The transition from summer to fall brings colorful trees, gloomier weather, and of course, football.
The Washington high school football season starts on Friday, with 13 area games kicking off around Lewis County and beyond.
With more around a dozen games each week, the casual football fan could get overwhelmed, but here are some of the best matchups to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Week 1: Nooksack Valley at Onalaska
The Loggers don’t have as much continuity as last season, and an offensive line with just one returning starter will get a heck of a test right out of the gate.
Nooksack Valley made it all the way to the 1A semifinal before falling to runner-up Lakeside (9 Mile) in overtime.
Leading the charge for the Loggers is Rodrigo Rodriguez, who ran for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, and they’ll need a big game from him if they want to earn a statement win to open the season.
Also keep an eye on: Toledo at Adna, Puyallup at Tumwater
Week 2: Bainbridge at Tumwater
Let’s head north for Week 2, where Tumwater will play the second game of a brutal non-league schedule.
Regardless of their Week 1 outcome, the T-Birds won’t have it easy against Bainbridge, which made a 3A crossover last season.
Also keep an eye on: Pe Ell-Willapa Valley at Onalaska, Kalama at Tenino
Week 3: Toledo at Pe Ell-Willapa Valley
Several area coaches have high expectations for Toledo this season, and a trip to Willapa Valley will be an excellent early season challenge for the Riverhawks.
Last season, Toledo took a 27-0 lead against the Titans before PWV roared back with 24 unanswered. The Titans had the ball with a chance to win late, but the Riverhawks held on for a tight win.
PWV will be coming off a game against Onalaska, meaning the Titans will either be looking for a bounceback win, or they’ll be riding the high of an early upset.
Also keep an eye on: Tenino at Adna, Timberline at W.F. West
Week 4: Centralia at Tenino
Another non-league game, but a good one between two teams with higher expectations in 2024.
This will be both team’s final tune-up before the bulk of league play, and it will be a good test for Tenino sophomore QB Mason Medcalf.
Both defenses will also be tested, as Jack Burkhardt and Michael Vassar will challenge the Centralia defense, while Kellan Rooklidge and Terrell Sanders lead the Tigers into Beaver Stadium.
Also keep an eye on: Black Hills at Rochester, Shelton at W.F. West
Week 5: Napavine at Adna
One could do worse than a classic Lewis County rivalry.
The Pirates will be looking to pull off the upset, while the Tigers could be trying to pull out Win No. 1 after facing a 2A school and three 1As to open the season.
Both teams will be sporting new QBs, as Adna is turning to Layden York while Napavine will likely have chosen between Beckett Landram and Grady Wilson for the start of league play.
Also keep an eye on: Montesano at Tenino, Mossyrock at Toledo
Week 6: King’s at Rochester
After moving back down to the 1A Evergreen League, the Rochester Warriors have high hopes for themselves.
A Week 7 potential league-deciding matchup against Montesano looms in Week 7, and a game against King’s, a state playoff qualifier last season, will be a great litmus test for the Warriors.
Also keep an eye on: Battle Ground at W.F. West
Week 7: W.F. West at Centralia
It’s two weeks earlier than it was last season, but the Swamp Cup is still the headliner.
The Bearcats will look to make it a Sweet 16 in the Swamp Cup, while the Tigers and coach Jon Rooklidge will look for a program-defining win.
Also keep an eye on: Montesano at Rochester
Week 8: Tumwater at W.F. West
In each of the last two seasons, the winner of this matchup has won the league title. And barring a surprise in the EvCo, this year will be no different.
W.F. West has more returners from last season looking for revenge, while Tumwater will look to affirm its spot at the top.
Also keep an eye on: Rochester at Tenino, Toledo at Onalaska, Napavine at Pe Ell-Willapa Valley
Week 9: Pe Ell-Willapa Valley at Adna
This matchup is taking place much later than last year, when the Titans and Pirates went to battle in a thrilling Week 2 matchup.
Last season’s game came down to a two-point conversion attempt and a late defensive stand from PWV, and another thriller could be in store this season.
With this edition being late in the season, seeding or even a crossover spot could be on the line.
Also keep an eye on: Aberdeen at Tenino, Rainier (OR) at Rainier (WA)
