N2/Blast Zone area high school football power rankings Week 2
What's This?: The N2-Blast Zone Media Power Rankings
League Outlook: It's far too early to tell how things will settle out in the 3A Greater St. Helens League, but Week 1 gave pontificators plenty to ponder. Evergreen knocked off a bigger foe, Kelso pummeled a smaller rival from across the river, and Mountain View struggled to get much of anything going at all. Prairie, Heritage and Shelton look like they'll have a rough road to a postseason berth, but each and every team in the league has the ability to play spoiler from week to week.
1. Evergreen (1-0)
Last week: Win 18-0 vs Union
The Plainsman boasts talent on both sides of the ball and starts off the season with a shutout over 4A Union, its first win over the Titans in 13 tries. The defense led the way to that impressive win, including scoring their own points with a safety, but James Bethune also broke the 100-yard mark rushing the ball, including a 44-yard touchdown run.
Up Next: Puyallup 0-1 (Away)
2. Kelso (1-0)
Last week: Win 44-12 vs Mark Morris
Tucker Amrine has returned from a health scare for his senior season and led a balanced offensive attack in a thorough dismantling of a new-look Monarchs team. Zaden Hoover emerged as a beast on both sides of the ball with three TD's and two interceptions. Aden Mintonye was able to rest up in the second half, but his rushing ability will soon prove to be a problem for defenses across the league.
Up Next: River Ridge 1-0 (Home)
3. Mountain View (0-1)
Last week: Loss 8-6 vs Washougal
In their first game under new head coach Sean McDonald the Thunder were held in check and couldn’t break the 200-yard mark for total offense by a stingy Panther’s defense. Their own defensive performance should be encouraging going forward but the Mountain View offense will need to become familiar with the end zone if they intend to reach the same heights as the teams at McDonald's previous gigs in Woodland and Kalama.
Up Next: Battle Ground 1-0 (Home)
4. Prairie (0-1)
Last week: Loss 48-7 vs Ridgefield
Obviously, it’s hard to find positives after getting running-clocked in Week 1, but it’s just that – the first game. If the Falcons avoid spotting their opponents 14 points on lost fumbles they will still be in the hunt for league wins. Also, Ridgefield is operating on another level this season with more than 100 players on the roster, so a loss to the Spuds should be taken with at least several grains of salt.
Up Next: Washougal 1-0 (Away)
5. Heritage (1-0)
Last week: Win 43-7 vs Fort Vancouver
The T-Wolves finally got off the schneid by snapping a 20-game losing streak at the expense of the Trappers. Heritage will have eight more tries to pick up another victory for the program’s first multi-win season since 2021. Sophomore Kahni Clark starred in the win with 254 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Up next: Hudson’s Bay 0-1 (Home)
6. Shelton (0-1)
Last week: Loss 51-7 vs River Ridge
The Highclimbers scheduled a soft opener against River Ridge (winless in 2023) of the 3A South Puget Sound League to start their season, and the returns were worrisome. With a new coach at the helm as the 'Climbers prepares to embark on their first season in the 3A ranks after moving up from the 2A Evergreen Conference in the offseason, it looks like their schedule is going to be uphill both ways.
Up Next: North Thurston 0-1 (Away)
GSHL 2A Power Rankings Week 1
League Outlook: After a disappointing showing in Week 1 for the 2A Greater St. Helens League it leaves media types wondering this: How will the playoff representatives be viewed by the committee when it comes time for seedings? After losses to schools both large and small in the first Friday night lights of the season, the perception will most likely be that the league is down a bit from last year, but the best teams are sure to improve throughout the season, so there's much less to be determined. In the meantime, let’s try to sort some of this out for now.
1. Ridgefield (1-0)
Last week: Win 48-7 vs Prairie
New starting quarterback Landon Debeaumont had a great performance, connecting on 11-of-14 passes for 243 yards, with three touchdowns through the air and one more on the ground. Most importantly, the Spudders defense generated an early 14-0 lead on two fumble recoveries for touchdowns by Jake Olsen. It all added up to a convincing win over a larger opponent in Week 1 for the biggest roster in the 2A GSHL ranks.
Up Next: Montesano 0-1 (Home)
2. Washougal (1-0)
Last week: Win 8-6 vs Mountain View
After having an explosive offense the last few seasons, head coach Dave Hajek’s Panthers came out with a thoroughly impressive defensive performance against the defending 3A Greater St. Helens league champions from Mountain View. The Panthers will get to enjoy their infamous home field advantage again this week in another proving ground game against a 3A GSHL foe.
