By Al Camp
Chronicle staff

     Vengeance could well be on the minds of the Okanogan County Commandos (7-1) as they open battle with the South Sound Shockers (5-3) in an opening round football playoff game Saturday, June 7.
     A tailgate party by Okanogan Kiwanis Club (hamburgers, hot dogs, chili) will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the game at 7:30 p.m. at Okanogan High School.
     Carnage is expected against the Shockers, the only team to defeat the Commandos, 28-3, in an early season game on the road near Olympia.
     “Our guys are fired up for another chance at those guys,” said coach Malcolm Townsend, who said he expects all of his team to be present. “We think we can beat them.”
     This time the Shockers could be in for a shock, as they travel the long road to the valley to play in eastern Washington heat.
     Since the loss, the Commandos added to their troops while the Shockers had several players either deployed (the team draws from Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base) or injured.
     Still, South Sound posted some impressive wins and close losses this season. The Shockers lost 20-17 to the Blue Mountain Stars (who devoured the previously undefeated Yakima Mavericks 38-21 in the final week of play) and stomped
Skagit Valley 39-2 in the final week of play.
     The Commandos manhandled Skagit Valley - which came with only 10 players - 55-14 May 17 at home.
     “They are a good team, no doubt about it,” Townsend said of the Shockers. “We are not taking them lightly. They beat us. We definitely are the underdog.”
     Coach Townsend said he expects a good-sized crowd, and hopes those attending Okanogan Days festivities might want to wrap up the day cheering local athletes trying to win their first-ever post-season game. The game also is later than usual to try and accommodate those who want to attend Omak High School graduation at 5 p.m. and still see the game, he said.
     The Commandos made the playoffs two years ago (their first year in the league) but lost in the first round.
     The first 100 persons coming to the game will receive a free hat sponsored by the Tire Factory, which also will have a halftime football throw for a set of tires.
     Also planned is a drawing for two chute seats at the Omak Stampede rodeo.
     The Commandos will look to establish offense fast. South Sound trailed 3-0 until late in the third quarter before scoring several late points in the teams’ previous meeting.
     The Commandos’ defense led the way to seven wins this season.
     Typical was the final game of the year, where Bryce Boesel returned an interception for a 48-yard score and picked up a fumbled lateral to run for another score.
     Shawn Townsend blocked a punt out of the end zone for a two-point safety.
     Tickets to the game are $7 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under.