The Columbia Basin Big Nine Conference had a breakthrough last fall when undefeated Moses Lake held off Bothell to advance to the quarterfinals of the Class 4A playoffs.

It was the first time a CBBN team advanced past the first round of the state tournament since the Mavericks (then the Chiefs) won their playoff opener in 2015.

Moses Lake figures to again contend for its third straight conference championship with much of its stout defense back, while they decide between three quarterbacks to replace the record-setting Brady Jay, now at Montana.

With state-title winning coach Rory Rosenbach taking over at Eastmont, and former University of Washington running back replacing Marshall Lobbestael, an ex-Washington State quarterback, the top three teams the past few years all will have new coaches.

With dynamic in place, here are some of the top games for CBBN teams this season:

Sept. 4 – Richland at Moses Lake, 7 p.m., Lions Field

In a nonleague matchup, the Mavericks, ranked 6thin VarsityWA’s preseason poll, meets the 10th-ranked Bombers. Moses Lake’s defense will try to slow down Richland’s offense led by senior quarterback Jackson Woodard.

Sept. 18 – Eastmont at Sunnyside, 7 p.m., Sunnyside High School

The Wildcats ground attack won the contrast of styles a year in what eventually decided second place in the conference. This one, in the third week, also will go a long way in deciding the playoff seeding.

Oct. 2 – West Valley at Sunnyside, 7 p.m., Sunnyside High School

Bolstered by a strong passing attack, the Rams figure to have a strong chance of moving into the top three of the standings to get a more favorable crossover matchup.

Oct. 16 – West Valley at Eisenhower, 7 p.m., Zaepfel Stadium

The Rams regained the city championship last year after splitting with the Cadets and Davis the year before, and Ike winning it outright in 2023. WV had won six straight city titles before that.

Oct. 16 – Wenatchee at Eastmont, 7 p.m., Wildcats Stadium

The Panthers gave the Wildcats all they could handle a season ago, and with former Eastmont coach Jay Foster now the defensive coordinator at Wenatchee, the rivalry has another wrinkle.

Oct. 23 – Eastmont at Moses Lake, 7 p.m., Lions Field

A season ago under head coach Jay Foster, who has a defensive background, the Wildcats dropped eight to slow the Mavericks’ passing attack. It worked, and Moses Lake had to stay on the ground to beat Eastmont. The Wildcats are the last conference opponent to top the Mavs.