The Columbian

Football

Washougal senior Elijah Franco stands for a portrait Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at Washougal High School. The defensive standout started helping his teamÇ&fnof;Ùs offense midway through the season when he began taking snaps at quarterback and running back.

In midseason shake-up, Washougal standout safety Elijah Franco bolsters team’s offense

November 7, 2024, 8:04am Football

Washougal's Elijah Franco considers himself defense-first player at heart, and he’s in the midst of a dominant season on that side of the ball with eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries, three defensive touchdowns and 109 total tackles. Read story

Varsity360: Predicting where local football teams will be seeded in state playoffs

November 7, 2024, 6:00am Football

One mystery headed into the state football playoffs is where local teams will be seeded. The Columbian's Meg Wochnick reveals where she would seed teams that advance past this weekend's state preliminary round. Read story

Camas players hold up their helmets after beating Skyview in a 4A Greater St. Helens League football game at Kiggins Bowl on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.

Camas, Seton Catholic lead the way of eight local football teams hosting Week 10 playoff games

November 3, 2024, 11:49am Football

Skyview, La Center, Evergreen, Kelso, Woodland and Ridgefield also will be host teams Read story

Seton Catholic senior Joe Callerame (1) is crowned by senior Lukas Morse, right, after Callerame made a game-sealing interception Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, during Seton Catholic’s 29-21 win against La Center at La Center High School. Seton won the 1A Trico League Championship with the victory.

“It’s one for the ages”: Seton Catholic captures first Trico League title in football

November 2, 2024, 12:07am Football

Whether it’s the mudslides, mud angels postgame or the mud-stained uniforms, a natural-grass field on a rain-soaked night never felt this good — or memorable — for the Seton Catholic Cougars. “We love it — these are the best games,” senior linebacker Aeven… Read story

Jared Forner (0) of Camas celebrates after a punt return against Skyview during a 4A Greater St. Helens League football game at Kiggins Bowl on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.

‘They make a play, we’re going to make a better play’ — Camas withstands Skyview’s surge to claim 4A GSHL title

November 1, 2024, 11:54pm Football

Beau Harlan disagrees with the notion that momentum can swing the outcome of a football game. The Camas senior, in fact, doesn’t believe in its existence at all, echoing a mantra that Papermakers defensive coordinator Dan Kielty instills in the team. “You talk about momentum, coach Kielty, we don’t believe… Read story

Evergreen football coach Christian Swain addresses his players after their 20-0 win over Mountain View on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at McKenzie Stadium.

Evergreen shuts out Mountain View 20-0 to wrap up outright 3A GSHL title

November 1, 2024, 11:54pm Football

James Bethune scored touchdowns on runs of 66 and 60 yards, and Terrance Saryon caught a 14-yard TD pass from Jayden Baum as the Evergreen Plainsmen beat rival Mountain View 20-0 on Friday to wrap up the outright 3A Greater St. Helens League title. Read story

Taylor Gause (24) and Preston Hill (22) of Prairie run through a banner at the start of the second half during a 3A Greater St. Helens League game against Mountain View at District Stadium in Battle Ground on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Big returns help Prairie to 34-7 win over Heritage

November 1, 2024, 11:50pm Football

Taylor Gause returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown and Nick Crousure added a 45-yard blocked punt return for a score to lead Prairie to a 34-7 win over Heritage in a 3A Greater St. Helens League game at District Stadium in Battle Ground. Gause’s interception gave Prairie 14-0… Read story