Knights have one more hurdle

Kamiak needs to beat Bethel in tonight’s semi to reach title game

By AARON COE

Herald Writer

MUKILTEO — The turkey buzz may have worn off, but the excitement is just beginning for the Kamiak football team.

If the Knights can find a way to get past Bethel tonight at the Tacoma Dome, they will get to do what players dream about the first time they touch a football.

Win tonight’s 7 p.m. game at the Tacoma Dome and play for a state championship next Saturday.

Lose, and you get plenty of time to help Mom make turkey soup.

The practices are getting colder and longer, but the Knights aren’t complaining. They’d love nothing more than another week of football.

"We’ve got to keep going," Kamiak running back Reid Wilson said. "We’re proving to our coaches and to everyone in Washington that we’re going all the way."

Though they can’t help dream about playing the winner of today’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup of Kentwood and Pasco, the Knights will have to get by the 9-2 Braves first.

Bethel, which lost each of its games by a field goal, has dominated the contests it has won by an average of 28 points. The Braves are solid throughout their lineup, and have game-breaking threats on each side of the ball.

Running back Jesse McMichael has rushed for 1,684 yards and averaged nearly eight yards per carry in Bethel’s run-dominated attack.

Linebacker Jeff Parks has a reputation for destroying opponents’ offensive game plans. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Division 1 recruit has 16 sacks and 127 tackles this year.

"They put a lot of pressure on the quarterback," Kamiak coach Dan Mack said. " (Parks) is a terrific linebacker. He gets to the football in a hurry."

Bethel got revenge and made it to tonight’s semifinal by beating Spanaway Lake 21-7 on Nov. 17. The fellow SPSL South Division team beat Bethel 23-20 on Oct. 27, but were overmatched in the rematch against the Braves. Bethel shut out Inglemoor 23-0 in the first round.

Kamiak handled South Kitsap 42-20 in the first round, but has needed game-winning field goals from Ryan Carlson — who began the season as the third-string kicker — for its other postseason victories.

The Knights edged Lake Washington 18-15 in a state playoff qualifier game. After drubbing South Kitsap, Kamiak struggled to find the end zone, but Carlson bailed the Knights out again late in a 9-7 quarterfinal victory over Tahoma.

Though the Braves have given up only 8.1 points per game, Kamiak will give them all they can handle.

The Knights feature a balanced offense, led by the 1,700 yards and 17 touchdown passes of Ryan Jones, who also has five rushing touchdowns. Reid Wilson and Justin Washington split the backfield duties, and each have gained over 600 yards. Linebacker Matt Mulica leads a small, but physical defense that has allowed only 13 points per contest.

Washington, a junior who is catching the eye of Division 1 coaches, believes the Knights will be playing for the coveted state title next Saturday.

"We’re hot right now, and I don’t thing anyone can stop us," Washington said. "We’re not getting big-headed, but we’re on a roll."

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Cam Hiatt is The Herald's 2024-2025 Boys Basketball Player of the Year. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Cam Hiatt is The Herald’s 2024-25 Boys Basketball Player of the Year

In a homecoming season, the Wesco 3A South MVP led Edmonds-Woodway to the state final.

The Herald’s 2024-25 All-Area boys basketball team

Editor’s note: The Player of the Year and All-Area team were chosen… Continue reading

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Martin, Palocol, Hiatt named Wesco boys basketball MVPs

Glacier Peak puts three players on the Wesco 4A all-league team.

Prep roundup for Thursday, April 3

Freshman Aliana Langsea delivers for Jackson softball.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, right, greets Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith after Minnesota's win in Seattle on Dec. 22, 2025. (Anthony Souffle / The Minnesota Star Tribune / Tribune News Services)
Geno Smith’s new deal indicates he wanted out of Seattle.

Maybe he just didn’t want to be here, after all. Geno Smith… Continue reading

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 23-29

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 23-29. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Everett Silvertips’ Carter Bear on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tips drop Game 3 against Seattle, Bear earns WHL honor

Everett blows 2-goal lead to lose 6-3, trails 2-1 in series; injured forward makes 2nd Team.

Jackson’s Drew Pepin yells after striking out the final batter to end the game against Edmonds-Woodway on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Wednesday, April 2

Jackson’s Pepin pitches ‘gem’ against E-W.

AquaSox’s Michael Arroyo makes a throw from second base during practice at Funko Field on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
AquaSox usher in new era with first practice of 2025

The 30-man roster, including eight top Mariners prospects, first took the field together on Tuesday.

Prep softball roundup for Wednesday, April 2

Stanwood’s Addison Anderson dominates Chargers.

Shorewood's Julia Kang prepares to tee off against Mountlake Terrace at Jackson Park G.C. in Seattle on April 2, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Val Patrick)
Prep roundup for Wednesday, April 2

Shorewood golfers edge Mountlake Terrace.

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.