During its 48-game winning game streak, no team has tested six-time defending Class 1A state champion Royal more than Cashmere did last season.

And the Bulldogs did it twice.

First, Cashmere took the Knights to overtime in the regular-season matchup at David Nielsen Memorial Field. Then, the Bulldogs followed that by coming within a two-point conversion in the final moments of the state championship game from unseating the Knights atop 1A.

The two teams, who have formed one of the state’s top rivalries in just two years together in the SCAC, won’t have to wait to get it on again this season with a Week 2 matchup at Royal.

Here’s that matchup, and a few others, that will go a long ways to shaping the SCAC standings:

Sept. 4 – Connell at Wapato, 7 p.m., Dan Doornink Field

The Wolves broke through last season to earn a spot in the Week 10 crossovers, and will try to continue its climb up the conference standings.

Sept. 11 – Cashmere at Royal, 7 p.m., David Nielsen Memorial Field

Royal is again the conference and state favorite, and this could be the Knights’ biggest regular-season test.

Oct. 2 – Zillah and Cashmere, 7 p.m., Andy Collins Memorial Field

Zillah, which used to dominate the SCAC West in the past conference setup, will try to break the Royal-Cashmere stranglehold on the conference’s top two spots when the Leopards welcome the Bulldogs.

Oct. 2 – College Place at Naches Valley, 7 p.m., Naches Valley High School Stadium

The Hawks struggled with a winless conference slate with injuries taking a toll, while the Rangers bounced back from their own struggles with a five-win season. This one could help fill out the state play-in card.