Coaches Corner: Can Lakes Reach the Next Level?

This is what high school football fans have been waiting for. It doesn't get any better than this.

It's all hands on deck Friday night when Lakes and Bellevue clash for the second year in a row. State championship implications are on the line.

A perfect script would pit Bellevue (11-0 overall, No. 18 in nation) and Lakes (11-0 overall, No. 19 in nation) in the finals. But when the doorbell rings you better answer it.

Especially when you're sitting at home.

Lakewood Patch local editor and Tacoma News Tribune sports reporter Doug Pacey spoke with Lakes head coach Dave Miller Wednesday night after practice about playing Bellevue 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood.

Q: What has the lead-up been like from last year’s perspective compared to this year?

A: It's more media (this year) just because of national rankings and 1 (Bellevue) and 2 (Lakes) in state. But for our kids, we don’t talk about last year very much. . Every year is a new year. With high school kids, every game is a new challenge. We’re just trying to have a great week of practice and go out and play our best and see how we measure up.

Q: How long have you been practicing the Wing T?

A: Probably three or four weeks.

Q: How would you describe this week’s practice when you talk about practicing the wing T for the past three or four weeks?

A: Very intense. Sometimes it’s a coach’s challenge to get your team ready when you're playing an inferior opponent. This week is a little unusual in that I don't have to worry about doing that. If anything, you have to downplay things just to keep them grounded so they’re not too high. The intensity has been awesome. Kids are excited about the challenge. It's not too often we come into the game as an underdog.

Q: Have they gotten better playing the Wing T?

A: Not only has our team gotten better but our scout team is running the wing T faster and better. Whether or not we will be fast enough to stop Bellevue, we'll see on Friday night.

Q: Last year in the semis Bellevue uncharacteristically turns the ball over, giving you guys a great opportunity to do something and you give it right back to them. A year later have you figure out what happened?

A: We just have to not turn the ball over. We have different guys in different spots. Last year we had guys who were a little wide-eyed. Hopefully our experience will stop us from doing that.

Q: Your defense, do they understand they have to read the keys and not be a hero and not watch the ball?

A: This is the most experienced group of linebackers I’ve ever had. There are five guys. If we’re going to have to play a wing T team strongly, this is the group that can do it.

Q: Who are these Linebackers?

A: Penoy Penilton, Charles Hall Jr., J.J. Njoku, Dominic Milton and Kevin Thompson and Leon Jenkins — he's a six guy that can do some things.

Q: Are you going to have Zach (Banner) on both sides of the ball?

A: Absolutely.