The Lake Stevens Vikings hold their heads high after their 13-1 season. In the final matchup at Husky Stadium on Dec. 6, battling Sumner High School in an intense state championship that stretched into overtime, the game didn’t go the Vikings’ way, but the journey to get there defined one of the strongest teams in Washington State.

The Vikings dominated from week one to the postseason. They showed consistency, discipline, and momentum that set them apart from other teams. As each week went by, the Vikings challenged opponents in various ways, whether it was their explosive offense or hard-hitting defense.

“It’s hard to stop multiple things. Like, for example, Blake [Moser] can throw and run. Jayvian [Ferrell] can run the ball like we can pass the ball. We got receivers to throw to, our line can block, pass block like you can’t stop everything. So you got to find one thing to stop,” junior Seth Price said.

The state championship game showed the Vikings’ grit. Despite setbacks, Lake forced a 35-35 tie that sent the stadium into intensive overtime. In the last moments, the team showed the resilience that took them to the big game.

“Our coach drew up some plays. I feel like we attacked the defense early on in the playoffs, and we were just attacking space pretty well and efficiently. And then once we attacked that space, it opened up other spaces. We were just always finding space. So I would say that’s why we were able to be so successful,” Price said.

Players from the Class of 2026 played a key role in shaping the team. Their experience and leadership advanced the Vikings in crucial moments, guiding the underclassmen and strengthening the team culture.

“A lot of young guys stepped up. You know, we had a lot of guys offensively and defensively, stepped up in fantastic ways. I passed down to them staying together and being a team and loving each other,” senior Brian Tilghman said.

The offensive and defensive lines played a big role in the Vikings’ run. From controlling the pace of games to delivering crucial stops, the linemen shaped the team’s physical presence.

“Our linemen, we just had a bunch of athletes. Multiple of our guys were able to play both ways. The heart that our O-line put in this year is what carried them,” junior Blake Moser said.

Off the field, the Vikings built connections that made the season one-of-a-kind. Whether it be team dinners, film sessions, or long practices, bonds were created that pushed them through tough games and trying moments.

“We all like cared for each other as much as like anyone ever did. It was almost like a second family, and it was just amazing,” Tilghman.

The 2025-2026 season may not have closed with a state title trophy, but it ended with something equally meaningful: a team that fought, grew, and set the standard for what Viking football can be.