Week 1 prep football previews and predictions
O’Dea vs. Union
When: 4:30 p.m. Friday
Where: McKenzie Stadium, 2205 NE 138th Ave, Vancouver
Broadcast info: Cable Ch. 28/328; Online at youtube.com/evergreenschooldistrict
2020-21 records: O’Dea 5-2, Union 6-1
Last meeting: First meeting
Game notes: O’Dea of Seattle has reached the last four 3A state championship games, winning the 2017 state title. The Irish lost to Eastside Catholic and Seattle Prep early in the COVID season earlier this year before avenging both those losses to cap the abbreviated season. O’Dea boasts a big offensive line led by Mark Nabou (6-4, 330 pounds) and Asendre Ahfua (6-5, 350). Union is led by receiver Tobias Merriweather, who committed to Notre Dame earlier this summer. Also back is Marques Cantu, who led Union in receptions the past two years.
Prediction: O’Dea 27, Union 17
Kentlake vs. Mountain View
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: McKenzie Stadium, 2205 NE 138th Ave, Vancouver
Broadcast info: Cable Ch. 28/328; Online at youtube.com/evergreenschooldistrict
2020-21 records: Kentlake 3-3; Mountain View 5-2
Last meeting: First meeting
Game notes: Kentlake is led by senior quarterback Nate Beck, who was a first-team all-North Puget Sound League pick in the 2021 COVID season. Also back is receiver Aaron Braafalt, an honorable mention all-league pick. Mountain View’s strength may be on the defensive side of the ball, where the Thunder return 10 of 11 starters.
Prediction: Mountain View 34, Kentlake 7
Camas vs. Central Catholic
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Pioneer Memorial Stadium, 1417 12th St, Oregon City, Ore.
Broadcast info: https://www.oregonsportsbeat.com/live-broadcasts/
2020-21 records: Camas 4-1; Central Catholic 5-1.
Last meeting: Camas won 35-13, Sept. 1, 2017
Game notes: This game is the debut of head coach Jack Hathaway, who took over when Jon Eagle stepped down in May to join the coaching staff at Portland State. The Papermakers return an experienced group of linebackers in seniors Luke Jamison, Logan Silva and Jairus Phillips. Central Catholic rolled to wins over Jesuit and Clackamas during the COVID season earlier this year before finishing with a 38-31 loss to Sunset. The Rams are a perennial Oregon 6A power.
Prediction: Central Catholic 20, Camas 17
Ingraham vs. Battle Ground
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday
Where: District Stadium, Battle Ground High School, 301 W. Main St., Battle Ground
Broadcast info: None
2020-21 records: Ingraham 1-5; Battle Ground 0-5
Last meeting: First meeting
Game notes: Ingraham struggled to a 1-5 campaign in the COVID season after posting back-to-back 6-3 seasons in 2018 and 2019. Mark Oliverio takes over a young Battle Ground that has some good players. Junior Kameron Spencer returns at quarterback. Senior receiver Owen Wann also returns.
Prediction: Battle Ground 19, Ingraham 6
Evergreen vs. Centralia
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Tiger Stadium, 2526 Mt. Vista Rd, Centralia
Broadcast info: Online video stream on NFHS (subscription required) https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/centralia-high-school-centralia-wa/gam38509203c0
2020-21 records: Evergreen 3-3; Centralia 1-5
Last meeting: Evergreen won 62-50, Sept. 13, 2019
Game notes: Evergreen returns size on the defensive line, led by senior David Kailea. Starting tackles Koby Kast and Steve Canda both tip the scales at 290 pounds. Three-year starter Jonathan Landry returns at the WR/DB spot. Centralia returns just two starters on each side of the ball from last year’s squad.
Prediction: Evergreen 28, Centralia 13
Heritage vs. Ridgefield
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Ridgefield High School Stadium, 2630 S. Hillhurst Rd, RIdgefield
Broadcast info: None.
2020-21 records: Heritage 3-4; Ridgefield 4-1.
Last meeting: First meeting
Game notes: The future looks promising for Heritage, which sports a junior-heavy roster with players who got a lot of experience as sophomores in the COVID season. The Timberwolves’ offensive line is all juniors. Ridgefield returns six starters on each side of the ball from a squad that challenged for the 2A Greater St. Helens League title. The Spudders allowed just 21 points in five games in the COVID season.
Prediction: Ridgefield 21, Heritage 16
Kelso vs. W.F. West
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Bearcat Stadium, W.F. West High School, 342 SW 16th St., Chehalis
Broadcast info: Online radio at kelaam.com; Online video stream on NFHS (subscription required) https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/wf-west-high-school-chehalis-wa/game4611aaa47
2020-21 records: Kelso 2-4; W.F. West 4-2
Last meeting: W.F. West won 30-12, Oct. 9, 2015
Game notes: Senior quarterback Hunter Letteer and junior running back Conner Noah will be playing behind a strong offensive line for Kelso. Also back is senior WR/DB Colby Cooper, who was an all-league as a sophomore in 2019. W.F. West lost a big chunk of the talented roster from last season. The Bearcats’ two losses were to Skyview and Tumwater. But all-league quarterback Gavin Fugate returns after throwing 10 TD passes last season. Also back is RB Brock Guyette and receiver Logan Moore.
