The 2026 West Sound high school football season is set to begin with preseason practices starting on August 19, and the first week of games scheduled for September 4. Nine teams across four classifications will open the campaign, each navigating a unique blend of league and non‑league matchups.
Season Outlook and Key Dates
Central Kitsap has named Eric Schuette as its new head coach, replacing Mark Keel, who will now serve as passing‑game coordinator for Bremerton. Schuette, a longtime assistant at both Central Kitsap and North Kitsap and a mathematics teacher at CK High School, steps into the top role after years of supporting the program. At North Kitsap, Chris Richardson will act as interim head coach for the 2026 season, taking over from Jeff Weible.
Last season’s results illustrate the competitive balance in the region. South Kitsap finished 5‑5 in the 4A South Puget Sound League, while Central Kitsap went 3‑7 in the 3A Narrows Division. The Olympic League saw Olympic claim the 2A title with a 9‑2 record, followed by North Kitsap (7‑3), North Mason (7‑3) and Bremerton (3‑7). Kingston, returning to the Olympic League after a 2‑8 campaign, will now participate in a full slate of seven league games plus two non‑league contests.
Key players are already generating buzz. Chace Webster, the 2025 Kitsap Sun player of the year, set rushing records at Olympic before moving to Central Washington. Caden Atencio, a standout running back at North Mason, will test his talents at Whitworth University. RaShaun Webb, an Olympic senior, is slated to replace Webster as the starting running back.
The schedule features several marquee matchups. North Mason will host Shelton in the annual Battle for the Axe on September 4, while Central Kitsap opens at home against Spanaway Lake, Bainbridge takes on Foss, and Bremerton welcomes Elma. Only three West Sound teams will enjoy home‑field advantage in Week 1.
Howard McDonald, the 2008 Kitsap Sun player of the year, returns as Central Kitsap’s defensive coordinator, and Logan Sloman, a two‑time Kitsap Sun player of the year, will coach wide receivers at Bainbridge. Kingston’s offensive staff has expanded to nine assistants, reflecting the program’s growing ambition.
Four teams — Olympic, North Kitsap, North Mason and Bremerton — earned playoff berths last season, with Olympic winning a postseason game. The second annual West Sound Senior All‑Star game is set for December 3 at Bremerton High School, and the state championships will be held at Husky Stadium in Seattle on December 4‑5.