Prep football power rankings after Week 4

Week 4 of the prep football season saw an area power go down at home, league favorites continue to blaze through their schedules and a pair of tougher-than-expected games for contenders in Wesco 3A North.

Here’s how things shake out in The Herald’s power rankings heading into Week 5:

1. Lake Stevens Vikings

Record: 3-1

Last week’s ranking: 1

Why they’re here: Last Friday’s 49-30 loss to West Linn was a tough one for the Vikings, who fell at home in the regular season for the first time since 2014. Five turnovers, including three deep in its own territory, plagued Lake Stevens against Oregon’s defending Class 6A state champion. The silver lining was the 30 points scored was almost twice as many as West Linn had allowed through its three previous games combined. It’s fair to assume not many would fare much better against a clearly talented West Linn squad.

2. Arlington Eagles

Record: 4-0

Last week’s ranking: 3

Why they’re here: The Eagles made a major statement to the rest of Wesco 3A North by continuing their run of lopsided wins with a 46-14 drubbing of defending league champion Ferndale last Friday. Arlington has won all four of its games by at least 32 points and has yet to surrender more than two touchdowns and score less than six touchdowns in a single game. If the Eagles can continue their winning ways against rival Stanwood this week, they’ll be in prime position claim the league’s championship.

3. Monroe Bearcats

Record: 4-0

Last week’s ranking: 2

Why they’re here: The Bearcats fall a spot in the rankings by no fault of their own. Arlington just produced the type of win against a quality opponent that Monroe hasn’t had the chance to get yet. The Bearcats continued their early-season dominance with a 56-0 thrashing of Lynnwood last Saturday. Monroe’s defense has back-to-back shutouts under its belt and has allowed just six points over the past three weeks. The team’s biggest test thus far comes Friday in a battle of Wesco 3A South unbeatens against Zaveon Jones-led Mountlake Terrace.

4. Marysville Pilchuck Tomahawks

Record: 4-0

Last week’s ranking: 4

Why they’re here: Winless Oak Harbor played the Tomahawks tougher than expected, but Marysville Pilchuck kept its unbeaten record intact by edging the Wildcats 21-12 last Friday. It was the first time this season the Tomahawks haven’t won by double digits. With a pivotal matchup against Ferndale on the docket this week, MP has a chance to set up a Week 6 game against Arlington that could ultimately decide the league’s title winner.

5. Stanwood Spartans

Record: 3-1

Last week’s ranking: 5

Why they’re here: After a resounding win in Week 3, the Spartans had to scratch and claw to get past upset-minded Mount Vernon last Friday. Stanwood withstood the momentum of losing its 12-0 halftime lead and engineered a game-winning touchdown drive in the final moments to pull out a 19-15 win. It’s been a bit of an up-down-start for Stanwood, and the team will need to deliver at the top of its game with red-hot rival Arlington coming to town for the Stilly Cup on Friday.

6. King’s Knights

Record: 4-0

Last week’s ranking: 7

Why they’re here: The Knights followed their massive win over Nooksack Valley with a 63-22 thrashing of 1A state runner-up Mount Baker last Friday. Another convincing victory has King’s looking every bit of a 1A state title contender, and once again King’s plays host to a high-level 1A matchup with Cascade Christian visiting Woolsey Stadium this week. After that, King’s starts its Emerald Sound Conference schedule, where it will be heavily favored the rest of the way.

7. Mountlake Terrace Hawks

Record: 4-0

Last week’s ranking: 6

Why they’re here: The Hawks continued their unbeaten run with a 20-0 victory over Shorecrest last Friday. The Mountlake Terrace defense now holds back-to-back shutouts and has surrendered more than one touchdown just once. The rushing attack remains a major threat with Zaveon Jones up to 820 rushing yards and 10 TDs. The Hawks will need every bit of their defense and run game with a trip to face high-octane league favorite Monroe this week.

8. Glacier Peak Grizzlies

Record: 2-2

Last week’s ranking: 8

Why they’re here: After a pair of tough losses against quality opponents, the Grizzlies bounced back with a 21-0 victory against previously unbeaten Evergreen (Vancouver) on Friday. The 21 points were a season-high for Glacier Peak, which saw a big bounce back from its running game churning out 260 yards after having just 53 against Ferndale the week prior. The defense has now put together three solid showings as well.

Next up: Edmonds-Woodway Warriors (3-1)

Note: The Herald’s high school football power rankings place the top eight teams in the area. Consideration is given to current record, strength of schedule and recent success. The rankings will also consider a team’s strength relative to its own classification. For example, if a Class 1A team is ranked above a 4A school, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’d favor the 1A team in a head-to-head matchup.