Prediction: Kelso 27, W.F. West 20
Prairie vs. Washougal
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Fishback Stadium, Washougal HIgh School, 1201 39th St., Washougal
Broadcast info: None
2020-21 records: Prairie 0-6; Washougal 3-2
Last meeting: Prairie won 36-6, Sept. 13, 2019
Game notes: Prairie is coming off a winless season and lost some key seniors to graduation. The Falcons will be looking for younger players to step up, including sophomore quarterback Braeden Slamp. They did a transfer from Illinois, running back Thor Stepina. Washougal will also turn to a sophomore at quarterback in dual-threat Holden Bea. The Panthers graduated 15 players from last year’s squad. But all-leaguers Garrett Mansfield and Carson Morris are back.
Prediction: Washougal 23, Prairie 13
Hockinson vs. Lynden
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Lions Stadium, Lynden High School, 1201 Bradley Rd, Lynden
Broadcast info: Online stream on NFHS Networks (subscription required) https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/lynden-high-school-lynden-wa/gam9c6f808258
2020-21 records: Hockinson 5-0; Lynden 3-2
Last meeting: Hockinson won 42-37, Dec. 1, 2018
Game notes: Clint LeCount takes over as head coach from longtime coach Rick Steele, who retired after last season. But Steele did not leave the cupboard bare for his longtime defensive coach. Junior quarterback Jarod Oldham earned key experience last season. Hard-nosed fullback/linebacker Cody Wheeler anchors the Hawks’ defense. And Andre Northrup was one of the top all-around players in the 2A GSHL. This game is a rematch of the 2018 2A state championship game. But seniors on this year’s teams would have been freshmen then. The Lions are ranked No. 2 in Class 2A; Hockinson is No. 5.
Prediction: Hockinson 28, Lynden 27
Hudson’s Bay vs. Elma
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Davis Field, Elma High School, 1011 W. Main St., Elma
Broadcast info: Online stream on NFHS Network (subscription required) https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/elma-high-school-elma-wa/gam3f74d19aa1
2020-21 records: Hudson’s Bay 1-4; Elma 5-1
Last meeting: Elma won 42-0, Nov. 7, 2008
Game notes: It’s a Week 1 battle of Eagles in Elma. Hudson’s Bay has 13 seniors who got experience in the spread offense installed in the COVID season. Bay also returns three of five offensive linemen. Junior Dean Castillo will handle the quarterbacking. Elma’s lone loss last season was a 41-0 setback to Montesano.
Prediction: Hudson’s Bay 20, Elma 12
Castle Rock vs. Mark Morris
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Longview Memorial Stadium, 2903 Nichols Blvd, Longview
Broadcast info: None
2020-21 records: Castle Rock 4-1; Mark Morris 2-3
Last meeting: Castle Rock won 30-20, Sept. 12, 2019
Game notes: Castle Rock returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense, including all-league quarterback Chance Naugle and Trico League defensive player of the year Landon Gardner. Mark Morris played a lot of young players in the shortened season earlier this year, and the Monarchs hope that pays off in the fall. George Mosier and Owen Huhta will be the top running backs, and two-time all-leaguer Tim Sears returns on defense.
Prediction: Castle Rock 33, Mark Morris 20
Kalama vs. Woodland
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Beaver Stadium, Woodland High School, 1500 Dike Access Rd., Woodland
Broadcast info: Online stream at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfnE8luUCRFY9Gi9nfODocw
2020-21 records: Kalama 2-3; Woodland 2-3
Last meeting: Kalama won 26-7, Sept. 6, 2019
Game notes: Kalama returns a wealth of talent from a team that had a bumpy COVID season. The Chinooks look to return to the form that helped reach three consecutive 2B state championships games. Quarterback Jackson Esary, who already has an offer from Eastern Washington, leads the way, along with receivers Jack Doerty and Max Cox. Woodland plans to return to a more pass-heavy attack this fall. But running back Daymon Gressett will provide support on the ground attack.
Prediction: Kalama 36, Woodland 21
McDaniel vs. Fort Vancouver
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Fort Vancouver High School Stadium, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver
Broadcast info: None.
2020-21 records: McDaniel 1-5; Fort Vancouver 0-5
Last meeting: First meeting
Game notes: McDaniel of Portland, formerly Madison, returns some experienced players as coach Joe Salvador tries to build a program that has just two wins in the past three seasons. Fort will have 40+ players on the roster, many with experience. Junior quarterback Kaeleb Cvitkovich is back behind a solid offensive line.
Prediction: Fort Vancouver 20, McDaniel 12
Tenino vs. King’s Way Christian
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Preece Memorial Stadium, King’s Way Christian High School, 3606 NE 78th St., Vancouver
Broadcast info: None.