Up next: Prairie 0-1 (Home)
3. Mark Morris (0-1)
Last week: Loss 44-12 vs Kelso
The Monarchs aren’t in search of moral victories to start the new era under first-year head coach Mike Peck. After absorbing a few too many punches at the Hilanders last week, MM is facing another tough test in Week 2 with 1A Trico contender Seton Catholic slated for an unfriendly visit to Longview Memorial Stadum. A loss at home would have no effect on the Monarchs' playoff chances, but it could take the wind out of the sails of a team that spent the entire offseason dreaming of reaching new heights. Expect to see tailback Kenny Mullen to pick up steam this week as the Monarchs quarterbacks try to figure out how to fly their new air-raid offense.
Up next: Seton Catholic 1-0 (Home)
4. Woodland (0-1)
Last week: Loss 34-15 vs Kalama
The Beavers didn't get off to the start they had envisioned under new head coach Glen Flanagan, dropping the 8-Mile War on enemy turf in lackluster fashion. Last year's 2A GSHL MVP, Elijah Andersen, moved to quarterback in the offseason but was held to 8 of 13 on his pass attempts for 61 yards and a touchdown. He had more success on the ground, carrying the ball 23 times for 103 yards and a score. The Beavs will have their work cut out in order to rebound this week when they host La Center for some Lewis River rivalry action.
Up next: La Center 1-0 (Home)
5. Hudson’s Bay (0-1)
Last week: Loss 47-7 vs Napavine
Without a doubt, the most damning loss on the 2A GSHL docket last week belonged to the Eagles. After accepting a challenge from last season's 2B State runners up from Napavine, the boys from Bay were throttled from start to finish in front of their home fans. It was far from the start Hudson's Bay had envisioned after earning "dark horse" status in the 2A GSHL from assorted media outlets in the preseason. The Eagles will want to learn their lessons quickly and forget the rest going forward.
Up next: Heritage 1-0 (Away)
6. Hockinson (0-1)
Last week: Loss 48-7 vs Fife
The Hawks let their opener get away in a hurry in Week 1, trailing 41-7 at halftime at home. By the end of the contest they'd allowed a whopping 413 yards. The Hawks had little celebrate, and even fewer details were reported in print, and they'll have a heavy lift in order to right the ship with a long commute on tap before facing another high-powered non-league opponent.
Up next: Mount Baker 1-0 (Away)
7. Columbia River (0-1)
Last week: Loss 56-7 vs Seton Catholic
The Rapids joined most of their 2A GSHL compatriots in Week 1 by turning in a disappointing performance that they'd prefer to forget as soon as possible. River was boat raced by a Seton Catholic team coming off a historic run to the semifinals in 2023. And while the Cougars are far from slouches on the gridiron, the Rapids were also considered by many to be in the mix for a playoff spot out of the 2A GSHL. They'll need to find a little more fight, and do so in a hurry, if they want to be in the postseason picture by season's end.
Up next: White Salmon 1-0 (Away)
8. R.A. Long (0-1)
Last week: Loss 34-8 vs Castle Rock
There weren't many positives to put down on paper for the Lumberjacks after their opener at home against the Rockets. The Jacks fell behind 22-0 by halftime and were unable to muster any of the big play mojo they used to knock off The Rock in Week 1 in 2023. RAL will need to figure out who they want to stick at quarterback after having Jaxson Rivenes and Nick Niday split time under center. Neither signal caller was able to find much success in the air, but TraMayne Jenkins was able to find the end zone from his new slot back position for the Jacks' only score.
Up next: Centralia 0-1 (Away)
1A Trico Power Rankings Week 1
League Outlook: After a 7-1 start in Week 1, it's clear the 1A Trico League is going to be a problem for outsiders right up until it begins to cannibalize itself down the stretch. Seton Catholic looks like it's only gotten better since a historic run to the State semifinals last season, while La Center looks like the same old league title contender it's been since before anyone had ever heard of the Wildcat Offense. Meanwhile, Kalama and Castle Rock all picked up dominant wins over 2A opponents in Week 1, but they'll be facing an uphill battle for supremacy in the 100th running of the Trico League.
1. Seton Catholic (1-0)
Last week: Win 56-7 vs Columbia River
Seton Catholic
Some coaches would tell you that in order to claim top status you've got to unseat the champs first, but based on the results in Week 1, the Cougars have a pretty convincing argument that they're the team to be feared in the 1A Trico League. A 49-point victory over a 2A school that returns 37 seniors is pretty convincing evidence that last season's State semifinal run was no fluke.
