Gig Harbor Tides (3-1) @ South Kitsap Wolves (1-3)

7 tonight

@ Joe Knowles Field, Port Orchard

Gig Harbor Coach: Darren McKay, 11th year

League Affiliation: Narrows League

Offensive formation: Spread

Defensive formation: 3-4

Last year’s Record: 4-6

2009 playoff results: Gig Harbor did not qualify for the playoffs.

Key returners: QB Troy Castle, 5-11, 175, sr.; DB Austin Clague, 5-10, 178, sr.; LB Nick Dahl, 5-11, 191, sr.; LB Sean Dennis, 6-0, 206, jr.; K Korey Durkee, 6-4, 195, jr.; OL Cory Ladd, 6-9, 330, sr.; DB Corey Lovrovich, 6-1, 182, sr.; RB Spencer Manjarrez, 6-1, 198, sr.; TE/DE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, 6-7, 260, sr.; OL Oliver Taylor, 6-3, 272, sr.

Gig Harbor vs. South Kitsap: South leads the series 13-5

Last meeting with South Kitsap: The Wolves won 28-21 last year

D.J. Sigurdson vs. Gig Harbor: 8-5

Last week: Gig Harbor beat Stadium 38-6

POI pick: Gig Harbor 28, South Kitsap 7

Overview: The Tides feature a similar look to many previous teams under McKay. Their offensive line is big with Ladd and Taylor, who open holes for Castle, who is a dual threat, and Manjarrez. Seferian-Jenkins, who has verbally committed to the University of Washington and is considered by some to be the state’s top prospect in the 2011 class, is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Gig Harbor is averaging a Class 4A Narrows League-best 28.3 points per game. The Tides also have been stout on the defensive side, where they rank third among the league’s eight teams by surrendering 11.5 points per game. McKay, who switched to a spread offense in 2008, has a 5-5 record against South. The Wolves have not started a season 1-4 since 2004, when they finished with a 4-6 record.

Contact Port Orchard Independent Staff Writer Chris Chancellor at cchancellor@portorchardindependent.com or (360) 876-4414.

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