It wasn’t that long ago where some matchups slated to take place on Friday were league rivalries, from the 2A Evergreen Conference to the 1B 8-man league. Classification changes have resulted in some movement, but the games and tension remain the same.
Here is a capsule look at the 12 area games – with one on Saturday out east – all scheduled for a Friday night kickoff.
Shelton (0-3) at W.F. West (3-0), 7 p.m.
Two teams heading in different directions will clash in a non-league contest on Friday night. The Bearcats are seeking their first 4-0 start since the 2019 season. The former Evergreen Conference foes have been a one-sided matchup with W.F. West winning by 20-plus points over the last four years. Wide receiver Ross Kelley, out last week against Timberline, could return to the lineup as could lineman Talan Meredith. Shelton has scored more than 20 points once in three games.
Centralia (0-3) at Tenino (2-1), 7 p.m.
An area head-to-head contest is the final non-league game for both teams trying to accomplish separate goals. For the Tigers, they are in the midst of a five-game losing streak dating back to last fall and were romped on homecoming last week. The Beavers are trying to jump out to at least a 3-1 start for the fourth time in five years. Tenino has played three different styles – blowout, shootout and slugfest – in three games. Centralia were limited to a season-low in points last week.
Black Hills (1-2) at Rochester (1-2), 7 p.m.
Someone will head into the league slate with two wins and a touch of momentum in a non-league affair between a pair of former EvCo acquaintances. This week will be the second straight game for the Warriors against a previous 2A league foe. Junior Ethan Rodriguez scored three touchdowns versus Aberdeen and was one of three running backs that hit the century mark. Black Hills has scored a grand total of seven points in two games since a 49-point explosion in the opening week.
Nooksack Valley (3-0) at Tumwater (3-0), 7 p.m.
Notable powerhouses that have routinely gone deep in the playoffs will meet at Tumwater District Stadium with the victor remaining unblemished this fall. The Thunderbirds are coming off a statement win over reigning Class 4A semi finalist Eastlake, backed by a dominant ground game and more than enough passing. Beckett Wall has been a tackling machine through three weeks, over 20 total tackles. The Pioneers have been consistent across the board with a lights out defense that has been triumphant in the turnover margin.
Winlock (0-3) at Mossyrock (0-3), 7 p.m.
Plenty is at stake between former 8-man football comrades that will play each other in 11-man for the first time in a while. Not only are both teams searching for their first victory, but a C2BL East triumph. The Vikings have gone the opposite direction in three road contests, having a close game, double digit loss and blowout. Easton Kolb has been a bright spot at quarterback. Winlock has found the end zone just four times and will travel for the third time in four weeks. Landen Cline has been responsible for the majority of the Cardinals scores.
RSB (1-2) at Adna (1-2), 7 p.m.
Coming off Week 3 defeats, the Pirates and Ravens are each attempting to get back to their winning ways in a C2BL West matchup. Adna blew a 12-0 lead after the opening frame against 1A Tenino and dropped a three-point heartbreaker despite a late fourth quarter touchdown. Beau Miller bulldozed his way to another three-score day and Luke Mohney tallied eight catches for 68 yards. RSB has been within single digits every week, but has fallen just short back-to-back nights.
Onalaska (2-1) at Rainier (2-1), 7 p.m.
Week 1 seems like a distant memory for the Loggers and Mountaineers with both teams seemingly turning a corner. Now, they’ll meet in South Thurston County to try to get to three wins for one side and a 2-0 start in C2BL East action. Onalaska has rode the Blaze Underhill train for two weeks, accounting for eight touchdowns in back-to-back victories. The Loggers have allowed just two scoring drives in two weeks. Rainier has eclipsed the century mark in points on the season after 43 and 64-point explosions in Weeks 2 and 3.
MWP (2-1) at Ilwaco (3-0), 7 p.m.
A cross-divisional C2BL game takes place on the coast this week between the Timberwolves and Fishermen. It took four turnovers and allowed plenty on the ground to put MWP behind the eight-ball and suffer its first setback of the season. Judah Kelly managed to eclipse 200 yards of total offense. Ilwaco is perfect, but this week will be the first time it faces a team with a winning record to this point. The Fishermen played 8-man program Wahkiakum and beat them by one score last week.
Napavine (2-1) at Montesano (1-2), 7 p.m.
Another clash of the Washington State titans takes place in Grays Harbor County between the Tigers and Bulldogs. It is the final non-league game on Napavine’s schedule, trying to head into C2BL West play at 3-1. Senior Cayle Kelly was injured in the Week 3 win over Cedar Park Christian and his status is uncertain. Caleb Von Pressentin shouldered the load to the tune of 156 yards. Montesano has played a difficult non-league slate as well, falling to La Center and Ridgefield before thrashing Black Hills last week.
Toutle Lake (2-1) at Toledo (3-0), 7 p.m.
It will be the Riverhawks C2BL East opener after a perfect non-league schedule and they’ll welcome the Ducks on Friday night. Toutle Lake kickstarted divisional action with a 35-6 triumph over Winlock last week. Both of the Ducks’ victories have been to teams that remain winless, while Toledo is coming off a second half rally to upend Pe Ell/Willapa Valley. Carter Swofford has been the workhorse back for the Riverhawks, averaging over 100 yards per game while quarterback Eli Weeks looks for another 150-yard total offensive performance.
ONR (2-1) at Wahkiakum (0-3), 7 p.m.
Noted tough place to play Cathlamet is the site of a Class 1B Southwest league matchup between the upstart Acorns and winless Mules. Oakville-North River is a victory away from matching last season’s win total. The offensive prowess has been Gio and Daniel Rodas, but Ben Kimbrel has provided a spark in the rushing attack. Dre Kluth destroyed Chief Leschi’s offense with four forced fumbles, three sacks and five tackles for loss. Wahkiakum has played a difficult schedule in Neah Bay, Naselle at 2B Ilwaco.
Lake Roosevelt (0-3) vs. PWV (1-2) at Ellensburg High School, (Saturday, 3 p.m.)
Nearly six hours of combined driving will take place in the afternoon as the Raiders and Titans meet in a matinee non-league contest in Ellensburg. PWV has lost two straight since a Week 1 victory and have allowed 82 points in eight quarters. Cody Strozyk and Blaine King have been the primary touchdown scorers for the Titans. Lake Roosevelt is still searching for win No. 1 on the year and will be traveling for the first time this season. The Raiders started last fall 3-1, but have only won twice since.
