Three massive games to decide three league titles.
The final Friday of the regular season has long been circled on the calendars of high school football fans in Southwest Washington. That’s because of the potential for three clashes between preseason league favorites.
That potential is now reality.
Camas will face Skyview at Kiggins Bowl with the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League title on the line.
For a second consecutive year, Woodland and Ridgefield will face off with the winner taking the Class 2A Greater St. Helens League title.
And a titanic Trico League clash will pit two of the best small-school teams in the state. Seton Catholic and La Center and ranked No. 2 and 3, respectively, in the Class 1A Associated Press rankings.
Here’s a primer on each of those games, where much more than braggin’ rights will be on the line.
Camas (8-0, 2-0) vs. Skyview (6-2, 2-0)
7 p.m., Kiggins Bowl
WHAT’S AT STAKE — Camas looks to continue its dominance of the 4A GSHL with a sixth consecutive league title. Over that stretch, Skyview’s only losses in league play have been to Camas, including a 36-33 heartbreaker in 2022 and a 38-31 overtime loss in 2021. In fact, Skyview hasn’t beaten Camas since 2011, a season that saw the Storm reach the state championship game. As the No. 1 team in the Class 4A Associated Press rankings, Camas is hoping a win will launch a deep run in the state playoffs, where the Papermakers haven’t advanced past the quarterfinals since winning the state title in 2019.
CAMAS WILL WIN IF — The Papermakers simply need to keep scoring like they have for much of the season. Camas has scored no fewer than 38 points it its last five games, including 63 points in league wins over Battle Ground and Union. Jake Davidson leads the area in passing yards (2,210) and touchdown passes (34). Davidson’s main weapon has been Chase McGee, who leads area receivers in yardage (955) and touchdowns (15).
SKYVIEW WILL WIN IF — The Storm will hope its defense gets Davidson out of rhythm. Defense has traditionally been a strong point for Skyview, which allowed just 7.4 points per game last season. Skyview has been stingy of late, allowing 29 total points over the past four games. Quarterback Doogie Poindexter is back healthy after an ankle injury forced him to miss most of two games. In the past two games, the senior is a combined 23 for 33 for 470 yards and nine touchdowns. Do-everything star Gavin Packer, a Boise State commit, has the type of big-play ability that could give Skyview the momentum it needs.
Ridgefield (8-0, 6-0) at Woodland (6-2, 6-0)
7 p.m., Woodland High School
WHAT’S AT STAKE — Woodland is looking to become the first 2A GSHL team to repeat as league champs since Hockinson won seven straight titles from 2013-19. Ridgefield is looking for its first title and undefeated regular season since 2021. The Spudders are also looking for revenge after Woodland won last year’s title-deciding game 28-21 on Ridgefield’s home turf.
RIDGEFIELD WILL WIN IF — Can the Spudders stop Woodland dynamic quarterback Elijah Andersen? The reigning All-Region player of the year has racked up 986 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing while also throwing for 670 yards and 10 touchdowns. In fact, Andersen has had a hand in all but two of Woodland’s touchdowns this season. Ridgefield will try to replicate what La Center did on Sept. 13, when the Wildcats held Andersen to just 5 yards on 17 carries.
WOODLAND WILL WIN IF — Aside from Andersen, Woodland’s main strength has been its defense. That front will be tested by a Ridgefield rushing attack led by Cly Stephens, who is averaging 98.5 yards per game. But the Beavers should beware of focusing solely on the run as Spudders quarterback Landon Debeaumont has thrown for 947 yards and 12 touchdowns. Woodland is hoping a strong defensive showing takes the pressure off Andersen needing to do it all on offense.
Seton Catholic (8-0, 6-0) at La Center (8-0, 6-0)
7 p.m., La Center High School
WHAT’S AT STAKE — In the 100 years since the Trico League was founded, it’s hard to imagine a more anticipated football game. These teams have been on a collision course since La Center won last year’s clash 14-13 with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Not only will this year’s winner earn a league title, but likely also a first-round bye in the 12-team Class 1A state playoffs. Both Seton and La Center have outscored their opponents by 41 points per game, meaning these small-school heavyweights are firing on all cylinders.
SETON CATHOLIC WILL WIN IF — The Cougars offense hasn’t been slowed, let alone stopped. Kolten Gesser has thrown for 1,620 yards and 33 touchdowns, both second only to Davidson of Camas. The junior quarterback also hasn’t been sacked this season. Jacob Williams has rushed for 1,222 yards, second most among all Southwest Washington players. If Seton’s offense keeps humming against La Center, it should be a good night for the Cougars.
LA CENTER WILL WIN IF — The Wildcats have the type of offense that can keep the ball away from Seton. La Center showed that with two time-consuming drives in the first half of last week’s 41-6 win over Kalama. Isaac Chromey has rushed for 1,135 yards and 16 touchdowns while dual-threat quarterback Wyatt Eiesland has rushed for 349 yards and 11 TDs. While a shootout favors Seton, La Center is hoping for another low-scoring clash that the Wildcats won last year.