2020-21 records: Tenino 2-4; King’s Way Christian did not play
Last meeting: King’s Way Christian won 35-12, Sept. 7, 2018
Game notes: Tenino is led by defensive end Takari Hickle, who will remain a Beaver after high school by making a verbal commitment to Oregon State last month. Hickle, 6-4, 240 pounds, had 45 tackles and four sacks in six games last season. This marks the return to varsity action for King’s Way Christian after the program went on hiatus last season, The Knights will play an independent schedule under coach Nick Mancillas.
Prediction: Tenino 34, King’s Way Christian 13
Seton Catholic vs. Charles Wright
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Charles Wright High School stadium, 7723 Chambers Creek Rd., Tacoma
Broadcast info: None.
2020-21 records: Seton Catholic 3-2; Charles Wright 4-1
Last meeting: Charles Wright won 7-6, Sept. 7, 2018
Game notes: The Cougars gave coach Dennis Herling a winning season in his debut as head coach last season with a roster of barely 20 players. The roster will double in size this fall, but Seton will still be young as they look to build off last season’s success. Charles Wright went 9-2 in 2019, reaching the 1A state playoffs where the Tarriers were routed by eventual state champion Royal. After a season-opening loss to Evergreen Lutheran during the COVID season, Charles Wright rolls to four blowout wins.
Prediction: Charles Wright 26, Seton Catholic 21
Columbia-White Salmon vs. Goldendale
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Goldendale High School stadium, 525 E. Simcoe Dr., Goldendale
Broadcast info: Broadcast info: Online stream on NFHS Network (subscription required) https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/goldendale-high-school-goldendale-wa/gamce5d99d912
2020-21 records: Columbia 2-3; Goldendale 1-4
Last meeting: Columbia-White Salmon won 28-14, March 19, 2021
Game notes: The Bruins and Timberwolves were able to continue their Gorge rivalry last season as Goldendale became a temporary member of the 1A Trico League. Now back to the 2B CWAC, Goldendale returns as Columbia’s long-standing non-league season opener. Columbia is rebuilding after losing a big chunk of its starters. Goldendale is seeking its first winning season since 2015.
Prediction: Columbia-White Salmon 26, Goldendale 20
Stevenson vs. Morton/White Pass
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Morton High School stadium, 451 Knittles Way, Morton
Broadcast info: Broadcast info: Online stream on NFHS Network (subscription required) https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/morton-high-school-morton-wa/gamb5f95bcac2
2020-21 records: Stevenson 3-2; Morton-White Pass 4-2
Last meeting: Stevenson won 18-12, March 12, 2021
Game notes: Stevenson begins its first full season in the tough 2B Central League with a young roster that only has three seniors on it. OT/LB Triston Rhodes and RB/LB Landon Peterson provide some of that senior leadership. Morton/White Pass was able to power to a 4-2 mark last season despite a very lean roster. One of those two losses was a double-overtime loss to Stevenson.
Prediction: Stevenson 19, Morton-White Pass 16
Columbia River vs. Skyview
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Kiggins Bowl, Discovery MS, 800 E. 40th St., Vancouver
Broadcast info: None.
2020-21 records: Columbia River 3-2; Skyview 6-1
Last meeting: Skyview won 52-0, Sept. 13, 2019
Game notes: Last season was the first time River and Skyview didn’t play in football since Skyview first started playing in 1998. River is seeking its first win over Skyview since 2013. Skyview has won the last five meetings by an average score of 42-5. Quarterback Adam Watts leads a large group of juniors for River. Watts will face a challenge against Skyview’s defense led by its linebacker corps of Gabe Martin, Tanner Beaman and Jalen Savalea. Martin and Jaydin Knapp will lead the Storm’s rushing attack.
Prediction: Skyview 35, Columbia River 13
La Center vs. Cascade Christian
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sunset Chev Stadium, 1707 Main St., Sumner
Broadcast info: None
2020-21 records: La Center 5-0; Cascade Christian 3-1.
Last meeting: La Center won 41-35, Nov. 18, 2017
Game notes: This is the schools’ first meeting since a triple-overtime thriller in the 1A state quarterfinals. Cascade Christian’s three wins last year were all by shutout. The loss was a 12-0 setback to Life Christian. The Cougars went 8-1 in 2019, falling to Lynden Christian in the 1A state first round. La Center’s success will start behind its big and experienced offensive line, anchored by Ryan Kawalek (6-3, 300). Senior Darren Cepeda takes over at quarterback for the Wildcats.
Prediction: La Center 20, Cascade Christian 14
Rochester vs. R.A. Long
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Longview Memorial Stadium, 2903 Nichols Blvd, Longview
Broadcast info: None
2020-21 records: Rochester 1-4; R.A. Long 0-5
Last meeting: R.A. Long won 49-7, Sept. 13, 2013
Game notes: Rochester finished last season with tight losses to Centralia and Aberdeen. Rochester returns nine starters on defense and six offense, led by quarterback Landon Hawes and running back Talon Betts. R.A. Long has posted just one win in the past three seasons. But with good turnout in offseason workouts, the Lumberjacks are building for a better future. Quarterback Shaun Mize and running back Jamond Harris lead the Lumberjack attack.
Prediction: R.A. Long 21, Rochester 20
