Bracket Breakdown: Game-by-game analysis, picks in WIAA Class 3A state football semifinals

Here’s a game-by-game breakdown of this weekend’s 2019 WIAA Class 3A state football semifinal matchups: NO. 3 LINCOLN ABES (10-2) at NO. 2 EASTSIDE CATHOLIC

Here’s a game-by-game breakdown of this weekend’s 2019 WIAA Class 3A state football semifinal matchups:

NO. 3 LINCOLN ABES (10-2) at NO. 2 EASTSIDE CATHOLIC CRUSADERS (10-1)

1 p.m., Sammamish High School

What to watch for: If you’re a fan of the state’s top athletes, this is the game to be at. Both teams feature lineups with tomorrow’s high-major college football players, and each play similar brands of football. Athlete Julien Simon and Jaylen Clark headline the Abes’ lineup, whereas top 2021 recruit J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State commit Gee Scott Jr. (1,131 yards receiving, 12 touchdowns) and five-star D.J. Rogers (542 yards, six TDs) headline the Crusaders’. Expect lots of points in this one. 

Pick: Eastside Catholic, 38-32.

NO. 5 KENNEWICK LIONS (11-1) at NO. 1 O’DEA FIGHTING IRISH (11-0)

6 p.m., Pop Keeney Stadium, Bothell

What to watch for: Kennewick’s two playoff wins have featured late game drama, clutch moments and theatrics. O’Dea’s quarterfinal win over Mt. Spokane required some of the same. The Fighting Irish will look to do what they have done all season: control the game and ride its steady, multi-pronged run game. Kennewick and its lead running back Myles Mayovsky will look to force turnovers and long third downs to keep the ball out of O’Dea quarterback Milton Hopkins Jr. and running back Cameron Daniels. 
Pick: O’Dea, 17-7.