Football

New England Patriots linebackers coach Steve Belichick walks on the field before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

UW officially announces Steve Belichick as new defensive coordinator

The son of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick is making his first foray into college football.

 

FILE - New England Patriots linebacker coach Steve Belichick warms up before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. Steve Belichick has agreed to be the defensive coordinator for new coach Jedd Fisch at Washington, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. The son of NFL coaching great Bill Belichick will take a role in college for the first time following 12 seasons working on the staff of the New England Patriots with his dad. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, FIle)

Report: Steve Belichick agrees to take DC role at Washington

The son of NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick spent the past 12 seasons on his dad’s staff in New England.

 

Arlington’s Kayla Lorenz turns to the basket before sinking a short shot against Lynnwood on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Prep notebook: Lynnwood girls missing key piece for districts

Plus, a slew of local hoopers reach the 1,000-point club, and a Lakewood senior breaks his own record for charges.

 

Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones sheds a defender after taking a handoff against Snohomish on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Edmonds Stadium in Edmonds, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones sheds a defender after taking a handoff against Snohomish on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Edmonds Stadium in Edmonds, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leaves field at the end of the half against Michigan of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Washington overpowered by Michigan in national title game

The Huskies’ unbeaten run ends in a 34-13 loss against the Wolverines.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leaves field at the end of the half against Michigan of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Lake Stevens quarterback Kolton Matson keeps it himself for a long first half run against Graham-Kapowsin during the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Lake Stevens’ Matson named Gatorade Washington Football Player of the Year

The junior quarterback tossed a program-record 49 TD passes while leading the Vikings to a 2nd straight Class 4A state title.

Lake Stevens quarterback Kolton Matson keeps it himself for a long first half run against Graham-Kapowsin during the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens players take photos with the championship trophy after their win over Graham-Kapowsin during the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens players take photos with the championship trophy after their win over Graham-Kapowsin during the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
(Left to right, back row to front row) Gage Solomon (44), Mason Turner (54), Nick Mouser (15), Brennan Sheppard (88), Jeremy Fleming (11), Kobi Spady (37), Kenai Sinaphet (21), Max Mayo (18), David Brown (33), Gabe Kylany (7) Matthew Williams (5) and Jack Sievers (88) pose for a photo at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

The Herald’s 2023 All-Area high school football teams

A look at the top prep football players in the area this fall.

(Left to right, back row to front row) Gage Solomon (44), Mason Turner (54), Nick Mouser (15), Brennan Sheppard (88), Jeremy Fleming (11), Kobi Spady (37), Kenai Sinaphet (21), Max Mayo (18), David Brown (33), Gabe Kylany (7) Matthew Williams (5) and Jack Sievers (88) pose for a photo at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Kolton Matson (12) poses for a photo at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

The Herald’s 2023 Football Player of the Year: Kolton Matson

The junior quarterback racked up a program-record 49 TD passes while leading Lake Stevens to a second straight state title.

Kolton Matson (12) poses for a photo at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway coach  John Gradwohl talks to his players during Edmonds-Woodway High School football practice on Aug. 24, 2018 in Edmonds, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Gradwohl steps down after 28 seasons leading E-W football

The 58-year-old turned his alma mater into one of the area’s most consistent programs and was the longest-tenured coach in Wesco.

Edmonds-Woodway coach  John Gradwohl talks to his players during Edmonds-Woodway High School football practice on Aug. 24, 2018 in Edmonds, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens head coach Tom Tri hugs quarterback Kolton Matson after the Vikings’ victory against Graham-Kapowsin in the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens head coach Tom Tri hugs quarterback Kolton Matson after the Vikings’ victory against Graham-Kapowsin in the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens players celebrate Jesse Lewis’ second-half touchdown against Graham-Kapowsin during the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Back to back!: Lake Stevens wins 4A state football title

The Vikings beat Graham-Kapowsin 31-6 for their second straight Class 4A state championship.

Lake Stevens players celebrate Jesse Lewis’ second-half touchdown against Graham-Kapowsin during the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens senior Jesse Lewis takes a short pass all the way for a first half touchdown against Graham-Kapowsin during the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Notebook: Lake Stevens’ Jesse Lewis has best game on biggest stage

Plus, key adjustments for the Vikings defense and Kolton Matson’s impact with his legs.

Lake Stevens senior Jesse Lewis takes a short pass all the way for a first half touchdown against Graham-Kapowsin during the WIAA 4A Football State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A gang of Lake Stevens Vikings take down the ball carrier during the 4A semifinal against Graham-Kapowsin on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Looking back at the Lake Stevens vs. G-K state playoff rivalry

The Class 4A powers are set to face for the third straight postseason and sixth time since 2015.

A gang of Lake Stevens Vikings take down the ball carrier during the 4A semifinal against Graham-Kapowsin on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens’ David Brown snags a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter of the 4A semifinal against Graham-Kapowsin on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Coaches weigh in on Lake Stevens vs. Graham-Kapowsin title game

Three coaches from Snohomish County and one from Pierce County give their perspectives on the teams.

Lake Stevens’ David Brown snags a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter of the 4A semifinal against Graham-Kapowsin on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens’ Jaxson Lewis (8) runs with the ball during a Class 4A state semifinal game between Lake Stevens and Kamiakan at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Lake Stevens won, 48-7. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Another state title well within reach for surging Lake Stevens

The Vikings head into Saturday’s championship clash riding a string of dominant performances.

Lake Stevens’ Jaxson Lewis (8) runs with the ball during a Class 4A state semifinal game between Lake Stevens and Kamiakan at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Lake Stevens won, 48-7. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Graham-Kapowsin’s Daveon Superales keeps the ball on a quarterback run during the 4A semifinal against Lake Stevens on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

4A state championship capsule: Lake Stevens vs. Graham-Kapowsin

A by-the-numbers look at Saturday’s state title game, plus game picks from our experts and readers.

Graham-Kapowsin’s Daveon Superales keeps the ball on a quarterback run during the 4A semifinal against Lake Stevens on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72) takes his stance during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Seahawks O-line could stabilize with possible return of Lucas

The Archbishop Murphy product hasn’t played since Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72) takes his stance during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Lake Stevens’ Keagan Howard (80) scores during a Class 4A state semifinal game between Lake Stevens and Kamiakan at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Lake Stevens won, 48-7. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Lake Stevens advances to 4A state title game with rout of Kamiakin

The Vikings cruise past another playoff opponent en route to Husky Stadium.

Lake Stevens’ Keagan Howard (80) scores during a Class 4A state semifinal game between Lake Stevens and Kamiakan at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Lake Stevens won, 48-7. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Lake Stevens’ Talha Rai (18) moves with the ball during a football game between Lake Stevens and Woodinville at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. Lake Stevens won, 41-0. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Lake Stevens’ Talha Rai (18) moves with the ball during a football game between Lake Stevens and Woodinville at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. Lake Stevens won, 41-0. (Annie Barker / The Herald)