Lake Stevens is set to face Kennedy Catholic in the Class 4A state championship game Saturday night. After falling in the 2018 and 2021 state title games, the Vikings are looking to break through for their first-ever state crown. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Lake Stevens is set to face Kennedy Catholic in the Class 4A state championship game Saturday night. After falling in the 2018 and 2021 state title games, the Vikings are looking to break through for their first-ever state crown. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Championship central: Lake Stevens’ run to the title game

Get ready for Saturday night’s 4A state championship game with stories from the Vikings’ success-filled season.

The Lake Stevens football team is set to face Kennedy Catholic in the Class 4A state championship game Saturday night at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma. Here’s a look back at stories from the Vikings’ success-filled season.

4A state championship game preview: Lake Stevens vs. Kennedy Catholic

For the better part of the past decade, Lake Stevens has been one of the state’s most successful programs. Is this the moment the Vikings break through for the ultimate prize? Get ready for kickoff with this in-depth state title game preview.

The Lake Stevens players run out onto the field before the start of the game against Eastlake on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

* * *

Versatile defense plays key role in Lake Stevens’ run to title game

While Jayden Limar & Co. have been busy lighting up scoreboards, the less-heralded Vikings defense has turned in strong performances week after week.

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 gains revenge, tops Graham-Kapowsin to reach title game

Jayden Limar accounts for six total touchdowns as the Vikings avenge last year’s state title game loss and book another trip to the championship game.

Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar beats the defense for a 55-yard touchdown run 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)

* * *

‘He’s been our motor’: Star tailback Limar powers Lake Stevens’ title quest

With his electrifying talent, Notre Dame-bound Jayden Limar has put on a highlight-reel extravaganza while leading the Vikings back to the state semis.

Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar runs the ball during the game against Eastlake on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

* * *

Lake Stevens rolls past Gonzaga Prep again, earns return trip to state semis

Jayden Limar piles up 284 total yards and five touchdowns as the Vikings rout the Bullpups in a state quarterfinal rematch.

Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar gets thrown off his feet while nearly scoring a touchdown against Gonzaga Prep on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

* * *

Lake Stevens beats North Creek, advances to state quarterfinals

Jayden Limar scores four touchdowns, the defense comes up with four takeaways and the Vikings reach the state quarterfinals once again.

Lake Stevens defenders Paul Varela and Steven Lee Jr. combine on a tackle and force a fumble that was recovered by Lake Stevens during a playoff game against North Creek on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

* * *

Lake Stevens routs top-ranked Glacier Peak for 9th straight Wesco 4A title

The third-ranked Vikings pull away in the second half and pummel the top-ranked Grizzlies to extend their league win streak to 54 games.

Lake Stevens’ Isaac Redford leans back to take in a reception before going down at the 1 yard line against Glacier Peak on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

* * *

Lake Stevens bounces back, rolls past Eastlake in 4A top-10 clash

Jayden Limar runs for five touchdowns and the Vikings get back on track by routing the Wolves in a state semifinal rematch.

Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar runs the ball during the game against Eastlake on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

* * *

Limar leads Lake Stevens past Bellevue in clash of state powerhouses

Jayden Limar totals 295 yards and three touchdowns as the Vikings beat the defending 3A state champions and rebound from their season-opening loss.

Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar muscles through the defense against Bellevue on Friday, Sep. 9, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
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