At first glance, it appears something went wrong with this schedule.
Just about every football fan in Southwest Washington noticed it right away. Week 7. Camas vs. Union at McKenzie Stadium. 8 p.m. kickoff.
Oh yes, the 8 p.m. kickoff. That means there is a 5 p.m. game, too.
That’s going to be a traffic nightmare.
Two things are going to happen: Plenty of fans will arrive at their usual time only to find no parking. Then they will wait for fans from the first game to leave, leading to big back-ups in the lots. Also, there will be plenty of fans arriving before 5 p.m. On time for the Heritage vs. Mountain View game, and way, way early for the main event.
(Sorry Heritage and Mountain View, but when the Nos. 2 and 3 teams in the state are playing after you, we reserve the right to call that game the main event.)
It is not so simple to just move one of the Friday games to a Thursday or a Saturday. Remember, McKenzie Stadium is home to four high schools. And not just high school football teams. McKenzie is used for soccer matches, too.
Another option would have been to move the Camas-Union football game to a 5 p.m. start. After all, thousands of fans would have showed up for this game whether it started at 8 p.m., 5 p.m., noon or even 5 a.m. There was talk of moving this to 5 p.m., but in the end, administrators stuck with the original schedule.
So what are administrators hoping will happen?
Cale Piland, athletic director for Evergreen Public Schools, said he has been in communication with Camas officials. He said Heritage fans will have priority visitors side seating during the 5 p.m. game.
Also, the stands are expected to be full for the 8 p.m. game. Piland said there will be more standing room available on the west end of the stadium than a typical week.
This also is not a first. Union and Camas have played each other at McKenzie twice before, and both times it was the second of two games at the stadium.
As far as the coaches, they are excited to be part of something so special. Camas coach Jon Eagle recalled coaching Evergreen years ago when the Plainsmen faced No. 1 Columbia River. He believes his team was ranked No. 5 that week. He has been part of matchups like this one.
“It’s a fun game,” Eagle said.
“Every year we play Camas, it’s a big game,” Union coach Gary McGarvie said.
Oh, but this time, it’s No. 2 in the state vs. No. 3.
“We told the kids that you’re going to come back in 10 years and the Camas-Union rivalry is going to mean the same thing,” McGarvie said.
Both coaches also noted that neither program expects the season to be decided in Week 7.
“It’s a big game, but is it bigger than the state championship game (last year)?” Eagle asked. “No.”
It is not bigger than the semifinals nor the quarterfinals. It is a big game, Eagle said, but Camas plays a lot of big games.
McGarvie has the same attitude.
“We expect to be in this kind of a game,” he said. “It’s not really a big deal to Union. We’re used to this.”
As far as the logistics of McKenzie Stadium, the doubleheader, the fans, and the biggest game in the state this week, yeah, this might be unusual for Southwest Washington. But it’s part of the experience.
Want to watch two of the best teams in the state?
You’re not alone. Get there early, have some patience, and have a good attitude.
