Week 10: High school football games to watch in the South Sound, predictions

Read about the top five games in the South Sound in Week 10 below, plus our predictions for every local district round matchup.

4A DISTRICT ROUND

Woodinville Falcons (6-3) vs. Decatur Golden Gators (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Federal Way Memorial Field, Federal Way

Decatur enters the postseason on a five-game winning streak, and has already secured a winning record for the first time since 2003. The Gators earned a second-place finish in the 4A NPSL this season, with their only loss to five-time defending league champion Kennedy Catholic back in Week 4. QB Spencer Holloway (73-of-135 passing, 1,268 yards, 10 TDs) and RB Nehemiah Washington (138 carries, 1,214 yards, 17 TDs) lead the offense. The Gators now need a win over a perennial state contender in the Falcons to earn a trip to the state playoffs. Woodinville opened the season on a four-game winning streak before eventually losing three of their past five in a tough 4A KingCo to finish fourth in the league standings. The Falcons have advanced to six of the past seven state brackets, missing only the 2021 state playoffs during that stretch, when they lost in the district round to another 4A NPSL opponent (Kentwood) in overtime. Woodinville and Decatur have one common opponent this fall in Tahoma. The Falcons posted a 29-11 victory over the Bears in a nonleague contest in Week 2, while Decatur topped Tahoma, 33-30, in a 4A NPSL matchup in Week 5.

TNT pick: Woodinville, 27-21

4A DISTRICT ROUND

Bothell Cougars (5-4) vs. Emerald Ridge Jaguars (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Sparks Stadium, Puyallup

Emerald Ridge is on a roll, winners of five out of its last six contests in the 4A SPSL. Few teams in the state can score in bunches like the Jaguars, led by senior QB Jake Schakel (2,432 yards, 30 TDs), who has found WR Tony Harste (1,064 yards, 14 TD) in the passing game all season. RB Navarre Dixon (896 rushing yards, nine TDs) brings balance to an explosive Emerald Ridge offense. Bothell enters the game with less momentum, currently riding a three-game losing streak (Woodinville, Eastlake, Mount Si). Bothell, though, is a state tournament regular, appearing in the state bracket nine times since 2010. The programs also met in Week 10 last season, with Emerald Ridge coming away with a convincing 41-14 win.

TNT pick: Emerald Ridge, 35-21

4A DISTRICT ROUND

Battle Ground Tigers (7-2) vs. Sumner Spartans (6-3)

7 p.m. Friday, Sunset Chev Stadium, Sumner

The Spartans have won four consecutive multi-touchdown games since opening the season 2-3, as they gear up for the postseason. Sumner’s only losses are to three more 4A SPSL powers in Curtis, Emerald Ridge and undefeated league champion Graham-Kapowsin — and all three of those games were close late, with the Spartans’ most recent loss to the Eagles back in Week 5 decided in overtime. Sumner remains one of the South Sound’s top programs, with QB Tristen Rebar (121-of-167 passing, 1,722 yards, 20 TDs) and RB Steele Isaacs (165 carries, 1,074 yards, 12 TDs) leading the way on offense. RB/LB Matthew Spurbeck (knee), last season’s 4A SPSL MVP, is also expected to return in the postseason. Sumner has reached eight of the past 10 state brackets, including back-to-back appearances in the state quarterfinals the past two seasons. Battle Ground opened the season 7-0 — including posting four shutouts and allowing only 14 points through the first six weeks — before back-to-back losses to 4A GSHL powers Skyview and Camas the past two weeks to wrap up the regular season. RB/LB Jacob Champine (102.9 all-purpose yards per game, 15 total TDs; 50 tackles, nine TFL, three caused fumbles) is an impact player on offense and defense. The Tigers are looking for their first trip to the state playoffs since 2015.

TNT pick: Sumner, 30-21

3A DISTRICT ROUND

Auburn Trojans (7-2) vs. Lincoln Abes (6-3)

1 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln Bowl, Tacoma

Two South Sound teams meet for a trip to the state playoffs. The Trojans are looking to return to the state bracket for the first time since 2012, when they advanced to the semifinals as a 4A team. Auburn put together a six-game winning streak during the regular season before the program was upended by Auburn Riverside (41-14) in last week’s 3A NPSL title game. WR Luvens Valcin (36 carries, 270 yards, two TDs; 45 catches, 685 yards, nine TDs) has been Auburn’s top playmaker. Lincoln reached the 3A state quarterfinals last season, and has advanced to seven of the past eight state brackets. The Abes played a tough nonleague schedule — besting Auburn Riverside (14-6) before losses to Oregon 6A program Tualatin (17-14) and perennial 4A power Camas (21-7) — and dropped a 24-20 loss to 3A PCL champion Mount Tahoma in their league opener, but have five consecutive wins since. Freshman QB Sione Kaho (153-of-215 passing, 2,113 yards, 17 TDs) runs Lincoln’s offense, while WR Jemani Teplasy (36 catches, 703 yards, eight TDs) leads the Abes in receiving.

