As the league slate kicks off in Class 2A and 1A, several teams find themselves in must-win positions. Two schools are perfect and several are attempting to snap multi-game skids with vital league games on the horizon.
Here is a capsule glance at the 12 games this week and the official halfway point of the 2025 season.
Toledo (4-0) at Mossyrock (1-2), 7 p.m., Thursday
Some Thursday night football in Mossyrock, where the Vikings and Riverhawks kick off their C2BL slates against each other. Toledo has been rolling offensively all season, scoring 40 or more points in all four games and 51 or more in three, while Mossyrock just put its best foot forward last week in a dominant 70-3 win over Vashon Island. The Vikings will hope to slow down Eli Weeks and Co. enough to pull off their second straight victory.
Aberdeen (3-1) at W.F. West (3-1), 7 p.m.
Over the last three weeks, Wyatt Hoffman and the W.F. West offense has been incredible, averaging 41.3 points per game since dropping the opener on Sept. 5. Hoffman has made an early MVP case for himself, accounting for 1,156 yards and 13 total touchdowns in that stretch. It’ll be a tough test for an Aberdeen team that has only lost to unbeaten Steilacoom and has wins over Rochester and Olympic on its resume.
Black Hills (1-3) at Centralia (1-3), 7 p.m.
Both of these teams have hopes of a postseason appearance, and one team will walk out of Tiger Stadium on Friday night feeling much better about its chances. The Tigers will look to snap a two-game losing skid by continuing to rely on Malcolm Tukes, who is averaging 158.3 yards per game, while Black Hills will look to try to snap its three-game losing streak and get its offense going. The Wolves have averaged just 10.25 points per game, including just 14 total points over the last two weeks.
Union (1-3) at Tumwater (3-1), 7 p.m.
Tumwater’s close loss against Puyallup in Week 1 has continued to look better, as the Vikings have won each of their past three games by an average of 43.3 points. Tumwater hasn’t lost since then, posting wins over Bainbridge, Eastlake, and Nooksack Valley. Union comes into the game at 1-3, but they’ve lost those three games by just four combined points, including a pair of one-point losses to Evergreen (Vancouver) and Prairie.
Adna (2-2) at Napavine (1-3), 7 p.m.
For either team, this may classify as a double must-win. The Tigers have lost three games in a row for the first time under Josh Fay and may be without all-area QB Grady Wilson this week. Napavine has dominated the rivalry series as of late, most recently a thumping in the Class 2B state quarterfinals. Adna won its C2BL West opener last week behind Kannen Kephart’s 200-plus receiving yards.
Onalaska (3-1) at Morton-White Pass (3-1), 7 p.m.
Since scoring just 12 points in their season opening loss, the Loggers have found a rhythm offensively. They’ve put up 98 points in the last two weeks, and Ethan Thayer has rushed for 517 yards and six touchdowns in that pair of victories. Morton-White Pass’ defense struggled against the pass last week, and while that won’t be as big of an issue against a run-heavy Onalaska offense, the T-Wolves will still have to find some answers to avoid a second straight loss.
Pe Ell/Willapa Valley (3-1) at Raymond/South Bend (2-2), 7 p.m.
The Titans return to the 11-man game after a win over Winlock, and they’ll head towards the coast to face an RSB team in their C2BL West opener. The Ravens won their first two games of the year, but they’ve lost by 24 and 39 in the last two weeks. PWV hasn’t played an 11-man game since losing to Toledo two weeks ago, but prior to that, it had wins over Evergreen and Blaine, and each came by multiple scores.
Columbia White Salmon (1-3) at Rainier (0-4), 7 p.m.
The Mountaineers’ quest for Win No. 1 continues at home on Friday against a Columbia team that has been inconsistent over the first four weeks. The Bruins have been blown out by Hoquiam and Culver (OR), but they also have a close loss to 3-1 Ilwaco, and they’re coming off a win against Medical Lake. A win this week would get Rainier on the board before matchups against Toledo and Toutle Lake.
Tenino (4-0) at Montesano (4-0), 7 p.m.
One of two area teams still perfect, the Beavers will face their toughest test to date on the road against the traditional powerhouse Bulldogs. Tenino was in a one-score game last week before rattling off 24 straight in the second half. Austin Johnson and Parker Minerich each had an offensive and defensive score. Montesano has blown out three straight opponents 138-14. It will go for its third straight win over Tenino.
Elma (1-3) at Rochester (3-1), 7 p.m.
It was the traditional three-pronged running back attack for the Warriors last week to cruise by Black Hills. In their Class 1A Evergreen League opener, they are officially attempting to defend their league title. Maddox Rodgers is a score away from double digits in his junior year. Elma has lost three straight since a Week 1 victory over Centralia. Kolby and Caiden Rademacher have combined for 46 tackles and six tackles for loss for the Eagles.
Taholah (0-3) vs. Oakville-North River (2-2) at Chehalis Tribe Field, 7 p.m.
The Acorns’ final three home games will be played at the Chehalis Tribe baseball field. They are expected to get reinforcements back this week in fullback Lewis Koser, who missed the Wahkiakum game last week. ONR upended Taholoh in overtime last year 32-30. The Chitwins are seeking their first win of the season. Their margin of losses have dwindled each week – 48 to 42 to 34.
NW Christian (2-2) vs. Winlock (1-3) at Tenino, 7 p.m.
It’ll be a neutral site Class 1B Southwest League clash between two teams coming off a Week 4 loss. Since dispatching Chief Leschi 46-19, the Cardinals have been outscored 166-30 in their three-game skid. Sophomore Monte Williams got the start at QB last week and threw for two touchdowns. NW Christian (Lacey) has outscored its opponents 80-0 in its two victories this season, but has only cracked double digits once in two losses.
