Vote now for The News Tribune’s high school football game of the week

Jon Manley, Lauren Smith

Vote now for The News Tribune’s high school football game of the week and we’ll be there to cover it.

Voting remains open until noon Thursday. Find the poll below the list of the five featured games.

Read about the top five games in the South Sound in Week 10 below, plus our predictions for every local district round matchup.

Graham-Kapowsin quarterback Daveon Superales looks to pass downfield under pressure from Curtis defenders (from left) Marquis Watson, Bryce Bouyer and Memphis Robinson during Saturday’s football game at Art Crate Field in Spanaway, Washington, Oct. 8, 2022. Graham-Kapowsin won the game, 24-19.
Graham-Kapowsin quarterback Daveon Superales looks to pass downfield under pressure from Curtis defenders (from left) Marquis Watson, Bryce Bouyer and Memphis Robinson during Saturday’s football game at Art Crate Field in Spanaway, Washington, Oct. 8, 2022. Graham-Kapowsin won the game, 24-19.

4A DISTRICT ROUND

MOUNT SI WILDCATS (4-4) VS. GRAHAM-KAPOWSIN EAGLES (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Art Crate Field, Spanaway

Few teams are playing better football down the stretch than the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles, winners of four straight, which includes victories over Curtis and Emerald Ridge. The Emerald Ridge win proved a statement victory for the defending 4A state champions and the win over Curtis looks more impressive after Curtis throttled Puyallup in last week’s regular season finale. Junior quarterback Daveon Superales (137-of-202, 1,594 yards, 16 TDs, three INTs) looks more comfortable every week and junior Jabez Woods (38 catches, 537 yards, eight TDs) has put together an impressive campaign. Linebacker Jalen Davenport returned from injury midway through the season. Graham-Kapowsin coach Jeff Logan has been cautious with last season’s 4A SPSL co-MVP, integrating him back into the game plan slowly. He may be ready to cut him loose in the playoffs and feature him more in the run game. Graham-Kapowsin’s secondary is one of the state’s best — Caden Smith and Vinicio Hansen both thrive in coverage. Mount Si comes into the game with considerably less momentum, dropping contests to Eastlake and Bothell to close out the season. The Wildcats don’t throw much — they’re big up front and will look to run the ball with junior Beau Phillips , who is averaging 7.3 yards per carry and 116.9 rushing yards per game).

TNT pick: Graham-Kapowsin, 35-21

Emerald Ridge wide receiver Gio Kafentzis (8) runs with the ball after catching a pass from Emerald Ridge quarterback Jake Schakel (14) in the first quarter of a game against Curtis at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash. on Sept. 22, 2022. Emerald Ridge defeated Curtis 42-13.
Emerald Ridge wide receiver Gio Kafentzis (8) runs with the ball after catching a pass from Emerald Ridge quarterback Jake Schakel (14) in the first quarter of a game against Curtis at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash. on Sept. 22, 2022. Emerald Ridge defeated Curtis 42-13.

4A DISTRICT ROUND

BOTHELL COUGARS (4-5) VS. EMERALD RIDGE JAGUARS (7-2)

2 p.m. Saturday, Sparks Stadium, Puyallup

To get to the state playoffs for the first time, Emerald Ridge will have to beat one of the most consistent 4A teams. Since 2000, Bothell has advanced to the 4A state bracket 15 times, winning the state title in 2014 and finishing as the runner-up in 2006 and 2007. This may not be Bothell’s strongest team, but the Cougars can’t be overlooked. Bothell closed out its regular season slate with a 36-35 win over Mount Si. Running back Bryce Kooy has come alive in recent weeks for the Cougars. Emerald Ridge finished strong, beating rival Rogers in Week 9 after a loss to defending 4A state champion Graham-Kapowsin. Washington commit Jacob Lane returned from injury and appeared in a limited role in last week’s win over the Rams. He’s fully cleared to return and should offer a major boost to Emerald Ridge’s defensive line, as well a dangerous red zone target for junior quarterback Jake Schakel (155-of-220, 2,175 yards, 26 TDs, eight INTs).

TNT pick: Emerald Ridge, 28-24

Curtis quarterback Rocco Koch (15) fakes handing the ball off to Curtis running back Lyndon Tanoa (33) during the third quarter of a game against Emerald Ridge at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash. on Sept. 22, 2022. Emerald Ridge defeated Curtis 42-13.
Curtis quarterback Rocco Koch (15) fakes handing the ball off to Curtis running back Lyndon Tanoa (33) during the third quarter of a game against Emerald Ridge at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash. on Sept. 22, 2022. Emerald Ridge defeated Curtis 42-13.

