‘Smarter’ Napavine ready for another long season

NAPAVINE — There won’t be a Karsen Denault on the outside this year. There won’t be an enforcer like Jack Nelson in the trenches. Nor will there be the athleticism provided by a Beckett Landram.

Even with a new cast of characters in the offensive line/defensive group and a heavy dosage of sophomores and juniors that could see plenty of time, one lesson remains the same in Class 2B.

Doubt the Napavine High School football team at your own peril.

“These boys are hyped up, they’re ready to go,” senior running back Caleb Von Pressentin said.

The Tigers put on the pads for the first time on Saturday morning and plenty of clashes took place. They open the season on Saturday, Sept. 6 on the road at Goldendale.

Here are three takeaways from Napavine’s two-plus hour practice.

Grady Wilson was slinging it

The second-year starting quarterback displayed a sense of touch and arm strength during team drills. Although it will be a handful of new receivers he’ll have to throw to, he does feel the chemistry is increasing.

Wilson is coming off 38 total touchdowns last fall and over 2,000 yards of total offense.

“Feeling a lot better about everything,” Wilson said. “Two-a-days is a great way to build chemistry. It is a grind; you’re going through it together.”

Players, coaches view the 2025 team in the same lens.

Wilson, Von Pressentin, offensive lineman Matthew Watson and Tigers head coach Josh Fay all agreed the word to describe the returning C2BL West champs is smart.

“That is an accurate statement,” Fay said. “Our goal is not how we start, it is how we finish. Hopefully the intelligence continues to improve.”

“We might not be as physical, we’re gonna be smarter,” Von Pressentin added. “We’re gonna figure out what you do every play and before you even line up, we’re gonna know where you’re going.”

Defense still a work in progress

A stark difference on Saturday was the second team offense able to move the ball against Napavine’s first team defense. Watson anchors the line while Tommy Deebach is back at middle linebacker. Mason Jeeg returns in the secondary.

Still, the last time the Tigers took the field, Okanogan marched up and down the field in the second half in the state title game.

“We’re competing,” Watson stated. “We’re competing our (butts) off.”