Husky Stadium Beckons: WA State Football Championships Return, Recalling McGee's Historic Night
Get ready, Washington high school football faithful, the biggest stage in our state is calling! The roar of the crowd, the crisp December air, the thrill of championship glory, it's all returning to Montlake. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has reached a verbal agreement with the University of Washington, confirming that all six state championship football games will once again be played at Husky Stadium on December 4-5 for the 2026 season. This is fantastic news for our prep athletes, who deserve to culminate their season in an iconic venue, mirroring the electric atmosphere of last year's unforgettable 4A title game.
A Grand Return to Montlake
The decision to bring the state championships back to Husky Stadium marks its fourth consecutive season as the host, cementing its place as the premier battleground for Washington's top high school football programs. This magnificent venue provides an unparalleled experience for players, coaches, and fans alike. Imagine the excitement for a young athlete, stepping onto the same field where collegiate legends have played, under the bright lights with everything on the line. It's an experience that fuels dreams and creates lasting memories, a true testament to the dedication these student-athletes pour into their sport.
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This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.
Sumner's Star Power, Past and Future
The last time the 4A state championship trophy was hoisted at Husky Stadium, it followed an overtime thriller between Lake Stevens and Sumner that will live in Washington high school football lore. That game saw Sumner's then-senior running back and linebacker, Lance McGee, deliver a performance for the ages. McGee set a state record, rushing for an astounding 6 touchdowns and 356 yards, including the game-winning score. His incredible senior year culminated in 2,489 yards and 42 touchdowns on 251 carries, earning him MaxPreps Washington Player of the Year honors. A three-star prospect, McGee committed to Washington State University, choosing the Cougars over offers from Portland State, Oregon State, and Boise State. While Sumner will miss McGee's game-breaking talent, the Spartans are already looking towards the future with another superstar in the making: four-star wide receiver Braylon Pope, ranked as the top player in Washington for the class of 2027 by Rivals Industry Rankings. Rivals scout Charles Power praises Pope as a "smooth, coordinated pass-catcher with one of the more complete skill sets among outside wide receiver prospects in the 2027 cycle, a fluid athlete with natural movement patterns."
The Road to December
Beyond the excitement surrounding individual talents like Pope, the return to Husky Stadium offers a powerful incentive for every program across the state. From 1A to 4A, and the spirited 1B and 2B classifications, teams will embark on their arduous journeys when the regular season kicks off on Friday, September 4th. Every practice, every game, every district playoff battle will be a step towards that ultimate goal, a chance to play for a state title on the hallowed turf of Husky Stadium. This is what Washington high school football is all about: hard work, determination, and the pursuit of greatness.
As the season approaches, the promise of championship weekend at Husky Stadium ignites a fire across our state, setting the stage for another unforgettable chapter in Washington high school football history.