4A DISTRICT ROUND

CURTIS VIKINGS (6-3) VS. FEDERAL WAY EAGLES (7-2)

6 p.m. Saturday, Federal Way Memorial Stadium, Federal Way

Two South Sound programs with dynamic playmakers go head-to-head in Week 10, looking for a spot in the 4A bracket after missing out on the state playoffs in recent seasons. Curtis last advanced in 2018, and Federal Way in 2014. Who returns in 2022? The Vikings wrapped up a tough 4A SPSL schedule with a convincing 48-14 win over Puyallup last weekend. Junior quarterback Rocco Koch turned in another impressive performance in the regular season finale, passing for 167 yards and four touchdowns, and rushing for another 184 yards. Sophomore receivers Xavier Ahrens and Parker Mady each caught multiple touchdown passes. The Vikings enter this week’s contest on a three-game winning streak. Their three losses during the regular season were to 4A SPSL champion Sumner, Emerald Ridge and defending 4A state champion Graham-Kapowsin. Federal Way enters the matchup on a four-game winning streak. Each of the Eagles’ seven wins during the regular season were decided by at least four touchdowns, with Federal Way allowing only 9.7 points per game during those contests. Federal Way’s defense includes several Division I recruits, with Oregon State commit Andre Jordan Jr. and four-star junior Rahshawn Clark leading a secondary considered one of the most talented in the state. The Eagles’ two losses during the regular season were to top-ranked Lake Stevens and 4A NPSL champion Kennedy Catholic. Curtis and Federal Way last played in a nonleague contest in 2017. Curtis won, and has won three of the past five games in the series.

TNT pick: Curtis, 35-28

After catching a long touchdown pass from quarterback Dempsy James, Spanaway Lake receiver Zion Jones motions toward the Lincoln sideline during the second quarter of a 3A PCL game on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at Art Crate Field in Spanaway, Wash.
After catching a long touchdown pass from quarterback Dempsy James, Spanaway Lake receiver Zion Jones motions toward the Lincoln sideline during the second quarter of a 3A PCL game on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at Art Crate Field in Spanaway, Wash.

3A DISTRICT ROUND

GARFIELD BULLDOGS (5-3) VS. SPANAWAY LAKE SENTINELS (6-2)

2 p.m. Saturday, Art Crate Field, Spanaway

Spanaway Lake struggled to slow down the state’s best quarterback — Missouri commit Gabarri Johnson — against Lincoln in the 3A Pierce County League championship game last week at Art Crate Field. Things won’t get much easier in that regard this week, with Garfield junior quarterback EJ Caminong (1,745 yards, 14 TD, 3 INT) — who recently committed to Washington — coming to town for a playoff game. Garfield got off to a hot start to the season, beating last season’s 4A state runner-up Lake Stevens in the opener. But the Bulldogs struggled down the stretch against the 3A Metro League’s best competition, dropping three consecutive games to Eastside Catholic, Rainier Beach and O’Dea, before bouncing back in the regular season finale with a 38-6 win over Lincoln of Seattle. Reylen Witherspoon (481 yards, 6 TD) is Garfield’s top running back. Spanaway Lake should be able to move the ball with physical running back D’Aryhian Clemons (132 carries, 964 yards, seven TDs) and mobile quarterback Dempsy James (60 carries, 421 rushing yards, nine rushing TDs). Eastern Washington commit Zion Jones has been a difference-maker at cornerback and receiver. This game could hinge on how healthy Oklahoma commit Jasiah Wagoner (hip) is. He’s been limited much of the past month.

TNT pick: Garfield, 28-21

2A DISTRICT ROUND

STEILACOOM SENTINELS (5-4) VS. WASHINGTON PATRIOTS (6-3)

7 p.m. Friday, Franklin Pierce Stadium, Tacoma

Get ready for a rematch between two 2A SPSL programs who played in a rain-soaked, high-scoring thriller only two weeks ago. Steilacoom and Washington met in a league game on Oct. 21 at Steilacoom, with the Patriots eventually winning a back-and-forth contest, 35-28. The Patriots erased a late touchdown deficit, scoring twice in the final 5:08 on a pair of long passes from Luke Elliott to Breydan Fisher. The decisive touchdown, a 75-yard connection between Washington’s senior quarterback and senior receiver, was scored with 17.9 seconds to play. What happens when the two programs meet again with a trip to the state playoffs on the line? Both teams have quarterbacks averaging 200-plus yards and multiple passing touchdowns per game in Steilacoom sophomore Drew Macdonald (131-of-218, 2,044 yards, 24 TDs, eight INTs) and Washington’s Elliott (88-of-172, 1,628 yards, 17 TDs, six INTs). Junior Jaydus Green (37 catches, 862 yards, 13 TDs) leads the Sentinels in receiving, while Fisher (46 catches, 902 yards, 11 TDs) leads the Patriots. Steilacoom can secure a sixth consecutive trip to the state bracket with a win, while Washington is looking to return for the first time since 2018.

TNT pick: Washington, 35-24

Sumner’s Rayvoughn “Bubba” Varnado (75) and Dylan Sikorsky celebrate as the leave the field after beating Puyallup, 40-10, in a A SPSL game on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash.
Sumner’s Rayvoughn “Bubba” Varnado (75) and Dylan Sikorsky celebrate as the leave the field after beating Puyallup, 40-10, in a A SPSL game on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash.

TNT picks for the rest of the district round games featuring South South programs. Find statewide pairings for Week 10 here.

