Class 2A quarterfinal football matchup
Mark Morris (10-1) vs. Ellensburg (11-0)
Friday, 7 p.m., Lampson Stadium, Kennewick
About Mark Morris – Since dropping their opener by one point to Kelso, the Monarchs from Longview have won 10 in a row. This is a senior-dominated team that runs the Wing-T on offense and has a punishing defense, led by Jake Welch (6-4, 295), who has given a verbal commitment to Air Force. Mark Morris ran the ball 69 times for 390 yards in its 35-21 victory over Interlake last week. Wing back Jeremy Wolf has scored 13 touchdowns this season and has added two more touchdowns on kickoff returns. Quarterback Scott Kirkpatrick doesn’t throw much but has tossed 10 touchdown passes.
About Mark Morris’ coach – Shawn Perkins has been coach of the Monarchs since 2003. Prior to that, he was head coach at Bremerton for four seasons.
About Ellensburg – The Bulldogs are the No. 1-ranked team in the state in Class 2A. Their passing game is second to none in the 2A ranks with senior Ethan Sterkel and his cousin, wide receiver Kramer Ferrell, having stellar seasons. Sterkel passed for 323 yards in a 45-35 victory over Clarkston last week while Ferrell caught 10 passes for 241 yards.
About Ellensburg’s coach – Randy Affholter has been Ellensburg’s coach for 13 seasons. He attended Central Washington University.
Randy Affholter on Mark Morris – “Mark Morris does a great job of running the ball and keeping you honest in their run game.”
The pick– The Bulldogs have finally met their match but they should eke it out. Ellensburg, 24-23.
Ron Newberry, CoachesAid.com
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