Mountain View’s senior class — in a program that’s won three consecutive 3A Greater St. Helens League titles and hasn’t lost a league game in that span — knows what expectations sit on their shoulders.
And they’re lofty. It’s no surprise the Class of 2020 wants to make it a perfect 4-for-4 for league titles in their high school tenure.
But what Mountain View lacks in varsity experience losing 21 starters to graduation, it makes up for in tradition. The program’s unbeaten league streak sits at 15 straight games — and 20 consecutive 3A league games if you count the 2013 unbeaten 3A league season that preceded two years in 4A.
It’s not by accident Mountain View has won three straight league titles.
“Preparation everyday,” senior tight end Dominic Stephens said. “And working hard toward the next game to be the best players we can be and hopefully, we can be the better team on the scoreboard.”
This article is part of The Columbian's High School Fall Sports 2019 special section, published in print on Sept. 1. View it online.
In Steve Amrine’s words, Kelso’s head coach believes the league still runs through the champs. The Hilanders have reached the postseason five straight years, and are the only 3A GSHL team to finish second behind the Thunder since 2016. The final score in two of the previous three meetings were separated by two touchdowns or less.
Second-year Prairie coach Mike Peck believes his Falcons can be in the mix to compete for a league title behind a large senior class fresh off a playoff berth. Prairie reached the postseason for the second time in 20 years in 2018 and boosted its first winning record since 2011.
Hudson’s Bay isn’t far removed from its 2017 playoff-bound team, but the Eagles are full of youth. Third-year coach Ray Lions said he could start a pair of freshmen and the quarterback position is still up for grabs between Fort Vancouver transfer Austin Real-James and sophomore Dylan Damos, who started the 2018 season-opener.
Evergreen features one of the league’s fastest and most dynamic players in senior Zyell Griffin, who leads an experienced receiving corps with first-year high school quarterback Carter Monda. The Plainsmen’s new head coach, Christian Swain, led 2A Columbia River to three straight playoff berths before being hired at Evergreen this spring.
League member Fort Vancouver opted for an independent schedule for 2019. Fort will play one 3A GSHL team on its schedule — rival Hudson’s Bay — in the annual Peace Pipe game on Oct. 11.
PROJECTED FINISH
Mountain View
Thunder’s senior class looking to make it four consecutive league titles.
Kelso
Hilanders have size, skill position players to make a league-title run.
Prairie
Falcons have plenty of experience back from first playoff bound season in 7 years.
Evergreen
New coaches, team speed could have Plainsmen on the way up fast.
Hudson’s Bay
Eagles are young, but poised to make noise in competitive league.
BIGGEST GAMES
Oct. 10 — Mountain View at Prairie, 7 p.m., District Stadium
Oct. 25 — Evergreen at Hudson’s Bay, 7 p.m., Kiggins Bowl
Oct. 25 — Kelso at Mountain View, 7 p.m., McKenzie Stadium
Nov. 1 — Evergreen at Prairie, 7 p.m., District Stadium
