Spartans open with Bellevue, Eastlake begins Bartel Era | Prep football news
Published 12:52 pm Wednesday, September 4, 2013
The 2013 prep football season kicks off Friday at fields around the state and the Reporter has a look at the first challenges facing local teams.
Skyline begins defense of its back-to-back 4A state titles Saturday against Bellevue at renovated Husky Stadium in the finale of the Emerald City Kickoff Classic at 7 p.m.
The two did not meet last year as Skyline made another run to the 4A state championship and last played in 2011, a 31-17 Bellevue win at Skyline.
The Spartans were also the last team to hand Bellevue a defeat, winning 28-21 in 2010.
Issaquah opens against 3A Interlake in Bellevue as it looks to get back to the 4A state tournament behind senior running back and defensive back Jack Gellatly. The Eagles beat the Saints 24-13 in last year’s season opener. The game will also be the first for new Interlake head coach Dave Myers, who takes over for new Redmond coach Jason Rimkus.
Eastlake gets things rolling at home against 3A Lakes, a perennial state contender and one of the area’s top producers of collegiate talent.
New head coach Don Bartel will get his first live look at the Wolves, who endured a difficult 2012 campaign to nearly make the state tournament.
Eastside Catholic, which is fresh off the best season in program history in 2012 with its first ever appearance in the 3A state title game, opens its third season under head coach Jeremy Thielbahr against Liberty.
The Crusaders, which welcome back a host of talent from last year’s squad including running back Henry Jarvis, trounced the Patriots 41-14 in last year’s season opener.
