4 Washington high school football teams set up to take next jump in 2022 season
With the start of 2022 Washington high school football preseason camp less than a month away, there are a few programs ready to take the next step to a whole another level of success.
Here are four teams SBLive WA thinks will make big waves during the fall season:
GLACIER PEAK GRIZZLIES
Photo by Todd Milles
Last year: 7-3, lost in district round of Class 4A playoffs.
Don't be surprised in 2022: State semifinal squad with legitimate chance to challenge for crown.
Skinny: With its group of high-level returning starters, Glacier Peak is a no-brainer. In fact, no program in the state can boast the returning offensive backfield talent that the Grizzlies have in quarterback River Lien and running backs Trey Leckner and Ryan King. Throw in talented tight end group, and this is a preseason top-five squad with the potential for so much more.
STANWOOD SPARTANS
Photo by Todd Milles
Last year: 6-5 record, lost in first round of Class 3A playoffs.
Don't be surprised in 2022: Wins 3A Wesco and reaches state quarterfinals.
Skinny: Fresh off the Butch Goncharoff coaching tree, first-year Spartans coach Jeff Scoma wasted no time laying the groundwork for success. And while it took a while for the Wing-T offense to hit an acceptable gear - the team lost three of its first four games - once running back Ryder Bumgarner (1,900 all-purpose yards) and company got going, they were a tough group to stop (just ask Lincoln).
ANACORTES SEAHAWKS
Photo courtesy of Anacortes athletics
Last year: 9-1 record.
Don't be surprised in 2022: Top-10 team in Class 2A.
Skinny: For a team that has played an independent schedule the past two seasons - after forfeiting all of its varsity games in 2019 - this isn't as obvious as others on the list. But watch out - the Seahawks' offense is loaded with playmakers, led by quarterback Rex Larson and wide receiver Hayden John. Anacortes should be factor in move back up to 2A Northwest Conference.
NOOKSACK VALLEY PIONEERS
Last year: 4-5 record.
Don't be surprised in 2022: Wins the 1A Northwest Conference.
Skinny: Say what? Yes, this is a league with perennial state powerhouses Lynden Christian and Mount Baker, but the Pioneers are growing up fast under third-year coach Craig Bartl, a former Ferndale assistant. Offensive line, especially on left side with junior Duke Halapiapi and sophomore Grady Ackerman, should be a strength - and team will likely start just one senior.
