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.
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