Prep football preview: In-depth looks at each local league

As kickoff nears for the upcoming high school football season, here are links to The Herald’s previews for each local league. Included are feature stories, coaches polls, league favorites and contenders, things to know, players to watch and games to watch.

WESCO 4A

Lake Stevens' Jayden Limar celebrates a touchdown against Glacier Peak Thursday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Snohomish on April 1, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Highly touted Lake Stevens running back ‘an unstoppable force’

Ultra-talented junior running back Jayden Limar — who already has offers from the likes of Michigan, Notre Dame and Texas A&M — headlines what figures to be another high-octane Lake Stevens attack.

Wesco 4A league preview

Seven-time defending Wesco 4A champion Lake Stevens is once again the odds-on favorite, but Glacier Peak may have the pieces to challenge the Vikings and contend for its first-ever 4A state playoff berth.

WESCO 3A NORTH

Arlington senior quarterback Trent Nobach talks with head coach Greg Dailer during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021 in Arlington, Washington. Nobach, one of the top quarterbacks in the state, is back from injury after suffering a broken collarbone in the first game of this past spring's season. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Back from injury, talented Arlington QB is ‘living in the moment’

After a broken collarbone wiped out nearly his entire spring season, talented Arlington senior quarterback Trent Nobach used the summer to make up for lost time and aims to help the Eagles bounce back this fall.

Wesco 3A North league preview

Marysville Pilchuck and Ferndale are co-favorites in the Wesco 3A North, with both teams featuring the talent and experience to make noise at the 3A state level.

WESCO 3A SOUTH

The Monroe football team defense runs through drills during football practice on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 in Monroe, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Monroe eyes elusive league title after move to Wesco 3A South

After being stuck behind perennial Wesco 4A power Lake Stevens in recent years, the Bearcats have moved down a classification and are aiming for a league title in the new-look Wesco 3A South.

Wesco 3A South league preview

Edmonds-Woodway, Monroe and two-time defending league champion Snohomish are expected to be in the thick of a tight race for the Wesco 3A South crown.

NORTHWEST 2A/EMERALD SOUND CONFERENCE

Justice Taylor during practice Tuesday afternoon at Lakewood High School in Arlington on August 31, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Lakewood quarterback follows in footsteps of older brother

Two years after his older brother led Lakewood to the 2A state quarterfinals, senior quarterback Justice Taylor looks to guide the Cougars on another state-playoff run.

Northwest 2A/Emerald Sound Conference league previews

Lakewood and Archbishop Murphy return to the rugged Northwest 2A and are both eyeing deep state-playoff runs.

INDEPENDENTS

The annual Battle of Broadway between Everett High and Cascade High at Everett Memorial Stadium Friday night on March 19, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Cascade, Everett look foward to ‘competitive’ football seasons

The Bruins and Seagulls are among three Wesco teams playing independent schedules this fall, in an effort to create competitively balanced matchups for their programs.