Week 1 2023 prep football preview capsules, predictions, livestream links
The 2023 high school football season in Southwest Washington opens this weekend. Washougal hosts River Ridge on Thursday, with a full schedule of games slated for Friday.
For fans attending game, ticket prices for the 4A/3A Greater St. Helens League are as follows:
- $7 for adults and students without ASB card,
- $5 for visiting students with ASB card and all students kindergarten to 12 years old
- seniors 62 and older or children under the age of 5 are free.
Most schools allow fans to purchase tickets digitally in advance at gofan.co.
Many schools offer livestream broadcasts of their home games, either free or for a fee. But fans should be aware of scammers using fake links to livestreams to lure in fans. All livestream links here are verified.
For schools that broadcast games on the NFHS Network, a subscription is required to watch games. Subscriptions cost $11.99 a month, or $79.99 a year.
River Ridge vs. Washougal
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Fishback Stadium, Washougal High School
Livestream: None.
Last meeting: Washougal 33, River Ridge 32, OT (2022)
Game notes: River Ridge went 2-6 in 2022 and placed sixth in the 3A South Sound Conference. Washougal went 9-2, 7-0 in the 2A GSHL. The Panthers lost to Highline 30-27 in the 2A state first round. The two teams went in opposite directions after the Panthers had to eek out an overtime win in Lacey to open last season. With Holden Bea at quarterback, Washougal will have offensive firepower. The Panthers’ key to success this season will depend on how well they play on defense.
Prediction: Washougal 33, River Ridge 20
Nooksack Valley vs. Mountain View
When: 4:30 p.m. Friday
Where: McKenzie Stadium, Vancouver
Livestream: None.
Last meeting: Nooksack Valley 15, Mountain View 14 (2022)
Game notes: Nooksack Valley went 9-2, 3-2 in the 1A Northwest Conference. The Pioneers fell to Mount Baker 15-14 in the 1A state semifinals. Mountain View went 5-5, 2-2 in the 3A GSHL. The Thunder lost to Rainier Beach 38-7 in the 3A state preliminary playoffs. Nooksack Valley returns nearly every starter from last season, making the Pioneers a prime contender for the state title. Mountain View is starting over with a new head coach, and this will be a big test for the Thunder. Last year, Nooksack Valley needed a long touchdown run late, plus a missed Mountain View field goal attempt at the last second to win.
Prediction: Nooksack Valley 20, Mountain View 14
Heritage vs. Hudson’s Bay
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Where: Kiggins Bowl, Vancouver
TV: Cable Ch. 28/328
Livestream: Vancouver Public Schools YouTube channel.
Last meeting: Hudson’s Bay 53, Heritage 6 (2022)
Game notes: Heritage went 0-9, 0-4 in the 3A GSHL in 2022. Hudson’s Bay went 3-6, 2-5 in the 2A GSHL. Bay was on the cusp of being a playoff team last season. The Eagles will look to make that next step this fall. Depth and defense will be pivotal for that to happen. Bay allowed opponents to score at least 40 points in seven of nine games last season. Scoring was a struggle for Heritage last season. The Timberwolves were shut out five times and scored just 22 points all season. But hard lessons learned last year should help the Timberwolves’ improvement in 2023.
Prediction: Hudson’s Bay 41, Heritage 12
Auburn vs. Prairie
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: District Stadium, Battle Ground High School
Livestream: None.
Last meeting: Prairie 26, Auburn 20 (2022)
Game notes: Auburn went 8-2, 6-0 in the 3A North Puget Sound League. The Trojans lost to Southridge 41-20 in the 3A state preliminary round. Prairie went 6-3, 2-2 in the 3A GSHL. The Falcons lost to Mountain View in a three-team tiebreaker. After a Week 1 loss to Prairie, Auburn ran off eight consecutive wins to win its first league title in 13 seasons. The 3A NPSL was not especially strong, with all three playoff teams falling in Week 10 playoffs. Prairie played its way into a three-team tiebreaker for second place in the 3A GSHL. The Falcons hope to build off last year’s success with a springboard win in Week 1.
Prediction: Prairie 27, Auburn 23
Columbia River vs. West Seattle
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Southwest Athletic Complex, Seattle
Livestream: None.
Last meeting: First meeting.
Game notes: West Seattle went 3-6, 2-5 in the 3A Metro League Sound Division. Columbia River went 4-5, 3-4 in the 2A GSHL. West Seattle was a program that struggled before coach Jeff Scott arrived in 2018, but the 3A Wildcats have made steady improvements since then. They return experience in the backfield. DeWayne Patterson makes his debut as River’s head coach. The Rapids hope to contend for a playoff spot after missing the postseason last season for the first time since 2011.
Prediction: West Seattle 28, Columbia River 20
Stevenson vs. King’s Way Christian
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: S.R. Preece Memorial Stadium, King’s Way Christian Schools.
Livestream: King’s Way Christian Schools YouTube channel.
