whippings this season, but they do have a 49-48 loss to undefeated Yelm to their credit.
Bellevue Christian at Port Townsend
Eatonville was a bit much for the Redskins (0-1, 1-2) last week, but Vikings are more on rebuilding Port Townsend’s level.
Bellevue Christian (1-0, 2-1) is coming off a 48-14 beatdown by Chimacum last week.
Crescent
at Rainier Christian
At Kentlake High School
The Loggers (3-0) are in the business of lighting up the scoreboard, and the Mustangs (0-3) are in the business of letting opponents do just that.
Rainier Christian’s closest game was a 44-0 loss to Sunnyside Christian.
Cedar Park Christ.
at Chimacum
The Cowboys (1-2) earned their first victory of 2012 by drubbing Bellevue Christian behind 223 rushing yards and three touchdown runs from Mel Thornton.
But it won’t be that easy Saturday against the Eagles (2-0), who are ranked No. 9 in 1A by The Associated Press.
Neah Bay foe forfeits
Red Devils coach Tony McCaulley said one of the motivations for taking last week’s game with Wishkah Valley at the last minute was the fear that Muckleshoot Tribal would back out of tonight’s game.
And that is exactly what happened.
McCaulley found out Thursday afternoon that Muckleshoot won’t be making the trip to Neah Bay (3-0) to face the No. 1 team in 1B, according to The Associated Press.
McCaulley is searching for a replacement opponent, but anticipates that will be difficult to do this late in the week.
