Kamiak back in quarterfinals

Knights say they believed all along they’d get this far

By AARON COE

Herald Writer

MUKILTEO — When Dan Mack talked about a return to the playoffs before the season started, some wondered if the Kamiak football coach had taken too many hits in his playing days.

After all, three players had moved on to play for Pacific-10 Conference teams, including quarterback Ryan Kanekeberg, who holds every major Kamiak passing record. Only two starters were back, and folks figured the Knights would return to the middle of the Western Conference 4A pack.

Yet here they are, back in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, same as last year.

"I guess I’m always the optimist," Mack said. "We knew we were young, but we believed all along we could do this."

The Knights are 10-1, which means Mack is no longer an optimist. He is a realist. A victory tonight over Tahoma on Kent’s French Field would put Kamiak in its first-ever state semifinal game.

Surely this Mack madness couldn’t have spread to his players. They couldn’t possibly have believed they’d be back, right?

"We really thought we could go further than last year," running back Reid Wilson said. "Our coaches always remind us of last year’s team. Our goal is to have our coaches not mention them any more."

To go where no Knight has gone before, Kamiak will have to get past a tough 10-1 Tahoma team that is making its first trip to the state playoff since 1995. Tahoma actually lost two games on the field, but one was turned into a victory when it was learned that top-ranked Kentwood had used an academically ineligible player in its 15-13 victory.

The Bears are led by twin brothers Casey and Randy Robbins in an offense that features the run with an occasional pass mixed in. Both are running threats who have combined for more 1,000 yards rushing. Fullback Casey Robbins gets the bulk of the carries, and quarterback Randy Robbins can run and throw. Tahoma lines up three running backs in a line behind the quarterback, a formation the Knights have never seen.

"They have a pretty creative offense, and they’re dangerous," Mack said. "They have three guys who can get a ton of yardage."

The Knights counter with Wilson and Justin Washington in the backfield, a duo that has combined for nearly 1,400 yards. Quarterback Ryan Jones has put up similar numbers to Kanekeberg’s 1999 totals. His favorite target is senior Mike Boyle, who was second in the conference in receptions in only his first year of high school football.

The Knights may not have had a recognizable cast of characters at the season’s beginning, but people are learning. Wilson hopes to burn his name and his teammates’ in Kamiak history with a few more victories.

"I think we can go far," Wilson said. "We’re already headed on our way."

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.