Last meeting: King’s Way Christian 39, Stevenson 6 (2022)
Game notes: Stevenson went 3-6, 2-2 in the 1A Trico League. King’s Way Christian went 4-4, 2-3 in the 1A Trico League. Stevenson returns experience in the backfield with do-everything quarterback Kacen Bach. The Bulldogs’ challenge will be developing depth up front. King’s Way Christian returns a very young team for first-year head coach Dale Rule.
Prediction: Stevenson 33, King’s Way Christian 20
Battle Ground vs. Mark Morris
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Longview Memorial Stadium, R.A. Long High School, Longview
Livestream: N2 Media LLC YouTube channel.
Last meeting: Mark Morris 41, Battle Ground 25 (2022).
Game notes: Mark Morris went 8-2, 6-1 in the 2A GSHL. The Monarchs lost 21-20 to Black Hills in the 2A District 4 playoff. Battle Ground went 2-7, 0-3 in the 4A GSHL. This will be the first game on the new artificial turf field at Longview Memorial Stadium. Mark Morris is coming off its best season since 2013. But the Monarchs are filling a lot of holes after a big senior class graduated. Battle Ground might be one of the more improved teams in 2023 with 22 returning seniors on the roster.
Prediction: Battle Ground 23, Mark Morris 16
Evergreen vs. Eisenhower
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Zaepfel Stadium, Eisenhower High School, Yakima
Livestream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Last meeting: Evergreen 27, Eisenhower 13 (2022).
Game notes: Eisenhower went 1-9, 0-5 in the Columbia Basin/Big-9 Conference. Evergreen went 6-3, 2-2 in the 3A GSHL. The Plainsmen fell to Mountain View in a league tiebreaker. Expectations are high at Evergreen, which returns an experienced lineup of players who are getting college looks. A long road trip will be a good first test for the Plainsmen.
Prediction: Evergreen 35, Eisenhower 14
Union vs. O’Dea
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Where: West Seattle Stadium
Livestream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Last meeting: O’Dea 35, Union 17 (2021).
Game notes: O’Dea went 10-2, 6-1 in the 3A Metro League Mountain Division. The Fighting Irish lost to Eastside Catholic 35-28 (2OT) in the 3A state semifinals. Union went 3-6, 1-2 in the 4A GSHL. O’Dea returns one of the top front lines, offense and defense, in the state. That will open running lanes for running back Jason Brown, who has received interest from Michigan State, Oregon and Washington among others. This is the first game of a brutal non-conference schedule for Union and its interim head coach Kevin Coad.
Prediction: O’Dea 42, Union 14
Kelso vs. Timberline
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: South Sound Stadium, Lacey
Livestream: None.
Radio: KLOG 100.7 FM or klog.com
Last meeting: Kelso 23, Timberline 7
Game notes: Timberline went 6-4, 5-2 in the 3A South Sound Conference. The Blazers lost to Mead 28-7 in the 3A state preliminary round. Kelso went 7-3, 4-0 in the 3A GSHL. The Hilanders lost to Ferndale 44-14 in the 3A state first round. Timberline features a talented and experienced defensive front seven. The Blazers again expect to contend for a playoff spot. Kelso is also strong upfront, led by Oregon State-commit Payton Stewart. All-league QB Tucker Amrine returns for junior season.
Prediction: Kelso 21, Timberline 7
La Center vs. Hockinson
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Hockinson High School Stadium
Livestream: None
Last meeting: Hockinson 19, La Center 14 (2022).
Game notes: La Center went 9-2, 5-0 in the 1A Trico League. The Wildcats lost to Cashmere 22-17 in the 1A state first round. Hockinson went 3-6, 2-5 in the 2A GSHL. After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013, Hockinson returns a youthful lineup with new starters all over the field. La Center is also young, with just four returning seniors. One of those seniors is lineman and Idaho-commit Ryan Kawalek, who will help open holes for another senior, RB Jalen Ward.
Prediction: La Center 27, Hockinson 20
Kalama vs. Woodland
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Beaver Stadium, Woodland High School
Livestream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Last meeting: Woodland 22, Kalama 0 (2022).
Game notes: Kalama went 3-6, 3-2 in the 2B Central League. The Chinooks lost 48-42 to Raymond in the 2B district playoff. Woodland 4-6, 3-4 in the 2A GSHL. The Beavers lost 34-7 to W.F. West in the 2A district playoff. Woodland surprised some by making the playoffs in Sean McDonald’s first season as coach. A return trip for the Beavers would not be a surprise. Kalama, replacing a huge graduating class from the 2021 state champion team, got off to a slow start. But the Chinooks look better equipped for a postseason run in 2023.
Prediction: Woodland 28, Kalama 20
Ridgefield vs. W.F. West
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: W.F. West High School Stadium, Chehalis
Livestream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Last meeting: W.F. West 38, Ridgefield 28 (2022).
