SBLive's likely preseason No. 1 teams in 2024 Washington high school football

Can anybody dethrone two-time 4A champion Lake Stevens? Is 3A champion Bellevue the best overall team, regardless of classification?

Jayshon Limar takes a carry for Lake Stevens in WIAA Class 4A championship game victory over Graham Kapowsin in 2023. / Photo by Vince Miller

Summer football is about to wrap up in the state of Washington - and preseason camp is right around the corner starting Aug. 21.

So, why not reveal the odds-on 2024 preseason No. 1 football team in each WIAA classification?

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CLASS 4A

Lake Stevens football coach Tom Tri has led the program to back to back WIAA championships 2022 and 2023. / Photo by Vince Miller

Choice for No. 1: Lake Stevens.

Biggest reason why: Defense from 2023 WIAA title run did lose a lot, but nobody has a better offensive backfield than Vikings, led by state offensive player of the year Kolton Matson at quarterback and Jayshon Limar at running back.

Monitor closely: Camas. Team has returning starting experience in key spots, and first-year coach Adam Mathieson is a proven winner.

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CLASS 3A

Bellevue's Willi Wascher, left, and Demetri Manning, work together for Bellevue High School at the Thurston County Team Camp in Tumwater. / Photo by Todd Milles

Choice for No. 1: Bellevue.

Biggest reason why: Offensive line is second to none in Washington, led by center Willi Wascher and left tackle Demetri Manning. Wolverines think this could be best up-front unit they've ever had - and that is saying something.

Monitor closely: Kennewick. Even after graduating 10 all-4A/3A Mid-Columbia Conference seniors, coach Randy Affholter thinks this group has high-ceiling potential, led by RB Alex Roberts. 

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CLASS 2A

Brock Beaner, left, and Tyler Olson close in on a tackle during Anacortes' 60-30 win over Tumwater to win WIAA Class 2A title in 2023. / Photo by Vince Miller

Choice for No. 1: Anacortes.

Biggest reason why: Game changers Brock and Brady Beaner, and Rylin Lang strike fear in any defense, and if newcomer QB Ryan Harrington is as good as advertised, watch out!

Monitor closely: Lynden. Played Seahawks tougher than anybody last season, and QB Brant Heppner and crew have looked spry and motivated this offseason. 

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CLASS 1A

Shea Stevenson and Benson Jenks celebrate a tackle in Royal's WIAA Class 1A championship game win over Lakeside of Nine Mile Falls in 2023. / Photo by Todd Milles

Choice for No. 1: Royal.

Biggest reason why: Pedigree (12 WIAA titles overall, Knights have won past four 1A crowns), coaching and return of classification's state MVP Lance Allred at quarterback.

Monitor closely: Based on talent and physicality, Nooksack Valley appears best matchup for Royal. But there are questions about Pioneers' breakthrough after recent slip-ups.

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CLASS 2B

Okanogan's Carter Kuchenbuch led school to WIAA Class 2B football championship in 2023 at Husky Stadium. / Photo by Todd Milles

Choice for No. 1: Okanogan.

Biggest reason why: Returning experience (15 starters), led by QB/DE Carter Kuchenbuch, the reigning 2B player of the year. Offensive line is big and mean.

Monitor closely: Freeman has shown the past two seasons it can win important playoff games on the road, and drops down from 1A to become Bulldogs' biggest east-side threat.

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CLASS 1B

Jodell Wimberly and Neah Bay played in the WIAA Class 1B championship game for football in 2022. / Photo by Todd Milles

Choice for No. 1: Neah Bay.

Biggest reason why: Power-running offense should show a little more variety this fall, but has all-state backfield of Jodell Wimberly and Tyler Swan to always fall back on.

Monitor closely: Liberty Christian. Bulk of 2023 team returns, led by RB Charlie Branning. If quarterback situation works itself out, Patriots should be final-four team ... at worst. 

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