Bracket Breakdown: Game-by-game analysis, picks in WIAA Class 1A state football quarterfinals

Five undefeated teams still exist in the 1A state playoffs, but that number is set to change. Here is a game-by-game breakdown of this weekend’s 2019 WIAA Class

Five undefeated teams still exist in the 1A state playoffs, but that number is set to change.

Here is a game-by-game breakdown of this weekend’s 2019 WIAA Class 1A football quarterfinal matchups.

• View the 1A football bracket | All football brackets

Agree or disagree with our predictions? Weigh in with your takes in the comments and on social media:

NO. 6 DEER PARK STAGS (11-0) AT NO. 3 MONTESANO BULLDOGS (11-0)

2 p.m. Saturday, at Montesano High School, Montesano

What to watch for: A safety helped Deer Park edge Zillah in the first round by two points. Now, the Stags have a tougher test ahead. Montesano is coming off of a first round blowout of Meridian, but the undefeated Bulldogs could have its closest game of the season. 

Pick: Montesano, 41-22.

NO. 7 LYNDEN CHRISTIAN LYNCS (9-1) AT NO. 2 LA SALLE LIGHTNING (11-0)

Time and place TBA

What to watch for: To the seeding committee, La Salle had the second best resume out of a crowded field of undefeated teams. But the Lightning face a tall task. Lynden Christian may be the most dangerous 7-seed in the state, across any classification, and it’s because they have one thing many 1A programs don’t: size. That’s not only evident in its line, which runs bigger than the average 1A team, but also the linebacking corps, which runs a tad meaner. The Lyncs also have depth, and it showed in a first-round blowout of Cascade Christiain. 

Pick: Lynden Christian, 35-31.

NO. 5 MOUNT BAKER MOUNTAINEERS (9-1) AT NO. 13 CONNELL EAGLES (8-3)

1 p.m. Saturday, at Moses Lake High School, Moses Lake

What to watch for: These two teams may not be as different as seeding suggests. Mount Baker has a wildly efficient offense, and it’s bolstered by a tough, unforgiving defense, which helped the Mounties outlast Hoquiam in the first round. But Connell, which feels it is overlooked because of its league affiliation with clear No. 1 Royal, has something to say about toughness, too. The Eagles stunned undefeated La Center in the first round by utilizing its size and speed.

Pick: Mount Baker, 17-15.

NO. 8 OMAK PIONEERS (11-0) AT NO. 1 ROYAL KNIGHTS (11-0)

2 p.m. Saturday, at David Nielson Memorial Field, Royal City

What to watch for: Royal ability to jump on teams from the opening kick was apparent last week in its 29 first quarter points, which included a defensive touchdown. And Omak will need to account for running back Lorenzo Myrick and company a week after winning a shootout over defending 1A champ Colville. 

Pick: Royal, 55-14.