Here are the candidates for The Sporting News Washington high school football team of the week for Week Five (Oct. 2-3). Vote as many times as you'd like until 11:59 p.m. Friday, and the results will be announced in the following days.
Vote: Who should be The Sporting News Washington high school football team of the week for Week 5?
Vote now for who had the best performance in Week 5 from these respected teams.
Top Team Performances from Week 5
Puyallup Vikings (5-0): The Vikings delivered the statement performance of the season, dismantling reigning 4A champion Sumner 58-22 on Saturday night. Puyallup dominated the marquee matchup as wide receiver J'isaiah Mitchell hauled in 10 catches for 202 yards and two touchdowns. The commanding victory vaulted Puyallup seven spots in the rankings and established them among Washington's elite programs.
Moses Lake Chiefs (5-0): The Chiefs put on an offensive clinic, obliterating Eisenhower 70-0 behind quarterback Brady Jay's eye-popping performance of 373 passing yards and eight touchdowns. Moses Lake's second consecutive shutout firmly planted them as a Central Washington powerhouse. The lopsided triumph showcased the Chiefs' ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.
O'Dea Fighting Irish (4-1): The defending 3A state champions blanked Bishop Blanchet 45-0 to maintain their grip on the top spot. Despite battling through injuries all season, O'Dea's stifling defense and efficient offense showed their early-season loss is ancient history. The Irish controlled the Metro League showdown wire-to-wire, proving they remain the team to beat in 3A.
Eastside Catholic Crusaders (4-1): The Crusaders bounced back from their heartbreaking loss to O'Dea in spectacular fashion, unleashing a 60-6 demolition of Ballard. Eastside Catholic's high-powered offense was unstoppable, racking up points at will and reminding everyone why they're still a premier program capable of winning the 3A crown. The resounding victory confirmed the Crusaders have the firepower to compete with anyone.
Squalicum Storm (4-1): The Storm pulled off the upset of the week, stunning previously unbeaten and top-ranked Anacortes 24-21 in a thrilling home battle. Two-way standout Ansen Asbjornsen delivered what his coach called one of the best individual performances in school history with 13 catches for 184 yards, two touchdowns, a 10-yard scoring pass, and two interceptions on defense. The dramatic triumph positioned Squalicum as a serious 2A contender.
Kennewick Lions (5-0): The Lions captured the marquee Mid-Columbia Conference showdown, defeating previously unbeaten Richland 21-7 to claim league supremacy. Kennewick's lockdown defense held the Bombers in check throughout while the offense did just enough to secure the crucial victory. The triumph kept the Lions' perfect season alive and positioned them as one of 3A's most complete teams.
Lake Stevens Vikings (5-0): The Vikings showcased their championship credentials, demolishing Glacier Peak 49-14 in a game that was never in doubt. Lake Stevens' potent offense and swarming defense overwhelmed the Grizzlies from the opening kickoff. The commanding performance kept the Vikings among Washington's elite programs and reinforced their status as 4A title contenders.
Royal Knights (5-0): The reigning 1A state champions showed their championship mettle, surviving their toughest test of the season with a 21-15 overtime victory over Cashmere on the road. Quarterback Grant Wardenaar was clutch when it mattered most, intercepting a pass on defense to start the second half before orchestrating three scoring drives over the final 14 minutes, including the game-winning 13-yard touchdown pass to Dax Jenks in overtime. The gritty road win proved Royal possesses the clutch gene necessary to defend their crown.
Enumclaw Hornets (5-0): The Hornets unleashed an offensive explosion, demolishing Thomas Jefferson 65-7 to stay unbeaten. Enumclaw's attack was firing on all cylinders, scoring rapidly and often throughout the lopsided affair. The dominant showing extended the Hornets' perfect start and confirmed they have the firepower to compete with the best in 3A.
Rainier Beach Vikings (4-1): The Vikings rolled to an impressive 35-21 victory over Seattle Prep in a 3A Metro League showdown, extending their winning streak. Junior dual-threat quarterback Esquire Williams was brilliant, throwing for 365 yards and four touchdowns while adding two interceptions on defense. The quality win over a ranked opponent thrust Rainier Beach into the conversation as a 3A playoff threat.
Vote on the Washington high school Player of the Week
Week 6 Washington high school football rankings