Husky Stadium Roars: WA State Football Championships Return, Igniting Dreams for Lake Stevens, Sumner, and All Prep Athletes
The biggest stage in Washington high school football is set to welcome back the state's most elite prep athletes. Get ready, Puget Sound, because the Washington high school football championships are returning to the iconic Husky Stadium for the 2026 season! This electrifying news, recently reported by the Seattle Times, confirms that the home of the University of Washington will once again host all six state title games on December 4th and 5th, a tradition that has become synonymous with gridiron glory for our dedicated student-athletes.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has reached a verbal agreement with the University of Washington, ensuring that this hallowed ground will serve as the battleground for the fourth consecutive year. For young athletes across all classifications, from 1A to 4A, as well as 1B and 2B, the dream of playing under those lights, in front of roaring crowds, is a powerful motivator, driving countless hours of practice, dedication, and teamwork. It's where legends are born and unforgettable moments are etched into history.
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This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.
A Look Back at Unforgettable Husky Stadium Moments
Last season, Husky Stadium delivered a spectacle that perfectly encapsulates the intensity and talent present in Washington state high school football. The 4A state championship game, a true clash of titans, pitted Lake Stevens against Sumner in an overtime thriller. Both programs consistently rank among the state's best, and last year was no exception, with both finishing in the top three of Rivals Washington 2025 High School Football Composite Rankings, topped only by Puyallup.
In that unforgettable 4A title bout, Sumner senior running back Lance McGee delivered a performance for the ages. McGee, a dual-threat running back and linebacker, set a state record with an astounding 6 touchdowns and 356 rushing yards, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. His incredible senior year saw him rack up 251 carries for 2,489 yards and 42 touchdowns, earning him the prestigious MaxPreps Washington Player of the Year award. A highly sought-after three-star prospect and the seventh-best player in the state according to Rivals Industry Rankings, McGee committed to Washington State, choosing the Cougars over offers from Portland State, Oregon State, Boise State, and others. His grit and determination are a testament to the caliber of athletes developing in our state.
The Road Ahead: New Stars and Emerging Powers
As teams across the state begin preparations for the upcoming regular season, kicking off on Friday, September 4th, the path back to Husky Stadium will be grueling, but the reward is immense. Sumner, while undoubtedly missing the explosive talent of Lance McGee, is far from out of contention. The Spartans boast another generational talent in four-star wide receiver Braylon Pope, the crowning jewel of the 2027 class and the top-ranked player in the state according to 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 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 their receiving corps, Sumner will surely be one of many programs vying for a return trip to the championship stage. From the smallest 1B schools to the largest 4A powerhouses, the dream of hoisting a WIAA state championship trophy at Husky Stadium will fuel every tackle, every touchdown, and every practice throughout what promises to be another thrilling season of Washington high school football.