4A DISTRICT ROUND

Kamiak (3-6) vs. Kennedy Catholic (8-1)

1 p.m. Saturday, Highline Memorial Stadium, Burien

TNT pick: Kennedy Catholic, 42-21

Mount Rainier (5-4) vs. Skyline (6-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Skyline High School, Sammamish

TNT pick: Skyline, 24-14

Tahoma (4-5) vs. Eastlake (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Eastlake High School, Sammamish

TNT pick: Eastlake, 30-14

Kentridge (5-4) vs. Sumner (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Sunset Chev Stadium, Sumner

TNT pick: Sumner, 42-17

Bethel (4-5) vs. Lake Stevens (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens

TNT pick: Lake Stevens, 42-14

Puyallup (6-3) vs. Skyview (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Kiggins Bowl, Vancouver

TNT pick: Skyview, 30-24

Yelm running back Ray Wright powers into the end zone for a two-point conversion during Friday night’s football game against the Peninsula Seahawks at Roy Anderson Field in Purdy, Washington, on Oct. 21, 2022.
Yelm running back Ray Wright powers into the end zone for a two-point conversion during Friday night’s football game against the Peninsula Seahawks at Roy Anderson Field in Purdy, Washington, on Oct. 21, 2022.

3A DISTRICT ROUND

Southridge (6-3) vs. Auburn (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Auburn Memorial Stadium, Auburn

TNT pick: Southridge, 24-21

Auburn Riverside (4-5) vs. Eastside Catholic (8-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Eastside Catholic School, Sammamish

TNT pick: Eastside Catholic, 42-24

Auburn Mountainview (6-3) vs. Kennewick (7-2)

3 p.m. Saturday, Lampson Stadium, Kennewick

TNT pick: Kennewick, 30-14

Marysville-Pilchuck (5-4) vs. Lincoln (9-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Lincoln Bowl, Tacoma

TNT pick: Lincoln, 40-24

Lakes (6-2) vs. Stanwood (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Bob Larson Stadium, Stanwood

TNT pick: Stanwood, 30-28

Bishop Blanchet (4-5) vs. Yelm (9-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Yelm High School, Yelm

TNT pick: Yelm, 49-14

Arlington (7-2) vs. Peninsula (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Roy Anderson Field, Purdy

TNT pick: Arlington, 28-27

Timberline (6-3) vs. Mead (7-2)

1 p.m. Saturday, Union Stadium, Mead

TNT pick: Mead, 35-21

Gig Harbor (6-3) vs. Kelso (7-2)

2 p.m. Saturday, Ed Laulainen Stadium, Kelso

TNT pick: Kelso, 24-20

Enumclaw running back Emmit Otero breaks through a tackle attempt by Fife’s Drew Francis as he scores a touchdown in the second quarter of 2A SPSL game on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at Fife High School in Fife, Wash.
Enumclaw running back Emmit Otero breaks through a tackle attempt by Fife’s Drew Francis as he scores a touchdown in the second quarter of 2A SPSL game on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at Fife High School in Fife, Wash.

2A DISTRICT ROUND

Lindbergh (5-3) vs. Enumclaw (9-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Pete’s Pool, Enumclaw

TNT pick: Enumclaw, 49-14

Bremerton (7-2) vs. Fife (6-3)

7 p.m. Friday, Fife High School, Fife

TNT pick: Fife, 32-28

Franklin Pierce (5-4) vs. Olympic (7-2)

6:30 p.m. Friday, Olympic High School, Bremerton

TNT pick: Olympic, 35-30

Orting (3-6) vs. Highline (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Highline Memorial Stadium, Burien

TNT pick: Highline, 38-20

Ridgefield (5-4) vs. Tumwater (8-1)

5 p.m. Saturday, Tumwater District Stadium, Tumwater

TNT pick: Tumwater, 32-27

Black Hills (5-3) vs. Mark Morris (8-1)

3 p.m. Saturday, Longview Memorial Stadium, Longview

TNT pick: Mark Morris, 35-21

Shelton (5-4) vs. Washougal (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Fishback Stadium, Washougal

TNT pick: Washougal, 40-17

Eatonville quarterback Job Kralik turns the corner in front of Tenino defensive back Keegan O’Connor during Friday night’s 2A football game at Tenino Beaver Stadium in Tenino, Washington, on Sept. 30, 2022.
Eatonville quarterback Job Kralik turns the corner in front of Tenino defensive back Keegan O’Connor during Friday night’s 2A football game at Tenino Beaver Stadium in Tenino, Washington, on Sept. 30, 2022.

1A DISTRICT ROUND

Eatonville (7-2) vs. Castle Rock (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock

TNT pick: Eatonville, 35-17

King’s Way Christian (4-4) vs. Tenino (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Tenino High School, Tenino

TNT pick: Tenino, 42-14

1B DISTRICT ROUND

Crescent (3-6) vs. Muckleshoot Tribal (5-4)

1:30 p.m. Saturday, Muckleshoot Tribal School, Auburn

TNT pick: Muckleshoot Tribal, 54-48

Advertisement