Purple and Gold Pigskin

Today's Coverage (and a pick)

2011-11-26T12:39:00.001-08:00

The Vikings and Christian Gasca will need to exhibit incredible will power to get past Skyview -- arguably the state's best team. Photo art by Purple and Gold Pigskin

We'll be arriving at the Tacoma Dome a few hours before kick off in the hopes of catching a few pre-game interviews. As always, you can find our live game coverage at the Viking Gameday blog (where we'll post photos and videos) and via twitter @wesco4a. If you follow along on twitter, you won't miss anything, as all other posts are indexed on the twitter account.

In addition, Mike Anderton will be providing print coverage and official statistics, and we'll have Tony Soper's always excellent video highlights a little bit later as well.

I hope to delve a little deeper into a game preview from the Tacoma Dome, but suffice it to say that the Vikes will face their most difficult test today -- by far. After watching film and reading up on the Skyview Storm, it's tough not to come away thinking that the GSHL 4A champs are playing the state's best football. While some have slighted the Storm based on their two loss record (they lsot their first two games), a closer look reveals that their only losses came to the the third ranked team in Oregon, and to Idaho state champions (and top 15 nationally ranked) Couer d'Alene. Hit the jump for more...

Since those first two losses, Skyview has steamrolled through the state, blasting former #1 (and previously undefeated) Bellarmine Prep and UW-bound Michael Rector 42-17 last weekend. Skyview is led by 4A's top rusher, Parker Henry, who has eclipsed the 2,000 yard mark for the season. Henry is a bruising tail back (6'1, 210) who punishes tacklers. On the first play from scrimmage against Bellarmine, Henry broke three tackles, driving two straight linebackers into the turf with vicious straight arms. Henry is a three-year all league selection at RB and was voted the GSHL offensive player of the year for 2011.

In addition, the Storm offense features a 6'2, 230 pound division one prospect at QB in Kieran McDonough. McDonough, who has a scholarship offer form Portland State, provides a mix of passing accuracy (18/2 TD/INT ratio) with a bruising ability to run the ball. Both McDonough and Henry play linebacker as well.

Despite the dominating backfield duo, Skyview's biggest strength is in fact their dominance at the line of scrimmage. The Storm feature three first team all GSHL selections on the o-line, and they pack an impressive amount of beef: Senior Matt Cruz checks in at 6'2, 280; D1 prospect Dylan Bratlie is a gigantic 6'5, 290; and junior Zack Wallace is 6'4, 305.

Skyview has simply bullied opponents at the line of scrimmage and dominated the second half of games. Henry is damaging enough in the backfield, but when running through highway size holes punched open by a dominating line, Henry is nearly unplayable.

Honestly, I see the Vikings as a significant underdog tonight. For Lake to win, several things have to happen. First, they can't fall significantly behind (and in fact probably need to open up a lead). Should Skyview score first and hold the Vikes for a drive or two, pressure will begin to mount as the Storm continue to pound away. Against Bellarmine Prep, the Storm ditched their spread formation at half and went with a jumbo look, and pounded Bellarmine into submission with ease.

Also, the Vikings will need to win the turnover battle. It may take an extra possession or two to eclipse a team of this level.

Finally, the Viking seniors will need to each play the games of their lives. Korey Young will need to shed 300-pound behemoths and find Henry around the line of scrimmage. Brady Pahukoa will have to create a turnover or two from his free safety spot and exploit the middle of the field on offense. Cody Tupen will have to battle men 50 pounds bigger than him and exploit his quickness advantage in opening holes and creating time for Nelson.

And I think it goes without saying that the two Viking record setters are going to need to have their biggest performances on the biggest of stages. QB Jake Nelson will need to shrug off his three second half INTs and pick up where he left off in the first half at Eastlake -- in which he simply buried the state's third-ranked team under an avalanche of QB attacks. Nelson finished the first half 13/14 passing for nearly 200 yards and 3 TDs, while adding nearly 70 yards on the ground and a rushing TD. Nelson leads the state with 45 total TD's, and he may need to breach the 50 mark in order to orchestrate a Viking win.

Meanwhile, Christian Gasca will need to create a TD out of thin air - either on special teams or defense -- in order to give the Vikes the spark they will need. He will also need to be defiant in run support while also watching out for the accurate deep ball. Finally, Gasca will have to add to his state-leading 18 TD receptions -- or this could be his final game.

In the end, I have to admit that I do not like the Vikes' chances (on paper). If this game was played ten times, I see Skyview winning eight. But, the Vikes have had magic all season, and they have pretty much forgotten what it's like to lose. With that said, let's be positive and pick the Vikings in a thriller. I'll take the Vikes 38-37 in OT, but this is admittedly a homer pick.

Check back for more in a bit, and stay tuned to @wesco4a and the Viking Gameday blog for updates throughout. Leave your questions or comments here or direct them to twitter. See ya in a bit.

Viking Video: Lake Stevens 50 Eastlake 21

2011-11-20T13:48:00.001-08:00

Game Recap: 11.19.11 - Lake Stevens Vikings (11-0) @ Eastlake Wolves (10-1) Recap from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

Tony Soper/Game Time VP coming through with the highlights only hours after the Vikings throttled #3 Eastlake on a foggy night in Sammamish.

Lake Stevens (12-0), will face #9 Skyview (10-2) of the GSHL Saturday, 7 pm at the Tacoma Dome. Skyview may be the hottest team in the state other than the Purple and Gold, of course. Skyview blasted previously undefeated #1 Bellarmine Prep 42-17 Saturday.

The Storm’s two losses may be decieving on first glance. They lost their first two games of the year, but the competition, uh, was pretty good.

Week One L Skyview 24 Sherwood (OR) 27

Week Two Skyview 14 at Couer D’Alene (ID) 52

Sherwood has gone on to a 12-0 season and is currently ranked third in Oregon.

Coeur d’Alene is also 12-0, ranked first in Idaho and 14th nationally. Damn.

State Quarterfinals Live Blog 6:30pm

2011-11-19T15:44:00.001-08:00

<p>&amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=e7f411991d" &amp;gt;State Quarterfinals&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;</p>

Today's Coverage

2011-11-19T15:39:00.001-08:00

I'll be tweeting and using the Viking Gameday blog to post updates live from Sammamish. If you have a question or comment, hit me up on twitter @wesco4a.

I'll also be launching a Coveritlive gameblog here that will serve as a content aggregator - all of my tweets and those of other prep reporters will be fed in.

Viking Video: Game Recap Lake 21 Olympia 17

2011-11-13T16:51:00.001-08:00

Game Recap: 11.12.11 - Olympia Bears (9-1) @ Lake Stevens Vikings (10-0) from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

The undefeated eighth ranked Vikings power past the fifth-ranked Olympia Bears after Jake Nelson leads an improbable last minute drive, including the conversion of a third-and-43, and a 26-yard TD pass with 12 seconds remaining.

The Vikings, (11-0) play at second ranked Eastlake (10-1) in the State Quarterfinals next week.

Stats: Lake Stevens 21 Olympia 17

2011-11-13T02:46:00.000-08:00

@LS 21 OLYMPIA 17 FOOTBALL STATS (STATE PLAYOFFS 11-12-11)

RUSH C G L NET AVG TD

Nelson 16 121 29 92 5.8

Gasca 3 57 0 57 19.0

Giddens 5 6 1 5 1.0

LS 24 184 30 154 6.4 0

O 50 232 6 226 4.6 1

PASS

Nelson 23-29-0 79% 248 Yards 3 TD

O 10-19-2 53% 228 Yards 1 TD

RECEIVING NO YDS AVG TD

Gasca 8 67 8.4 2

Pahukoa 7 85 12.1 1

Carroll 4 47 11.8

Giddens 3 25 8.3

Enyeart 1 24 24.0

LS 23 248 10.8 3

O 10 228 22.8 1

PUNTS

Pahukoa 29, 45, 48 = 40.7 Avg.

INTERCEPTIONS

Gasca 1

Nelson 1

FUMBLE LOST

Gray 1

FIRST DOWNS

LS 17

O 23

PENALTIES

LS 4 for 35 Yards

O 11 for 88 Yards

SCORING TD PAT1 FG TOTAL

Gasca 2 12

Pahukoa 1 6

Sellars 3/3 3

LS 3 3/3 21

O 2 2/2 1/1 17

O 7 3 0 7 -- 17

LS 0 7 7 7 -- 21

TACKLES

Young 17

Guy 16

Tupen 14

Pahukoa 12

Labreche 9

Elgaen 9

Blackie 7

Enyeart 7

Delgado 7

Johnson 6

Gasca 4

Nelson 3

Sander 3

Shea 2

Simoneaux 2

Krenz 2

Otis 1

Gray 1

Claymore 1

Tyquiengco 1

Total 124

QB SACKS

Young 1 (shared)

Tupen 1 (shared)

Johnson 1 (shared)

LS 1

Vs. LS 2

Video: Nelson's Run; Gasca's Catch

2011-11-13T02:45:00.001-08:00

2011 Vikings Football: Olympia Bears Game Winning TD from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

Christian Gasca beats three defenders and hauls in the game winning 26-yard touchdown pass with just :12 seconds remaining. It was Gasca's second receiving TD of the night and his 16th of the season. Nelson completed the night with an excellent all around performance: 23-28 passing for 248 yards, 3TD; 16 carries for 93 yards net (122 before sacks).

2011 Vikings Football: 3rd and 45, No Problem! from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

Jake Nelson breaks free for 59 yards, picking up a first down on third and 43 with under a minute left. After a questionable intentional grounding call (that turned into a 25 yard penalty) and a fifteen yard loss on a sack, the Vikings found themselves faced with a third down and 43 to go. Plus, they trailed Olympia by a 17-14 score, had 88 yards to go, and under a minute to accomplish it in. These guys appreciate a challenge, I suppose.

Video courtesy of Tony Soper/Game time Video Productions.

GASCA STEALS THE SHOW IN VIKINGS' 44-7 PLAYOFF WIN VS. HERITAGE

2011-11-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

One of four Christian Gasca touchdowns (two punt returns, one INT return, one reception) in Lake's 44-7 running-clock dismantling of Heritage. Gasca has 20 touchdowns on the season. Photo by Arlene Hulten/LSSD. Photo art by Purple and Gold Pigskin.

