Lake Stevens High School

Lake Stevens High School head football coach Tom Tri hoists his team’s championship trophy during a community parade and celebration Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Van Til: Lake Stevens’ title breakthrough was ‘years in the making’

In completing their ascent to the state football mountaintop, the Vikings added the final missing piece to their decorated legacy.

Lake Stevens High School head football coach Tom Tri hoists his team’s championship trophy during a community parade and celebration Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens football players ride in the back of a truck during their championship parade Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

GALLERY: Lake Stevens football celebrates with state championship parade

The Lake Stevens football team celebrated its first-ever state title with a championship parade Saturday morning. The parade, organized by the city… Continue reading

Lake Stevens football players ride in the back of a truck during their championship parade Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker of USA perform during the ice dance free dance of the ISU figure skating Grand Prix Espoo 2022 competition in Espoo, Finland, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Hawayek and Baker came second in the event. (Mikko Stig/Lehtikuva via AP)

Community roundup: Baker qualifies for Grand Prix Final

Plus, Meadowdale grad Rover Stewart is named the NWAC Athlete of the Year, Aussie football is coming to Lake Stevens and more.

Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker of USA perform during the ice dance free dance of the ISU figure skating Grand Prix Espoo 2022 competition in Espoo, Finland, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Hawayek and Baker came second in the event. (Mikko Stig/Lehtikuva via AP)
Lake Stevens quarterback Kolton Matson drops back to pass against Kennedy Catholic in the WIAA 4A State Football Championship game Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Patterson: QB Matson ‘had that dawg in him’ during Lake Stevens’ state title win

The sophomore quarterback’s growth since last year’s championship loss was the biggest difference for the Vikings on offense this time around.

Lake Stevens quarterback Kolton Matson drops back to pass against Kennedy Catholic in the WIAA 4A State Football Championship game Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A gang of Lake Stevens defenders stop Xe'Ree Alexander against Kennedy Catholic in the WIAA 4A State Football Championship game Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Notebook: Defense shines in Lake Stevens’ championship game victory

The Vikings set the tone with an early interception and seal the game with key defensive stands.

A gang of Lake Stevens defenders stop Xe'Ree Alexander against Kennedy Catholic in the WIAA 4A State Football Championship game Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens’ Cole Becker celebrates a touchdown with teammates after putting his team up against Kennedy Catholic in the WIAA 4A State Football Championship game Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

State champs!: Lake Stevens captures 1st-ever 4A football title

The Vikings edge Kennedy Catholic 24-22 in the state title game to complete the elusive final step in their program’s ascent.

Lake Stevens’ Cole Becker celebrates a touchdown with teammates after putting his team up against Kennedy Catholic in the WIAA 4A State Football Championship game Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
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)

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 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)
Left: Lake Stevens running back Jayden Limar (Olivia Vanni/The Herald). Right: Kennedy Catholic wide receiver Mason Hayes (Pete Caster/The News Tribune).

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

The Vikings are on the doorstep of their 1st state crown. Get ready for the title game with an in-depth look at both teams.

Left: Lake Stevens running back Jayden Limar (Olivia Vanni/The Herald). Right: Kennedy Catholic wide receiver Mason Hayes (Pete Caster/The News Tribune).
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)

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

The Vikings’ flexible defense has slowed down a variety of offenses en route to another 4A state championship game trip.

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’ 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)

Lake Stevens tops Graham-Kapowsin to reach state title game

Jayden Limar accounts for 6 TDs as the Vikings beat the defending champs 42-28 and avenge last year’s title game loss.

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)
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)

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

Notre Dame commit Jayden Limar has showcased his immense talent while leading the Vikings back to the 4A state semifinals.

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’ Cole Becker weaves through the secondary on a long reception against Gonzaga Prep on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

4A state semifinal preview: Lake Stevens vs. Graham-Kapowsin

The Vikings are set to face defending champion Graham-Kapowsin in a rematch of last year’s state title game.

