Rec Notes–NE Thunder JV take 2nd in Auburn

N.E. Thunder J.V. took second place in the Mountain Northwest’s Annual Gridiron Classic held in Auburn this past weekend. The Thunder beat the Burien Bearcats 6-0 in the opening game on Saturday to advance to the Nisqually Division championship game against the Richmond Bulldogs on Sunday.

Leonel Gonzalez was awarded the best lineman award, and Jordan Alcala was voted MVP. The Thunder came up short getting beat 32-0 to capture second place.

Team members are Luis Flores, John Cyr, Anthony Garcia, Isidro Villesas, Jacob White Elk, Leonel Gonzalez, Jordan Alcala, Anthony Alcala, Emilo Gonzalez, Isaias Rivera, Daniel Mendoza, Javier Cardenas, Jovani Farias, Eric Gutierrez, Richard Blakely, Christian Reyes, Isaac Storment, Sierra Pleger, and Kameron Harmon. They are coached by Jorge Alcala, Marcus Weible, Troy Milburn, Javier Cardenas, Chad Pleger and head coach Adrian Johnson.

In other action from Grid Kids teams, Sunnyside Varsity took second place, and the Sunnyside freshman took third place.

Bulletin Board

BASKETBALL: Yakima Valley Community College is holding a two-day Christmas break camp Dec. 31-Jan. 1. The camp is open to boys and girls in grades 2-8. Instruction will be given by local college coaches and players. The camp will be held at Sherar Gym. For early registration and information visit www.yvcc.edu/athletics/ or call 574-4726.

RUNNING: The Hard Core Runners Club will start its annual Winter Race Series on Dec. 6 with a three-mile run at Sarg Hubbard Park. Dates for the other events in the series are Dec. 20 (Yakima Athletic Club), Jan. 3 (East Valley Intermediate School) and Jan. 17 (Chesterley Park). There are group rates for families and track/cross country teams. For more information or an entry form, contact Frank Purdy at 865-3490, 961-9769 or burko@charter.net

Valley Sports Weekly

Basketball

Yakima Parks and Recreation

MEN’S FALL TUNE-UP LEAGUE

Final Standings

Jordan Division: Canopy Country/SVH 5-0, Borton Fruit 2-3, Warriors 2-3, Titans 2-2, CBB Law 1-3, Moss Adams LLP 1-4.

Shaq Division: FSJC 4-1, Jackson’s 4-1, The Pack 3-2, YVFWC 2-3, YTC Duty Free 0-5.

Pool

Upper Valley

MIXED DOUBLES LEAGUE

Standings, Nov. 23

Cueball: Little Dutch #1 131, Little Dutch #3 118, Brews n Cues 105, Michaels 104, Ranch #3 91, West Valley #2 84, T&T Lounge #1 81, Old Town Pump #1 51.

Miscue: Little Dutch #2 115, Little Dutch #6 103, Ranch #1 95, West Valley #1 91, Old Town Pump #2 91, T&T Lounge #2 32, Bill’s Tavern #2 28.

8-Ball: T&T Lounge #3 121, Little Dutch #4 114, Ranch #2 112, Ranch #4 74, Little Dutch #5 63, Red Rooster 59, Bill’s Tavern #1 42.

Table runs: John Sanders, Esther Mansfield.

8-Ball breaks: Rich Howard.

Soccer

Sun City Strikers

WEEKEND RESULTS

Boys

B12-Cuevas 3, Eastside FC 1; Crossfire 7, B15-Alexander 0; Emerald City FC 1, B16-Dauer 0.

Girls

DOS 3, G14-Kallis 0; Emerald City FC 2, G14-Wells 0.

Volleyball

Yakima Parks and Recreation

CO-REC FALL LEAGUE

Standings, Nov. 23

B Division: Dig This 13-2, Consensual Sets 9-6, Talbott, Simpson & Davis 9-6, I.D.K. 7-8, Team Tiger Balm 6-9, PNWU Bonesetters YAC Fitness 4-11, Coaches Anonymous 3-9.

C Division: Apathy Rules 13-2, Wood’s Warriors 12-3, Team Shadow 9-6, Victor’s Raiders 4-11, 12 Bad Knees 4-11, Names 3-12.

D Division: Sauerkrauts 10-5, Slightly Irregular 10-5, TX 8’s 10-5, Bert’s Brewskis 8-7, Volley Ballerz 6-9, Comic Relief 1-14.