Lake Moves to 10-0, Faces fifth-ranked Olympia at LSHS this weekend

By Mike Anderton

Purple & Gold Pigskin Contributing Editor

Lake Stevens advanced to the next round of the State Football Playoffs with a 44-7 home field dismantling of Heritage (Vancouver) last Friday evening.

Four of Lake's TDs came via the quick, tricky feet of Christian Gasca. The senior receiver/defensive back's four scores, which covered a total of 219 yards, consisted of punt returns of 83 and 59 yards, a 51-yard interception return, and a 26-yard reception from Jake Nelson.

Gasca has scored 20 touchdowns so far this season.

Lake (10-0) is one of five remaining undefeated teams in the 4A ranks. The Vikings host Olympia (9-1) this Saturday. Olympia's lone loss was 15-14 to number one ranked Bellarmine.

Heritage (3-7), number three finisher in the Greater St. Helen's League, found itself in a blowout when Lake, with Gasca paving the way, scored 30 unanswered points in the second quarter for a 37-0 halftime lead, Gasca's TD reception from Nelson early in the second half made it 44-0 and started the "continuous running clock" which cut the game short.

Viking reserves played most of the second half and accounted for 32 yards in losses which reduced Lake's overall yardage advantage to 240-168 for the game. But that total does not include Gasca's punt returns or his interception return.

Lake put together a solid all-around performance to finally overwhelm the Timberwolves in the second quarter.

Lake held Heritage to one first down and a punt on the latter's first possession, which Gasca returned 83 yards for a TD. Gasca got a nice downfield block from Juan Delgado to help free him for the score. Tanner Sellars' PAT made it 7-0 at 9:27 of the quarter.

Heritage's next possession was ended by Brady Pahukoa's interception of Joseph Cooper's pass, returned eight yards to the Viking 36.

Shae Giddens rushed for one first down and an eight yard Nelson to Pahukoa pass netted another, before a tipped Nelson pass was intercepted by Gage Boyce and returned six yards to the Heritage 41.

But Lake quickly forced a punt and launched an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive with Nelson connecting on four of five passes and scoring on a one-yard rush to make it 14-0 at 10:53 of the second quarter.

Pahukoa broke up a Cooper pass to allow Lake to take over on downs at the LS 41. Four plays later Lake was again in the end zone. Giddens burst around the right side for 19 yards, Nelson passed to Quncy Carroll for 14 yards then to Giddens for 14 yards and finally to Pahukoa for a 13-yard TD. 21-0 with 1:57 left in the half.

Three plays later Gasca made an over the shoulder interception of a Cooper pass, and after many fakes, stops and starts, and tip-toe avoidance of the left sideline, he wove to the end zone for a 51-yard touchdown. 28-0 with a minute left in the half.

Heritage went three and punt, with Gasca fielding the ball on the bounce and outrunning everyone for a 59-yard score. 35-0 with 22 seconds left in the half.

Lake was awarded another two points just a second before halftime when, after the Vikings pinned the T-wolves deep in their own territory following the kickoff, Cooper was called for intentional grounding while passing out of the end zone.

Incredibly, Lake nearly added more points following the free kick which Giddens returned 40 yards to the Heritage 20.

Lake added its final points at 9:50 of the third quarter when the third of three straight Nelson completions (six yards to Gasca, 19 to Carroll, 26 to Gasca for a TD) made it 44-0.

Lake reserves played most of the remaining time. Cooper (who had two probable TD passes dropped and a third potential score thwarted by a Pahukoa save) finally got his team on the board with a 36-yard TD pass to Rajheem Carrie with 3:10 remaining. 44-7 final.

Giddens finished with 77 net yards in 10 carries. Nelson was an efficient 15 of 20 (with one interception) for 174 yards. Lake's rushing total was 66 net yards, to Heritage's 58 net. Cooper connected on 13 of 26 (with two interceptions) for 110 yards.

Lake had 15 first downs (none in the game's final 14 minutes), Heritage seven.

Heritage was penalized eight times for 67 yards, Lake only once for 15 yards.

Gasca's five pass receptons totalled 73 yards, Carroll's five for 47 yards, Pahukoa four for 40 yards.

Leading Viking tackler was Blake Sander with eight, while Delgado, Paul Labreche, Gasca and Mitchell Claymore each contributed seven.

Those who had a hand in sacking the Heritage QB were Delgado, Anthony Blackie, Brandon Johnson, Ryan Simoneaux and Sander.

Mike Anderton is the official Viking statistician and has covered Lake Stevens Vikings football and basketball for the Lake Stevens Journal and Purple and Gold Pigskin for over 25 years. Mike was inducted into the Lake Stevens High School Hall of Fame in 2009 - on the last night played in the old stadium. - KH

Video: Korey Young Season Highlight

2011-11-08T04:17:00.000-08:00

Korey Young - ILB/MLB - Class of 2012 from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

Korey Young holds the Viking career tackle record despite suffering a severe knee injury and leg fracture in the middle of last season. The middle linebacker captains (along with Cody Tupen) the Viking defense and has shown a nose for the big play with two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), five sacks (including the Wesco title-clinching sack at Edmonds week nine) and has carried the ball once for a touchdown as well.

Video courtesy of Tony Soper/Gametime Video Productions.

Video: Wesco Champs!

2011-11-08T03:18:00.000-08:00

2011 Vikings Football: WesCo North Champs!!! from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

The Vikings clinched the Wesco title and an undefeated regular season with a runaway victory at Stanwood. This is the Vikings' first undefeated league title since 1994.

Game Coverage

2011-11-05T17:01:00.001-07:00

Pictures and videos at www.PurpleandGoldPigskin.tumblr.com;

Live tweets @wesco4a

Radio: AM 1380

First Look: Heritage Timberwolves

2011-11-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that the Vikings begin the path to the Tacoma Dome by hosting a home playoff game Saturday, 5:00 pm at Lake Stevens Stadium. With a win, the Vikes will enter the State bracket and host the winner of Puyallup at Olympia.

Saturday, Lake Stevens welcomes the 3-6 Heritage Timberwolves to LSHS. The Vikings are expecting a capacity plus crowd, so it is advised to get there early.

We'll have a detailed look at the Heritage Timberwolves of the Greater St. Helens league as gameday approaches, but in the meantime here is some basic information on the Vikes' 4A opponent. Heritage is a part of the Evergreen School District and qualified via the third seed in the GSHL 4A conference.

We will have a breakdown of their strengths, weaknesses and players to watch tomorrow. Hit the jump for their 2011 roster and results.

2011 Heritage High

Greater St. Helens League 4A
2011 Results (score, record, conf record)

Sept. 2	at Issaquah	L 48-0	0-1 0-0
Sept. 9	Mark Morris	W 36-14	1-1 0-0
Sept. 16	Skyview*	L 49-7	1-2 0-1
Sept. 23	at Mountain View	L 45-3	1-3 0-1
Sept. 30	Grant OR	L 45-0	1-4 0-1
Oct. 7	at Union*	L 41-10	1-5 0-2
Oct. 14	Camas	L 59-6	1-6 0-2
Oct. 21	Battle Ground*	W 21-20 OT	2-6 1-2
Oct. 28	at Evergreen*	W 34-12	3-6 2-2

Heritage Roster

Head Coach ~ Jack Hathaway

Assistant Coaches

Jack Hathaway - D. Coordinator, Wayne Storer - O. Coordinator, Brad Bingham, Rob Gardiner, David Jones, Rob Lutz, Ben Matthias, Kevin Peterson, Erick Suksdorf, Paul Swingle, Tyler York, Peter Zukowski

2011 Heritage Timberwolves Roster
#	NAME	CLASS	HT	WT	POS
1	Terry T-Wolf	12	6-6	300	MAS
2	Marieese Ross	12	5-10	155	WR/DB
3	Rajheem Carrie	12	5-8	147	RB/DB
4	Timothy Hergert	11	6-1	146	WR/DB
5	Joshua Hanson	11	6-0	160	WR/DB
6	Austin Fuller	12	6-3	170	WR/DB
7	Daniil Karpyuk	11	6-0	161	WR/DB
8	Joseph Cooper	12	6-0	193	QB/LB
10	Loren Standiford	10	6-0	165	QB/DB
11	Spencer Jacoby	11	5-11	160	WR/DB
12	Austin Wolford	11	6-0	155	WR/DB
13	Chris Caldwell	11	6-0	185	QB/DB
15	Jason Forwood	10	5-11	165	WR/DB
16	Kristopher Johnson	10	5-11	122	WR/DB
19	Nate Morosi	12	6-0	190	WR/DB
20	Jacob Cooper	10	5-9	145	WR/DB
21	Cody Calhoon	10	5-7	175	RB/DL
22	Michael Quintana	12	5-10	170	RB/DB
23	Tanner Ulsh	12	5-9	163	RB/DB
24	Gage Boyce	12	5-8	175	RB/LB
25	Nate Jenkins	12	5-10	185	RB/LB
26	Victor Duran	10	5-6	150	WR/DB
27	Brandon Burns	11	5-8	180	RB/DL
28	Mitchell Heng	11	5-7	133	WR/DB
29	Anthony Hergert	12	5-9	160	WR/DB
31	Keonardo King	10	5-3	105	WR/DB
32	Jay Allen	10	5-8	155	RB/LB
37	Cody O'Hara	10	5-7	170	RB/LB
41	Aaren Morring	10	5-9	175	RB/LB
42	Houston Dillard	12	6-1	220	RB/LB
48	Tristan Sandoval	10	5-8	143	RB/LB
50	Matthew Kleven	12	6-0	190	OL/DL
51	Cherno Sowe	12	6-5	252	OL/DL
54	Greg Armstron	10	5-8	181	OL/DL
55	Antonio Pulido	10	6-0	225	OL/DL
56	Jeremy Kolbe	10	6-3	173	OL/DL
59	Nate Hughes	10	5-9	224	OL/DL
61	George Word	10	5-11	261	OL/DL
64	Joshua Sharp	11	6-1	208	OL/DL
65	Tristan Bridges	9	5-10	210	OL/DL
67	Ian Overton	12	6-4	270	OL/DL
68	Joaquin Caliz	10	5-6	175	OL/DL
72	Derek Schuster	12	5-6	218	OL/DL
73	Chris Falkenhagen	12	6-1	210	OL/DL
74	Jalen Kelly	10	5-10	220	OL/DL
75	Noah Black	10	6-2	235	OL/DL
76	Jesse Graham	10	6-2	300	OL/DL
77	Dyer Micah	11	5-9	270	OL/DL
79	James Russel	11	6-2	240	OL/DL
81	E'Lon Mack	10	6-1	170	WR/DB
85	Karell Abdul	10	5-7	115	WR/DB
86	James Breen	10	5-9	140	WR/DB
87	Hayden Conlee	12	5-8	154	WR/LB
88	Ruben Otero	10	5-8	148	WR/DB
89	Matthew Menser	10	5-10	126	WR/DB
90	Jon Karrick	10	6-0	185	OL/DL
91	Blake Delawder	11	5-7	217	OL/DL

Vikings host Heritage: Saturday, 5pm

2011-10-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

VIKINGS RALLY PAST EDMONDS-WOODWAY 35-31 FOR WESCO 4A TITLE

2011-10-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Jake Nelson rebounded from a slow start and played a vital role in a 21-point surge that left the game Warriors behind. Photo by Kathy Hahn, Photo Art by Purple and Gold Pigskin.

