The high school football season in Washington kicks off in less than two months with 158 games scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 1-3. After going 11-1 and reaching the Class 4A state championship game last season,
Lake Stevens headlines our look at this year's contenders in the preseason MaxPreps Top 25.
Under head coach Tom Tri, the Vikings have been knocking on the door of a state title for nearly a decade. Lake Stevens is 80-9 since the 2014 season with a title game appearance in 2018 along with 2021.
The return of Notre Dame pledge
Jayden Limar in the backfield is one of the biggest reasons for optimism. Regarded as the state's No. 3 overall prospect, the senior running back rushed for 1,549 yards and 20 scores as a junior while adding another 369 receiving yards and four scores.
Though longtime head coach Eric Kurle has moved on, last season's juggernaut
Graham-Kapowsin (Graham) won't be relinquishing its perch atop the state without a fight. The Eagles, who finished the 2021 season ranked among the top 10 nationally, have won 20 consecutive games and 31 of their last 32 dating back to 2019.
Read on for a complete look at Washington's preseason top 25 for 2022.
Jayden Limar totaled nearly 2,000 yards rushing and receiving as a junior.
Photo: Steve Faber
2.
Graham-Kapowsin (Graham), 15-0
3.
Bellevue, 14-0
4.
O'Dea (Seattle), 7-3
5.
Eastlake (Sammamish), 12-1
6.
Sumner, 10-2
7.
Eastside Catholic (Sammamish), 9-2
8.
Kamiakin (Kennewick), 12-1
9.
Gonzaga Prep (Spokane), 11-1
10.
Glacier Peak (Snohomish), 7-3
11.
Kennewick, 12-2
12.
Spanaway Lake (Spanaway), 5-2
13.
Lynden, 12-1
14.
Puyallup, 8-3
15.
Royal (Royal City), 14-0
16.
Bothell, 10-2
17.
Lincoln (Tacoma), 6-3
18.
Yelm, 10-1
19.
Emerald Ridge (South Hill), 5-5
20.
Skyview (Vancouver), 8-3
21.
Squalicum (Bellingham), 7-3
22.
Tumwater, 10-3
23.
Rainier Beach (Seattle), 6-3
24.
Napavine, 12-1
25.
Marysville-Pilchuck (Marysville), 11-2
