It's finally summer, and here are SBLive's likely preseason No. 1 teams in 2023 Washington high school football

Washington high school fall football (2022) concluded months ago. Spring football (2023) has wrapped up. And team camps, controlled scrimmages and passing leagues are underway in early summer.

So, why not reveal the odds-on 2023 preseason No. 1 football team in each WIAA classification?

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CLASS 4A

Choice for No. 1: Graham-Kapowsin.

Biggest reason why: QB Daveon Superales continues to get little love statewide, but expect huge second-year jump, especially with arguably best set of pass catchers in state in WR Jabez Woods, Malachi Durant (transfer from Puyallup) and Khris Norris, and TE Noah Fox-Flores at his disposal.

Monitor closely: Kamiakin. Gabe Tahir and Fabian Hernandez are gone, but team was full of rising juniors and sophomores a year ago. 

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CLASS 3A

Choice for No. 1: Eastside Catholic.

Biggest reason why: Have you seen all the D1 offers that regularly come into this talent-rich program on The Plateau? Crusaders are loaded everywhere, and if the quarterback piece comes into focus - transfer Matt Ivaldi arrives from Florida - they could edge the likes of Yelm, O'Dea and Bellevue.

Monitor closely: Stanwood. Third season in Wing-T should mean details sharpen. Spartans also have another Bumgarner in tow - fast-and-shifty Canyon.

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CLASS 2A

Choice for No. 1: Lynden or Anacortes.

Biggest reason why: Truly a coin flip. Both Northwest Conference programs return starting quarterbacks (Brant Heppner at Lynden, Rex Larson at Anacortes), so who wins out - two-time state champion Lions' pedigree or the force-of-nature Beaner brothers?

Monitor closely: Tumwater. Impressive offseason under first-year coach Willie Garrow, and Thunderbirds have size to clash with anybody in classification.

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CLASS 1A

Choice for No. 1: Nooksack Valley.

Biggest reason why: Pioneers were smidgen away from reaching first WIAA title game last fall, and with their returning starting linemen (Brady Ackerman, Duke Halapiapii, John Stremier) and offensive backfield punch (QB Joey Brown, RB Colton Lentz) - this is their year to grab glory.

Monitor closely: Lynden Christian. TE Kayden Stuit has had breakout offseason regionally, and QB Jeremiah Wright's big arm can carry team far.

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CLASS 2B

Choice for No. 1: Napavine.

Biggest reason why: State champion Tigers were barely pushed a year ago - and among the eight returning starters on offense are their primary touchdown-makers - all-state QB Ashton Demarest, RB Cael Stanley and WR Karsen Denault. Josh Fay's group might be even more dominant in 2023, and that's scary.

Monitor closely: Okanogan. On paper, only team that can think of hanging with Napavine. QB Carter Kuchenbuch reason enough to open up offense.

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CLASS 1B

Choice for No. 1: Liberty Bell.

Biggest reason why: By end of 2022, Mountain Lions were far and away the top team in the classification, winning their first WIAA crown over Neah Bay. Team will have to replace dual-threat QB Riley Lidey's production, but ATH Remi and Lucian Pez are two of the more exciting players in the state.

Monitor closely: Neah Bay had four seniors on its roster. Power football will still reign supreme, especially with RB Jodell Wimberly carrying the rock.

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