Cascade Conference football preview

OUTLOOK

As was the case in 2014, the Cascade Conference figures to be a three-team race. King’s, Lakewood and Archbishop Murphy finished first, second and third, respectively, a season ago.

The conference’s coaches expect those same three teams, in some order, to finish in the top three this season. What to expect from the other five teams in the league is a bit of a mystery.

Granite Falls, South Whidbey and Cedarcrest have new coaches. Cedarcrest, which finished 4-3 in league play, was the only team in the conference besides the Knights, Cougars and Wildcats to post a winning conference record last season. South Whidbey and Cedar Park Christian-Bothell each finished 2-5 in conference play, and Sultan and Granite Falls were each 1-6.

THE FAVORITE

King’s. The Knights have been to six consecutive Class 1A state quarterfinals, but have yet to advance to the semifinals in that span. They went undefeated in Cascade Conference play in 2014 and have the personnel to do it again this season.

The biggest challenges standing in King’s way figure to be Lakewood in Week 4 and Archbishop Murphy in Week 8.

THE DARK HORSE

Archbishop Murphy. After a decade of Cascade Conference dominance, Archbishop Murphy’s football program had its share of struggles in 2012 and 2013, but third-year head coach Jerry Jensen appeared to get the program back on track in 2014. The Wildcats finished the regular season 7-2 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

What the Wildcats didn’t do in 2014 was beat King’s or Lakewood. Archbishop Murphy hasn’t defeated either team since 2011, which was the last time the Wildcats won the league title. They likely will have to beat one of those teams this season in order to get back to the top of the league standings.

5 GAMES TO WATCH

Lynden at King’s (Sept. 4): The Knights get a big test right out of the gate. Their season opener is against perennial Class 2A state power Lynden, which lost to Sedro-Woolley last year in the state championship game. It’s a non-conference game, but will give the Knights a good idea of where they stand at the start the season.

Lakewood at Lynden (Sept. 11): All of things stated previously about King’s facing Lynden hold true when Lakewood gets its shot at the Lions in Week 2.

Archbishop Murphy at Lakewood (Sept. 18): Lakewood squeaked out an 18-17 win over the Wildcats last season, a victory that ultimately gave the Cougars second place in the Cascade Conference. This year’s game could have similar implications.

Lakewood at King’s (Sept. 25): In the closest regular-season game the Knights played last season, they beat the Cougars 16-12. Though neither team knew it at the time, King’s victory decided the league championship.

Archbishop Murphy at King’s (Oct. 23): Archbishop Murphy had a chance to create a three-way tie for first place in the Cascade Conference late last season, but the Knights held on for a 17-7 win and clinched the league title. It seems likely this year’s league champion won’t be crowned until these two teams meet in Week 8.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.