After an action-packed Week 9, there’s plenty of movement in the final edition of The Herald’s prep football power rankings.
Here’s how things shake out:
1. Lake Stevens Vikings
Record: 8-1
Last week’s ranking: 1
Why they’re here: The Vikings cruised yet another Wesco 4A title last Friday and enter their Week 10 playoff matchup with a 20-game win streak against in-state opponents. Lake Stevens, which figures to secure one of Class 4A’s top seedings with a victory this week, has wins over two top-20 4A teams in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s RPI rankings, including No. 2 Eastlake, and two more over 3A top-20 teams. The defending 4A state champions received a boost for their playoff push with running back Jayshon Limar returning last week.
2. Arlington Eagles
Record: 9-0
Last week’s ranking: 2
Why they’re here: The Eagles made a major statement by routing Monroe in the Wesco 3A championship game. Arlington has rolled to this point and has won every game by at least four scores. The Eagles now hold wins over two top-five 3A teams in the RPI rankings. They’ve been consistent ranked fourth in recent Associated Press high school football media polls and hold the No. 1 rankings in the state’s RPI. If Arlington can win a favorable matchup with Ballard this week, it should have a solid chance to host through the state quarterfinals.
3. King’s Knights
Record: 9-0
Last week’s ranking: 4
Why they’re here: It was a bit anticlimactic, but the Knights sealed up their fourth consecutive Emerald Sound Conference title via forfeit over Cedar Park Christian (Bothell). King’s currently doesn’t have an opponent on its schedule for Week 10, which should lead to the Knights being well-rested for a state playoff run. King’s state tournament resume includes three victories over 1A teams with top-12 RPI rankings and a win over 2022 1A state runner-up Mount Baker.
4. Monroe Bearcats
Record: 8-1
Last week’s ranking: 3
Why they’re here: Monroe’s unbeaten run came to a to end against Arlington in a clash of Wesco 3A North and South champions. After dominating their Wesco 3A South schedule, the Bearcats couldn’t slow down or keep up with the high-flying Eagles. However, Monroe remains in a favorable position with a home matchup in this week’s winner-to-state round, and its opponent will be coming off playing a tiebreaker game Tuesday.
5. Glacier Peak Grizzlies
Record: 6-3
Last week’s ranking: 5
Why they’re here: The Grizzlies’ five-game win streak and bid for the Wesco 4A title were ended in last week’s loss to league power Lake Stevens. But Glacier Peak is still Week 10-bound after placing second in the league and has a chance to flip the script on a tough ending from a season ago when it travels to face Mount Si from the always-tough KingCo 4A on Friday.
6. Marysville Pilchuck Tomahawks
Record: 6-3
Last week’s ranking: 7
Why they’re here: The Tomahawks enter the winner-to-state round on a high note after putting up a season-best 45 points and recording their first shutout in a Week 9 crossover win over Snohomish. Marysville Pilchuck is among the many local teams traveling for Week 10 playoff games and figures to have one of the best shots of making some noise with an upset.
7. Archbishop Murphy Wildcats
Record: 5-4
Last week’s ranking: 8
Why they’re here: The Wildcats notched another milestone in their comeback season by sealing up a winning 4-3 record in the rugged Northwest 2A Conference, which was good for a three-way tie for third. Archbishop Murphy is eliminated from playoff contention, but it can make the one-year leap from winless to winning season with another victory this week.
8. Darrington Loggers
Record: 8-1
Last week’s ranking: NR
Why they’re here: After going 6-4 a season ago, the Loggers have taken another step forward this fall at the eight-man level. Darrington’s eight wins matches its most since 2007 and they’ve come by an average of 27.5 points. The only blemish on the team’s record is a loss to 1B power Neah Bay.
Next up: Granite Falls Tigers (7-2)
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