Here is a capsule look at the 13 area games on Friday night, three of them featuring local head-to-head matchups.
W.F. West at North Kitsap, 7 p.m.
The Bearcats head north to Poulsbo to battle with a returning Class 2A semifinalist in the Vikings. These two programs last met in the playoffs in 2022, a 29-22 triumph by North Kitsap. W.F. West will be led by returning EvCo Offensive MVP Gage Brumfield at quarterback. It has won at least seven games in a full season over the last five falls.
Centralia at Elma, 7 p.m.
It was a thriller last season when the Eagles spoiled the Tigers home opener with a 21-14 overtime victory. Centralia rallied with a fourth quarter touchdown to force OT before Elma took the victory. Coach Jon Rooklidge’s squad has most of his starters from a 1-8 campaign in 2023 back in the fold for 2024.
Black Hills at Clover Park, 7 p.m.
New head coach Tom Stray will make his debut on the sidelines as the Wolves travel to face Clover Park. Both sides struggled last fall, combining for three victories. Black Hills returns first-team all-league quarterback Jaxsen Beck under center, hoping to snap a two-game skid dating back to last fall.
Puyallup at Tumwater, 7 p.m.
The reigning Class 2A runners-up begin their quest back to Husky Stadium with a home date against 4A Puyallup. Despite a 5-5 record last season, the Vikings played plenty of teams close with four games decided by at least one score. Tumwater will feature a new quarterback in Jaxson Budd and Timberline transfer Sunny Nguyen, an all-league defensive back in 3A.
King’s Way Christian at Rochester, 7 p.m.
Newly minted into Class 1A, the Warriors will look to start out fast against a Knights unit that struggled to piece together victories last season. Rochester, under the direction of AJ Easley, jumped out to a 4-1 start before losing four of the final five games. Running the ball will once again be a priority for the Warriors, expected to have multiple ball carriers.
Tenino at Rainier, 7 p.m.
One of the three area head-to-head matchups in Week 1, the two South Thurston County schools will meet on the gridiron for the first time in 11 years. Back in 2013, the Beavers upended the Mountaineers 56-7. Tenino will debut sophomore quarterback Mason Medcalf and a bounty of skill players. Rainier is expected to be led by Jake Meldrum (QB) and Hunter Howell (WR)
Nooksack Valley at Onalaska, 7 p.m.
Two of the most perennial teams in the state will clash helmets in Logger Country. Onalaska, a Class 2B state semifinalist a season ago, will use its bullish running attack paced by star tailback and all-area honoree Rodrigo Rodriguez. Nooksack Valley, a 1A powerhouse, lost to Lakeside in OT in the playoffs last fall.
Mossyrock at RSB, 7 p.m.
Back up to 11-man football, the Vikings will kick off three straight road games facing fellow C2BL foe in the Ravens. Mossyrock brings back standout athlete and all-area quarterback Easton Kolb off a 10-2 campaign in 8-man. It played an 11-man game in the opener against PWV and lost by 18, then rolled to 10 straight wins before losing in the semis.
Toledo at Adna, 7 p.m.
Two teams that had varying success post-week 9, the Riverhawks and Pirates will square off trying to start the 2024 season on the right foot. Adna kept it close with rival Napavine in a crossover game, but ultimately lost by 48. Meanwhile, Toledo reached the quarterfinals before falling to Northwest Christian 41-0.
Winlock at PWV, 7 p.m.
In their 11-man debut after spending a long time in 8-man, the Cardinals’ welcome party will be heading to Pe Ell to face the Titans. Winlock does have plenty of football experience with Landen Cline (QB) and James Cusson (RB) returning. PWV nearly upset Kalama in a crossover game last fall and are bringing back most of its skill position players.
Napavine at Hudson’s Bay, 5 p.m.
The Tigers will take a 71-mile trek to Vancouver, Wash. to battle 2A program Hudson’s Bay in the only non-7pm start in the area. Coach Josh Fay’s team will get a healthy Karsen Denault back at receiver and safety, but quarterback is uncertain. Expect to see Grady Wilson and Beckett Landrum earn reps initially.
ONR at Ocosta, 7 p.m.
With two schools making the bump up, Oakville-North River is the area’s lone 8-man program this fall. The combination with North River is now full-time for all sports. The Rodas brothers – Gio at QB and Daniel at WR – are back for the Acorns this fall. Oakville and Ocosta last met in 2021, a 39-0 shutout win by the Wildcats.
Highland at MWP, 7 p.m.
Two years removed from a six-win season, the Timberwolves will aim to return to an above .500 record after a 1-8 struggle last fall. Coach Lee Metcalf’s squad lost seven games to end last season and none were decided by under 10 points. Quarterback Judah Kelly is back, but the line in front of him is still on the younger side.
