Husky Stadium Roars Again: WA High School Football Championships Set for Thrilling Return
The Washington high school football state championships are officially set to return to the iconic Husky Stadium for the 2026 season, promising an unforgettable spectacle for prep fans. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has reached a verbal agreement with the University of Washington, securing the home of the Huskies for all six state title games on December 4th and 5th.
This marks the fourth consecutive year the pinnacle of Washington state high school football will be contested on the hallowed grounds overlooking Lake Washington. Last season's 4A state championship provided a classic, pitting powerhouse programs Lake Stevens and Sumner in a battle that kept fans on edge. Both teams consistently rank among the state's elite, with Lake Stevens and Sumner finishing high in Rivals Washington's 2025 High School Football Composite Rankings, behind top-ranked Puyallup.
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This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.
McGee's Record-Shattering Performance Still Echoes
The last championships at Husky Stadium provided a stage for history. The 4A state title game, an instant classic, was decided in gripping overtime. Sumner's then-senior running back and linebacker dual-threat, Lance McGee, etched his name into the state record books with a legendary performance. McGee rushed for an astounding 6 touchdowns and 356 yards, including the game-winning score that sealed the championship victory.
McGee, a three-star prospect, committed to Washington State, choosing the Cougars over offers from Portland State, Oregon State, and Boise State. Ranked as the seventh-best player in the state by Rivals Industry Rankings, his senior year stats speak volumes: 2,489 yards and 42 touchdowns on 251 carries, earning him the MaxPreps Washington Player of the Year honor. His incredible display at Husky Stadium perfectly exemplified the heart and talent in Washington's prep ranks.
The Road Back to the Big Stage
While Sumner will undoubtedly miss Lance McGee's record-breaking talent, the program is far from rebuilding. They boast another generational talent, four-star wide receiver Braylon Pope, who ranks as the top player in the class of 2027 in Washington by Rivals Industry Rankings. Rivals scout Charles Power describes Pope as a "smooth, coordinated pass-catcher with one of the more complete skill sets among outside wide receiver prospects," noting his "projectable size, measuring in at over 6-foot-2 and around 190 pounds, and fluid athleticism." Pope’s presence ensures Sumner remains a formidable contender, with its sights firmly set on returning to Husky Stadium.
Across the state, from 1A to 4A, as well as 1B and 2B classifications, teams are already laying the groundwork for their own championship aspirations. The journey to Husky Stadium officially kicks off on Friday, September 4th, with the regular season promising intense competition and emergent stars. Every tackle, every touchdown, and every hard-fought victory will be a step toward those coveted championship dates of December 4th and 5th.
The anticipation for the upcoming Washington high school football season is palpable, as teams across all classifications embark on their quest for state glory and the ultimate prize: a chance to hoist a trophy at Husky Stadium.