Connell Football Semifinal Preview

Share

By Keith Leventhal

Story Published: Nov 21, 2007 at 10:43 PM PST

On Tuesday, we previewed the Tri-Cities Prep football team as they get ready to play in their first state semifinal game.

On the complete other side of the spectrum is Connell.

The Eagles have been in the semifinals 6 times, including the last 3 years.

So, it should be no surprise that Connell is back in the 1A final four.

And this may be the best team the Eagles have had.

Connell is averaging almost 43 points per game this year, and the Eagles have only allowed a total of 51 points in 12 games.

Even though the team has been to the playoffs so many times in recent years, they say each trip to the semifinals is still a lot of fun.

[CG :Lower 3rd\:00 to :07\Wayne Riner\CONNELL HEAD COACH]
[CG :Lower 3rd\:18 to :25\Spencer Hadley\CONNELL SR. RB/DB]

Connell head coach Wayne Riner says, "Its exciting, like I said, anytime you get this far in the playoffs, its exciting, I mean, there's only 4 teams left and you're one of those 4 and you're practicing on Thanksgiving Day and its fun and the kids are excited and, you know, you can't be more excited than this."

Connell senior wide receiver Spencer Hadley adds, "We've been here before and so, we kind of know what to expect, what its like, and it helps you prepare for, especially, the heat in the dome and just different things, knowing that you have to push yourself a little more the week before so that you're able to play there, but, its exciting, guys are excited, its fun."

The Eagles should face a tough test this week as they take on 10-2 Montesano.

The Bulldogs have won 8 straight games, including last week's win where they knocked previously unbeaten Meridian.

This game will be Friday afternoon at 2:30 in the Tacoma Dome.