By Mike Anderton | Purple and Gold Pigskin Contributing Editor

Like the saying goes, "When the going gets tough the tough get going."

It took a while for that to kick in but Lake Stevens, trailing 31-14 with less than a minute to play in the third quarter, finally put it all together to rally for a 35-31 win at Edmonds-Woodway in last Friday's Wesco 4A title game at Edmonds Stadium.

Given the importance of the game it was surprising that Lake (now 9-0) seemed to come out a bit flat. Edmonds-Woodway (5-4), Wesco South champions, a team on a five-game winning streak, took advantage of that to pound the Vikings with its outstanding rushing duo of Desmond Young and Mark Coutee.

Utilizing counters and inside blasts, Young and Coutee, alternating at running back, netted 168 yards in 21 carries in the first half.

And in the third quarter, with Young carrying the ball almost exclusively, it got worse, as the Warriors netted 175 yards in 10 carries in that period to nearly turn the game into a blowout.

Enough was enough. Lake took command after that. Following a brief talk to quarterback Jake Nelson by head coach Tom Tri (something to the effect of "You are trying too hard. Stop pressing and just play your normal game") Lake regained its usual offensive effectiveness -- Nelson and company basically were unstoppable for the remainder of the game.

But that wouldn't have been enough had the defense not also stepped up to shut down E-W's previously devastating offensive attack. Lake outgained E-W by 123-46 in the fourth quarter, holding Young to 28 yards in eight carries in the period.

Two factors in Lake's late domination were its superior conditioning (the Warriors seemed worn out in the fourth quarter) and Edmonds-Woodway's undisciplined play which led to 14 penalties for 132 yards for the game.

In the late going it was Lake making all of the big plays, punctuated by Cody Tupen's fourth-down sack of Warrior quarterback Davis Giles on the E-W 21 with 58 seconds left, effectively the game's final play.

Edmonds-Woodway gained two first downs on its opening drive before a penalty forced a punt.

Lake also punted on its first possession, after a Nelson to Christian Gasca 13-yard pass had given it one first down.

Shortly after that, Viking linebacker Korey Young snagged a Giles pass and returned it 12 yards to the E-W 18. On Lake's first play from there Nelson tossed a screen pass to Gasca, with the latter making a great juke to evade tacklers, taking it to paydirt. Tanner Sellars' PAT gave Lake 7-0 lead at 6:04 of the first quarter.

It took E-W just three plays to retaliate, on Young's 46 yard TD on a perfectly executed misdirection. Connor Davis added the PAT. 7-7 E-W with 4:45 left in the quarter.

A personal foul led to a Viking punt on its next possession, E-W taking over on its own 23, launching an 11-play 77-yard touchdown march. Key plays were Giles to Sprial Horn completions for 11 and 26 yards, and gains of 11 and 12 yards by Young, the latter for the touchdown. 14-7 Warriors, with 9:15 to go in the second quarter.

Lake then went 65 yards in 11 plays to tie it. Short Nelson completions to Gasca, Brady Pahukoa, Ryan Enyeart and Quincy Carroll set up Young's one-yard TD plunge (his only carry of the season thus far). 14-14, at 4:51 of the second quarter.

Lake forced a punt on E-W's next possession but Nelson was intercepted on the next play by Josh Friemark, who returned the ball 17 yards to the Viking 38.

A questionable pass interference call against Lake gave E-W a first down on the 20, and five plays later Mac McLachlan scored from the one. 21-14 E-W, just 28 seconds before halftime.

Shae Giddens gained 18 yards to set up a Nelson "hail Mary" from the Viking 43 which was intercepted by Matt Cuzzetto near the goal line at the halftime horn.

A 10-yard Giddens run and a 26 yard Nelson to Giddens completion gave Lake a first down on the E-W 25 at the outset of the second half, but a penalty and two straight Nelson incompletions turned the ball back over to the Warriors at that same yard line (it was at this point that Tri had his little chat with Nelson).

Edmonds-Woodway, behind a 43-yard Young run, drove all the way to the Viking three before a penalty and some tough Viking defense made the Warriors settle for Davis' 25-yard field goal. On the previous play what looked like a TD pass from Giles to Horn was ruled out of bounds. That proved to be a critical call, as the final score attests to. 24-14 E-W, with 4:54 to go in the third quarter.

It got worse for the Vikings when, after Nelson compltions to Pahukoa for 14 and 12 yards gave Lake a first down on the Warrior 21, Giddens fumbled away the ball on the 17.

A penalty pushed the Warriors back to the nine, but Young burst through the Viking line and raced untouched 91 yards for the TD that put E-W ahead 31-14 with 1:58 left in the third quarter.

Lake responded with a desperately needed TD of its own, traveling 66 yards in seven plays via Nelson completions of 17 and 11 yards to Carroll, 13 yards to Pahokoa, a 12-yard personal foul against E-W, and three straight Giddens runs covering a total of 13 yards, the latter for a one-yard score. 31-21 E-W, with 10 seconds left in the third quarter.

Lake's defense dug in after that, forcing an E-W punt, Lake taking over on its own 40.

Nelson launched a 60-yard scoring drive with an 18-yard scramble. Giddens gained 11 yards. A Nelson to Gasca completion covered 11 yards, and following a five-yard penalty Nelson found Gasca again for a 25-yard touchdown in which the latter once again put on some great moves to evade several potential tacklers. 31-28 E-W, with 9:01 left in the game.

On the Warriors' subsequent possession Young gained a first down with an 11-yard run to the Viking 46 but on the same play E-W was assessed a 15-yard dead ball personal foul penalty, though it remained first down. A Giles incompletion and gang-tackling of Young by Tupen, Young and Paul Labreche set up third and six on the E-W 35, where Pahukoa's spectacular tackle of Young for a one-yard loss on third down induced a punt, Lake taking over on its own 23 with 6:50 left.

The drive of the season for Lake Stevens was a methodical, unhurried affair, covering 10 plays and aided by another E-W 15-yard personal foul.

First play was an eight-yard Giddens run. Three plays later Nelson to Gasca gained 17 yards for a first down on the 50.

Nelson kept for 10 yards, then hit Giddens for another 10 to which was added an additional 15 yards for the personal foul. First down on the E-W 15.

Four straight runs netted the go-ahead TD, Nelson for five, Giddens for three, Nelson for five and Giddens two and what proved to be the game-winning score. 35-31 Lake, with 2:14 left.

The Warriors could return the ensuing kickoff only to their own 14, tackled there by Austin Otis and Benjamin Tyquiengco.

Young gained five yards on first down, followed by Pahukoa's near-interception of a Giles pass. A five yard penalty against E-W was followed by Giles' 11-yard pass to Young for a first down on the 25. Another procedure penalty on the Warriors pushed them back to the 20. A Giles pass was incomplete, and Young was gang-tackled on the next two plays, gaining just one and four yards (tackles on those plays credited to Anthony Blackie and Juan Delgado twice each and to Devin Guy, Young, Tupen and Nelson).

On fourth down Giles scrambled desperately, heavily pursued in the backfield until Tupen nailed him for an emphatic sack. With 58 seconds left the game was all but technically over.

The Viking sidelines exploded, as did the LS half of the packed stadium bleachers.

There were several Lake Stevens heros on offense and defense, and more Viking records fell in the course of the game. Setting those marks (including season and career records) were Young, Gasca and Nelson. For a complete rundown of Viking records see Kevin Hulten's Purple & Gold Pigskin. (And it should be noted that the season is still alive for the undefeated Vikings, who host Heritage of Vancouver this week in the next round of the Playoffs).

Two team marks were also believed to have been set in the game, one of them good and one of them not so good. Lake's 19 first downs in the second half is thought to be its most first downs in a half, and the Warriors' Young netting 299 yards (in 21 carries) is probably the most rushing yards ever gained by an opponent.

Nelson, after a so-so 61 yards in the first half, finished with 216 yards on 19 for 29 (with two interceptions). Gasca made seven catches for 89 yards plus a pair of scores. Pahukoa had five receptions for 46 yards, Carroll four for 36 yards and Giddens two for 36 yards. Giles was five for 14 (with one interception) for 72 yards.

Giddens spurred the Viking run game with 102 net yards in 18 carries, plus two TDs. Nelson netted 55 yards in 12 carries (which included two kneel-downs as the clock ran down for a technical total of four lost yards).

E-W finished with a disturbing 362 net yards in 43 carries. Young netted 299 yards and Coutee had 75 yards but the latter carried only twice in the second half where he netted just two yards.

Lake had 27 first downs, E-W 19.

Lake had six penalties for 52 yards while E-W committed an astounding 14 infractions covering 132 yards.

Lake's leading tackler was Delgado with 18, followed by Tupen 16, Pahukoa 15, Blackie 14, Young 12, Enyeart 10. Two of Pahukoa's tackles prevented E-W touchdowns.

