By Joe Slye, Gem of the Sound Sports Reporter
The Kennedy Catholic football team makes Score Book Live Washington’s Top 50 high school teams in 2022 and the Top 10 4A Preseason Ranking!
Last season, after a third straight 4A NPSL conference title (6-0 record), Kennedy Catholic was ready for a deep run into the playoffs. However, upstart North Creek had other plans. A last play of the game score gave North Creek a 43-42 victory. The Kennedy Catholic playoff run was done after the first game. Twelve seniors from the 2021 team have graduated, and several moved on to college ball, making room for last year’s juniors come in. Seventeen players to make amends for the quick 2021 playoff exit. So, what will it take in 2022 for Kennedy Catholic to advance deep into the state playoff fray?
First, win the 4A NPSL crown. It would be a “Four Peat” as last year was 3 in a row — is four possible?
Second, win the conference games. These are always tough, as the other teams know you well. They remember last year’s game and are motivated for revenge. Key conference games in 2022 will be on September 15 at Kentwood (which had a 2021 state playoff appearance), September 30 at Federal Way (#37 on the 2022 Score Book Live top 50 lists), and October 29 versus Mount Rainier (had a 2021 state playoff appearance).
Third, win the non-conference games. Games out of the conference were tough on the Lancers last year. Losses in the first two games to Eastside Catholic (23-8) and O’Dea (49-0) and then the playoff loss left the Lancers at 6-3 for the year and showed them they need a refocus in 2022. Things won’t be any easier for the 2022 non-conference schedule. The opener on September 2 at Eastside Catholic should set the stage for what 2022 can be. Eastside Catholic is always one of the top 3A teams. For 2022 they are ranked #8 for the Top 50 teams to watch by Score Book Live. The Kingco 2A Highline Pirates are next up on September 9 in a Burien cross-town rivalry. Last year Highline won their conference, made it to round two of the state playoffs, and has a program on the rise. The final non-conference game is October 13 at Auburn Riverside, which is #46 on the Score Book Live top 50 teams to watch.
Finally, the 2022 group of 17 seniors is deep and talented. As juniors, 6 of these players earned All-League honors. Two players have already committed to Pac-12 schools. USC inked offensive and defensive tackle Micah Banuelos and linebacker Xe’ree Alexander will be off to ASU in 2023.
Follow Score Book Live for more on the Lancers.
Washington’s Top 50 high school football teams in 2022: Senior-led No. 20 Kennedy Catholic has definite plans of making another Class 4A run – Scorebook Live
Scorebook Live has the Kennedy Catholic Lancers in the top 10 4A preseason football rankings for Washington for 2022. That says a lot about this team. A top 10 ranking adds some pressure but also helps the team set a target and work to meet expectations that this team intends to live up to.
Preseason Class 4A football rankings for Washington in 2022: Limar brothers lead close-call Lake Stevens – Scorebook Live
