NAPAVINE — Think of this as a road map.
In 2023, behind an all-state caliber quarterback and a defense littered with talent, the thought of the Napavine High School football team not reaching the Class 2B state title game was inconceivable.
While the QB conundrum was an early-season storyline in 2024, it was put to bed rather quickly. And with strength in the trenches, the Tigers — even after some non-league setbacks — still found their way back to Husky Stadium.
For this map, the prize at the end of the road wasn’t a championship. It was two straight silver medals.
“It is tough, these past two years every summer, we’re grinding,” returning lineman Matthew Watson said. “This year, it has been even more of a grind.”
Climbing the mountain once is challenging. Doing it again and to still fall short is more heartbreaking. Can Napavine grind through spring, summer, fall camp, nine regular season games and four postseason contests to just get back to Seattle for the third consecutive season?
At this rate, it’d be foolish to think otherwise.
“We’re trying to figure out what we’re gonna do right now,” head coach Josh Fay said. “Same goal we’ve had, we’re gonna try to find our way into the playoffs. From there, take it one week at a time.”
The class of Southwest Washington over the last half-decade returns all-area QB Grady Wilson to lead the Tigers offensive attack. The right-hander totaled a whopping 38 touchdowns to pace the area.
He won a competition last fall. He enters the season opener on Saturday at Goldendale as the unquestioned leader of a younger Tigers team.
“Feeling a lot better about everything,” Wilson said. “We’re up early in the morning, we’re up late at night. Grinding together.”
Watson is the only lineman with any experience that is back. He and Wilson have been establishing themselves vocally and by example throughout practices.
They were the ones who asked questions a year ago. Now, the tables have turned.
“We have like 10-to-12 guys on the offensive line who are all kind of the same,” Watson said.
“It is always (about) teaching guys and keeping up the legacy of Napavine football,” Wilson added.
Beckett Landram opted not to play football this year and the official graduation of Cayle Kelly leaves plenty of carries unaccounted for. Caleb Von Pressentin, who came on late in the year in the playoffs, is prepared to step in.
He’s gotten his body ready for the hits he’s willing to take.
With uncertainty at the wide receiver position outside of senior Mason Jeg, it could lead to a more run-heavy offense.
“Just try to be a leader,” Von Pressentin said. “I’m gonna be that guy. I was out here everyday running, weight room all summer. Go do stuff that keeps your body fit.”
Tommy Deebach, Pono Moniz-Tatiague and Wilson return as the linebackers plus the secondary is on the younger side with Jeg, junior Jaxon Gilbert and a pair of sophomores.
Fay admitted he’s got 24 guys that feel they can step in and play just as good if not better than the starter. When a blowout did happen, there were plenty of underclassmen that saw the field for valuable reps.
Time will tell if it paid off.
“That’s hard to have,” Fay said. “I do feel like we have a lot of guys who are going to push each other a little bit.”
Adna and PWV will attempt to challenge Napavine in the C2BL West, but the non-league slate – for the second straight year – will tell the tale.
Perennial playoff team Goldendale opens the year, then the Tigers turn around on a short week and host Onalaska in an old-school rivalry. Week 4 versus traditional 1A power Montesano wraps up the non-league schedule.
“Just try to build on every week and see how far you can make it as a team,” Wilson said.
On a yearly basis, Napavine is preparing for November practices. And to the 2025 collection of players, why would this year be any different?
For them, it is all about business.
“Fay’s way is we’re gonna be smart,” Von Pressentin said. “Before you even line up, we know where you’re going.”
