Husky Stadium Roars Again: State Football Championships Return, Echoes of McGee's Magic Linger
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has reached a verbal agreement with the University of Washington, confirming that all six state championship games will return to Husky Stadium for the 2026 season! This highly anticipated return, scheduled for December 4-5, marks the fourth consecutive year the iconic venue will host Washington's high school football finales, promising an electric atmosphere for athletes, families, and fans across the Evergreen State. For countless young gridiron stars, playing for a state title under the bright lights of Husky Stadium is the pinnacle of their prep careers, and the tradition continues with this exciting announcement.
Last Season's Thriller: McGee's Record-Setting Performance
The announcement immediately brings to mind last year's unforgettable 4A state championship, a contest that epitomized the heart and grit of Washington high school football. Husky Stadium was the battleground for a monumental clash between Lake Stevens and Sumner, two powerhouses that also finished among the top three in the Rivals Washington 2025 High School Football Composite Rankings, alongside Puyallup. The game was an absolute nail-biter, a testament to the dedication of these young athletes, pushing deep into overtime with the state title hanging in the balance.
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This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.
It was in this epic showdown that Sumner senior running back Lance McGee etched his name into the WIAA record books forever. McGee delivered a performance for the ages, rushing for a staggering 356 yards and an incredible six touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime. His heroics captured the imagination of the state, showcasing raw talent and an indomitable will. McGee, a three-star prospect and dual-threat talent, proved his mettle on the biggest stage, earning MaxPreps Washington Player of the Year honors for his senior campaign, where he amassed 251 carries for 2,489 yards and 42 touchdowns.
Future Stars and Sumner's Next Chapter
Following his record-breaking season, Lance McGee, ranked as the seventh-best player in the state according to Rivals Industry Rankings, committed to Washington State, choosing the Cougars over offers from Portland State, Oregon State, and Boise State. His departure leaves big shoes to fill for the Sumner program, but the tradition of excellence is strong. The Spartans are already looking ahead, boasting the crowning jewel of the class of 2027 in Washington, four-star wide receiver Braylon Pope.
Pope, ranked as the top player in the state according to Rivals Industry Rankings, is a mesmerizing talent. Rivals scout Charles Power described him as a, "Smooth, coordinated pass-catcher with one of the more complete skill sets among outside wide receiver prospects in the 2027 cycle. Has projectable size, measuring in at over 6-foot-2 and around 190 pounds prior to his junior season. A fluid athlete with natural movement patterns." With Pope leading the charge, Sumner will undoubtedly look to make another deep playoff run and vie for a return to Husky Stadium.
Beyond the 4A giants, teams across every classification, from 1A to 4A, as well as 1B and 2B, are already setting their sights on December's championships. The regular season kicks off on Friday, September 4th, promising months of thrilling competition as programs build towards the ultimate goal: hoisting a state championship trophy on the hallowed turf of Husky Stadium.