Lake Stevens’ Cole Becker weaves through the secondary on a long reception against Gonzaga Prep on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Cornell senior Connor Drought, a Kamiak High School alum, competes during a match against Dartmouth on Oct. 29, 2022, in Ithaca, New York. (Eldon Lindsey / Cornell Athletics)

Kamiak grad helps Cornell men’s soccer to Sweet 16

Plus, Lake Stevens alum Taylor Roe again earns All-American status, a host of locals earn NWAC volleyball honors and more.

Cornell senior Connor Drought, a Kamiak High School alum, competes during a match against Dartmouth on Oct. 29, 2022, in Ithaca, New York. (Eldon Lindsey / Cornell Athletics)
Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar takes a carry up the sideline for a long gain against Gonzaga Prep on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Lake Stevens rolls past Gonzaga Prep, advances to state semis

Jayden Limar piles up 284 total yards and 5 TDs as the Vikings rout the Bullpups in a 4A state quarterfinal rematch.

Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar takes a carry up the sideline for a long gain against Gonzaga Prep on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens' Katelyn Eichert (24) reaches over teammate Alyss Kelly to punch the ball up as Graham-Kapowsin celebrates another point during the WIAA state volleyball championship on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima, Wash. Graham-Kapowsin defeated Lake Stevens 3-0 to win the state championship 25-21, 25-18 and 25-22. (TJ Mullinax/for The Herald)

Lake Stevens swept by G-K in 4A volleyball title match

The Vikings power past No. 1 Puyallup to reach the championship, but fall to the Eagles in three sets to finish second.

Lake Stevens' Katelyn Eichert (24) reaches over teammate Alyss Kelly to punch the ball up as Graham-Kapowsin celebrates another point during the WIAA state volleyball championship on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima, Wash. Graham-Kapowsin defeated Lake Stevens 3-0 to win the state championship 25-21, 25-18 and 25-22. (TJ Mullinax/for The Herald)
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)

4A state quarterfinal preview: Lake Stevens vs. Gonzaga Prep

The Vikings continue their title quest with a state quarterfinal rematch against Gonzaga Prep.

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)
The Everett Elite Flag Football 14-under team practices Sunday morning at Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo, Washington on January 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Community roundup: Local duo honored by Northwest Conference

Plus, the EvCC men’s soccer team is ousted in semifinals, Jacob Eason and Jake Luton find news homes and much more.

The Everett Elite Flag Football 14-under team practices Sunday morning at Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo, Washington on January 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Lake Stevens’ Cassidy Bolong-Banks tris to take a reception for a first down 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 beats North Creek, advances to 4A state quarterfinals

Jayden Limar scores 4 TDs and the Vikings win 42-27 to reach the state quarters for the 6th time in the past 7 postseasons.

Lake Stevens’ Cassidy Bolong-Banks tris to take a reception for a first down 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)
Monroe sophomore Aiden Boldt celebrates after Monroe recovers a Liberty fumble on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022 at Monroe High School in Monroe, Washington. (Katie Webber / The Herald)

A look at local prep football first-round state playoff games

Lake Stevens, Stanwood and Monroe are the final three teams left representing Snohomish County.

Monroe sophomore Aiden Boldt celebrates after Monroe recovers a Liberty fumble on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022 at Monroe High School in Monroe, Washington. (Katie Webber / The Herald)
The Snohomish Boys and Girls Club’s 12-under recreational flag football team (from left to right); Back row: Asst. Coach Brian McKinney, Matt Kowalski, Kason Swanson, Alex Yamada, Coach Kelven May. Front: Jackson Dammann, Parker May, Cooper Thompson, Wyatt McKinney. (Provided photo)

Community roundup: Snohomish flag football in national tourney

Plus, the EvCC men’s soccer team reaches the NWAC semifinals, the Everett Figure Skating Club takes homes titles and much more.

The Snohomish Boys and Girls Club’s 12-under recreational flag football team (from left to right); Back row: Asst. Coach Brian McKinney, Matt Kowalski, Kason Swanson, Alex Yamada, Coach Kelven May. Front: Jackson Dammann, Parker May, Cooper Thompson, Wyatt McKinney. (Provided photo)