Viking Season Stats

2011-10-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

LS FOOTBALL SEASON STATS 9 GAMES (2011)

RUSH C G L NET AVG TD

Giddens 117 729 22 707 6.0 6

Nelson 89 641 115 526 5.9 14

Delgado 3 121 0 121 40.3 2

Barry 11 63 7 56 5.1 1

Elgaen 12 60 10 50 4.3 3

Krenz 5 40 1 39 7.8

Gasca 10 27 3 24 2.4

O'Neil 2 8 6 2 1.0

Young 1 1 0 1 1.0 1

msc. fumble

yardage 5 6 -1 ----

bad snaps 2 0 37 -37 ----

LS 252 1695 207 1488 5.9 27

Opp. 319 1557 154 1403 4.4 11

PASS

Nelson 150-214-4 71% 2086 Yards 21 TD (9.8 Yds. per Pass)

O'Neil 1- 1-0 100% 7 Yards (7.0 Yds. per Pass)

LS 151-214-4 71% 2093 Yards 21 TD (9.8 Yds. per Pass)

RECEIVING NO YDS AVG TD

Gasca 52 959 18,4 13

Pahukoa 43 559 13.0 4

Giddens 22 284 12.9 2

Carroll 22 176 8.0 1

Enyeart 8 81 10.1 1

Glgaen 2 27 13.5

Delgado 1 6 6.0

Coleman 1 1 1.0

151 2093 13.9 21

Opp. 73 1007 13.8 5

PUNT

Pahukoa 19 punts for 669 Yards = 35.2 Avg.

INTERCEPTIONS (10)

Pahukoa 3

Young 2 (one for 43-yard TD return)

Coleman 2 (one for 42-yard return)

Gasca 2 (one for 25-yard TD return)

Labreche 1

FUMBLES RECOVERED (6)

Sander 2

Coleman 1

Giddens 1

Elgaen 1

Krenz 1

FUMBLES LOST (9)

Delgado 2

Nelson 2

Giddens 2

Pahukoa 1

Gasca 1

Cheap 1

BLOCKED A FIELD GOAL

Delgado 1

MISC. TDs

Gasca 76-yard punt return

Gasca 43-yard punt return

Opp. 24-yard fumble return

Opp. 89-yard kickoff return

2-POINT CONVERSIONS

Nelson pass to Delgado good

bad snap on PAT kick fumble lost

Opp. run no good

Opp. pass good

FIELD GOALS

Sellars 36g, 22g, 30g, 35ng, 40ng, 20g

Opp. 38g, 27g, 40ng, 37g, 34ng, 29g, 25g

SAFETY

LS bad punt snap into end zone

SCORING TD PAT1 PAT2 FG SAFETY TOTAL

Gasca 16 96

Nelson 14 84

Sellars 46/50* 4/6 58

Giddens 8 48

Pahukoa 4 24

Elgaen 3 18

Delgado 2 1 14

Young 2 12

Carroll 1 6

Enyeart 1 6

Barry 1 6

*4 blocked

LS 52 46/50 1/2 4/6 372

Opp. 19 15/15 1/4 5/7 1 148

LS 97 115 78 82 -- 372 (41.3 Avg.)

Opp. 34 54 30 30 -- 148 (16.2 Avg.)

FIRST DOWNS

LS 172 (19.1 Avg.)

Opp. 113 (12.6 Avg.)

PENALTIES

LS 45 for 427 yards (47.4. Avg.)

Opp. 56 for 451 yards (50.2 Avg.)

TACKLES

Young 112

Elgaen 105

Delgado 87

Pahukoa 81

Tupen 70

Guy 58

Enyeart 52

Blackie 52

Labreche 51

Gasca 37

Johnson 37

Sander 32

Simoneaux 22

Coleman 22

Fabian 14

Shea 12

Tyquienco 12

Shea 12

Lat 10

Giddens 10

Nelson 8

Otis 7

Miksh 6

Barry 6

O'Neil 6

Campbell 5

Ortega 4

Shell 4

Claymore 4

Hines 2

O'Brien 2

Carroll 2

Stever 2

Verhoeven 2

Sellars 2

Kelliher 1

Roberts 1

Robertson 1

Harrison 1

Ogden 1

Total 965

QB SACKS

Guy 4 (2 shared)

Johnson 4 (2 shared)

Young 4 (3 shared)

Tupen 4 (3 shared)

Blackie 3 (1 shared)

Elgaen 3 (1 shared)

Delgado 2 (1 shared)

Enyeart 2 (2 shared)

Labreche 1

Fabian 1 (shared)

Simoneaux 1 (shared)

Campbell 1 (shared)

LS 20

Vs. LS 10

YARDS PER GAME RUSH + PASS = TOTAL

LS 1488 (165.3) + 2093 (232.6) = 3581 (397.9)

Opp. 1403 (155.9) + 1007 (111.9) = 2410 (267.8)

POINTS PER GAME (TOTAL OFFENSE)

LS 7.7

Opp. 5.0

Christian Gasca Profile

2011-10-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Christian Gasca (85)

Christian Gasca | 6'0, 190 | WR/DB/KR
Class of 2012 |Lake Stevens High School | 4A
40 Yard: 4.66 (Spring 2011 Combine, laser-timed)
Squat: 325

Profile:
The do-everything Gasca has started on both sides of the ball and on special teams for three seasons at the eighth largest high school in the state. Along the way he has re-written the Viking record book and has exploded with a break-out season in 2011, leading Lake Stevens to its first undefeated league title in 17 years. Gasca gained regional attention for his three punt return for TD performance at Kingco 4A Inglemoor, but he has compiled impressive numbers on a game by game basis throughout the season. Christian currently holds multiple school records and is among the state leaders in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

Nine Game Stats
Offense: 52 catches 952 yards 13 tds (18 yards per catch), 3 punt return TDs
Defense: 30 tackles, 2 INT (one for 25-yard TD)
Also: 17 total TDs

Hit the jump for video highlights (note: profile page permalink is http://www.purpleandgoldpigskin.com/p/christian-gasca-profile.html)

2011 Video:

Christian Gasca - WR/DB/KR/PR - Class of 2012 (Thru Week 6) from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

Christian Gasca - WR/DB/KR/PR - Class of 2012 (Thru Week 6) from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

10.7.11 - Jake Nelson to Christian Gasca for 40 yard TD from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

2011 Vikings Football: You're Going Down - Uncensored from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

9.15.11 @ Inglemoor Vikings: Christian Gasca's Punt Returns from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

Jake Nelson Profile

2011-10-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Jake Nelson | QB | 2012 -- Lake Stevens High School (Wesco 4A)
6'2 195 (measured Oct. 25)
40 yard dash: 4.72 (Spring 2011 Laser-timed)

Profile
A three year starter and returning First Team All Wesco selection at quarterback, Nelson has led the Vikings to their first undefeated league title in 17 years, smashing school records along the way. Nelson has compiled a 16-3 record over the last two seasons and has led the Vikings to two wins over Kingco opponents. Nelson, who is a standout baseball player as well, has added a rugged run game to his arsenal after wowing Wesco watchers with an accurate and strong arm previously in his career.

Nine Game Stats
Passing: 150 attempt 214 completions, Completion percentage: 71%, 2086 Passing Yards, 21 TD/4int (9.8 Yds. per Pass)

Rushing: 89 carries 626 yards, 7.0 avg, Long: 72t, Touchdowns: 14

Total Offense: 35 touchdowns (leads 4A, school record) 2,712 yards (second in 4A)

Note: Profile page permanently hosted at http://www.purpleandgoldpigskin.com/p/jake-nelson-profile.html

Video

Jake Nelson - QB - Class of 2012 (Thru Week 8) from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

10.7.11 - Jake Nelson to Christian Gasca for 40 yard TD from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

9.15.11 @ Inglemoor Vikings: Jake Nelson's 32 Yard TD Run from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

9.9.11 vs. Kamiak Knights: Jake Nelson's 72 Yard TD run from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

For more info contact Kevin.hulten@gmail.com.

Preview: Wesco Title Lake Stevens at Edmonds

2011-10-28T16:34:00.001-07:00

The Viking captains (not pictured is sixth captain Juan Delgado) look to bring home the Wesco unified title tonight. Photo by Kevin Hulten.

Week Nine Game Guide

What: Lake Stevens (8-0, 4-0, Wesco North Champs) at Edmonds-Woodway (4-3, 4-0, South Champs)

Why: Second Annual Wesco Unified Championship Game.

Where: Edmonds Stadium

When: 7 p.m.

Notes: The winner not only takes the Wesco unified title, but they gain the coveted District One #1 seed -- a seeding that allows for two straight home playoff games (assuming a win in the first game), plus an easier path to the Tacoma Dome.

Edmonds-Woodway Key Players

RB Desmond Young	108 carries	838 yards	7.8 avg	13 TD
RB Mark Coutee	96 carries	731 yards	7.6 avg	6 TD

Also: Edmonds, winners of four straight, play a hard-nosed and straight-ahead brand of football. They use their two interchangeable backs Desmond Young and Mark Coutee to run the ball between the tackles. EW has been known to run the same counter trap run play as many as 30 times in a single game. Basically, they are going to dare the Vikings to stop the run.

From the Viking Perspective:

Viking coaches expect the Warriors to pack the secondary with defensive backs and try to take away the passing game. As such, the Vikes could be facing alot of five-man fronts: an auto run call for Tom Tri's charges. Despite the gaudy passing numbers, the Vikes have shown a proclivity for the ground game. Let's not forget the 400 yards the Vikings gained on the ground at Arlington, or the 300+ Lake managed against M-P.

On defense, Captain Korey Young told PurpleandGoldPigskin that he expects the Warriors to challenge the Viking defense by running straight at the middle of the D. Young says that Viking defenders relish the stait-ahead nature of the physical challenge presented by the EW attack.

