The first week of the season features two teams that may be favored to win their respective divisions going head-to-head.
In a rematch of last year’s Wesco 4A championship, and a possible preview of this season’s game, the South’s Jackson Timberwolves travel to Monroe to face the Bearcats in a good early season test for both teams.
Jackson returns a good portion of a team that got to the first round of the state tournament in 2012, including key playmakers wideouts Trey Robinson and Keynan Foster and stud linebackers Jake Miles and Nick White.
One of the big vacancies for the Timberwolves is at the quarterback position with the graduation of all-league first-teamer Conor Plaisance. Jackson will start either Alex Cheesman or Wesley Love — or, according to head coach Joel Vincent, run packages and offenses with both.
Monroe, on the other hand, is set at quarterback with first-year signal caller Andrew Zimmerman taking the reins. Zimmerman, a junior who started on junior varsity last season, is taking over at quarterback for the Bearcats and will be starting his first varsity game at home tonight.
With Zimmerman at QB, Monroe is free to move last year’s starter, Hunter Bingham, to wide receiver, where the Bearcats expect him to flourish. Both players were key members of Monroe’s 7-on-7 team that won the Washington title and moved on to the national tournament.
The two teams played twice last season, with Jackson emerging victorious both times by a combined score of 81-26.
Jackson vs. Monroe
Where: Bearcat Stadium, Monroe
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Key players: Jackson—Trey Robinson, WR/DB; Alex Cheesman, QB; Wesley Love, QB; Jake Miles, LB; Nick White, LB; Keynan Foster, WR; John-Robert Wooley, RB/LB. Monroe—Alex Zimmerman, QB; Gabe Moore, RET/RB/LB; Hunter Bingham, WR; Alex Vidican, OL; Brennan Brown, OL; Lucas Waller, DL; Shanden Mixayphone, WR/DB.
Twitter: @krueger_david
For a list of all of tonight’s games and locations, click here.
Glacier Peak vs. L. Stevens
Where: LSHS Football Field
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Breakdown: The Grizzlies ran away and then held on late for a 42-31 victory over Lake Stevens in the season opener last year. This year the Vikings seemingly have the edge with more returners on both sides of the ball and home field advantage. Watch Lake Stevens quarterback, junior Jacob Eason: He could be the next Jake Nelson. The big question for Glacier Peak remains the quarterback position where three Grizzlies are vying for the starting job: senior Branson Corwin, junior Brady Southard and sophomore Andrew McCoy. Glacier Peak graduated its top three skill players from last year: Chris Becerra (quarterback), Michael Palmer (running back) and Sean Elledge (receiver).
Radio: Fox Sports 1380
Webcast: stspn.com
Twitter: @aaronlommers
Marysville Pilchuck vs. Arlington
Where: John C. Larson Stadium, Arlington
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Breakdown: This is the first chance for the Tomahawks to unleash their offense — and they do it versus a team they scored 42 points against last year. Arlington is young at quarterback and will rely on a stout defense led by Deeshawn Benjamin to stay in the game. The home field advantage (read: real grass) may help slow down Tommies RB Austin Joyner.
Radio: KKXA 1520
Twitter: @heraldnetpreps
Meadowdale vs. Kamiak
Where: Goddard Stadium, Everett
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Breakdown: With a number of returning players, including All-Area running back Austin Hall, the Knights have high hopes for this season. Meadowdale is a bit of an unknown as Mark Stewart is gone and Mike Done and the spread offense is in. Kamiak looks to avenge a 28-18 loss in the season opener last season.
Twitter: @jonsap
Stanwood vs. Mountlake Terrace
Where: Edmonds District Stadium
When: Tonight, 5 p.m.
Breakdown: This is one of the night’s most intriguing games. For Stanwood, it’s a new era as former Monroe coach and Stanwood alum Dave Telford takes over and will try to help get the Spartans back on track after they lost six of eight to end last season. The Hawks, meanwhile, will have to figure out their new identity after their star running back/linebacker and Cal recruit, Devante Downs, tore an anterior cruciate ligament over the summer. The Hawks are looking for revenge after losing to Stanwood 19-8 last season.
Webcast: mltnews.com
Twitter: @swaney_aaron79
Oak Harbor vs. Snohomish
Where: Snohomish Veterans Memorial Stadium
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Breakdown: Expect a new-look Panthers as tonight is the debut of new Snohomish head coach Kai Smalley and his spread offense. Across the field will be a team that looks a whole lot like the old Snohomish Panthers in Oak Harbor: a team that likes to run the ball behind a strong offensive line. Snohomish players won’t be the only ones trying to find their bearing tonight as the Wildcats replace every skill player on offense.
Webcast: stspn.com
Cascade vs. Shorewood
Where: Shoreline Stadium
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Breakdown: Last year Cascade edged out Shorewood 20-12 to win its first game in two-plus seasons. This year it likely won’t be that close. The Bruins are stacked with a bunch of returning talent and have a transfer student in Josh Smith who will play quarterback. Shorewood is an up-and-coming team but likely won’t have enough talent to keep up with the Bruins.
Washington vs. Lakewood
Where: Dick Cardinal Stadium, Arlington
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Breakdown: Lakewood manhandled Washington a year ago, but that was a different Cougars team. Gone are Justin Peterson, Donovan Evans and Brandon Stott and in their place is a collection of young playmakers. One bonus: Lakewood gets the Patriots at home this year.
King’s vs. Lynden
Where: Husky Stadium
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Breakdown: King’s took down the eventual 2A champion Lions in a knock-down-drag-out season opener last season. But there’s no Billy Green at the helm this season so the Knights likely will have a bit more trouble this time around. The game is part of the Emerald City Kickoff Classic at newly renovated Husky Stadium.
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