On Saturday afternoon the AP 4A #7 Kennedy Catholic Lancers (4-1, 3-0 NPSL) host playoff hopeful Kentridge (4-1, 1-1 NPSL) at Highline Memorial Stadium in Burien. Since losing their season opener to Eastside Catholic 26-14, the Lancers have allowed just 27 points in their 4-game winning streak, allowing just 6.75 points per game in that span.
Last week was arguably the most impressive performance of the season for Kennedy, as they dispatched NPSL contender Federal Way 40-8, in a dominant performance. To force 5 turnovers last week against a talented Eagles squad was incredibly impressive, and they will look to continue that trend of forcing takeaways against a Kentridge team that is much improved and has division-1 talent as well.
Kentridge went 1-8 last year and already have 3 more wins than 2021 after dominating Todd Beamer last week 35-6 on Thursday, and have to be happy that they have an extra two days to prepare for Kennedy. The Chargers have allowed just 27 points in their 4 wins, 6.7 points per game in that stretch. They did lose to Federal Way 42-7 two weeks ago, and Kentridge will look to Oregon State commit Dorian Thomas to lead the Chargers in this one. Thomas is expected to be a tight end in college, but for Kentridge he leads the team as a the starting quarterback and must have a big game against a great Kennedy defense if the Chargers have any chance.
It will not be easy though, as Kennedy has future D-1 players on both sides of the ball like Xe’ree Alexander who is a nightmare for opponents as a linebacker and running back. The Arizona State commit had14 carries for 50 yards and TD runs of 3 and 6 yards against Federal Way last week,,four tackles, including two for losses and a 36-yard sack, caused two fumbles , one of which he recovered. He also tipped a pass that led to an Eagles interception. USC commit Micah Banuelos is a big time player as well who loves getting after ball carriers and quarterbacks and is a stalwart on the offensive line as well.
Kentridge will have to find a way to contain an explosive Kennedy offfense that has scored over 40 points in 4 straight games. Sophomore quarterback Devin Forehand has been efficient and senior Peyton Faker is a leader at quarterback that is expected to also get snaps at qb. Maclane Watkins is a 6’3 rec has an offer from FCS Portland State and is a tough matchup for any defensive back in the NPSL.
Kennedy has won 20 straight NPSL games and have not lost a game in the league since 2018, Kentridge hopes to shake up the league and upset the Lancers.
Pregame coverage on NFHS and elisportsnetwork.com begins at 11:45 and kickoff is at 12.
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