Key Numbers:

ONE -- Christian Gasca is ONE TD reception away from setting a new season TD reception mark. Record currently held by Gasca (2011) and Trevor Riecks (2008)

TWO -- Jake Nelson needs just two total TDs to set a single season record; one to tie. Record: Total TD's, Season (Nick Baker, 34, 2008) (Jake 2011 33 total: 19 passing, 14 rushing in 2011)

FOUR -- Korey Young is just FOUR tackles short of setting the all time career tackles mark, set in 1994. (Ryan Bundy, 295, 1995) (Young: 292 -- 192 entering season, 100 in 2011)

FIVE -- Nelson is FIVE passing TDs away from setting the Career Passing TD mark. Record: Most TD Passes, Career (Nick Baker, 42, 2008) (Nelson 38 to date)

SIX -- Nelson is SIX rushing TDs away from the season mark. Record: Most Rushing TD's, Season (19, Greg Posey, 1966) (Nelson: 14 to date in 2011)

SIX -- Senior Juan Delgado is the SIXTH captain for tonight's game.

EIGHT -- The Vikings are currently ranked 8th in the state computer poll.

ELEVEN -- Nelson is 11 completions short of setting the career completions mark. Record: Completions, Career (Baker, 309, 2008) (Nelson 299 to date)

12 -- Nelson is 12 TDs short of setting the season passing TD mark. Record: Most TD Passes, Season (Nick Baker, 30, 2008) -- Jake -11 to tie

128 -- Nelson is 128 passing yards short of setting the Career Passing Yards mark. Record: Most Passing Yards, Career (Nick Baker, 4192, 2008)

THE PICK:

The Herald's Aaron Swaney has the Vikings winning a tight one 43-39. The computers like Lake Stevens by ten. And I'll take the Vikings in a close game that opens up late...Lake Stevens takes the Wesco crown and the District's top seed, 44-21.

Coverage Notes:

I'll open a Twitter/Coveritlive window here on the site around 6pm...all the TDs and video will be posted at the Viking Gameday Blog, but as always, you can monitor everything via twitter @wesco4a. Send me your questions via any of the formats.

Record Watch Week Nine Edition

2011-10-28T16:03:00.001-07:00

Jake Nelson, Christian Gasca and Korey Young have all eclipsed or are on the verge of eclipsing Viking records -- that in some cases --have stood for decades. Here's an update on where each player stands with respect to key Viking records:

QB Jake Nelson

2011 stats (8 Games)

Jake Nelson 131/185 1,868 yards 19 TD 2 INT 72%, 77 carries 471 net 14 TDS

Career Comparison

Jake Nelson 299/494 4,067 yards 38 TD 13 INT 60%

Nick Baker 309/501 4,192 yards 42 TD 18 INT (61.6%)

Records Set:

1. Most TD Passes, Game (Nick Baker AND Jake Nelson, 5) Note: Nelson had 5 TD's in first half vs Kamiak, did not play in second ** Nelson had 5 TD passes in about a half at Stanwood

2. Completion percentage, season. Record: ( Nick Baker, 65%, 2008) -- Jake +7 (72%)

Records in reach:

1. Nelson needs 717 total yards to set new season record. Record: Most Yards, Season -- Nick Baker 3155 (370 Rushing, 2785 Passing -- 10 Games)

2. Nelson needs two total TDs to set a season record; one to tie. Record: Total TD's, Season (Nick Baker, 34, 2008) Jake -1 (19 passing, 14 rushing in 2011) --

3. Nelson is five TDs away from setting the Career Passing TD mark. Record: Most TD Passes, Career (Nick Baker, 42, 2008)

4. Nelson is 128 passing yards short of setting the Career Passing Yards mark. Record: Most Passing Yards, Career (Nick Baker, 4192, 2008)

5. Nelson is 11 completions short of setting the career mark. Record: Completions, Career (Baker, 309, 2008)

6. Nelson is six rushing TDs away from the season mark. Record: Most Rushing TD's, Season (19, Greg Posey, 1966)

7. Nelson needs 83 completions to set the season record. Record: Completions, Season (Baker, 212, 2008)

8. Nelson is 12 TDs short of setting the season passing TD mark. Record: Most TD Passes, Season (Nick Baker, 30, 2008) -- Jake -11 to tie

Also..

Most Passing Yards, Season (Nick Baker, 2785, 2008) -- Jake -917 to set

Total TD's, Single Game Nick Baker 7 (2 Rushing, 5 Passing -- Vs. Snohomish)

Record Watch: Christian Gasca

Records Set:

1. TD Receptions, Season (11, Christian Gasca, 2011 and Trevor Riecks 2008)

2. TD Receptions, Game (4, Christian Gasca, 2011 10/21/11 at Stanwood)

Also:

Career Receptions (Mike Holguin, 78, 1981) -- Gasca needs 15 to set (63 career)

Receptions, Season Colton Tupen, 66, 2008) -- Gasca -20 (46)

Receiving Yards, Season (925 Colton Tupen, 2008) -- Gasca needs 56 to set (870)

Defense

Record Watch: Korey Young

Tackles, game (Korey Young, 27 2010)

Tackles, season (Josh Duncan, 160, 1994) Korey Young -61

Tackles, career (Ryan Bundy, 295, 1995) Korey Young needs four tackles to set career mark (292 -- 192 entering season, 100 in 2011)

See below for other records of note.

Offensive Records Set in 2008

TOTAL NET YARDS

4129 (10 Games, 412.9 Avg.)

TOTAL PASSING YARDS

2812 (10 Games, 281.2 Avg.)

TOTAL PASSING COMPLETIONS, ATTEMPTS, %, TOUCHDOWNS

213 Completions, 326 Attempts (12 Interceptions -- not a record), 65%, 30 TDs

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS

Most Yards, Season: 132 carries 1165 yards* 8.8 avg (Brennan Frost 2009)

PASSING COMPLETIONS, ATTEMPTS, %, YARDS, TOUCHDOWNS

Nick Baker 212 Completions, 324 Attempts (12 Interceptions -- not a record), 65%, 2785 Yards, 30 TDs (Old Single Season Completion % Record, Bob Snow, 1966, 63%)

MOST PASSING COMPLETIONS AND ATTEMPTS, GAME

Nick Baker 32 of 43 (Vs. Glacier Peak)

MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, GAME

Nick Baker 5 (Vs. Jackson & Vs. Snohomish)

MOST TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS, GAME

Nick Baker 7 (2 Rushing, 5 Passing -- Vs. Snohomish) -- Ties Joe Rogge (6 Rushing, 1 Passing, Vs. King's Garden, 1958)

MOST PASSING YARDS, GAME

Nick Baker 395 (Vs. Snohomish)

MOST TOTAL YARDS, INDIVIDUAL, GAME

Nick Baker 522 (127 Rushing, 395 Passing, Vs. Snohomish)

MOST RECEPTIONS AND RECEIVING YARDS, SEASON

Colton Tupen 66 Receptions for 925 Yards (9 Touchdowns) -- Also Breaking Old Record -- Trevor Riecks, 55 Receptions)

MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES CAUGHT, GAME

Christian Gasca 4 (Vs. Stanwood 10/21/11)

MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES CAUGHT, SEASON

Trevor Riecks, Christian Gasca 11

MOST RECEIVING YARDAGE, GAME

Colton Tupen 195 (Vs. Snohomish) -- ties Brian Slater (1982 Vs. Shorewood)

8 Game Stats

2011-10-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

LS FINAL REGULAR SEASON FOOTBALL STATS 8 GAMES 2011 (8-0)

RUSH C G L NET AVG TD

Giddens 99 627 22 605 6.1 4

Nelson 77 581 110 471 6.1 14

Delgado 3 121 0 121 40.3 2

Barry 11 63 7 56 5.1 1

Elgaen 11 60 10 50 4.5 3

Krenz 5 40 1 39 7.8

Gasca 9 27 3 24 2.7

O'Neil 2 8 6 2 1.0

misc. fumble

yardage 5 6 -1 ----

bad snaps 2 0 37 -37 ----

LS 219 1532 202 1330 6.1 24

Opp. 276 1189 148 1041 3.5 8

PASS

Nelson* 131-185-2 71% 1870 Yards 19 TD (10.1 Yds per Pass)

O'Neil 1- 1-0 100% 7 Yards ( 7.0 Yds per Pass)

LS 132-186-2 71% 1877 Yards 19 TD (10.1 Yds per Pass)

Opp. 68-149-9 46% 935 Yards 5 TD ( 6.3 Yds per Pass)

*Nelson's NCAA Rating is 187.45; his NFL rating is 133.94

RECEIVING NO YDS AVG TD

Gasca 45 870 19.3 11

Pahukoa 38 513 13.5 4

Giddens 20 248 12.4 2

Carroll 18 140 7.8 1

Enyeart 7 72 10.3 1

Elgaen 2 27 13.5

Delgado 1 6 6.0

Coleman 1 1 1.0

LS 132 1877 14.2 19

Opp. 68 935 13.8 5

PUNT

Pahukoa 17 punts for 582 Yards = 34.3 Avg.

INTERCEPTIONS (9)

Pahukoa 3

Coleman 2 (one for 42-yard return)

Gasca 2 (one for 25-yard TD return)

Young 1 (43-yard TD return)

Labreche 1

FUMBLES RECOVERED (6)

Sander 2

Coleman 1

Giddens 1

Elgaen 1

Krenz 1

FUMBLES LOST (8)

Delgado 2

Nelson 2

Giddens 1

Pahukoa 1

Gasca 1

Cheap 1

BLOCKED A FIELD GOAL

Delgado 1

MISC. TDs

Gasca 76-yard punt return

Gasca 43-yard punt return

Opp. 24-yard fumble return

Opp. 89-yard kickoff return

2-POINT CONVERSIONS

Nelson pass to Delgado good

bad snap on PAT kick fumble lost

Opp. run no good

Opp. pass good

FIELD GOALS

Sellars 36g, 22g, 30g, 35ng, 40ng, 20g

Opp. 38g, 27g, 40ng, 37g, 34ng, 29g

SAFETY

LS bad punt snap into end zone

SCORING TD PAT1 PAT2 FG SAFETY TOTAL

Nelson 14 84

Gasca 14 84

Sellars 41/45* 4/6 53

Giddens 6 36

Pahukoa 4 24

Elgaen 3 18

Delgado 2 1 14

Carroll 1 6

Young 1 6

Enyeart 1 6

Barry 1 6

*4 blocked

LS 47 41/45 1/2 4/6 337

Opp. 15 11/11 1/4 4/6 1 117

LS 90 108 71 68 -- 337 (42.1 Avg.)

