Gridiron Glory (Week 4): Royal vs. Zillah Clash & Top Central Washington Matchups
The calendar is flipping toward late September, which means teams are officially hitting their mid-season stride. Week 4 of Central Washington high school football is serving up one of the most incredible slates of the year, headlined by a state-altering 1A heavyweight bout and massive league rivalry games.
From undefeated streaks on the line to cross-state battles, here are the biggest matchups you need to follow under the Friday night lights.
1A Heavyweight Showdown: Zillah Leopards (3-0) @ Royal Knights (3-0)
This isn’t just the 1A game of the week in the region; this is the 1A game of the week for the entire state of Washington. Royal is a certified football dynasty, riding the momentum of six consecutive state championships. They are also heavily battle-tested, having already knocked off a top 5 team earlier this year in the Cashmere Bulldogs.
They will host the undefeated Zillah Leopards, currently ranked 5th in the MaxPreps 1A poll. Zillah has been utterly dominant on the defensive side of the ball, allowing a staggering total of just 10 points all season. Something has to give in this monumental clash of 1A titans.
4A Rivalry Clash: Moses Lake Mavericks (2-1) @ Wenatchee Panthers (3-0)
Expect an absolute dogfight in the Apple Bowl. The reigning CBBN champion Moses Lake Mavericks travel to take on one of their fierce rivals, the undefeated Wenatchee Panthers.
Moses Lake brings back a wealth of talent from last year’s championship and state quarterfinal squad, headlined by the reigning Big 9 Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker John Rainey. They will be tasked with slowing down a Wenatchee offense that has been lethal through the air. Led by senior quarterback Rigo Garcia and the best group of pass catchers in Central Washington high school football, the Panthers are primed to defend their home turf in what should be a spectacular league opener.
2B Game of the Week: River View Panthers (2-1) @ Tri-Cities Prep Jaguars (3-0)
If you are tracking the 2B ranks, all eyes should be on this phenomenal matchup. The Tri-Cities Prep Jaguars have been as flawless as possible, sitting at 3-0 with two absolute blowout wins and a commanding two-touchdown victory under their belts.
They host a hungry River View Panthers squad fresh off a multi-score victory over Cle Elum-Roslyn last week. River View’s only blemish this season came against an undefeated Kittitas/Thorp team. With a defense allowing just 14.3 points per game, the Panthers have the grit to make this a true four-quarter battle.
Cross-State 1A Battle: Mt. Baker (2-1) @ Omak (1-1)
Omak has a massive opportunity to make Central Washington proud as they host Mt. Baker, a tough squad traveling over from the Westside with two blowout wins already on their resume.
Do not let Omak’s 1-1 record fool you. Their lone defeat was a highly competitive scrap against Okanogan, a 2B powerhouse that is arguably the best team in their entire classification statewide. Omak is battle-tested, physical, and ready to defend their home field in a game that has the potential to be a Friday night thriller.
1B vs 2B Offensive Fireworks: Entiat Tigers (2-1) @ Davenport (2-1)
Keep an eye on the scoreboard in this one, because the Entiat Tigers bring serious firepower. Entiat’s offense is currently averaging an astounding 50.3 points per game, highlighted by two blowout victories. Their only loss came at the hands of the undefeated La Conner Braves. They travel to take on a solid 2B Davenport squad in a matchup that promises plenty of offensive fireworks.
2B Crossroads Matchup: Granger Spartans (2-1) @ Columbia (Burbank) Coyotes (2-1)
Both of these 2B programs enter the week at 2-1 and are looking for a statement win to separate themselves from the middle of the pack. Granger rolls into town with a ton of momentum after a blowout victory over White Swan. They will face a massive test against Columbia’s dominant defense, which is allowing just 11 points per game. Columbia’s only loss this year was a heartbreaking 1-point defeat to a stellar, undefeated Kittitas/Thorp team, so expect the Coyotes to come out swinging.
Stay locked into the action all season long. Head over to the CWSN Homepage to find you hometown team and league.