Washington high school football playoffs changed to feature cross-state matchups

The high school football postseason will have a bit of a different look starting in 2024-25, at least during Week 10, which has traditionally featured opening-round playoff matchups confined to teams within the same district across the state.

The Washington State Football Coaches Association announced Friday that district directors have approved a "Round of 32" format for Week 10 in Class 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A. Just like the old district playoff format, winners of the Round of 32 games would qualify for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association's state tournament, beginning with the Round of 16. Losers will be eliminated.

The change will no longer limit schools to nearby games on Week 10, which typically paired West Sound teams against opponents in Pierce County. The Round of 32 does expand the landscape for possible playoff matches. For example, if a team like North Kitsap or Bremerton qualifies out of the Olympic League, the Week 10 playoff game could send them across the state, or they might play host to a team from as far away as Spokane, Yakima or Whatcom County, depending on league standings and bracket matchups.

THE WSFCA press release stated that district directors and WIAA seeding committee members will work with Lake Washington School District athletic director John Applegate to determine the Week 10 matchups, and winners will be reseeded by committees prior to state tournament play.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington high school football playoffs shift from district format