E Division: Moxee Mule Co. 12-3, Serve It Up 9-3, Costco 10-5,. PNWU Nucleic Aces YAC Fitness 5-10, Iguanas 4-11, Recreational Hazards 2-10.

F Division: Weebles 12-3, Lobby Tommy 11-4, Spike It 8-4, Multiple Scoregasms 8-7, Costco Call Stars 8-7, Costco Crushers 6-9, PNWU Beta-Blockers YAC Fitness 3-12, FSJC 1-11.

Ellensburg’s semifinal breakdown

ELLENSBURG (12-0) VS. WEST VALLEY (12-0)

WHEN: Saturday, 4 p.m.
WHERE: Joe Albi Stadium, Spokane.
TICKETS: $9 adults, $7 students.
AT STAKE: A trip to the Tacoma Dome for the Class 2A championship game on Dec. 5. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m.
ON THE OTHER SIDE: Lynden (11-1) and Archbishop Murphy (11-1) meet in the other semifinal Saturday in the Tacoma Dome at 10 a.m.
STATE RANKINGS FOR FINALISTS: 1, Ellensburg; 2, Archbishop Murphy; 3, Lynden; 5, West Valley.
COACHES — Ellensburg: Randy Affholter, 13th year, 82-49. West Valley: Craig Whitney, 6th year, 32-31.
PLAYOFF HISTORY: Ellensburg is 1-0 in semifinal games having defeated Sunnyside 20-12 on its way to winning the 1973 title. West Valley is 3-1 in semifinal games but has not reached this far since 1984. Former Eisenhower and Davis coach Greg Gavin was at the helm when West Valley won the 1976 AA state title.
STAT LEADERS — RB: Mike McKinney (E) 104-456-10 TDs; Conner Meehan (E) 68-393-10 TDs; Dylan Ellsworth (WV) 155-854-8 TDs; Krys Smith (WV) 130-860-7 TDs. QB: Ethan Sterkel (E) 223-288-3,499-37 TDs; Drew Clausen (WV) 94-149-1,726, 20 TDs (also 813 rush, 13 TDs). WR: Kramer Ferrell (E) 99-1,759-20 TDs; Adam Haberman (E) 38-639-5 TDs; Sam Schoesler (WV) 30-416-4 TDs.

Some Cowiche Canyon craziness

YAKIMA, Wash. — I got a phone call the other night from a major-league wacko, and I mean that in the most complimentary of ways.

The call came from a guy I remember once describing in print as a “live wire of infectious enthusiasm” — Ken Bevis, a state Fish and Wildlife Department biologist who has long supported the efforts of outfits like the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy. When he had been based at the WDFW’s Yakima regional office (he’s now working in the Methow), Bevis used to call my direct line in the bowels of the Herald-Republic pretending to be the angry parent of some high school athlete whose efforts were not being properly trumpeted in the local paper, always screeching in some barely recognizable accent and hilarious tone while he berated me for being a pathetic waste of space.

(The fact that he was, well, correct is neither here nor there.)

Bevis hasn’t changed a bit. And for people who want to catch some fun craziness this Friday night while supporting one of Bevis’ favorite causes — the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy — you can do so. Bevis is serving as the opening act at the Conservancy’s fund-raising event that night at The Seasons, opening for a guy who is just as wonderfully wacko as Bevis himself — Dana Lyons, the Bellingham singer-songwriter best known for humorous songs such as “Cows With Guns.”

The whole thing gets rolling at 7 p.m., with suggested donations from $12 to $20 per person. If you like what the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy is all about and feel like laughing along with people who feel like you do and listening to some thought-provoking and humorous music, be there.

– Scott Sandsberry

‘Getaway’ en route to White Pass …

YAKIMA, Wash. — In putting together the Herald-Republic’s downhill ski season preview that ran in Tuesday’s edition, I mentioned the convenience and price advantages of renting ski or snowboard equipment not at the ski area itself, but at venders closer to home.

Two I mentioned were Sporthaus in Yakima and the Little Red Schoolhouse in Naches. Well, I missed one that offers the same convenience and savings as those two, and it’s right on the way to White Pass — Getaway Sports at Rimrock Retreat (still commonly referred to by its previous name, Trout Lodge).

Getaway Sports is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. or thereabouts six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays (except holiday Mondays), with pricing similar to the other two rental venders. Downhill ski rental packages are $16 adults, $12 kids; snowboard rental is $22.50; and cross-country ski packages are $15 adults and $12 kids.