Up Next: Mark Morris 0-1 (Away)
2. La Center (1-0)
Last week: Win 35-7 vs Montesano
The Wildcats would like to object to the opening statement in the Seton Catholic section. As evidence that the (once again) defending Trico champions haven't lost a step they'd like to present last week's 35-7 win on the road at Montesano. Wyatt Eisland led La Center with two rushing touchdowns, a passing score and an interception returned 92 yards for a touchdown as they whipped University of Monte.
Up Next: Woodland 0-1 (Away)
3. Kalama (1-0)
Last week: Win 34-15 vs Woodland
Quarterback Aiden Brown lived up to the offseason hype as the Chinooks dominated the 8-Mile War in Week 1. Brown picked up 194 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, while also throwing for 175 yards and a 72-yard touchdown pass. The 'Nooks led 22-0 at halftime on the way to an authoritative first step in their foray into big boy football.
4. Castle Rock (1-0)
Last week: Win 34-8 vs R.A. Long
The Rockets could hardly have been better in Week 1 with a blowout win over the Lumberjacks at Longview Memorial Stadium. The victory served as vengeance for a loss in their opener against the Jacks last season, but did little to move the needle for overall expectations. Expect more of the same this week, but the Rock will be an underdog most of the season and that's a testament to the strength of their schedule rather than a knock on the Rockets.
Up Next: Rochester 0-1 (Home)
5. King’s Way Christian (1-0)
Last week: Win 14-6 vs Rochester
The Knight's saw Ryan Charlton rush for 94 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 against Rochester in the Warriors' return to the 1A ranks. A goal line stand in the fourth quarter allowed King's Way to lock down the win and this week should look awfully familiar.
Up Next: Hoquiam 0-1 (Home)
6. Columbia-White Salmon (1-0)
Last week: Win 16-13 vs Hoquiam
Wongani Schlegel scored twice on the ground for the Bruins and a strong defensive push notched a safety in Week 1. White Salmon will step up a classification this week in an effort to earn more street cred for the Trico.
Up Next: Columbia River 0-1 (Home)
7. Stevenson (1-0)
Last week: Win 48-16 vs Rainier (Ore.)
The Bulldogs made the trek across the mighty Columbia River last week and tallied a 31-point win over the Rainier Columbians. At this point it's too early to tell if that's an indictment on the quality of play in Columbia County, or if it's indicative of a resurgent gridiron game in the gorge.
8. Fort Vancouver (0-1) – Last week: Loss 43-7 vs Heritage
The Trico's only loss in Week 1 fell on Fort Vancouver, a school that typically plays in the 2A Greater St. Helens League but opts down for football. After helping Heritage snap a 20- game losing streak in their opener, the Trappers are probably wishing they were back in the 2A GSHL for the rest of this season.
Central 2B League (North) Power Rankings Week 1
1. Napavine (1-0)
Last week: Win 47-7 vs Hudson’s Bay
Looks like the Tigers forgot they were supposed to fall off a bit this year. After a 47-7 win on the road over 2A Hudson's Bay, it's clear that the Napavine boys have been diligently practicing their blocking and tackling, and scoring, too. The Tigers found paydirt on their first play from scrimmage and quarterback Grady Wilson finished the day with 122 yards passing and a touchdown toss. Von Pressentin and Cayle Kelly combined for 204 rushing yards on only six carries.
Up Next: Life Christian 1-0 (Away)
2. Raymond/South Bend (1-0)
Last week: Win 27-22 vs Mossyrock
The Ravens gave Mossy an unwarm welcome back to the 2B ranks in Week 1 and they're hellbent on staying hot themselves well into the fall. A 20-point outburst in the first quarter put RSB in position to hang on for the win. With third generation center Nolen Miller leading the push up front, the Ravens will be in good position this season. Last week, Miller showed out on defense with his helmet colliding on more than a dozen tackles.
Up Next: Rainier, Wash. 0-1 (Home)
3. Pe Ell/Willapa Valley (1-0)
Last week: Win 40-8 vs Winlock
Rumor has it the Titans are trying to be Napavine-West this year after stealing an assistant coach away and working all offseason to implement their playbook. Returns were profitable for PWV in its first try as it piled up 484 total yards of offense in a 32-point victory over Winlock.
Up Next: Onalaska 0-1 (Away)
4. Forks (0-1)
Last week: Loss 35-26 vs Sequim
The Spartans could easily be higher on this list but a loss in the Rainbow Battle last week forced them down a spot or two. Keep an eye on Bubba Hernandez, who put up 129 rushing yards and 88 passing yards in the loss. The fact is, Forks will be a force to be reckoned with if it can somehow lockdown a home playoff game between now and the end of the regular season, because nobody wants to make that drive.