Opp. 27 40 20 30 -- 117 (14.6 Avg.)

FIRST DOWNS

LS 145 (18.1 Avg.)

Opp. 94 (11.8 Avg.)

PENALTIES

LS 39 for 375 yards (46.9 Avg.)

Opp. 42 for 319 yards (39.9 Avg.)

TACKLES

Young 100

Elgaen 98

Delgado 69

Pahukoa 66

Tupen 54

Guy 50

Labreche 43

Enyeart 42

Blackie 38

Gasca 32

Johnson 30

Sander 29

Krenz 22

Simoneaux 21

Coleman 20

Fabian 13

Shea 12

Lat 10

Giddens 10

Tyquienco 10

Nelson 7

Miksh 6

Otis 6

Barry 6

O'Neil 6

Campbell 4

Ortega 4

Shell 4

Claymore 4

Hines 2

O'Brien 2

Carroll 2

Stever 2

Verhoeven 2

Kelliher 1

Harrison 1

Roberts 1

Sellars 1

Robertson 1

Ogden 1

Total 832

QB SACKS

Guy 4 (2 shared)

Johnson 4 (2 shared)

Young 4 (3 shared)

Blackie 3 (1 shared)

Elgaen 3 (1 shared)

Tupen 3 (3 shared)

Delgado 2 (1 shared)

Enyeart 2 (2 shared)

Labreche 1

Fabian 1 (shared)

Simoneaux 1 (shared)

Campbell 1 (shared)

LS 19

Vs. LS 10

YARDS PER GAME RUSH + PASS = TOTAL

LS 1330 (166.3) + 1877 (234.6) = 3207 (400.9)

Opp. 1041 (130.1) + 935 (116.9) = 1976 (247.0)

YARDS PER PLAY (TOTAL OFFENSE)

LS 7.9

Opp. 4.7

YARDS GAINED PER POINTS SCORED

LS 9.5

Opp. 16.8

Week 9 Walkthrough

2011-10-28T10:23:00.001-07:00

Week Eight Total Stats

2011-10-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

LS FINAL REGULAR SEASON FOOTBALL STATS 8 GAMES 2011 (8-0)

RUSH C G L NET AVG TD

Giddens 99 627 22 605 6.1 4

Nelson 77 581 110 471 6.1 14

Delgado 3 121 0 121 40.3 2

Barry 11 63 7 56 5.1 1

Elgaen 11 60 10 50 4.5 3

Krenz 5 40 1 39 7.8

Gasca 9 27 3 24 2.7

O'Neil 2 8 6 2 1.0

misc. fumble

yardage 5 6 -1 ----

bad snaps 2 0 37 -37 ----

LS 219 1532 202 1330 6.1 24

Opp. 276 1189 148 1041 3.5 8

PASS

Nelson* 131-185-2 71% 1870 Yards 19 TD (10.1 Yds per Pass)

O'Neil 1- 1-0 100% 7 Yards ( 7.0 Yds per Pass)

LS 132-186-2 71% 1877 Yards 19 TD (10.1 Yds per Pass)

Opp. 68-149-9 46% 935 Yards 5 TD ( 6.3 Yds per Pass)

*Nelson's NCAA Rating is 187.45; his NFL rating is 133.94

RECEIVING NO YDS AVG TD

Gasca 45 870 19.3 11

Pahukoa 38 513 13.5 4

Giddens 20 248 12.4 2

Carroll 18 140 7.8 1

Enyeart 7 72 10.3 1

Elgaen 2 27 13.5

Delgado 1 6 6.0

Coleman 1 1 1.0

LS 132 1877 14.2 19

Opp. 68 935 13.8 5

PUNT

Pahukoa 17 punts for 582 Yards = 34.3 Avg.

INTERCEPTIONS (9)

Pahukoa 3

Coleman 2 (one for 42-yard return)

Gasca 2 (one for 25-yard TD return)

Young 1 (43-yard TD return)

Labreche 1

FUMBLES RECOVERED (6)

Sander 2

Coleman 1

Giddens 1

Elgaen 1

Krenz 1

FUMBLES LOST (8)

Delgado 2

Nelson 2

Giddens 1

Pahukoa 1

Gasca 1

Cheap 1

BLOCKED A FIELD GOAL

Delgado 1

MISC. TDs

Gasca 76-yard punt return

Gasca 43-yard punt return

Opp. 24-yard fumble return

Opp. 89-yard kickoff return

2-POINT CONVERSIONS

Nelson pass to Delgado good

bad snap on PAT kick fumble lost

Opp. run no good

Opp. pass good

FIELD GOALS

Sellars 36g, 22g, 30g, 35ng, 40ng, 20g

Opp. 38g, 27g, 40ng, 37g, 34ng, 29g

SAFETY

LS bad punt snap into end zone

SCORING TD PAT1 PAT2 FG SAFETY TOTAL

Nelson 14 84

Gasca 14 84

Sellars 41/45* 4/6 53

Giddens 6 36

Pahukoa 4 24

Elgaen 3 18

Delgado 2 1 14

Carroll 1 6

Young 1 6

Enyeart 1 6

Barry 1 6

*4 blocked

LS 47 41/45 1/2 4/6 337

Opp. 15 11/11 1/4 4/6 1 117

LS 90 108 71 68 -- 337 (42.1 Avg.)

Opp. 27 40 20 30 -- 117 (14.6 Avg.)

FIRST DOWNS

LS 145 (18.1 Avg.)

Opp. 94 (11.8 Avg.)

PENALTIES

LS 39 for 375 yards (46.9 Avg.)

Opp. 42 for 319 yards (39.9 Avg.)

TACKLES

Young 100

Elgaen 98

Delgado 69

Pahukoa 66

Tupen 54

Guy 50

Labreche 43

Enyeart 42

Blackie 38

Gasca 32

Johnson 30

Sander 29

Krenz 22

Simoneaux 21

Coleman 20

Fabian 13

Shea 12

Lat 10

Giddens 10

Tyquienco 10

Nelson 7

Miksh 6

Otis 6

Barry 6

O'Neil 6

Campbell 4

Ortega 4

Shell 4

Claymore 4

Hines 2

O'Brien 2

Carroll 2

Stever 2

Verhoeven 2

Kelliher 1

Harrison 1

Roberts 1

Sellars 1

Robertson 1

Ogden 1

Total 832

QB SACKS

Guy 4 (2 shared)

Johnson 4 (2 shared)

Young 4 (3 shared)

Blackie 3 (1 shared)

Elgaen 3 (1 shared)

Tupen 3 (3 shared)

Delgado 2 (1 shared)

Enyeart 2 (2 shared)

Labreche 1

Fabian 1 (shared)

Simoneaux 1 (shared)

Campbell 1 (shared)

LS 19

Vs. LS 10

YARDS PER GAME RUSH + PASS = TOTAL

LS 1330 (166.3) + 1877 (234.6) = 3207 (400.9)

Opp. 1041 (130.1) + 935 (116.9) = 1976 (247.0)

YARDS PER PLAY (TOTAL OFFENSE)

LS 7.9

Opp. 4.7

YARDS GAINED PER POINTS SCORED

LS 9.5

Opp. 16.8

Game Stats: Lake Stevens 47 Stanwood 0

2011-10-22T13:56:00.001-07:00

LS @STANWOOD FOOTBALL STATS (10-21-11)

RUSH C G L NET AVG TD

Giddens 5 76 0 76 15.2
Barry 5 43 0 43 8.6 1
Krenz 4 17 1 16 4.0
Nelson 4 21 14 7 1.8 1
O'Neil 2 8 6 2 1.0
Gasca 1 1 0 1 1.0
bad snap 1 0 12 -12 ----

LS 22 166 33 133 6.0 2
S 25 88 16 72 2.9 0

PASS

Nelson 11-16-0 69% 337 Yards 5 TD
S 8-19.2 42% 30 Yards

RECEIVING NO YDS AVG TD

Gasca 5 186 37.2 4
Pahukoa 3 52 17.3
Giddens 2 85 42.5 1
Enyeart 1 14 14.0

LS 11 337 30.6 5
S 8 30 3.8 0

PUNT

Pahukoa 34, 32 = 33.0 Avg.

INTERCEPTIONS

Labreche 1
Coleman 1 (42-yard return)

FUMBLES LOST

Cheap 1 (bad snap)
also a fumble was lost on PAT attempt
but this does not count as fumble in
the official stats

FIRST DOWNS

LS 16
S 5

PENALTIES

LS 6 for 54 yards
S 3 for 25 yards

SCORING TD PAT1 PAT2 TOTAL

Gasca 4 24
Nelson 1 6
Giddens 1 6
Barry 1 6
Sellars 5/6* 5
0/1**
*one blocked
** bad snap causes lost fumble

LS 7 5/6 0/1 47
S 0

LS 14 13 13 7 -- 47
S 0 0 0 0 -- 0

TACKLES

Young 11
Elgean 8
Delgado 8
Coleman 7
Johnson 7
Blackie 7
Tupen 5
Pahukoa 4
Sander 4
Enyeart 3
Guy 3
O'Neil 3
Tyquiengco 3
Labreche 3
Simoneaux 3
Barry 3
Krenz 2
Gasca 2
Verhoeven 2
Otis 2
Ogden 1
Shell 1
Ortega 1
Claymore 1

Total 94

QB SACKS

Johnson 1
Tupen 1 (shared)
Young 1 (shared)
Delgado 1 (shared)

LS 2
S 1

Live From Stanwood: Coverage Update (14-0 2Q)

2011-10-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Up in the press box with Mike Anderton...about to hit the sidelines as the Vikes look for their third TD in the last five minutes. The best way to follow the updates are via twitter @wesco4a and/or the Viking Gameday Blog. You can tweet me with questions or comments as well -- or text me at 425 754 3322.

Live Gameblog

2011-10-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Game Blog: at Stanwood Week

Friday Update

2011-10-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way to Stanwood and will have the usual array of coverage for you upon arrival...in the meantime, take a look at the updated Record Watch page, as several Vikings are closing in on important marks. It's possible that records could be broken tonight.

