Husky Stadium Roars Again: WA High School Football Championships Set for Triumphant Return

Get ready for the roar, Washington! The pinnacle of high school football, the Washington state championships, are officially returning to the historic turf of Husky Stadium for the 2026 season. In a move that electrifies prep gridiron fans across the state, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has reached a verbal agreement with the University of Washington to host all six state title games on December 4-5. This marks a thrilling continuation of tradition, bringing the biggest games to one of the state's most iconic venues for what will be the fourth consecutive season.

A Grand Stage for State Champions

There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of championship weekend at Husky Stadium, where dreams are realized and legends are born under the bright lights. The home of the University of Washington provides an unmatched stage for our state's most dedicated young athletes. Last year, the stadium bore witness to an unforgettable spectacle, especially in the 4A state championship game. It was a fiercely contested battle between powerhouse programs Lake Stevens High School and Sumner High School, a game that went down to the wire and captivated fans from start to finish. Both teams, perennial contenders, consistently rank among the top programs in the state, showcasing the incredible talent nurtured right here in Washington.

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This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.

Sumner's Star Power: McGee's Legend and Pope's Promise

Speaking of unforgettable, the 2025 4A state title game featured one of the most dominant individual performances in WIAA history. Sumner High School senior running back and linebacker, Lance McGee, etched his name into the record books with an absolutely legendary display. McGee rushed for an astounding six touchdowns and 356 yards, including the game-winning score in overtime. This incredible feat not only secured a state record, but also cemented his status as a true Washington prep football icon. A three-star prospect and the seventh-best player in the state according to Rivals Industry Rankings, Lance McGee committed to play for the Washington State Cougars, choosing them over offers from Portland State, Oregon State, and Boise State. His senior year stats were staggering: 251 carries for 2,489 yards and 42 touchdowns, earning him the prestigious MaxPreps Washington Player of the Year award.

While Lance McGee's departure leaves big shoes to fill, Sumner High School's football program remains a beacon of talent. Looking ahead, the Spartans boast another generational talent in four-star wide receiver Braylon Pope, the crowning jewel of the class of 2027 in Washington. Pope ranks as the top player in the state according to Rivals Industry Rankings, already measuring over 6-foot-2 and around 190 pounds prior to his junior season. Rivals scout Charles Power describes him as a "smooth, coordinated pass-catcher with one of the more complete skill sets among outside wide receiver prospects in the 2027 cycle," praising his fluid athleticism and natural movement patterns. Teams across all classifications, from 1A to 4A, as well as 1B and 2B, will vie for the opportunity to play for a state championship at this magnificent venue.

With the regular season kicking off on Friday, September 4th, the path to Husky Stadium is officially set, promising another thrilling year of Washington high school football.