Week 8 Washington high school football rankings

Brandon Walton

Week 8 Washington high school football rankings image

Week 7 of Washington high school football delivered the drama the state's elite programs have promised all season. The week's marquee showdown lived up to its billing as Chiawana rallied from behind to hand Kennewick its first loss 24-10, with sophomore quarterback Emmett Osterdock throwing for 136 yards and two touchdowns to settle the Mid-Columbia Conference championship and vault the Riverhawks to the top of the 4A rankings.

Elsewhere, the dominance continued for the state's unbeatens. Gonzaga Prep dismantled Central Valley 49-7 to extend their stranglehold on Eastern Washington, while Lake Stevens cruised past Ferndale 38-7 to stay perfect. Puyallup's Noah Smith announced his arrival as one of the state's premier quarterbacks with a jaw-dropping seven-touchdown performance in a 65-6 shellacking of Rogers, and defending 4A champion Sumner looked every bit the part with Lance McGee's five-touchdown eruption in a 49-3 demolition of Curtis that has the Spartans surging back into championship form.

The most stunning development came in 2A, where Archbishop Murphy delivered a 56-0 beatdown of previously-ranked Lynden to establish themselves as the classification's undisputed powerhouse. With the postseason looming and several unbeatens still standing, November promises to bring the chaos that defines Washington high school football.

State Rankings

1. Chiawana (4A) (7-0) ↑6 — The Riverhawks sputtered for three quarters before roaring to life when it mattered most, rallying from behind to hand previously-unbeaten Kennewick its first loss 24-10 on Friday night at Lampson Stadium. After managing just 83 yards through three quarters, Chiawana exploded for 197 yards in the fourth quarter over the final 10:26 to complete the comeback. Senior tight end Gage Williams ignited the rally with two blocked punts, including one that set up Morgan Dodson's 28-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3. Sophomore quarterback Emmett Osterdock then found his rhythm, throwing both of his touchdown passes to wide receiver Angel Colon—including a beautiful 40-yard strike down the left seam that gave the Riverhawks the lead for good at 17-10 with 4:51 remaining. Cooper Cissne's 33-yard touchdown scamper with 2:19 left sealed the victory and the Mid-Columbia Conference championship. The fourth-quarter heroics establish Chiawana as Washington's most complete 4A program heading into their showdown with Richland.

2. O'Dea (3A) (6-1) ↓1 — The defending 3A state champions rolled past Ballard 48-0 for their fourth shutout of the season, extending their dominance to 205-20 over their last five games. The Fighting Irish have answered their early-season stumble against Graham-Kapowsin with a relentless march that positions them as the favorite to repeat. Their smothering defense and championship pedigree remains elite as they host Roosevelt.

3. Gonzaga Prep (4A) (7-0) ↓1 — The Bullpups continued their Eastern Washington domination with a 49-7 dismantling of Central Valley, showcasing the two-way excellence that defines their supremacy. Their suffocating defense and high-powered offense have now outscored opponents by an average margin of 43-8 this season. With methodical excellence on display, the Bullpups are primed for a deep November run as they host Mead.

4. Lake Stevens (4A) (7-0) ↓1 — The Vikings cruised to a 38-7 victory over Ferndale, maintaining their unblemished record with another display of line-of-scrimmage dominance. Their ability to control games in the trenches and execute in all three phases puts them firmly in the 4A title conversation despite playing in one of the state's most competitive conferences. They host Kamiak looking to stay perfect.

5. Eastside Catholic (3A) (6-1) ↓1 — The Crusaders dispatched Seattle Prep 41-9 to extend their winning streak to four games since their heartbreaking loss to O'Dea. Their high-powered attack and winning tradition continue proving they remain a genuine threat to reclaim the 3A crown. With potent offense and championship experience, the Crusaders stand as a formidable November opponent when they travel to Rainier Beach.

6. Mount Tahoma (3A) (7-0) ↓1 — The T-Birds survived their toughest test yet, edging Gig Harbor 27-14 after trailing 14-7 at halftime to stay undefeated. Their ability to rally when challenged and physical style on both sides of the ball continues impressing as one of 3A's most potent programs. The comeback victory shows the resolve needed for a serious state title contender as they travel to Silas.

7. Puyallup (4A) (7-0) ↓1 — Quarterback Noah Smith delivered a performance for the ages, throwing seven touchdown passes in a 65-6 demolition of Rogers that announced the Vikings as legitimate championship contenders. Smith connected with Jayden Woodland and Lawson Looker for three touchdowns apiece in a display of firepower that has opponents scrambling. Their high-octane offense and improving defense will be must-watch television for their road showdown with Curtis.

8. Graham-Kapowsin (4A) (7-0) ↓1 — The Eagles gutted out a 34-20 victory over Olympia despite missing starting quarterback AJ Tuivaiave, who watched from the sideline in a walking boot. Running back Blake Pearson powered the offense with 170 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, while backup QB Kolton Wadley filled in admirably with three touchdown passes. With key starters expected back for the playoffs, the Eagles remain a serious 4A contender as they visit Spanaway Lake.

9. Archbishop Murphy (2A) (7-0) ↑1 — The Wildcats delivered the week's most emphatic statement, obliterating previously-ranked Lynden 56-0 in a performance that established them as the 2A classification's team to beat. Their stifling defense recorded their third shutout of the season while the offense fired on all cylinders. The dominant victory over quality opposition proves Archbishop Murphy is built for a title run as they prepare to host a massive 2A showdown.

