The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) announced the seedings for the high school state football, girls soccer and Class 2A, 1A, 2B and 1B volleyball tournaments on Sunday. Several local teams received high marks and will compete for state titles in the coming weeks.
Lake Stevens and Arlington football aim to repeat as state champions
In football, defending Class 4A state champion Lake Stevens received the No. 2 seed and will host 15th-seeded Woodinville in a first-round matchup. The Vikings are led by senior quarterback Tanner Jellison, who has thrown for 2,347 yards and 32 touchdowns with only three interceptions this season. Lake Stevens has outscored its opponents 477-97 and has posted four shutouts.
Unbeaten Arlington grabbed the No. 3 seed in 3A and will host 14th-seeded Ridgeline. The Eagles are coming off a dominant 54-13 win over Ballard in a playoff matchup on Friday. Arlington’s offense features senior running back Caleb Reed, who has rushed for 1,590 yards and 25 touchdowns, and junior quarterback Leyton Martin, who has passed for 1,787 yards and 28 touchdowns with only four interceptions. Arlington’s defense has allowed only 108 points and has forced 25 turnovers.
Monroe was awarded the No. 11 seed in 3A and travels to face sixth-seeded powerhouse Bellevue. The Bearcats have won six straight games since losing to Arlington in the season opener. Monroe’s offense is led by senior quarterback Gio Fregoso, who has passed for 2,052 yards and 24 touchdowns with seven interceptions, and senior running back Efton Chism III, who has rushed for 1,027 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Marysville Pilchuck received the No. 16 seed in 3A and travels to face top-seeded Yelm, the defending state champion. The Tomahawks have won four of their last five games, including a 35-28 win over Meadowdale in a playoff game on Friday. Marysville Pilchuck’s offense relies on a balanced rushing attack, with senior Dylan Carson leading the way with 1,211 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Darrington, back in the state tournament for the first time in 10 years, is the No. 9 seed for the eight-man 1B tournament. The Loggers will travel to face eighth-seeded Willpinit. Darrington’s offense is powered by senior quarterback Johnny Franke, who has passed for 1,569 yards and 25 touchdowns with six interceptions, and senior running back Colton Anderson, who has rushed for 1,432 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Shorewood girls soccer earns No. 2 seed in 3A
In soccer, Shorewood, the 3A District 1 champion, was awarded the No. 2 seed for the 3A state tournament and will host the winner of an opening-round game between 18th-seeded Central Kitsap and 15th-seeded Mt. Spokane. The Thunderbirds have won 13 straight games and have scored 58 goals while allowing only nine. Shorewood’s offense is led by senior forward Sophia Viviano, who has 19 goals and 10 assists, and senior midfielder Kaitlyn Manalili, who has 11 goals and 12 assists.
Crosstown rival Shorecrest received the No. 9 seed and travels for a matchup with eighth-seeded Peninsula. The Scots have won 10 of their last 11 games and have scored 46 goals while allowing only 13. Shorecrest’s offense is led by senior forward Sydney VanNess, who has 16 goals and eight assists, and junior midfielder Anna Croutworst, who has 10 goals and 10 assists.
Kamiak, the lone representative from Wesco 4A, is seeded 15th in the 4A state tournament. The Knights will travel to take on second-seeded Sumner, which is making its 14th consecutive state appearance. Kamiak has won seven of its last eight games and has scored 36 goals while allowing only 16. Kamiak’s offense is led by senior forward Makena Miller, who has 13 goals and six assists, and junior midfielder Emma Arceo, who has 10 goals and seven assists.
Darrington and King’s volleyball look to make some noise in Yakima
In volleyball, Darrington was awarded the No. 14 seed in the 1B state tournament and is set for an opening-round game against 19th-seeded Soap Lake on Nov. 8 at the Yakima Valley SunDome. The Loggers have won 15 of their 18 matches and have dropped only 10 sets all season. Darrington’s offense is led by senior outside hitter Riley Anderson, who has 301 kills and 48 aces, and senior setter Hailey Wales, who has 578 assists and 46 aces.
Fellowship Christian is the No. 18 seed in the same tournament and will face 15th-seeded Columbia Adventist in an opening-round game. The Falcons have won 12 of their 16 matches and have dropped only 13 sets all season. Fellowship Christian’s offense is led by senior outside hitter Grace Johnson, who has 224 kills and 52 aces, and senior setter Hannah Lee, who has 421 assists and 40 aces.
King’s is the No. 8 seed in the 1A tournament and will face ninth-seeded Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls) in the first round Nov. 10 at Yakima Valley SunDome. The Knights have won 16 of their 19 matches and have dropped only 12 sets all season. King’s offense is led by senior outside hitter Ava Mason, who has 287 kills and 36 aces, and senior setter Katie Stella, who has 666 assists and 41 aces.
