Weekly Grades: In Pondexter We Trust

It’s been awhile, but the weekly grades are finally back. With football in full swing and college hoops picking up, there’s been a lot of news lately in the SeaTown. Read my weekly grades after the break.

Quincy Pondexter: The Huskies sole senior and captain has stepped up to lead the Huskies basketball team through their first three victories. Last year, we dubbed Pondexter the “X-Factor,” but this year he will have to provide consistent leadership if the Dawgs are going to live up to their preseason hype (ranked No. 14). Pondexter played a key role in each of UW’s first three wins.

In the opener against Wright State, Pondexter struggled early but bounced back late to help seal the victory with several key baskets, finishing with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Against Belmont, Quincy helped lead the Dawgs again, with 25 points and 9 boards. Then, facing Portland State, Pondexter put up career best numbers with 29 points and 13 rebounds.

Granted, none of these games were against quality opponents. However, the Pondexter we have seen thus far seems to be ready to take on the mantle of leadership and prove to be the steady force Husky fans have been waiting for four years for. With Isaiah Thomas and Bryan-Amaning helping to take on the scoring load, these Huskies may be just as good as hoped. Grade: A


Justin Forsett: Forsett was the lone bright spot in the Seahawks’ 20-31 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The loss, which virtually pushed the Hawks out of playoff contention three games behind the Cards, saw the Seahawks lose an early 14-0 lead. It looks to be another long season for football fans in Seattle.

However, Forsett looked outstanding in his first opportunity as the feature back. Coming in after Julius Jones left the game in the first quarter, he tallied 123 yards, his first NFL touchdown, and 7.2 ypc. And though the Cards seemed to be heavily playing the pass, Forsett runs hard and yesterday picked up a lot of yards after contact. Grade: A-


University of Washington Football Team: The Huskies were blown out Saturday by the Oregon State Beavers, losing 48-21. The loss knocked the Dawgs out of bowl contention, a possibility that once seemed likely after UW’s defeat of USC.

However, there is still plenty to look forward to this season. The Apple cup next Saturday quickly approaches, and I am looking forward to the Huskies laying the wood to those Cougs. The Apple Cup’s more important than a bowl game anyways, right? Well, maybe not. But at least its good compensation. Grade: D-