10. Sumner (4A) (4-3) ↑1 — "We're back," head coach Keith Ross declared after the defending 4A champions delivered their most complete performance of the season, dominating Curtis 49-3 in a statement victory that has the Spartans surging at the perfect time. Lance McGee was sensational with five touchdowns and 188 yards on just 16 carries, while Wyatt Plyler added a spectacular 61-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. The defense suffocated a Curtis offensive line featuring four NCAA Division I prospects, forcing the Vikings into submission and not allowing a touchdown for the second consecutive week. After a miserable 3-3 start that included a 58-22 loss to Puyallup, Sumner has rediscovered the ground-and-pound formula that made them state champions. Their resurgence establishes them as one of November's most fearsome teams as they travel to Emerald Ridge.

11. Kennewick (3A) (6-1) ↓2 — The Lions suffered their first setback of the season, falling 24-10 to Chiawana in the Mid-Columbia Conference championship game on Friday. Despite the loss ending their perfect campaign, Kennewick's body of work and defensive prowess still ranks them among the state's elite 3A programs. They'll look to regroup when they travel to Kamiakin.

12. Bellevue (3A) (5-2) ↑1 — The Wolverines bounced back from their loss to Bothell with a convincing 42-24 victory over Eastlake, showing the resilience that defines championship programs. Their top-tier talent and ability to respond to adversity puts them firmly in the 3A KingCo title hunt. They travel to Woodinville looking to extend their winning streak.

13. Tumwater (2A) (6-1) ↓1 — Running back Peyton Davis exploded for five touchdowns and 177 yards on 15 carries as the Thunderbirds throttled Aberdeen 55-20. Eight different running backs carried the ball in the rout while the defense and special teams each scored touchdowns. Their well-rounded attack and championship experience positions them for another deep 2A run when they face W.F. West.

14. Moses Lake (4A) (7-0) ↑1 — The Chiefs extended their undefeated season with a 21-0 shutout of Eastmont, staying pristine behind another stifling defensive performance. Their immaculate record and ability to dominate both sides of the ball establish them as a force in Central Washington. They host West Valley looking to remain unbeaten.

15. Anacortes (2A) (5-2) ↓1 — The defending 2A state champions rebounded from their humbling loss to Archbishop Murphy with a resounding 78-7 dismantling of Lakewood. The dominant performance shows the Seahawks still possess the offensive firepower that made them champions. Their title pedigree keeps them relevant despite the recent stumble as they travel to Burlington-Edison.

16. Enumclaw (3A) (7-0) ↓1 — The Hornets continued their impressive undefeated campaign with a 42-0 blanking of Auburn Mountainview, displaying the stifling defense that has become their calling card. Their unblemished record and ability to stonewall opponents places them among the state's most intriguing programs for the stretch run.

17. Lakes (3A) (7-0) ↓1 — The Lancers grinded out a 28-12 victory over Timberline to maintain their unbeaten record with another gritty performance. Their consistent execution and ability to win different styles of games continues building their profile as a sleeper in the loaded 3A field for the postseason.

18. Royal (1A) (7-0) ↓1 — The defending 1A state champions demolished Wahluke 65-6, recovering from their recent overtime scare with an emphatic performance that shows the reigning champs are peaking at the ideal time. Their offensive firepower and title experience establishes them as the favorite to repeat when they travel to Naches Valley.

19. Richland (4A) (6-1) ↑1 — The Bombers kept rolling with a convincing 28-7 victory over Walla Walla, maintaining their status as one of the Mid-Columbia Conference's most talented programs. Their strong body of work and high-powered offense puts them among the state's best as they prepare for their showdown with Chiawana.

20. Rainier Beach (3A) (6-1) ↑2 — The Vikings posted a commanding 42-0 blanking of Roosevelt, extending their winning streak and proving they're one of the 3A Metro League's most formidable programs. Their high-scoring attack and stingy defense continues trending upward at the perfect time.

21. Glacier Peak (4A) (6-1) ↑2 — The Grizzlies responded to their loss to Lake Stevens with a resounding 49-7 thrashing of Arlington, showing the mental toughness that defines elite programs. Their ability to rebound from adversity with authority remains strong in the competitive 4A Wesco Conference hunt.

22. Camas (4A) (5-2) ↑2 — The Papermakers extended their winning streak with a 22-7 victory over Battle Ground, building momentum after their impressive victory over Coeur d'Alene. Their program tradition and steady improvement continues surging at the right time for November.

23. Kamiakin (4A) (6-1) — The Braves rolled to a 42-14 victory over Pasco to crack the rankings for the first time this season. Their balanced attack and quality wins throughout the campaign continues establishing their reputation as a Mid-Columbia Conference force for their showdown with Kennewick.

24. Skyline (4A) (5-2) — The Spartans dominated Woodinville 49-14 to force their way into the rankings with an impressive performance. Their high-powered offense and quality competition in the 4A KingCo Conference positions them as a threatening late-season riser as they host Mount Si.

25. Sedro-Woolley (3A) (7-0) — The Cubs survived a thriller, edging Mount Vernon 32-27 to extend their undefeated season in dramatic fashion. Their pristine record and ability to win close games affirm their status as one of 3A's most improved programs for the postseason grind.

DROPPED OUT: Lynden (No. 12), Curtis (No. 21)

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