In addition to making a long trip across the state to Spokane for the semifinal game of the state Class 4A championship, the Oak Harbor Wildcats will have an additional challenge when they square off in Joe Albi Stadium against Gonzaga Prep this afternoon.

The Bullpups reportedly run an option-style offense, which is something the Wildcats haven’t seen from any team they’ve played this season.

“They are a big, physical team that likes to run the option,” coach Dave Ward said. “They like to get the ball in their quarterback’s hands and let him make the decisions. He is a pretty good passer and kind of a shifty runner, so we are going to have to be prepared for whatever he does.”

Gonzaga Prep won the 4A/3A Greater Spokane League championship with an 8-0 record and are 11-1 overall, losing by forfeit to Bellarmine Prep on Sept. 8.

During the regular season the Bullpups had a couple of big victories, defeating University 38-6 on Sept. 22, shutting out Shadle Park 35-0 Oct. 6 and topping Rogers 42-8 Oct. 19.

Gonzage Prep defeated Eisenhower 27-6 in the opening round of the state playoffs and then slipped past Moses Lake 32-26 on Nov. 10.

In last weekend’s quarterfinal game, the Bullpups bit Eastlake 21-10.

Ward said the Wildcats are planning on assignment football on defense to counteract Gonzaga Prep’s offensive game plan.

“What we will do is have players responsible for a particular area or a particular person when they run the option,” he said. “We

are going to have to be disciplined on defense and prevent the big play.”

With Oak Harbor coming off a 43-42 overtime win against Mariner in the opening round of the playoffs and last week’s 26-22 thriller in the quarterfinals against Skyview, the Bullpups will have problems of their own coping with the Wildcats’ high-powered offense.

The Wildcats’ offensive attack is led by senior quarterback Marshall Lobbestael, who has passed for 2,429 yards and 30 touchdowns this season, a strong receiving corps and a solid running game.

Rodrick Rumble is Lobbestael’s favorite target. The junior swingback has caught half of the Wildcats’ touchdown passes out of his 38 total receptions, and has amassed 908 yards in total offense. He leads the team in scoring with 104 points.

Tony Thulin has caught 20

passes for 462 yards and has scored 13 touchdowns, and Jeff Lamont has 28 receptions for 382 yards.

Brendan Kays has also cracked the 300-yard barrier with 27 receptions good for 328 yards.

Oak Harbor’s running attack is led by junior fullback Chris Valencia with 170 carries for 973 yards. He has been averaging over 81 yards per game and has scored 15 touchdowns.

Thulin has 317 rushing yards and sophomore Bennett Richter has 205.

Defensively, Matt Davison, Joe Raymond, Matt Johnston and Jake Rouser, along with Kays, Lamont and Valencia are seven key Oak Harbor players.

Ward said the Wildcats are in good shape heading into this afternoon’s game.

“We’re getting healthier little by little and that’s a good trend,” he said. “Our only possible injury is to Mike Bressler. He has a concussion and went to the doctor on Monday, so he may or may not be ready to go. Other than that, everybody is in good shape.”

Kickoff for Saturday’s semifinal game in Spokane is scheduled for 1 p.m.