Handicapping all six reigning Washington high school football champions' odds of repeating in 2023

Lake Stevens, Yelm, Lynden, Royal, Napavine and Liberty Bell held gold ball after WIAA titles last December

It's always the obvious follow-up question after a state title is won.

"They did it this year ... but can they do it again next year?"

Six schools in Washington high school football are weeks away from trying to find out.

SBLive WA handicaps the odds of Lake Stevens (4A), Yelm (3A), Lynden (2A), Royal (1A), Napavine (2B) and Liberty Bell (1B) defending their state crowns come December at Husky Stadium:

NAPAVINE TIGERS (2B)

Photo by Joshua Hart

Odds: 1.2-to-1.

What works in their favor: Explosive and more experienced multi-faceted offense, led by returning all-state quarterback Ashton Demarest, is virtually unguardable - and a lock for 40-plus points per game. ... Their playmakers on both sides of the ball can flip a game faster than any team in state.

What could mess their bid up: Unthinkable slew of injuries that rob Tigers of depth. ... An Okanogan revenge tour after its season was ended the past two years by Napavine in state playoffs. ... Lack of motivation.

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LIBERTY BELL MOUNTAIN GOATS (1B)

Photo by Todd Milles

Odds: 2.5-to-1.

What works in their favor: Big roster numbers, led by the Paz football-playing family tree. Remington Paz might be the most versatile playmaker in the classification. Lucien Paz moves to quarterback this fall as Riley Lidey's replacement. And two more Paz teenagers are expected to take on bigger roles this season. 

What could mess their bid up: A swarm of viable state contenders that were equally young a year ago - especially power-running Neah Bay, the state runner-up. Mountain Goats will not be hiding in weeds in 2023.

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LYNDEN LIONS (2A)

Photo by Vince Miller

Odds: 4-to-1.

What works in their favor: Their unmatched success in this classification. For a third time in school history last fall, Lynden strung together consecutive WIAA titles in multiple years. They know how to win the biggest games (8-2 in 2A title games). ... Eight seniors playing both on offense and defense, so team has reloaded. ... Junior quarterback Brant Heppner's all-state MVP potential.

What could mess their bid up: A tough 2A Northwest Conference with fellow state contenders Anacortes and Sedro-Woolley. Also, reigning state runner-up North Kitsap, Enumclaw and Tumwater aren't going anywhere, either.

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YELM TORNADOS (3A)

Photo by Vince Miller

Odds: 8-to-1.

What works in their favor: Even as a first-time WIAA champion, program is fueled by underdog's edge. ... State's best linebacker duo of Brayden Platt and Isaiah Patterson, both Power 5 recruits in 2024. ... Few in state have better offensive lines. ... Returning starting quarterback Damian Aalona, who is set for big jump in second year at helm.

What could mess their bid up: With Kyler Ronquillo graduated, is there another next-level playmaker in space on roster? ... In state's big-boy classification, Yelm still has powers Eastside Catholic, O'Dea, Bellevue and Kennewick in fold.

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ROYAL KNIGHTS (1A)

Photo by Tommy Wolf

Odds: 10-to-1.

What works in their favor: Fourteen trips to the Class 1A title game since 1994 - with 11 victories. Royal is the three-time defending champion, and had a coach in Wiley Allred who has the state's best all-time winning percentage (.907) in his 24 seasons. Needless to say, Knights have an unflappable aura around them. ... Team is set up better personnel-wise now (seven returning starters on each side of ball) than it was a year ago before it won its third consecutive state title.

What could mess their bid up: Again, the teams up north - favored Nooksack Valley, Lynden Christian and Mount Baker - are going to be formidable. Knights have beaten Lyncs (2019) and Mountaineers (2022) in 1A title games during run.

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LAKE STEVENS VIKINGS (4A)

Photo by Steve Faber

Odds: 12-to-1.

What works in their favor: A proven offensive system that picks on a defense's weakness at all three levels - and one guided by emerging junior quarterback Kolton Matson, who has started the past two WIAA title games. ... Another Limar brother - Jayshon, a junior - capable of carrying a team. ,,, Underrated senior group of in-space, two-way playmakers in David Brown, Steven Lee and Paul Varela ready to break out.

What could mess their bid up: Can Limar shake the injury bug? He missed all but one game a year ago. ... Can revamped offensive line that lost four starters hold up? Unit will be undersized. ... Can Viks overcome sudden loss of big-play Cassidy Bolong-Banks, who left program? ... Are loaded 4A SPSL and Mid-Columbia Conference too much to navigate at state level? This has the look of the state's most wide-open classification.

Editor's note on July 30: Bolong-Banks rejoined the team after a short hiatus. He participated in the Lakewood Cougars 7v7 Passing Tournament.

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