State-Ranked Lakes, Peninsula Clash in SPSL 3A Showdown

Lakes will battle its toughest opponent of this season against the Peninsula Seahawks at 7 p.m. tonight at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood. Both teams sport a 4-0 undefeated record.

The are the No. 2 ranked team in the state. They've outscored their opponents  211-41. They have the depth, speed and physicality to reach the state playoffs and vie for a state championship.

. Lakes senior quarterback David Wood has a strong arm but he needs to improve his timing and accuracy. Still, he's thrown 16 TDs and just a pair of interceptions.

Those came against teams not as strong as Peninsula.

Other players to watch offensively are running backs Levonte Littlejohn, Charles Hall Jr. and wide receivers Cedric Dozier and Mane Manaea. Each one of these college-bound athletes work in conjunction on offense. Oh, yeah, these same players with the exception of Littlejohn will have a significant impact on defense.

And then there's big-man Banner.

The offensive line is lead by Zach Banner, one of the country's top recruits. He looks like a man among boys from the bleachers, standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 335 pounds.

Lakes senior lineman Zaheer Webb is also a force to be reckoned. He's listed at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds and also plays defensive line. Dozier is a lock-down corner and has plans to play for a Division I college.

Consider an undefeated Peninsula squad a big underdog, but don't discount them.

The Seahawks began the season with a 48-9 rout against cross-town rival Gig Harbor in the annual Fish Bowl. They've managed to keep the momentum going with other wins against Eastside Catholic (42-21), Wilson (52-21) and Timberline (36-25).

They've gained more respect with each win and are currently the No. 5 ranked team in the state. Peninsula running back Danny Welstad has scored 16 touchdowns this season. He rushed for 172 yards on 27 carries against Timberline last week.

Welstad is the team's go-to player on offense.

Peninsula has a run-heavy offense. The Lancers will look to stuff the run and force the Seahawks to throw the ball.

The Seahawks must figure out how to stop the balanced attack of Lakes and capitalize on any potential turnovers.

As far as the South Puget Sound League standings go, Bonney Lake enters this week with a 4-0 undefeated record, but this game's winner will hold valid argument in claiming the league's top spot

Prediction — Lakes is arguably the best all-around team in the state, but Peninsula has a potent running attack and a well-disciplined squad coached by Ross Filkins. The Lancers have too many weapons on both sides of the ball plus home-field advantage. I'm taking Lakes over Peninsula in a 42-21 victory.