Commentary: For Seattle Sports Fans, Thanksgiving Weekend Can’t Come Soon Enough



Before we look back at a satisfying Sunday, we look ahead to one of the most exciting, packed and meaningful Thanksgiving weekends I can ever remember in Seattle sports.

On Thursday night, the Seahawks and Niners.

On Friday night, a 3A state semifinal game at the Tacoma Dome between six-time defending state champion Bellevue, and the sentimental favorites from Marysville-Pilchuck.

On Saturday night, the Apple Cup.

And on Sunday night, the deciding game of the MLS Western Conference Finals for the Sounders at CenturyLink Field.

Be sure to plan your travel schedule accordingly.

And talk about starting it off with a bang. Thursday night, the rivalry showdown in San Francisco with not only playoff implications, but divisional implications thanks to a Seahawks win today. And how desperate are the Hawks for a win in the Bay Area? They haven’t won a game there since 2008! Five straight losses on the road against the Niners, I’m not sure any more motivation is needed.

Then, there’s the emotional high school state playoff game. The mind-boggling dominance of Bellevue, who’s won 65 games in a row…..against Marysville-Pilchuck, still in mourning from a tragic shooting, but united as one in the aftermath.

If there’s a single must-see prep game this fall, that one is it.

On Saturday night, a prime-time start at 7-30 – the latest kickoff in Apple Cup history. A game that could single-handedly salvage the Cougars season with a win over the Huskies – but one that could also solidify a fairly strong first full season for the Huskies under Chris Petersen. For as much grumbling as there might be on Montlake, it looks like the Dawgs are headed in the right direction. And as much grumbling as there might be in Pullman right now, Leach is there for at least another two years, so it’s probably best make the most of it.

And then on Sunday, another “biggest match” in Sounders history – a revision from our commentary three weeks ago. We talked about the importance of winning a league championship – it’s now two games away from Seattle’s grasp – and both of them would be in front of all their supporters at CenturyLink Field.

That being said, it’s still a great time to be a Seattle sports fan -and the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend can’t come soon enough.

And make sure your daily plans are over by the time the sun has set.

Because the prime time sports coverage every night from Thursday through Sunday is certain to be worth your while.