Seven weeks ago, Napavine overcame a slow start to beat Adna 27-13. The game was tied at seven at halftime, but the Tigers did enough in the second half to improve to 3-2. The Pirates dropped to 2-3.

Neither team has lost since.

The Tigers and Pirates are set to face off again in the state quarterfinals on Saturday, and both teams are playing some of their best football of the season.

Napavine is no stranger to the postseason. The Tigers have won a state playoff game 11 years in a row (excluding 2020, when there was no tournament due to COVID-19), and they’ve made the state championship game each of the last three seasons.

This year’s squad had looked a little different, though. After the departure of all-area QB Ashton Demarest and other key contributing seniors, multiple younger players had to step in to fill those roles.

There were some growing pains early on this season. In losses to Life Christian Academy and Montesano, the Tigers gave up 35 points in both games. Since then, they’ve given 14 or fewer points in five of their last six.

The offense, led by junior Grady Wilson, has also found its stride, as Napavine has scored at least 51 points six weeks in a row.

“We’ve kind of solidified some of those positions,” Napavine coach Josh Fay said. “The kids have settled in … We should be comfortable and have guys that feel like they can play in those positions.”

The Pirates have gone through a similar process over the last two months.

After losing by 28 to Toledo in its opener, the Pirates went 2-2 in their next four games, including the loss to Napavine.

Since then, Adna has won games in multiple ways. The offense put up 55 and 69 in wins against Coupeville and Rainier, and the defense has allowed just 23 points in the last four games. 

Last week, the Pirates went on the road and upset No. 6 LIberty Bell 8-3 for their first state tournament win in five years.

With just a dozen upperclassmen, several younger players are getting key state tournament experience. 

“We really try to make a focus on just getting better every day,” Adna coach Aaron Cochran said. “The kids have worked hard, and they continue to work hard. I appreciate their buy in … You can see the growth all the way through.”

Saturday’s matchup at Tiger Stadium will be the first time that Adna and Napavine have faced off in the state playoffs since the 2018 semifinals. 

“It should be a dandy,” Fay said. “We’re excited to play it.”

Cochran echoed the same sentiment.

“Whatever happens will happen, but we’re gonna give great effort,” Cochran said. “We’re pumped to compete, and we’re excited to have another week to play.”