TNT pick: Lincoln, 35-24

3A DISTRICT ROUND

West Seattle Wildcats (6-2) vs. Mount Tahoma T-Birds (6-3)

7 p.m. Saturday, Mount Tahoma Stadium, Tacoma

Mount Tahoma ran through the 3A PCL undefeated, securing the program’s first league title since 1982. It starts up front for the T-Birds, led by 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle and UCLA commit Marquise Thorpe-Taylor. T-Birds coach Keith Terry expects RB Brison Bailey (1,002 yards, 13 TDs) back this week, after he rested (ankle) in the regular season finale against Lakes last week. West Seattle beat Rainier Beach on Tuesday in a tiebreaker game to qualify for the playoffs. West Seattle has won three of its last four games. WR Gibson Aguilar is the team’s top receiving threat.

TNT pick: Mount Tahoma, 35-17

TNT picks for the rest of the district round games featuring South South programs. Find statewide pairings for Week 10 here.

4A DISTRICT ROUND

North Creek Jaguars (3-5) vs. Kennedy Catholic Lancers (8-1)

Noon Saturday, Highline Memorial Stadium, Burien

TNT pick: Kennedy Catholic, 35-14

Federal Way Eagles (3-6) vs. Camas Papermakers (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Doc Harris Stadium, Camas

TNT pick: Camas, 28-10

Kentwood Conquerors (3-6) vs. Eastlake Wolves (8-1)

6 p.m. Saturday, Eastlake High School, Sammamish

TNT pick: Eastlake, 42-17

Tahoma Bears (4-5) vs. Curtis Vikings (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Viking Stadium, University Place

TNT pick: Curtis, 35-21

Kamiak Knights (1-8) vs. Graham-Kapowsin Eagles (9-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Art Crate Field, Spanaway

TNT pick: Graham-Kapowsin, 42-7

Bethel Bison (4-5) vs. Skyview Storm (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Kiggins Bowl, Vancouver

TNT pick: Skyview, 24-14

Olympia Bears (3-6) vs. Lake Stevens Vikings (8-1)

6 p.m. Saturday, Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens

TNT pick: Lake Stevens, 42-14

Puyallup Vikings (5-4) vs. Skyline Spartans (6-3)

2 p.m. Saturday, Skyline High School, Sammamish

TNT pick: Skyline, 20-17

3A DISTRICT ROUND

Juanita Ravens (7-2) vs. Auburn Riverside Ravens (6-3)

6 p.m. Saturday, Auburn Memorial Stadium, Auburn

TNT pick: Auburn Riverside, 30-28

Kent-Meridian Royals (4-5) vs. Yelm Tornados (9-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Yelm High School, Yelm

TNT pick: Yelm, 49-7

Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks (6-3) vs. Gig Harbor Tides (7-2)

2 p.m. Saturday, Roy Anderson Field, Purdy

TNT pick: Gig Harbor, 28-24

Timberline Blazers (5-4) vs. Ferndale Golden Eagles (7-2)

5 p.m. Saturday, Ferndale High School, Ferndale

TNT pick: Ferndale, 28-14

Bonney Lake Panthers (7-3) vs. Monroe Bearcats (8-1)

2 p.m. Saturday, Monroe High School, Monroe

TNT pick: Monroe, 38-24

2A DISTRICT ROUND

Sammamish RedHawks (5-4) vs. Enumclaw Hornets (9-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Pete’s Pool, Enumclaw

TNT pick: Enumclaw, 42-10

Port Angeles Roughriders (6-3) vs. Franklin Pierce Cardinals (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Franklin Pierce Stadium, Tacoma

TNT pick: Franklin Pierce, 28-27

Olympic Trojans (5-4) vs. Orting Cardinals (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Cardinal Stadium, Orting

TNT pick: Orting, 35-21

Steilacoom Sentinels (5-4) vs. Highline Pirates (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Highline Memorial Stadium, Burien

TNT pick: Highline, 42-14

White River Hornets (4-5) vs. North Kitsap Vikings (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, North Kitsap High School, Poulsbo

TNT pick: North Kitsap, 42-13

Ridgefield Spudders (6-4) vs. Tumwater T-Birds (9-0)

5 p.m. Saturday, Tumwater District Stadium, Tumwater

TNT pick: Tumwater, 35-10

Rochester Warriors (5-4) vs. Woodland Beavers (7-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Woodland High School, Woodland

TNT pick: Woodland, 30-14

1A DISTRICT ROUND

Castle Rock Rockets (4-5) vs. Eatonville Cruisers (5-4)

7 p.m. Thursday, Art Crate Field, Spanaway

TNT pick: Eatonville, 27-24

Tenino Beavers (2-7) vs. Seton Catholic Cougars (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver

TNT pick: Seton Catholic, 42-14

1B DISTRICT ROUND

Northwest Christian Wolverines (8-0) vs. Mossyrock Vikings (8-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Mossyrock High School, Mossyrock

TNT pick: Mossyrock, 62-30

Sound Christian Lions (1-8) vs. Neah Bay Red Devils (6-2)

6 p.m. Friday, Neah Bay High School, Neah Bay

TNT pick: Neah Bay, 70-24

Jon Manley

The News Tribune

253-358-4151

Jon Manley covers high school sports for The News Tribune. A McClatchy President’s Award winner and Gonzaga University graduate, Manley has covered the South Sound sports scene since 2013. He was voted the Washington state sportswriter of the year in 2024 by the National Sports Media Association. Born and raised in Tacoma. Support my work with a digital subscription

Lauren Smith

The News Tribune

360-754-5473

Lauren Smith is a sports reporter at The News Tribune. She has covered high school sports for TNT and The Olympian, as well as the Seattle Mariners and Washington Huskies. She is a graduate of UW and Emerald Ridge High School.