Korey Young needs 15 tackles to set the all time career tackles mark
Jake Nelson is just 21 completions short of the Career Record
Nelson is only six rushing TDs away from the single season record of 19
Nelson is seven total TD's short of the season mark of 34
Nelson is four TDs short of the career mark of 46
Nelson is 461 yards short of the career passing yardage mark
Christian Gasca is four TD receptions short of the career record and season records

More to come from the game...Check back here and at the Viking Gameday blog, or just follow me @wesco4a.

Video: Jake Nelson Season Highlight

2011-10-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

The latest video work from Tony Soper over at Gametime VP. Stats below through week seven.

Jake Nelson - QB - Class of 2012

Pass: 121 for 171, 71% 1,538 yards (220/game) 14 TD 2 INTRush: 73 carries 558 yards 13 TD 7.6 avg 79.7/gameTotal offense: 299.7 yards per game

Road to the Tacoma Dome

2011-10-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

If the Vikings beat Stanwood Friday, it is entirely possible that they could play THREE straight home games en route to the state playoffs. Regardless, the Vikes will play at least two more he games as a result of their early clinching of the Wesco North title.

Should the Vikes claim the unified Wesco championship next week at home vs. Edmonds Woodway, they would then host the GSHL #3 with the District One top seed on the line. The District One #1 then hosts another playoff game (winner of SPSL#3 vs Narrows #2) before events move south. Click through for the full postseason road map...

Western Washington Qualifying Games
GSHL 3 at WesCo 1...winner district 1 #1
Narrows 4 at WesCo 2...winner district 1 #2
SPSL North/South 5 at KingCo 1...winner district 2 #1
SPSL North 4 at KingCo 2...winner district 2 #2
WesCo 3 at KingCo 3...winner district 2 #3WesCo 5 at SPSL South 1...winner district 3 #1WesCo 4 at SPSL North 1...winner district 3 #2
SPSL South 4 at Narrows 1...winner district 3 #3
KingCo 4 at SPSL South 2...winner district 3 #4
Narrows 3 at SPSL North 2...winner district 3 #5
SPSL 3 at Narrows 2...winner district 3 #6KingCo 5 at GSHL 1...winner district 4 #1SPSL North 3 at GSHL 2...winner district 4 #2

Eastern Washington Qualifying Games
TBD vs TBD...winner district 5/6/8 #1
TBD vs TBD...winner district 5/6/8 #2
TBD vs TBD...winner district 5/6/8 #3First Round - November 11-12
Game 1: District 4 #2 at District 3 #2
Game 2: District 3 #4 at District 2 #1Game 3: District 5/6/8 #3 at District 5/6/8 #2
Game 4: District 2 #3 at District 5/6/8 #1
Game 5: District 1 #2 at District 3 #3
Game 6: District 3 #5 at District 4 #1
Game 7: District 3 #6 at District 1 #1
Game 8: District 2 #2 at District 3 #1

Quarterfinals - November 18-19
Game 9: Winner 1 vs Winner 2
Game 10: Winner 3 vs Winner 4
Game 11: Winner 5 vs Winner 6
Game 12: Winner 7 vs Winner 8

Semifinals - November 25-26
Game 13: Winner 9 vs Winner 10
Game 14: Winner 11 vs Winner 12

4A State Championship - December 3 at the Tacoma Dome
Game 15: Winner 13 vs Winner 14

Game Story: Vikings take Wesco North Crown

2011-10-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

VIKINGS POWER PAST MARYSVILLE-P 38-7 FOR TITLE-CLINCHING HOMECOMING WIN

By Mike Anderton
Purple and Gold Contributing Editor

It's official. Lake Stevens clinched the Wesco North 2011 football championship with a 38-7 Homecoming pounding of Marysville-Pilchuck last Friday.

Lake (4-0 in Wesco, 7-0 overall) also clinched a first round home field State Playoff berth after it concludes the regular season at Stanwood this Friday and at Edmonds-Woodway (Wesco South champion) the following week in a game which will determine the overall Wesco champ.

This game was, for Lake, a test of physical power. In recent years the Tommies have dominated Lake at the line of scrimmage, punishing the Vikings with superior line play and big-play backs.

Not this time. This year's Vikings, number ten in the 4A state rankings, are rounding into a team which can dominate on defense as well as on offense.

Lake's defense held MP to 148 net rushing yards, just 3.8 per carry, half of its season average. This time the Vikings were clearly the physically superior team, dominating in the heart of the line and at linebacker.

And on offense, proving that Lake isn't entirely just the Jake Nelson passing circus, back Shae Giddens had the game of his life, running through, over and past MP for 191 net yards in 19 carries and a touchdown. Giddens took advantage of holes opened by his O-line but he also carried MP tacklers with him on several occasions for extra yardage.

As for Nelson, he was nearly perfect, completing 17 of 20 passes (no interceptions) for a pair of TDs and two more via the rush, where he finished with 97 net yards in 11 carries. Nelson is on a 71% completion tear so far this season, one of the best marks in the state and on pace to set the all-time Viking record.
Christian Gasca, Wesco's leading receiver, turned in another outstanding effort with seven catches for 90 yards and a TD.

After a scoreless first quarter Lake put 21 points on the board in the second period for a 21-7 halftime lead.
Lake's initial TD was set up by a Viking defensive stand which stopped MP on fourth and two at midfield. Typical of Lake's gang-tackling, at least four Vikings were in on the play, stopping Cody House for a one-yard gain at the Viking 48 -- Korey Young, Cody Tupen, Devin Guy and Brandon Johnson.

It took Lake just three plays from there to open the game's scoring. Giddens ran for eight yards, Gasca made an acrobatic catch of a Nelson pass for a 37-yard gain, followed by Nelson's seven-yard TD rush. Tanner Sellars added the PAT. 7-0 Lake, 9:27 before halftime.

Marysville tied it with a seven-play, 74-yard drive which featured two long-yardage Jake Luton completions, 36 yards to John Naff and a 34-yard TD pass to Deion Stell.
Naff's PAT made it 7-7 at 6:44.

Lake scored again just three plays later. Giddens gained seven yards, then broke a 55-yarder, setting up Nelson's 17-yard TD run. Giddens ran through several would-be tacklers on his long run while Nelson's quick, shifty feet eluded Marysville's defense for his 13th rushing TD of the season. 14-7, at 5:42.
Viking defense forced an MP punt, Lake taking over on its own 21 with 1:22 left in the half.

Five plays later Lake was in the end zone again. Two Giddens runs netted 12 yards and a first down. Nelson hit Gasca for a 22-yard gain. Nelson scrambled for another 20 yards. Nelson connected with Gasca again, this time for a 25-yard TD in what was one of Lake's niftiest plays of the season. Nelson, eluding tacklers in the backfield, flipped the ball to Gasca who had cut back into the middle, then reversed to the left to score untouched. 21-7, fourteen seconds before halftime.

Lake doubled MP in yardage in the second half, shutting down the Toms 17-0 after the halftime Homecoming festivities.

Brady Pahukoa's interception of a Luton pass was returned 24 yards to the MP 49, setting up a scoring drive that resulted in a 20-yard Sellars field goal. The only down side was that, after Giddens and Nelson alternated rushes netting 44 yards, producing a first and goal at the MP five yard line, Lake failed to score a "red zone" touchdown for one of the few times this season.

A rare delay penalty cost Lake five yards, and a couple of short pass completions left Lake two yards shy of the end zone. When Giddens was stopped for a one-yard loss on third down (his only negative rush of the game) Lake opted for Sellars' successful field goal. 24-7, at 3:00 of the third quarter.

An eight-play, 70-yard Viking drive made it 31-7 at 10:10 of the fourth quarter.

Giddens carried three times for 32 yards, Nelson twice for 23 yards, Nelson to Pahukoa gained 15 yards, and Nelson's three-yard pass to Ryan Enyeart finished it off (Enyeart's first TD reception of the season and Nelson's 14th TD toss).

Marysville's next possession ended on downs at the Viking 26 after Guy and Enyeart sacked Luton for a three-yard loss and Luton's fourth-down pass was incomplete.

That set up a final Viking TD drive, 74 yards in nine plays including runs of 11 and 22 yards by Giddens, a pair of short passes to Quincy Carroll, and Giddens' two-yard scoring run, capping off his scintillating evening. 38-7 with 2:08 remaining.

Lake outgained MP in rushing by 287 net yards to 148. Nelson's 17 for 20 game tacked on another 184 yards while Luton's seven of 15 (with one interception) gained 145 yards.
Lake had 21 first downs, MP 12.

Marysville played without its outstanding running back Andre Pina, apparently dropped from the team. Taking up the slack in his absence were Chris Herbert and Stell, who combined for 115 net yards in 18 carries.

Leading the tackle parade for Lake was Young with 19, followed by Elgaen 16, Guy and Enyeart 11 each, and nine apiece by Johnson and Paul Labreche.

Sharing quarterback sacks were Johnson, Guy, Enyeart and Tupen.

Video: Nelson's 17-yard TD, more

2011-10-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here's video originally posted on the Viking Gameday blog last night. The action was coming thick and fast, so I instead of typing out a bunch of twitter updates, I tried my hand at a little play-by-play on this clip.

Jake Nelson's 17-yard run gave the Vikings a 14-7 lead and was part of a 21 point second quarter. You can find video of all of the Viking TD's on the Gameday blog, but here are a few links.

Nelson's ten yard TD run puts Vikings up 7-0

Gasca hauls in jump ball

Gasca runs 60 yards for a 20 yard TD, Vikings lead 21-7

Tom Tri post game interview

Again, these are not meant to be prize-winning moments of videography - I'm shooting with a phone - merely a hold over until Tony Soper finishes the official highlight.

Your comments are appreciated on this and every other post.

Live blogging Homecoming/Senior Night

2011-10-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

You can also head over the Viking Gameday blog...but I will make sure everything posts in this window, including links to the Gameday blog media posts.
<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=debbb46ee2" &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Homecoming/Senior Night Gameblog&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Tonight's Coverage

2011-10-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here's how the coverage will break down for tonight's big game:

1. I will open a Cover It Live window on this site at 6:00 pm. The live blog window will run all night, and will contain all of my tweets and links to any posts from the Viking Gameday blog as well. So feel free to follow in that manner.

2. If you are more interested in live posting of video highlights and in game media, head directly to the Viking Gameday blog either via link or via the menu bar above.