Up Next: Port Angeles 1-0 (Home)
5. Adna (0-1)
Last week: Loss 35-7 vs Toledo
The Pirates saw big preseason expectations fade in the spotlight in Week 1, but they're far from out of the picture this early in the season. Penalties were the bug du jour for Adna, as 16 flags cost them 105 yards. Trevin Salme helped the Pirates avoid the shutout by hitting Kannen Kephart for a 3-yard TD pass late in the game.
Up Next: Cle Elum-Roslyn 1-0 (Away)
6. Ilwaco (1-0)
Last week: Win 16-6 vs Toutle Lake
The Fishermen lost a load of seniors from last year's team, but they're not wasting any time worrying about who's not walking through the door. "I think we're going to be better," head coach Ron Rood said in the preseason. "We have pretty good depth in the backfield, but none of them have any stats because they didn't get to run the ball last year."
Up Next: Winlock 0-1 (Away)
Central 2B League (South) Power Rankings Week 1
1. Toledo (1-0)
Last week: Win 35-7 vs Adna
After a couple of false starts in Week 1 over the past several years, the Riverhawks promised to get out of the chute quick this season and then proved that their word is bond. Taking their "never punt" mentality into battle, the Riverhawks picked up 354 total yards and nearly turned in a shutout in their opener. Carter Swofford accounted for three touchdowns and 70 rushing yards, while QB Eli Weeks tallied scores on the ground and through the air.
Up Next: Goldendale 1-0 (Home)
2. Onalaska (0-1)
Last week: Loss 42-16 vs Nooksack Valley
The Loggers suffered a rare defeat in Week 1 after attempting to step their game up one classification. Don't get used to it. Ony coughed the ball up so frequently they'll probably have a Ricola sponsorship by week's end and that should take care of whatever hasn't already been ironed out at practice. Blaze Underhill and Lane Gordon each scored touchdowns for the Loggers in their opener, and Rodrigo Rodriguez won't be kept off the board for long.
Up next: Pe Ell-Willapa Valley 1-0 (Home)
3. Mossyrock (0-1)
Last week: Loss 27-22 vs Raymond/South Bend
The Vikings nearly pulled off a comeback in Week 1 after allowing 20 points in the first quarter of their return to the 2B ranks. Easton Kolb tallied 256 total yards of offense and Eathan Johnson hauled in seven passes of his passes for 108 receiving yards.
Up Next: Warden 1-0 (Away)
4. Morton/White Pass (1-0)
Last week: Win 44-7 vs Highland
The T-Wolves previewed a high-octane offense in Week 1, scoring 44 points in a 37-point win after being shutout in the first quarter. Kolten Ingalsbe punched in two short touchdown scores to break the seal, and Logan Mays tallied a team-high 98 rushing yards. Judah Kelly added more than 100 yards of total offense from the QB position.
Up Next: White Swan 0-1 (Away)
5. Rainier, Wash. (0-1)
Last Week: Loss 43-7 vs Tenino
The Mountaineers saw some fireworks in Week 1, but they were the wrong kind. The resumption of the Route 507 Rivalry saw a player from each team, plus a Tenino assistant coach, in the aftermath of a Mountie body slamming a Beaver after play had been blown dead by an official. The lone bright spot in the 36-point loss was a 71-yard touchdown run by Jacob Meldrum.
Up Next: Raymond-South Bend 1-0 (Away)
6. Toutle Lake (0-1)
Last week: Loss 16-6 vs Ilwaco
The Fighting Ducks picked up a new head coach halfway through last season but it looks like the East Cowlitz County crew will need a little more time to get their sea legs. Dom (Rivera) Settlemier has moved rom tailback to fullback this season and he'll need to clear a lot of bodies to keep the Ducks charging ahead this fall.
"We've put in a brand-new offense from what has been in the past at Toutle," coach Jacob Green said. "I'm a Kelso guy, so you go with what you know."
Up Next: Fort Vancouver 0-1 (Home)
7. Winlock (0-1)
Last week: Loss 40-8 vs Pe Ell-Willapa Valley
The Cardinals weren't exactly glad to be back last week in their return to the 2B ranks. PWV put the hurt on Winlock and didn't allow a score until the fourth quarter when Landen Cline connected with Carter Svenson for a 40-yard touchdown pass. As Winlock coach Ernie Samples said after a harried jamboree performance, "We need to calm the frick down. We were just all up tight."
Up Next: Ilwaco 1-0 (Home)