Week 5 of the Washington high school football season delivered plenty of drama, with the defending 3A state champion O'Dea Fighting Irish proving its opening weekend loss is ancient history. Despite battling through a rash of injuries, O'Dea has fought its way back to the top of the rankings and into the driver's seat of the 3A Metro League championship race after their clutch 24-20 victory over Eastside Catholic on Friday night.
Meanwhile, multiple undefeated teams continued their dominant runs, and several newcomers cracking the rankings. Richland and Rainier Beach make their debut in the top 25, while Curtis returns to the rankings. This week's marquee matchup features No. 11 Kennewick hosting No. 22 Richland in a battle of unbeatens that could shake up the Mid-Columbia Conference standings.
So here are this week's state rankings:
- O'Dea (3-1) — The defending 3A state champions have completed their redemption tour, reclaiming the top spot after their 24-20 victory over Eastside Catholic on Friday night. Despite dealing with a strong of injuries throughout the season, the Fighting Irish have shown the championship mettle that defines this program, proving their opening weekend loss to Graham-Kapowsin is a distant memory as they now control their destiny in the 3A Metro League title race.
- Gonzaga Prep (4-0) — The Bullpups rolled to a 31-14 victory over Cheney, maintaining their stranglehold on Eastern Washington. Their balanced attack and consistent execution have them as the clear 4A Greater Spokane League favorite heading into their matchup with Lewis and Clark.
- Lake Stevens (4-0) — The Vikings demolished Mariner 56-0, showcasing the suffocating defense that has made them one of the state's most complete teams. Their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball keeps them firmly entrenched among the elite as they travel to Glacier Peak.
- Eastside Catholic (3-1) — The Crusaders controlled play for much of three quarters against O'Dea before falling 24-20 in a heartbreaker that ended their undefeated run. Their explosive offense and quality performance proved they remain a premier program and serious threat for the 3A title.
- Mount Tahoma (3A) (4-0) ↑2 — The T-Birds crushed Central Kitsap 47-0, proving their early-season upset of Camas was no fluke. Their impressive two-way play has them emerging as a genuine 3A championship contender as they prepare for a road test at Lincoln.
- Chiawana (4-0) — The Riverhawks survived a tough defensive battle with an 18-6 victory over Hanford, showing once again they can win games in multiple ways. Their balanced approach and ability to grind out wins in low-scoring affairs makes them a dangerous opponent as they head to Southridge.
- Sumner (2-2) ↑11 — The Spartans delivered the statement performance of the week with an absolute beatdown, annihilating South Kitsap 63-3. Despite their record, the championship pedigree is undeniable, and they'll face their toughest test yet hosting No. 13 Puyallup in a massive 4A showdown.
- Bellevue (3-1) ↑1 — The Wolverines handled Mount Si 33-9, showing why they're always in the title conversation. Their championship DNA and elite talent keep them squarely in the hunt as they host Bothell in a key 3A KingCo matchup.
- Graham-Kapowsin (4-0) — The Eagles torched Bonney Lake 61-34, unleashing the high-powered offense that makes them so dangerous. Their Week 1 victory over then-top-ranked O'Dea looks even better now, establishing them as a serious 4A championship threat as they host Yelm.
- Anacortes (2A) (4-0) — The reigning 2A state champions survived their toughest test, escaping with a nail-biting 26-23 road win over then-No. 13 Lynden. Winning close games on the road against quality opponents proves the Seahawks have what it takes to defend their crown as they head to Squalicum.
- Kennewick (4-0) ↑3 — The Lions blanked Sageview 42-0, extending their unblemished record and setting up this week's marquee matchup against No. 22 Richland. Their stifling defense and efficient offense position them among the Mid-Columbia Conference elite.
- Archbishop Murphy (2A) (4-0) — The Wildcats torched Bellingham 61-28, proving they can light up the scoreboard against anyone. Their high-octane attack makes them a serious threat to challenge for the 2A crown.
- Puyallup (4-0) ↑2 — The Vikings blanked Emerald Ridge 54-0, with their defense looking absolutely impenetrable. Their ability to completely shut down opponents sets up a massive Week 5 clash at Sumner that could determine 4A South Sound Conference supremacy.
- Lynden (2A) (3-1) ↓1 — The Lions fell 26-23 at home to reigning state champion Anacortes in a heartbreaker, but there's no shame losing a one-possession game to one of the state's best. Their competitive showing confirms they remain a serious 2A contender as they look to rebound at Sehome.
- Tumwater (2A) (3-1) — The Thunderbirds rolled past Nooksack Valley 48-28, displaying the offensive firepower that has made them perennial 2A threats. Their high-scoring attack keeps them well-positioned in the always-competitive 2A ranks as they host Union.
- Glacier Peak (4-0) — The Grizzlies handled Post Falls (Idaho) 30-18, proving they can handle quality out-of-state competition. Their consistency and unblemished record have them emerging as a real factor in the competitive 4A Wesco Conference as they host Lake Stevens.
- Enumclaw (3A) (4-0) — The Hornets grinded out a 14-7 win over Federal Way in a defensive struggle, showing they can prevail in tight contests when the offense sputters. Their resilience in close games keeps them among the state's undefeated squads.
- Royal (1A) (4-0) — The Knights blanked Zillah 43-0, continuing their reign as the 1A powerhouse. Their ruthless efficiency and ability to impose their will makes them the overwhelming favorite to repeat as 1A state champions as they host Cashmere.
- Lakes (3A) (4-0) — The Lancers exploded for a 49-8 blowout of North Thurston, unleashing an offense that can put up points rapidly. Their unblemished record and balanced attack position them as a dark horse contender in the loaded 3A field.
- Moses Lake (4A) (4-0) — The Chiefs obliterated Wenatchee 56-0, proving their high-powered offense can overwhelm anyone. Their explosive attack and unblemished record firmly establish them as a Central Washington powerhouse as they host Eisenhower.
- Seattle Prep (3A) (3-1) — The Panthers rebounded with a 35-14 win over Bishop Blanchet, staying relevant in the competitive 3A Metro League. Their balanced approach keeps them dangerous in a classification loaded with championship contenders.
- Richland (4A) (4-0) ↑NR — The Bombers crack the rankings after a gritty 27-19 win over Southridge, completing their undefeated start and earning this week's biggest game against No. 11 Kennewick. Their clutch play in close contests proves they're ready for the spotlight in this massive Mid-Columbia Conference battle.
- Curtis (4A) (3-1) ↑NR — The Vikings return to the rankings after demolishing Rogers of Puyallup 56-14, unleashing an offense that can score in a hurry. Their high-powered attack and return to form have them back among the state's elite as they travel to South Kitsap.
- Rainier Beach (3A) (3-1) ↑NR — The Vikings debut in the rankings after a forfeit win over Garfield extended their winning streak to three. The 3A Metro League program has quietly assembled an impressive season and now finds themselves in the state's top 25.
- Camas (4A) (2-2) ↓3 — The Papermakers suffered a humbling 41-0 shutout loss to West Linn (Oregon), but their program tradition and talent level still warrant inclusion in the rankings. They'll need to regroup quickly and prove the loss was just a bump in the road against elite out-of-state competition.
DROPPED OUT: Emerald Ridge (2-2) fell out after their 54-0 loss to Puyallup. Bothell (2-2) dropped out after their 14-7 loss to Skyline.
Sept. 19 Washington High School Football Top-25 Rankings
National Week 8 high school football rankings