High school football: 3A state tournament bracket breakdown in Washington
High school football state tournaments begin this week in Washington. The state championship games for all six classifications will be held Dec. 6 and 7 at Husky Stadium in Seattle. Here’s our preview of the Class 3A bracket.
WHO’S THE FAVORITE?
Top-seeded Bellevue (9-0) isn’t just the best team in 3A, we think the Wolverines are the best team in Washington, regardless of classification. The reigning 3A state champions are stacked again, especially up front, with offensive linemen Demetri Manning (Oregon commit) and Willi Wascher (USC). Defensive backs Bryce Smith and Ryken Moon — son of former UW and NFL quarterback Warren Moon — are also three-star recruits. Junior Max Jones is the lead running back in Bellevue’s Wing-T offense. Bellevue has wins over 4A state tournament teams Lake Stevens and Bothell on its resume.
ANY OTHER CONTENDERS?
No. 2 O’Dea (9-0) is the best bet to challenge Bellevue for the title this season. The Irish are rolling along as usual under longtime coach Monte Kohler. Running back Uriah Stringfield is the lead back in O’Dea’s ground-heavy offense this year, but the Irish have some threats in the passing game, too, with tight end Zander Turner and receiver Giulio Banchero, the younger brother of current NBA star Paolo Banchero. No. 3 Eastside Catholic (8-1) is another contender, its only loss of the season coming to second-seeded O’Dea in late September. Defensive end Cody Thumlert, an Idaho commit, leads a typically physical Crusaders’ defense.
DARK HORSE CANDIDATE
How about one from the South Sound: No. 10 Mount Tahoma could make a run, although they’d likely have to meet O’Dea in the quarterfinals if they win their first-round matchup. Mount Tahoma faces No. 7 Decatur, the 4A NPSL champion, in the opening round. The T-Birds have been one of the area’s better teams in the second half of the season after a slow start, collecting wins over previously undefeated Lakes in Week 9 and Mount Spokane last week.
TOP 15 PLAYERS TO WATCH
WR Elijah Durr, Mount Tahoma, jr.
QB Sione Kaho, Lincoln, soph.
LB Wassie Lugolobi, Eastside Catholic, jr.
OL Demetri Manning, Bellevue, sr.
DB Ryken Moon, Bellevue, sr.
WR Colton Paulson, Enumclaw, sr.
LB Michael Pulalasi, Lakes, soph.
RB Alex Roberts, Kennewick, sr.
DL David Schwerzel, O’Dea, jr.
DL Fameitau Siale, O’Dea, jr.
RB Uriah Stringfield, O’Dea, sr.
DL Jaymar Tasi, Roosevelt, sr.
DL Cody Thumlert, Eastside Catholic, sr.
OL Willi Wascher, Bellevue, sr.
RB Nehemiah Washington, Decatur, sr.
CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION
No. 1 Bellevue 28, No. 2 O’Dea 21
This story was originally published November 13, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "High school football: 3A state tournament bracket breakdown in Washington."
