North Kitsap Football
Head coach: Jeff Weible
2018 record: 9-2 (5-1 Olympic)
Key players: Boaz Adams, sr., RB/LB; Cache Holmes, jr., LB/RB; Colton Bower, so., QB/LB; Chance Fredericksen, sr., OL/DL; Erik Burchill, sr., WR/DB; Lincoln Castillo, so., RB/DB; Nate Simms, sr., RB/LB; Kelly Wanzek, jr., RB/DB; AJ Fitsemons, jr., TE/DL; Josh Fisher, sr., RB/DB.
Outlook: The Vikings were dislodged from the top spot in the Olympic League last year by Sequim, and boy do they want to get back to the summit. They will get to take on the Wolves in Week 3, this time in Poulsbo on turf. North Kitsap will also get a look at Steilacoom’s Emeka Egbuka in Week 5, a sophomore who is already considered one of the best receivers in the state, so the schedule should be challenging. The defense is typically solid, though slightly younger and smaller in stature than in years past, but just as tenacious. Offensive success will hinge on the development of sophomore Colton Bower in his first year at quarterback. He was named an all-state linebacker as a freshman. The Vikings feature a number of new faces at the skill positions, but still have veterans such as receiver Erik Burchill. A league title is always an expectation at North Kitsap and they will be in contention for another one this season.
Schedule: Sept. 6, 7 p.m. at Bainbridge | Sept. 13, 7 p.m., Kamiak | Sept. 20, 7 p.m., Sequim | Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m. at Bremerton | Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Steilacoom | Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. at Kingston (at NK Stadium) | Oct. 18, 7 p.m. at North Mason | Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Port Angeles | Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m. at Olympic.