Getaway owner John Orengo also offers tons of flyfishing gear and, says John, “the best beer selection for a hundred miles.

Guess folks will have to assess that for themselves.

– Scott Sandsberry

CWU’s Bennett tied to Portland State job in newspaper report

YAKIMA, Wash. — To the surprise of no one, Blaine Bennett’s name has surfaced as a possible candidate to succeed Jerry Glanville as head football coach at Portland State.

Bennett, in his second season with the Wildcats, was mentioned in a Monday report on the Web site of The Oregonian newspaper. His named was the third listed among nine.

“What they’re trying to do, I think, is identify what they’re looking for,” Bennett said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “Right now my focus is Northwest Missouri State. I don’t  want to get too involved in anything outside of that right now.”

The Wildcats, 12-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally, host Northwest Missouri State in a Division II quarterfinal Saturday. Under Bennett, Central is 22-2.

He was hired in January, 2008 to succeed Beau Baldwin, who left after one season to replace Paul Wulff at Eastern Washington. Baldwin had been tabbed in 2007 to take over for John Zamberlin, who left after 10 years in Ellensburg for Idaho State.

The Oregonian reported that Portland State athletic director Torre Chisholm might begin formal interviews after Thanksgiving, although Chisholm had not been contacted for the aforementioned story.

“I’m pretty sure Torre Chisholm and the committee at Portland State are trying to find the right replacement for Jerry Glanville,” Bennett said. “I know everyone realizes that the timing can be complicated.

“Right now we’re focused on making a run at a national championship. We’ve done a great job of staying focused all year, and Northwest Missouri is a very, very good football team. So my focus right now is Northwest Missouri State and winning another football game.”

Bennett did not indicate whether he had been contacted by PSU, or whether he would consider the job if offered.

“As for the story itself, I haven’t read it,” he said, “so I can’t comment directly on something I haven’t read.”

While most CWU coaches have operated on one-year contracts, Bennett and the university recently completed an agreement that would run through 2011.

Glanville, a veteran coach who had served as head man of the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons, resigned earlier this month after a three-year tenure at Portland State during which the Vikings went 9-24.

It’ll be a Cat fight Saturday at Tomlinson Stadium

YAKIMA, Wash. — He’s said it before, and pending the results of Saturday’s competition in Ellensburg, Blaine Bennett might say it again.

“Northwest Missouri State,” the Central Washington football coach said, “will be the best team we’ve faced this season — no question. They are the premier Division II program in the country, and have been, certainly, over the last five years.”

The Bearcats, 11-1 and ranked second, will oppose the top-ranked Wildcats in a noon playoff quarterfinal in Tomlinson Stadium. Among other things they are seeking their fifth consecutive championship game berth, having lost the previous four.

At 12-0, CWU is the only unbeaten team in DII. Northwest Missouri, a member of the Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), suffered a 19-14 season-opening loss at Abilene Christian, but have since won 11 straight. And that includes a 35-10 pounding of the same ACU squad in a second-round game last Saturday.

Statistically, the Bearcats are a beast.

On the ground there is LaRon Council, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound senior and one of nine finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy as Division II’s best player. Council has rushed for 1,289 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 107.4 per game.

“He’s quite a talent,” Bennett said. “He’s a hard runner who will run over you, yet he’s got good speed.”

Up top there is quarterback Blake Bolles, a 6-4, 210-pound junior who’s completed 69 percent of his throws for 3,433 yards and 36 touchdowns with 10 interceptions

His efficiency rating is an off-the-charts 175.05. Mike Reilly, a Harlon Hill finalist last year and considered by many to be the best QB in CWU history, had a 2008 rating of 167.0.

Plus, Bolles has a marquee receiver in Jake Soy, a 6-3, 210-pound sophomore. Soy has 68 catches for 1,257 yards and 22 touchdowns.

“Last year, when we had the Mike Reilly and Johnny Spevak connection, Spevak had 20 TDs and this guy’s got 22,” Bennett said. “So that’s pretty impressive.

“Our defense is so good against the run that anytime you play an opponent of this caliber, I’d probably say you try to stop the run first. But at the same time you can’t give up the big pass play, either. So we’ll try to attack this situation the way we have others — to be very good against the run and sound in our coverage to hopefully eliminate big plays.”

