The old Kitsap County football rivalry between South Kitsap and Central Kitsap is being renewed thanks to the statewide reclassification of schools and expansion of the 4A South Puget Sound League.

Athletic administrators at SK and CK have confirmed the Wolves and Cougars will compete Sept. 20 in Port Orchard, the first game in a two-year home-and-home agreement between the schools.

Outside of a 2021 spring season localized by the effects of COVID, the two teams last clashed on the turf of Kitsap Bank Stadium in 2015 when both were members of the now-defunct Narrows League.

SK athletic director Lindsey Foster said with the reclassification and three new schools in the SPSL the football program can schedule three non-league games.

The SPSL will now have 12 teams split into two six-team divisions for football and other select sports beginning this fall, including the league’s additions of Bonney Lake, Spanaway Lake and Yelm.

Bellarmine will depart the SPSL after dropping to 3A and will join Central Kitsap in what is expected to be a similarly divided new 3A league. The Cougars had previously competed in the 3A South Sound Conference since 2016.

“We were fortunate to be able to get SK back on our schedule,” CK athletic director Lauren McDaniel said. “CK and SK are the two ‘Big Schools’ in our county. We should play each other.”

Foster added, “Anytime our community has the opportunity to schedule local competition, we look forward to it. We believe reviving these traditions adds depth and excitement to our athletic programs, enriching the overall high school sports experience for everyone involved.”