A very interesting developing storyline in the WHSBLA this year are the effects of conference realignment. Some games played as a result of the new regional system have been pretty one-sided, but fear not loyal readers, as by our count here at the Stroll, only 7 of the lopsided games played this year are a result of realignment. What is perhaps more interesting is what has been happening in games where a Division 2 team matches up with a Division 1 team.

The Week that Was…

Division 2 teams are playing tough vs. Division 1 opponents. Peninsula HS has impressed, with a win over Gig Harbor, and a strong showing in a one goal loss to Curtis HS. Seattle Academy flexed its muscles with a 14-5 win over Seattle Prep last week. Shorecrest eeked out an OT win over Kamiak on the 18th, the same day that Vashon squeezed past Emerald Ridge-Puyallup 10-9 in regulation. There have been other close games between divisions. Will this trend continue?

Division I Notes:

· Everett, a newcomer to WHSBLA Division 1, scored their first Division 1 win in dramatic fashion, besting Kennedy Catholic in overtime. First Division 1 game, first Division 1 win – a nice start for the Seawolves

· Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Issaquah have each continued their winning ways, and are all undefeated on the season. All eyes are on these three power programs atop the KingCo conference

Division II Notes:

· Seattle Academy at O’Dea: We at the stroll were excited to see how the separation of the Garfield program would play out. So far it looks like Seattle Academy came out ahead, as they showed in a convincing 14-0 win.

· Klahowya at Nathan Hale. Nathan Hale pulled out an overtime win over Klahowya, This game was a hard fought, back and forth affair, with a standout performance from Hale senior attackman Will Snider, who netted the OT winner, the last of his 13 points on the day.

Best Upcoming Match-Ups…

Division I:

· 3/25 – Bainbridge @ Eastside Catholic: Who will take the Metro D1 throne? An early season game with big conference implications.

· 3/27 – Columbine (CO) @ Mercer Island: Columbine HS makes the trek to the Pacific Northwest for the Northwest Invitational. Columbine is 2-2 in competition in Colorado with narrow losses to top 10 teams, and should give the Islanders a great game.

· 3/28-3/30 – The Northwest Invitational – Teams from Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, and Canada visit Mercer Island to play each other and strong local programs. Great matchups are promised!

Division II:

· 3/25 – Nathan Hale @ Seattle Academy: Two unbeatens jockey for first position in the Metro conference

· 3/26 – Vashon @ Curtis: The Vultures take on a Division 1 opponent, who last week narrowly escaped Division 2 Peninsula HS

· 3/27 – Wenatchee @ University-CV: With Gonzaga prep yet to play, this is an early season eastern matchup that is not to be missed!

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