Ball control could be key for Mount Baker against Kalama

Time: 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14

Site: Kalama High School

Mountaineers update

State appearances: 12

State record: 10-12

State titles: None

Scouting report: Mount Baker met little resistance last week during its 56-7 district playoff win over Sultan. The Mountaineers led 14-7 before reeling off 42 straight points to end the game. Running back Jed Schleimer set a new school single-season rushing record during his 270-yard, four-touchdown effort. He also caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Mason Bass, who completed 6 of 10 passes for 100 yards. Carson Engholm chipped in 74 yards and a score, and Thomas Barbo ran for a 28-yard touchdown. Mount Baker’s defense allowed 53 rushing yards on 23 carries and 101 passing yards.

Player to watch: Running back Jed Schleimer is a special talent, and with last week’s 270-yard effort, he moved up to 32nd on Washington state’s all-time single-season rushing list with 2,042 yards.

Chinooks update

State appearances: 14

State record: 11-13

State titles: 1 (1998)

Scouting report: Kalama put together a dominating defensive performance and earned a 28-0 win over Castle Rock two weeks ago that captured the Chinooks their first 1A Trico league title since 2007. Kalama led 6-0 at the half, but its offense got going after break with a touchdown pass and rushing score from Trico all-league Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Isaac Truesdell. Trico MVP Hunter Esary had a big game from his linebacker position. The win earned Kalama a bye and an automatic berth in the Class 1A State Playoffs as District 4’s No. 2 seed. The Chinooks have won seven straight games since losing to Ridgefield 14-12 during Week 2.

Player to watch: QB Isaac Truesdell was voted 1A Trico Offensive Player of the Year, and he’s been chiefly responsible for the Chinooks’ 32.3 points per game. He’s completed 86 of 129 passes for 1,428 yards with 19 TDs and seven INTs.

Key to the game: The Mountaineers have the type of offense that can grind down a team. If Baker can win the possession battle and take care of the football, it should leave with a win.

Prediction: Mount Baker 35-21

This story was originally published November 13, 2015 at 2:45 PM with the headline "Ball control could be key for Mount Baker against Kalama."