Game notes: Ridgefield went 5-5, 5-2 in the 2A GSHL. The Spudders lost 35-14 to Tumwater in the 2A district playoff. W.F. West. WF West went 10-2, 6-0 in the 2A Evergreen Conference. The Bearcats lost to North Kitsap 29-22 in the 2A state semifinals. W.F. West lost some key players from last year’s squad that dislodged Tumwater from the top of the 2A EvCo. But the Bearcats have plenty of returning talent. Ridgefield got off to a bumpy start in 2022, but a win on the road would be a big confidence boost in 2023.
Prediction: W.F. West 35, Ridgefield 24
R.A. Long vs. Castle Rock
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Rocket Stadium, Castle Rock High School
Livestream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Last meeting: Castle Rock 12, R.A. Long 9 (2022).
Game notes: R.A. Long went 0-9, 0-7 in the 2A GSHL. The Lumberjacks open the season on a 15-game losing streak, the longest among teams in Southwest Washington. Castle Rock went 7-3, 4-1 in the 1A Trico League. The Rockets lost to Eatonville 24-18 in the 1A district playoff. Castle Rock brings in a new coach in Cody Warner, but the Rockets return a lot of experienced playmakers, led by Trico MVP Stephen Ibsen. TraMayne moves from RB to QB for R.A. Long, who showed promise on offense last season. Defense is where the Lumberjacks need to get better.
Prediction: Castle Rock 30, R.A. Long 20
Seton Catholic vs. Rochester
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Rochester High School stadium
Livestream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Last meeting: Rochester 9, Seton Catholic 8 (2022).
Game notes: Seton Catholic went 5-5, 3-2 in the 1A Trico League. The Cougars lost to Montesano 47-7 in the 1A district playoff. Rochester went 3-6, 1-5 in the 2A Evergreen Conference. These two teams played defensive battle to open 2022. But Rochester likely will need more than nine points to beat the Cougars in 2023, as Seton’s offensive found its stride with QB Kolten Gesser throwing to a talented corps of receivers.
Prediction: Seton Catholic 33, Rochester 14
Columbia-White Salmon vs. Goldendale
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Goldendale High School stadium
Livestream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Last meeting: Goldendale 25, Columbia-White Salmon 8 (2022).
Game notes: Columbia went 0-9, 0-5 in the 1A Trico League. Goldendale went 8-3, 5-0 in the 2B Eastern Washougal West district. The Timberwolves lost to Raymond 22-7 in the 2B state first round. Goldendale has controlled this Gorge rivalry the past two seasons. The Timberwolves return an experienced line, which is a solid foundation for any team hoping to make another playoff run. It will be a big test for Columbia-White Salmon, trying to shake the memories of winless season.
Prediction: Goldendale 33, Columbia-White Salmon 12
Yelm vs. Camas
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Where: Doc Harris Stadium, Camas
Livestream: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Last meeting: Yelm 44, Camas 14 (2022).
Game notes: Yelm went 14-0, 7-0 in the 3A South Sound Conference. Yelm won the 3A state championship. Camas went 6-4, 3-0 in the 4A GSHL. The Papermakers lost to 31-14 to North Creek in the 4A state preliminary round. Yelm returns a bevy of talent players from last year’s state champion squad, led by RB/LB Brayden Platt, the state’s top college prospect. UCLA commit Isaiah Patterson leads the defensive line. Camas played with the Tornados for a half last season until miscues allowed Yelm to pull away late. The Papermakers will need a clean effort to keep pace.
Prediction: Yelm 34, Camas 17
Jesuit vs. Skyview
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Kiggins Bowl, Vancouver
TV: Cable Ch. 28/328
Livestream: Vancouver Public Schools YouTube channel.
Last meeting: Jesuit 24, Skyview 21 (2022).
Game notes: Jesuit went 9-2, 5-0 in the 6A Metro League. The Crusaders lost to Central Catholic in the Oregon 6A state second round. Skyview went 8-3, 2-1 in the 4A GSHL. The Storm lost to Graham-Kapowsin 42-28 in the 4A state first round. With QB Jake Kennedy and WR Gavin Packer returning, Skyview is gaining attention around the state. Scorebook Live put the Storm at No. 4 in its 4A preseason rankings. A perennial Oregon power, Jesuit is again favored in the 6A Metro League. But the Crusaders are filling key holes up front with younger players.
Prediction: Skyview 28, Jesuit 20
Vashon Island vs. Fort Vancouver
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Fort Vancouver High School field.
Livestream: None.
Last meeting: Vashon Island 21, Fort Vancouver 18 (2022).
Game notes: Vashon Island went 6-3, 2-3 in the 1A Nisqually League. The Pirates lost to Bellevue Christian 16-0 in the 1A state first round. Fort Vancouver went 3-6, 2-3 in the 1A Trico League. Vashon Island is coming off its most successful season since 2009. But the Pirates need to replace some key seniors to keep the progress going under second-year coach Manu Samanna-Spagnoli. Fort Vancouver’s three-win season was the most since 2007. The Trappers also must fill some key roles left by graduating seniors. Fort will celebrate the start of the season with a game on-campus. Festivities start with a tailgate party at 1 p.m.
Prediction: Vashon Island 20, Fort Vancouver 13
