WIAA to Offer Full Coverage of ECKC

The WIAA will be offering a number of coverage options for fans to follow the four games of the 12th-annual Emerald City Kickoff Classic (ECKC).

The highest profile kickoff event in the state, ECKC has featured schools from Hawaii, California, Idaho and Oregon. In 2014, the Benson Techmen will make the trek north from Portland, Ore. Four other teams, Bridgeport, West Valley (Yakima) Mt. Spokane and Prosser, will also have extensive traveling to the showcase. To assist fans that cannot attend the game, the NFHS Network will live broadcast the ECKC for a third-straight year.

In addition to the broadcast, live stats will be available for fans in attendance or watching online. The WIAA will also have a live blog to interact with fans, answer any questions and provide up-to-the-minute information. Game previews and recaps will also be accessible on the ECKC Event Page.

Finally, the State Association will have an active on-site social media presence and encourages fans to connect with the WIAA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@wiaawa).

The ECKC 12-year history has seen many historic games and players. In 2004, De La Salle from Concord, Calif., had its 151-game winning streak snapped by the Bellevue Wolverines in front of 25,000 at Century Link Field. In 2006, future Heisman finalist Kellen Moore led the Prosser Mustangs to a resounding 69-7 victory over neighboring Southridge. In 2013, the Kickoff Classic featured three teams who were the reigning State Champions in Lynden, Bellevue and Skyline.

The 2014 edition is stacking up to be as exciting as years past, beginning with the Bridgeport Mustangs and the Darrington Loggers. The Loggers return to the football field for the first time after the devastating Oso mudslide that claimed the lives of 43 people last March.

The Mt. Spokane Wildcats and West Valley (Yakima) Rams opener should be a test for two schools that are trying to figure out what kind of year will be in store for them. The Rams went from a 2A school in 2013 to 4A in 2014 and will have a completely different schedule than recent years. The Wildcats are gearing up for a tough season slate as five of their first six games are against 4A opponents.

The third match-up features the Prosser Mustangs and the Emerald Ridge Jaguars. The Mustangs have reached the State Semifinals three years in a row and are looking to break through to claim their fifth State Championship. The Jaguars will take a different approach than most, as they have five co-head coaches. After a 4-6 season in 2013, the Jaguars have the returners that could make a playoff run.

The nightcap features the Benson Techmen and the Roosevelt Rough Riders. The Techmen have suffered a couple of tough seasons in recent years, but were a playoff team in 2009. After a deep run in 2012, the Rough Riders had a setback in 2013, but look to continue the winning tradition in 2014.

The first game begins at 10 am and tickets for the Kickoff Classic are $15 for adults and $10 for students (with valid ASB) and seniors (62 and over). Children under the age of five are free.