On the other side of the ball, Northwest Missouri allows only 17.2 points, 86.4 rushing yards and 299.9 total yards per game.

The Bearcats’ most recent game was held at Maryville, Mo., where they’ve won eight straight playoff games.

During a run to four straight title games Northwest Missouri is 8-0 in home playoff games and 5-4 elsewhere. The championship is played annually at Florence, Ala., where Northwest Missouri has lost, respectively, to Grand Valley State twice, Valdosta State and Minnesota-Duluth.

“They’ve won a lot of their playoff games at home,” Bennett said, “so for us it’s a great opportunity to have them come out here to play us. We’ve obviously played very well at home.”

As in 11 straight wins in Tomlinson by an average of 24.5 points. This year the Wildcats are 5-0 at home, with a victory margin of 27.8.

Last week’s 27-6 playoff defeat of Tarleton State was CWU’s closest home encounter this season.

Local report — Another honor for CWU’s Wood

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Central Washington senior Buddy Wood has been named to the Daktronics Division II Super Region Four first team, the university announced Tuesday.

A linebacker from Riverside High School in Chattaroy, Wood is second on CWU’s heralded defense in tackles. He was earlier named the GNAC defensive player of the year.

Offensive lineman Tony Quirk from Ellensburg was named to the second team along with wide receiver Garrett Rolsma and running back Randall Eldridge.

The teams are voted on by sports information directors from schools within the region.

Central, 12-0 and ranked first nationally, hosts second-ranked Northwest Missouri State for a playoff quarterfinal game Saturday.

COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL

CWU’S Vea nabs regional honors

ELLENSBURG — Brandie Vea, a Central Washington junior, has been named to two regional volleyball all-star teams.

A libero from Honolulu, Vea was voted first team all-region by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and was named to the second team by Daktronics, Inc.

This past season she led the GNAC with 601 digs, an average of 5.83 per set. Vea owns CWU records for digs in a match, season and career.

PREP BOWLING

Cadets edge Pasco on total pins

Jessica Curtin and Brittany Tennant helped Eisenhower beat Pasco on total pins in a CBBN match Tuesday at Nob Hill Lanes.

The two teams split in regulation while the Cadets tallied 1,749 total pins compared to Pasco’s 1,676.

Curtin and Tennant turned in a series of 319 and 317, respectively, for the Cadets (2-2).

Team scores: Pasco 711, Eisenhower 701, Eisenhower 738, Pasco 660; Eisenhower 149, Pasco 124; Pasco 181, Eisenhower 161.

Highlights: Jessica Curtin (E) 319, Brittany Tennant (E) 317, Courtnee Alvarez (E) 301, Joia Watkins (P) 302.

DAVIS 3, CHIAWANA 1

At Minda Lanes

Team scores: Davis 603, Chiawana 547; Davis 617, Chiawana 547; Chiawana 119, Davis 109; Davis 136, Chiawana 101.

Highlights: Delia Martinez (D) 331 (187), Echo Kane (C) 147.

SELAH 3, DAVIS 1

Monday at Minda Lanes

Team scores: Selah 736, Davis 609; Selah 725, Davis 562; Davis 133, Selah 114; Selah 132, Davis 93.

Highlights: Ashley Anderson (S) 336, Liz Baze (S) 341.

Semifinals by venue

STATE FOOTBALL SEMIFINALS BY VENUE

Tacoma Dome
Friday, 1 p.m., Liberty vs. Lakes (3A)
Friday, 4 p.m., Lummi vs. Neah Bay (1B)
Friday, 7 p.m., Bellevue vs. Union (3A)
Saturday, 10 a.m., Lynden vs. Archbishop Murphy (2A)
Saturday, 1 p.m., Cascade Christian vs. Nooksack Valley (1A)
Saturday, 4 p.m., Adna vs. Tacoma Baptist (2B)
Saturday, 7 p.m., Skyline vs. Bothell (4A)

Joe Albi Stadium, Spokane
Saturday, 1 p.m., Skyview vs. Ferris (4A)
Saturday, 4 p.m., Ellensburg vs. West Valley-Spokane (2A)

Lampson Stadium, Kennewick
Saturday, 1 p.m., Cusick vs. Tri-Cities Prep (1B)
Saturday, 4 p.m., Colfax vs. DeSales (2B)

Lion’s Field, Moses Lake
Saturday, 1 p.m., Connell vs. Chelan (1A)

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