A New Structure for Wesco 3A Football
The Wesco 3A football conference will debut a third league, the Central division, for the 2026 season, replacing the former North and South divisions. The restructuring is designed to ease travel burdens and give schools more flexibility in scheduling.
Teams slated for the Central division include Cascade, which is moving up from 4A, as well as Everett, Marysville Getchell, Monroe and Snohomish. The shift follows Cascade’s departure from the 4A ranks and reflects a broader effort to balance competitive levels across the league.
Travel Relief and Scheduling Benefits
For Everett and Marysville Getchell, the realignment means shorter commutes to league opponents, freeing up time that was previously spent on lengthy bus rides. Athletic directors say the reduced travel will allow teams to focus more on practice and player development.
Coaches are also using the new setup to craft stronger non‑league schedules, a move that could improve postseason seeding. Everett’s head coach Mark Stewart has emphasized the importance of selecting opponents that will test his squad and boost its résumé.
Looking Ahead to 2028 and Beyond
The realignment follows a two‑year cycle that will keep identical schedules in 2027, with home‑field advantage flipped each year. In 2028, coaches and athletic directors plan to reconvene to evaluate the structure’s impact on competitive balance and the overall player experience.