Bracket Breakdown: Washington high school (WIAA) 2B state football tournament first-round matchups, game picks

Defending state champion and top-seeded Okanogan hosts Friday Harbor on Saturday morning in its opener

Freeman and Northwest Christian of Colbert are in the Class 2B field from the 2B Northeast League. / Photo by Lane Mathews

The WIAA state football playoffs begin Friday, and 16 (or 12 in 1A) schools in each classification (4A-1B) are still alive for a Gridiron Classic championship, which will be held Dec. 6-7 at Husky Stadium in Seattle.

Here is a quick Class 2B primer for first-round action around the state of Washington:

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CLASS 2B FIRST ROUND (Bracket)

1-seed Okanogan (10-0) vs. No. 16 Friday Harbor (4-5), 11 a.m. Saturday, Okanogan HS

2-seed Asotin (10-0) vs. No. 15 Cle Elum-Roslyn (7-3), 4 p.m. Saturday, Asotin HS

3-seed Napavine (8-2) vs. No. 14 Columbia of Burbank (5-4), 4 p.m. Saturday, Tiger Stadium, Centralia

4-seed Onalaska (9-1) vs. No. 13 Newport (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday, Onalaska HS

5-seed Freeman (9-1) vs. No. 12 Goldendale (7-2), 1 p.m. Saturday, Freeman HS

6-seed Liberty Bell (8-1) vs. No. 11 Adna (7-3), 1 p.m. Saturday, Liberty Bell HS

7-seed Northwest Christian of Colbert (7-2) vs. No,. 10 La Salle (9-1), 5 p.m. Saturday, Union Stadium, Mead (Spokane)

8-seed Tri Cities Prep (8-2) vs. No. 9 Toledo (9-1), 2 p.m. Saturday, Fran Rish Stadium, Richland

Most intriguing matchup: At one point, Toledo was ranked No. 2 before loss to Onalaska. Now, Timberwolves are on road against resurgent Jaguars' squad, which captured EWAC championship this fall.

Deep upset potential: Injuries derailed 2023 EWAC champion Goldendale early, but now healthy, underrated Timberwolves' secondary could challenge high-powered Freeman passing attack, led by QB Logan Schultz.

Moving on to WIAA quarterfinals: Okanogan, Asotin, Napavine, Onalaska, Freeman, Liberty Bell, Northwest Christian of Colbert, Toledo.

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