Gridiron Classic in review: Stories, photos, highlights from every 2021 Washington high school state title game
The final games of the Washington high school football season took place with the WIAA state championships on Saturday in the Tacoma area.
12 schools spanning six classifications played and champions were crowned in the first culminating football event since December 2019. The 2020 playoffs were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Below is a recap of SBLive's coverage from Harry E. Lang Stadium in Lakewood, Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma and Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.
But first, a little on how each team got there.
Road to the Gridiron Classic
4A:There's a first time for everything, including winning a state championship
3A:Us-against-world Kennewick faces its final test — resurgent state power Bellevue
2A:Legacy rivals Tumwater, Lynden take center stage in Puyallup
1A:Can Eatonville, a state power of yesteryear, be the one to end Royal's torrid run?
2B:Like clockwork, Kalama and Napavine meet for all the marbles
Find out how our staff predictions on every game held up.
Here are recaps, highlights and photo galleries from the Gridiron Classic:
CLASS 4A
No. 1 Graham Kapowsin 44, No. 2 Lake Stevens 7
Quarterback Josh Wood and running back Zack Lee each ran for more than 100 yards in the first half and Graham-Kapowsin gave longtime head coach Eric Kurle his birthday gift a day late in a rout of Lake Stevens: his first state championship. Now the Eagles await a potential invite to the GEICO State Championship Bowl Series in Las Vegas.
—
CLASS 3A
No. 1 Bellevue 17, No. 6 Kennewick 13
Once a Washington dynasty before investigations, explosive recruiting allegations and sanctions, Bellevue beat Kennewick to win its first 3A state title since 2013 (now vacated) in a tightly contested battle with upset-minded Kennewick. The Wolverines never stopped winning. Now, they're back to winning championships.
STORY // PHOTO GALLERY // COLIN MILLER INTERVIEW // BOX SCORE
—
CLASS 2A
No. 2 Lynden 21, No. 1 Tumwater 7
Little brother no more. Lynden turned to workhorse defensive end Cade Slayton under center, who despite a previously unknown shoulder injury that prevents him from throwing rushed for three touchdowns to lift the Lions over defending 2A champ Tumwater.
STORY // PHOTO GALLERY // KALEO JANDOC INTERVIEW // BOX SCORE
—
CLASS 1A
No. 1 Royal 41, No. 2 Eatonville 0
Head coach Wiley Allred saw something he liked and pounced. Now the most dominant small-school program in WIAA history added another chapter to its storied run of success Saturday afternoon, dispensing an Eatonville team that appeared poised to challenge its throne. Royal won its 10th state title.
STORY // PHOTO GALLERY // BOX SCORE
—
CLASS 2B
No. 1 Kalama 16, No. 2 Napavine 14
(Photo by Paul Caldwell)
Jackson Esary could barely move his shoulder. Then he carried Kalama’s title hopes on it with clutch drive, leading the top-ranked Chinooks to its third 2B title in five years.
FULL STORY // PHOTO GALLERY // BOX SCORE
—
CLASS 1B
No. 1 Almira-Coulee-Hartline 50, No. 3 Quilcene 20
Almira-Coulee-Hartline's run to its third state 1B title in the last six years was led by a tight-knit senior class. It was senior Grady Murray's two touchdown receptions and a 69-yard punt return for six that helped the Warriors run away with it.
—
(Lead photo by Vince Miller)
