SPORTS

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT

By: Rich Carr September 19, 2008

Whether you know it or not, Meridian is coming to town as a High School football team out to prove something their substantial community backing has been saying all along: To show the Northwest Conference that They're the team to beat.

Orting has something else in mind.

In practices this week, Orting has had 'Pop', 'Snap', and focus. The team is extremely well-coached, regimented, and playing as a team. So much so that the Bellingham Herald - the Trojans local paper - says that "There's a reason Orting is one of the top-ranked Class 1A schools in the state. The Cardinals are loaded at the skill positions and after a first round exit at the state tournament last season are playing like a team on a mission."

Like the high scoring affairs this past week in the NFL, tonight's game in Orting could be one of substantial points. Orting easily walked over Eatonville 39-7 to start the season, then handled Naches 42-22 on the road.

Media outside Orting reports the Cardinals to be a 'mostly balanced team on offense, but they run a spread offense and do like to pass. This could a high-scoring game and it won't be easy for Meridian.' Meridian's key offensive units are quarterback Max Crook and receiver Mitchell Tripp. Last week the two combined for two touchdowns in a win over Friday Harbor.

The Tacoma News Tribune's Week Three Rankings of High School football show the team's to be nearly identical in talent. Here are the rankings showing Orting now ranked 6th in the state, followed by (you guessed it) Meridian:

Class 1A
1. Royal
2. Cascade Christian
3. Cashmere
4. Forks
5. Montesano
6. Orting
7. Meridian
8. Kalama
9. Connell
10. LaCenter

Wear warm clothing and bring the hot chocolate as it will be an exciting evening of High School football tonight in Orting.

GAME TIME 7:00pm
Orting High School
MERIDIAN (1-1) AT ORTING (2-0)

Editor's Note: Meridian has always been a 'team' with a lot of personality, and are always very proud of themselves. For those who need a refresher, let's visit 1999 briefly, when Meridian handed Orting a November 27th 61-21 Playoff Loss. Feel free to watch a little You Tube on Orting News, then get ready for a rumble this evening!