As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Washington for the 2009 season.
1. Skyline
Jake Heaps will look for one more state title before heading
to BYU.
Juliann Tallino
Why the Spartans of Sammamish? Two words: Jake Heaps. The BYU commit and nation's No. 1 senior quarterback according to several recruiting services is undefeated in his two seasons (28-0) and has won two state titles. Don't bet against him delivering a third. Also returning is leading receiver Kasen Williams, who also won a Class 4A state high jump title and was named the
Seattle Times male athlete of the year. Skyline will play Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, Calif., a national power that boasts Joe Montana's son Nick on Sept. 18.
2. Bellevue
The Wolverines don't ever rebuild, they just keep reloading and reloading. Not even a bus wreck before the state semifinals last year could stop them from winning the Class 3A state title for the sixth time since 2001. The Wolverines are once again going beyond the state's borders for top competition. On Sept. 12, they travel to Texas to play Katy, which has won the last two 5A state titles.
3. Bothell
After Skyline and Bellevue, the Cougars have built the state's top football program in recent years. Bothell finished second at the Class 4A state tournament in 2006 and 2007. Last year, it was upset in the quarterfinals by eventual runner-up Issaquah. Bothell has two recruits who have verballed to Washington. Lineman Colin Porter (6-4, 300), who moved from Redmond to Bothell, and tight end Michael Hartvigson (6-6, 235).{VIDEO_b266eae7-973b-4deb-a6e3-294514b7a853,floatRightWithBar}
4. Ferris
Spokane schools traditionally haven't been state powers, but the Saxons are looking to change that. Ferris is coming off back-to-back appearances in the Class 4A state semifinals. Returning is quarterback Connor Halliday, who verballed to Washington State recently.
5. Prosser
The Mustangs have been arguably the top program in the state the past 20 years, playing in eight state title games and winning four of them. The Mustangs' offense puts up points like a video game football team and set numerous national records in recent seasons. True, coach Tom Moore stepped down and his record-breaking sons — Kellen (QB) and Kirby (WR) — are now playing at Boise State, but this program can't fall too far in one year.