3. Follow me @wesco4a on twitter via you own devices. This twitter account will contain links to any and all game-related posts.

For questions comments, or requests, please leave a comment here, send me a tweet, or log into the Cover It Live Window.

I will post my pick by 6:30.

A few notes on the new site...

2011-10-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

(Editor's note: the text is from an email I sent to a few folks)

We finally relaunched our site, just four days ago. Purpleandgoldpigskin.com. Thanks for all of the early support:

Pageviews today
608
Pageviews yesterday
541
Pageviews last month (prior to launch)
6,230
Pageviews all time history
171,731

About the new site:

The site contains full searchable archives back to 2005 and over 850 stories. It is through this site that we are publishing Mike's game stories and stats, and then forwarding to other outlets as well. We have built dedicated pages for Mike's Game Stories and for his stats.

Also:

- The site provides a mobile device-friendly Viking Gameday Blog through which we post Friday night game coverage: a combination of video, audio and written updates. For example, as soon as the Vikings score a TD, I ususally have an HD video clip up within a minute, and people can watch it on their phones. Many people do this in the stands, and still others pretty much across the world. I know for sure of players' relatives in Asia and Europe who follow the games in this manner)

- In addition, we have a full dedicated repository for past and present highlights, game and season stats, and season and career records.

- The site has an active twitter account I maintain (@wesco4a) that basically aggregates coverage and provides links to anything posted on the site or elsewhere. Other "real" journalists follow Viking coverage through twitter quite a bit. Mason Kelley of the Times and Doug Pacey of TNT for example.

In addition, we have a general "recruiting info" page already up, and have bookmarked pages for individual players that are experiencing recruiting interest. I can easily post all of their relevant material and provide a hidden (or public) personal address like www.purpleandgoldpigskin.com/Gasca at the request of a parent, coach or player. I still have time and interest in helping any kids with this as well.

Friday Links

2011-10-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

A quick tour around the internets in search of prep football related material.

The Herald's excellent Aaron Swaney starts off with an update on four star UW recruit KeiVarae Russell's impending return to action...before swiftly progressing to his pick and preview for tonight's Homecoming contest at Lake Stevens. Swaney points out that M-P's playoff lives are at stake here, and that the Tommies will need an increased offensive output coupled with the containment of Jake Nelson. Swaney sees the former but not the latter and calls for a 37-22 Viking win.

That red sweatshirt dude from the radio also likes the Vikings tonight.

If you missed it before, Lake's Korey Young is this week's WIAA/Seattle Times athlete of the week.

Lake Stevens is now ranked in all three major state polls, as the AP voters moved the Vikes into the tenth slot after last week's win at Monroe.

The Times' Weekend Top Ticket prep preview details the region's biggest contests. The Top Ten preview has more from Russell and a quick blurb about the Vikings.

Oak Harbor wideout and star basketball player Michael Washington has verbally committed to Princeton. Ivy League schools do not offer scholarhsips in the traditional sense, but who cares. This is an incredible achievement, so cheers to Washington. Worth noting that the Vikes' Brady Pahukoa is also getting serious looks from the Ivy's.

Korey Young: Seattle Times State Athlete of the Week

2011-10-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Korey Young - MLB/ILB - Class of 2012 from Game Time Video Productions on Vimeo.

Congrats to Korey Young (preseason highlight clip above) who was named the Seattle Times 4A male athlete of the week after his 21-tackle and pick-six performance last week. Cheers Korey.

Game Recap: Korey Young Breaks Through at Monroe

2011-10-12T00:11:00.001-07:00

VIKING "D" SHINES AT MONROE IN 33-7 WIN

By Mike Anderton
Purple & Gold Contributing Writer

Award the Viking defense the game ball for this win. Lake came out on top at Monroe by 33-7 last Friday but the offense, for the first time so far this season, sputtered for an entire half.

More specifically, give that game ball to senior linebacker Korey Young, who turned in one of the best games of his sterling Viking career.

Lake (6-0 overall, 3-0 in Wesco North) had no problem moving the ball in the first half, as QB Jake Nelson with his usual deadly efficiency directed his team to a 21-0 lead at the break.

In the first half Nelson completed 10 of 12 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns and gained 36 yards in five carries including another score as Lake outgained Monroe (4-2 and 2-1) by 206-97 before intermission.

The second half was a very different story in the stats department. The Bearcats, perhaps inspired by their Homecoming halftime festivities (or just sick of being pushed around by the Vikings) outgained Lake by 119-69 in the final two quarters, scoring the half's only offensive TD.

Despite Lake's meager offense in the second half (two first downs) the outcome of the game was never in doubt, thanks to two "pick-sixes" -- interceptions for touchdowns. The first was a 25-yard scoring return by Christian Gasca which gave Lake a 27-0 lead late in the third quarter. The second was a 43-yarder (his uniform number) by Young which closed out the scoring at 33-7 with 5:21 left.

Young's interception, in which he made a perfect read and a couple of nifty cuts to paydirt, produced the first TD of his life. It set off a delirious celebration on the Vikings sideline and in the packed visitor stands.
Young, who inspires with his leadership, toughness and hard work, overcame what was initially diagnosed as a career-ending leg and knee injury at the end of last year's season. His remarkable recovery paves the way for him to become an all-time Viking career leader in tackles made.

Young's touchdown capped a super game for the much-liked and well-respected Viking captain. He registered 21 tackles in spearheading a defensive team effort which held Bearcat running back Jordan Moore to just 70 net yards in 27 carries, ruining Monroe's game plan of controlling the ball via the rush. Lake limited Monroe to 77 net yards in 38 carries, as six different Vikings had a hand in sacking Bearcat QB Hunter Bingham.

The game began with Lake, for the fifth time in six games, scoring on its opening possession.
Monroe, facing a game-opening fourth and three on its own 38, faked a punt, with the holder attempting a pass which fell to the turf, Lake taking over from there.

Nelson ran for seven yards on the first play, then passed 26 yards to Gasca, followed two plays later by Nelson's three-yard scoring slant to Brady Pahukoa. Tanner Sellars added the PAT. 7-0, at 8:39 of the quarter.

Monroe immediately drove 56 yards in 11 plays to the Viking 26 where on fourth and one Bingham's pass was incomplete. Big play in that drive was Bingham's 24-yard pass to Miguel Floresca-Cravens.
Nelson then directed a 74-yard, nine-play TD drive, completing four of four passes -- 20 yards to Ryan Enyeart, 15 and 16 to Pahukoa, seven to Shae Giddens, before Nelson dove into the end zone from the one. 14-0, 21 seconds into the second quarter.

Lake's third TD of the half covered 78 yards in seven plays. That drive started badly, with Lake, following a holding penalty, facing second and 26 on its own six yard line. But Nelson remedied that with a 15-yard scramble followed by a 17-yard completion to Quincy Carroll. A 12-yard Nelson run and completions of nine and 40 yards to Gasca produced the score, a perfect lob to the deep right corner of the end zone which the latter hauled in over his shoulder. 21-0, 2:24 before halftime.

Lake's sluggish offense in the second half did at least produce a couple of Sellars field goal tries, from 35 and 41 yards, but the first was wide left and the second fell short.

Meanwhile Monroe, finally forced to abandon the run, found success via a couple of perfect Bingham to Floresca-Cravens sideline passes for 32 and 30 yards, the latter good for a TD which brought the Bearcats to within 27-7 at 11:04 of the fourth quarter.

Young's take-it-to-the-house snare of a late-game Bingham toss put the exclamation point on the 33-7 final score. Sellars final two PAT tries were both blocked.

Not a pretty win but good enough to all but wrap up the Wesco North title for the Vikings, who face a perilous test against Marysville (Homecoming) this Friday, followed by the regular season closer at Stanwood -- and then the Playoffs.

Nelson completed 17 of 24 passes for 204 yards (no interceptions). Monroe was six of 13 through the air (with the two killer interceptions) for 139 yards. Lake rushed for 71 net yards in 22 carries, Monroe 77 net in 38 carries (QB sacks register as lost rushing yards). Each team earned just 10 first downs. Lake was penalized four times for 52 yards, Monroe once for five yards.

Young's 21 tackles was closely followed by fellow linebacker Andrew Elgean's 20. Lake's gang-tackling included Juan Delgado with 13, Pahukoa 12, Paul Labreche 10, and Devin Guy 8.

Contributing solo or shared QB sacks were Brandon Johnson with two, and one each by Ryan Simoneaux, Enyeart, Young, Elgean, and Anthony Blackie.
Nelson was sacked twice by the Bearcats.

Purple and Gold Pigskin

Today's Coverage (and a pick)

Viking Video: Lake Stevens 50 Eastlake 21

State Quarterfinals Live Blog 6:30pm

Today's Coverage

Viking Video: Game Recap Lake 21 Olympia 17

Stats: Lake Stevens 21 Olympia 17

Video: Nelson's Run; Gasca's Catch

GASCA STEALS THE SHOW IN VIKINGS' 44-7 PLAYOFF WIN VS. HERITAGE

Video: Korey Young Season Highlight

Video: Wesco Champs!

Game Coverage

First Look: Heritage Timberwolves

2011 Heritage High

Heritage Roster

Head Coach ~ Jack Hathaway

Assistant Coaches

2011 Heritage Timberwolves Roster

Vikings host Heritage: Saturday, 5pm

VIKINGS RALLY PAST EDMONDS-WOODWAY 35-31 FOR WESCO 4A TITLE

Viking Season Stats

Christian Gasca Profile

Jake Nelson Profile

Preview: Wesco Title Lake Stevens at Edmonds

Record Watch Week Nine Edition

8 Game Stats

Week 9 Walkthrough

Week Eight Total Stats

Game Stats: Lake Stevens 47 Stanwood 0

Live From Stanwood: Coverage Update (14-0 2Q)

Live Gameblog

Friday Update

Video: Jake Nelson Season Highlight

Road to the Tacoma Dome

Game Story: Vikings take Wesco North Crown

Video: Nelson's 17-yard TD, more

Live blogging Homecoming/Senior Night

Tonight's Coverage

A few notes on the new site...

Friday Links

Korey Young: Seattle Times State Athlete of the Week

Game Recap: Korey Young Breaks Through at Monroe