PORT TOWNSEND — The most important weekend of prep football games thus far this season includes a North Olympic Peninsula rivalry game in the form of the Port Townsend-Chimacum Rhody Bowl tonight at 7 p.m. at Memorial Field.
Also in the mix: an undefeated showdown as Forks (4-0) hosts No. 3 Montesano (4-0) in the Evergreen League opener for both teams; a chance for Port Angeles (1-1, 2-2) to win consecutive games for the first time since 2014 in a home matchup against winless Kingston (0-1, 0-4) and Crescent (2-2) hosts Neah Bay (1-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday with a real shot at knocking off the Red Devils.
Port Townsend (1-0, 1-3) has won five straight against rival Chimacum dating back to 2014 (the teams played twice in 2014 and 2015). But Chimacum (0-1, 2-2) is looking to start a streak of its own with a win tonight against the Redhawks.
Streaks have long been a part of this rivalry, which also saw the Cowboys win three straight from 2010-12, including a 27-25 thriller in four overtimes in 2012.
Prediction: Chimacum 21, Port Townsend 20
Kingston at Port Angeles
PORT ANGELES — The Roughriders are seeking consecutive wins for the first time since the 2014 squad opened 2-0 with nonleague wins over Port Townsend and Vashon.
Picking up a victory at home against the winless Buccaneers (0-1, 0-4) would be a bigger accomplishment because it would put Port Angeles (1-1, 2-2) in third place in the Olympic League standings.
A pregame ceremony to name the Civic Field press box in honor of broadcaster Scooter Chapman will be held beginning at 6:45 p.m. The ceremony also will be broadcast on KONP-AM.
Prediction: Port Angeles 20, Kingston 12
No. 3 Montesano at Forks
FORKS — The Spartans have rolled to a undefeated start playing against overmatched teams.
At home against the big, bad Bulldogs, a Class 1A powerhouse year-in and year-out, those roles will likely reverse.
Forks has had troubles with penalties so far on the season and will need to play a clean, discipline game to hang with Montesano.
Prediction: No. 3 Montesano 45, Forks 21
Sequim at No. 7 North Kitsap
POULSBO — The Wolves (0-1, 2-2) have received outstanding play defensively and solid contributions offensively from Nate Despain in the early season.
Sequim coach Erik Wiker even called Despain the team’s defensive MVP so far this season after last week’s loss to Bremerton.
Despain and the Wolves will need a monster effort to upset the Vikings tonight.
Prediction: North Kitsap 48, Sequim 7
Quilcene at Rainier Christian
KENT — The Rangers (4-0) open SeaTac League play under the lights tonight at 7 p.m. at Kentwood High School.
Quilcene has received votes in the last two Associated Press prep football polls. Rangers coach Trey Beathard said he didn’t do as good of a job getting his kids prepared for the Mustangs last season when Quilcene lost at home and lost out on the league’s No. 2 playoff berth.
Prediction: Quilcene 46, Rainier Christian 26
Saturday Neah Bay at Crescent
JOYCE — The Red Devils have been snake bit by injuries in the early going this season and have struggled as a result.
The Loggers can score, but can they get defensive stops when they need them? Crescent has allowed 78 and 62 points in its two losses this season. Can the Loggers turn the tables on Neah Bay and come away with a win?
Prediction: Crescent 34, Neah Bay 30
Last Week: 5-2
Season record: 19-4
