Head coach: Mark Keel
2017 record: 5-5
Key Players: Elijah McGee, sr., QB/DB; Alex Refilong, sr., RB/DB; Avery Scheutte, sr., OL/DL; Nigal Hardee, jr., DB; Ty Callao-Zeman, so., DL; Jeven Keel, jr., TE; Ezekiel Sousou, jr., OL.
Outlook: This is a young team with only 10 seniors, but there is plenty of skill at several positions. McGee is a first-year quarterback running a zone-read offense, and Refilong now moves to running back after playing receiver, so there are some old faces at new positions. The Cougars made things interesting last year after stunning Peninsula in week seven, but lost its last game to Yelm to miss out on the playoffs. Central Kitsap will be looking to make amends for that in week three this year. Also keep an eye on head coach Keel, who is four wins away from 100 in his career.
Schedule: Aug. 31, 7:15 p.m. at Olympic | Sept. 7, 7:15 p.m., Lakes | Sept. 14, 7:15 p.m., Yelm | Sept. 20, 7 p.m. at Timberline | Sept. 28, 7:15 p.m., Shelton | Oct. 5, 7 p.m. at Peninsula | Oct. 11, 7:15 p.m., North Thurston | Oct. 18, 7 p.m. at Capital | Oct. 26, 7:15 p.m., Gig Harbor.