The North Kitsap Vikings will face W.F. West in the 2A state football semifinals Nov. 26. Both teams will be playing on a familiar neutral site as the teams will meet at Tumwater Stadium at 4 p.m.

The Vikings lone loss this season was Week 2 at Tumwater 8-6. W.F. West defeated Tumwater a few weeks later on the road 28-7. However, North Kitsap’s squad has improved since that loss, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Coach Jeff Weible belies if his team can score twice against any team, the Vikings have a strong chance to win. They proved it last week holding Anacortes to one score in the entire game, winning 10-7.

North Kitsap will have to shut down dual-threat quarterback Gavin Fugate and wide receiver Gage Brumfield to beat W.F. West.

Before the quarterfinal games, Fugate had 2,000 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 81 carries for 401 yards, and seven rushing touchdowns. Brumfield led the team with 37 receptions for 754 yards and 15 touchdowns.

North Kitsap’s offense will need to improve after falling stagnant in the second half of the Anacortes game.

In order to move to the state championship, quarterback Cole Edwards will need to make plays on his feet. Edwards has the fourth-most rushing attempts on the team with 30 and 80 rushing yards with five touchdowns.

In addition, Logan Sloman needs to become a factor again for the Vikings. Sloman had six catches for only 33 yards against the Seahawks last week, struggling to earn yards after the catch.

Lastly, the offensive line will have to push back a hefty Bearcat defensive front. When North Kitsap’s running game is working, their offense is free-flowing.

NK made it to the state semifinals last year, too, before losing to eventual champion Lynden.