The NWs Top 20 Teams Regardless of Classification (Ranked #1-10)

Historically Washington teams have dominated Oregon programs but that has not been the case over the last few years. It isn't surprising with WA having a 2 to 1 population advantage, which makes the success of West Linn and Central Catholic all the more impressive. Both Oregon teams have the potential of being nationally ranked, which is incredibly rare within the state. Even crazier is how many underclassmen each program has. Expect both teams to be equally talented next season.    Overall Washington has a 14-6 advantage as it relates to the Northwest's top 20 teams. Have a look as we break down the Top 20 schools in the region.     *Teams #11-20 <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/10/the-nws-top-20-teams-regardless-of-classification-ranked-11-20-2/">https://prepredzone.com/2023/10/the-nws-top-20-teams-regardless-of-classification-ranked-11-20-2/</a>       1.West Linn OR (9-0)   It's a unique year with this West Linn program potentially being the best team ever to represent Oregon. Both them and Central Catholic should be considered two of the top teams on the west coast but will not play one another in the title game due to the OSAA's disastrous bracket. The Lions dominated Washington 4A state champ Lake Stevens this season for the 2nd year in a row.    2.Central Catholic OR (9-0)   Steve Pyne has done a phenomenal job with the program. As noted with West Linn, the Rams should be considered one of the best teams ever to rep the state. They left no doubt earlier in the year, beating WA power Bellevue 48-27. CC will end up playing the Lions for the 6A title in the Semi's.    3.O'Dea WA (9-0)   It's a tough call when referencing O'Dea and reigning state champ Yelm, but 4* RB [player_tooltip player_id='115335' first='Jason' last='Brown'] has been off the charts good and the line is ridiculous. The 16-7 win over Eastside Catholic earlier in the year carries weight as well.    4.Yelm WA (9-0)   Definitely one of the top programs on the West Coast with a phenomenal fan base. 4* [player_tooltip player_id='115328' first='Brayden' last='Platt'] is one of the top players in America. UCLA commit [player_tooltip player_id='338788' first='Isaiah' last='Patterson'] teams with Platt to form one of the top LB duos anywhere. The Aalona kids have been playing out of their mind, so they could very well win another 3A title.    5.Eastside Catholic WA (7-2)   I wouldn't want to play Eastside in the playoffs. They have some of the nation's top young talent and are only getting better. Look for them to potentially make a title run with sophomore's [player_tooltip player_id='536980' first='Kodi' last='Greene'], [player_tooltip player_id='402787' first='Asa' last='Thompson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='402799' first='Wassie' last='Lugolobi']  being wildly influential.   6.Graham Kapowsin WA (9-0)   They are undefeated in the state's toughest conference and won the state title just 2 years ago. D1 guys line the perimeter, led by one of the nation's top TE's [player_tooltip player_id='693678' first='Noah' last='Flores'], Oregon St commit [player_tooltip player_id='115330' first='Malachi' last='Durant'], and future division 1 standout [player_tooltip player_id='115340' first='Jabez' last='Woods']. Look for their competitive schedule to benefit them in the playoffs.    7.Tualatin OR (8-1)   Colorado St commit [player_tooltip player_id='152355' first='AJ' last='Noland'] has taken over the QB duties with 6-4 Junior standout [player_tooltip player_id='285857' first='Nolan' last='Keeney'] going down for the year with an injury. Arizona St commit [player_tooltip player_id='152339' first='Jayden' last='Fortier'] is having an MVP type season. Their only blemish was to league rival West Linn who has crushed everyone. The T-Wolves have come a long way as a team since their 17-14 win at Lincoln (Tacoma) earlier in the year.    8.Sherwood OR (9-0)   One of the most impressive team performances in years. Technically the defense never gave up a point during the conference season, with Liberty's D scoring in Sherwood's 57-7 win last week. They outscored their last eight opponents 367-0 not counting the defensive touchdown. Definitely intrigued to see the Bowmen play a West Linn, CC, or Tualatin.    9.Lake Stevens WA (8-1)   The reigning 4A champs have remained undefeated over the last two years in the regular season, separate from their two losses to #1 West Linn where they got destroyed. They should once again compete for the title this year with good wins over Bellevue and Eastlake.    10.Bellevue WA (7-2)   Bellevue lost to #2 Central Catholic by three scores to start the year, then lost a 34-31 game to reigning 4A state champ Lake Stevens. They have run the table other than that but really haven't played anybody so it will be interesting to see what they do in the playoffs. Overall the Wolverines are young and have something to prove.