4 Washington high school football teams set up to take next jump in 2023 season

With the start of 2023 Washington high school football preseason camp a little more 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:

SKYVIEW STORM

Last year: 8-2, second place in 4A GSHL; lost in first round of Class 4A playoffs.

Don't be surprised in 2023: Captures league title outright and reaches WIAA Class 4A title game - both for first time since 2011.

Skinny: There's a quiet buzz going on in Vancouver about this group, which returns six all-4A GSHL first team performers this fall. Offense - with quarterback Jake Kennedy, running back Trey Jacob and wide receivers Gavin Packer and Riley Artis - could be a juggernaut for longtime coach Steve Kizer in what should be wide-open classification.

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MOUNT TAHOMA THUNDERBIRDS

Last year: 4-6, fourth place in 3A PCL; missed playoffs.

Don't be surprised in 2023: Challenges for league title and reaches WIAA playoffs for first time since 1985.

Skinny: Second-year coach Keith Terry said rising to league contender and state playoff hopeful is all part of the newfound expectation. And even with 11 new impact regulars, including Silas quarterback transfer Tre Walker, team has enough of nucleus who got a taste of success a year ago in tough 3A PCL to make a big move.

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WASHOUGAL PANTHERS

Last year: 9-2, lost in first round of Class 2A playoffs.

Don't be surprised in 2023: Goes undefeated to defending 2A GSHL crown and becomes first team in school history to win at least two WIAA playoff games.

Skinny: Much like his senior-heavy team, Idaho quarterback commit Holden Bea gets lost in the statewide shuffle of other standouts. That should change this season as the senior has been an eye opener during the summer circuit with his strong arm and blazing athleticism - and he will have plenty of pass catchers to target (Sam Evers, Harrison Deshazer). 

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CASHMERE BULLDOGS

Last year: 9-3, lost in quarterfinals of Class 1A playoffs.

Don't be surprised in 2023: Makes undefeated run to Caribou Trail title and reaches WIAA semifinals for first time in decade.

Skinny: Talent and depth are a tough combination to beat. The Bulldogs have both as they had 81 players out this spring (up from 53 when coach Bryan Bremer was hired in 2018). Sophomore Rylan Hatmaker takes over the reins of offense at quarterback - and he will have one of the deepest offensive lines in the classification protecting him.

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