Navigating 2024 Washington high school football schedule, Week 1: 'Plateau' powers revisit territorial showdown

Returning state semifinalists Eastlake (4A) and Eastside Catholic (3A) meet for first time in more than a decade

Eastlake returns three starting linebackers from its Class 4A semifinal team last fall, including Colby Johnson. / Photo by Vince Miller

Looking for a good Washington high school football game to plan a night out for during the first weekend of the upcoming fall?

We've got you covered.

SBLive WA breaks down Week 1 of the WIAA regular-season schedule, prioritizing the 12 must-see games, including a featured matchup:

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WEEK 1 (Sept. 5-7): Eastlake (4A) at Eastside Catholic (3A), 7 p.m. Friday, Eastside Catholic Stadium, Sammamish

Two of state's most opportunistic defenses - and best linebacking groups - face off for first time since 2013 in what could be a low-scoring debut up on the Sammamish Plateau.

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Lynden saw its two-year reign as Class 2A champion end last fall, but Lions should be a serious factor in 2024. / Photo by Todd Milles

Runner-up recommendation: Lake Stevens (4A) at Sumner (4A), 7 p.m. Friday, Sunset Chev Stadium

Rivalry alert: Lynden (2A) at Ferndale (3A), 7 p.m. Friday

Non-league appeal: Chiawana (4A) at Rocky Mountain (ID), 5 p.m. Friday

Large-school showdown (4A-3A): Graham-Kapowsin (4A) at O'Dea (3A), 5 p.m Friday., Memorial Stadium, Seattle

Small-school dandy (2A-B): La Center (1A) at Montesano (1A), 7 p.m. Friday

Six more to look at: Gonzaga Prep at Ridgeline (7 p.m. Friday); Mount Tahoma at Yelm (7 p.m. Friday); Puyallup at Tumwater (7 p.m. Friday); Roosevelt at Camas (7 p.m. Friday); W.F. West at North Kitsap (7 p.m. Friday); Kennedy Catholic at Bothell (1 p.m. Saturday)

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