Lake Stevens High School

Lake Stevens' Micah Avery, left-right, Ashten Hendrickson, Grant Lynch, Dylan Slezak and Bryce Slezak are the starting offensive linemen for Lake Stevens state championship run. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Unsung O-line plays key role in Lake Stevens’ run to title game

Smaller and more inexperienced than usual, the Vikings’ offensive line has still found ways to excel.

 

Lake Stevens' Trayce Hanks eludes defenders during a 4A state quarterfinal game against Gonzaga Prep on Nov. 20, 2021, at Lake Stevens High School. (John Gardner / Pro Action Image)

Championship central: Lake Stevens’ run to the title game

Get ready for Saturday’s 4A state championship game with stories from the Vikings’ success-filled season.

 

From left: Archbishop Murphy’s Anfernee Gurley, Lake Stevens’ Gavin Steidle and Glacier Peak’s Aaliyah Collins. (Olivia Vanni and Kevin Clark / The Herald)

91-6: When is a high school sports blowout over the line?

Lopsided matchups happen in every sport. But when the athletes are kids, how do parents and coaches navigate it?

 

Lake Stevens' Drew Carter holds up the ball after scoring a touchdown to secure the win as Lake Stevens beat Eastlake 45-28 in a 4A state semi-final football game at Pop Keeney Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 in Bothell, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Lake Stevens downs Eastlake to reach 4A state title game

The Vikings win 45-28 and will face Graham-Kapowsin for the state championship next weekend.

Lake Stevens' Drew Carter holds up the ball after scoring a touchdown to secure the win as Lake Stevens beat Eastlake 45-28 in a 4A state semi-final football game at Pop Keeney Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 in Bothell, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Lake Stevens' Trayce Hanks eludes defenders during a 4A state quarterfinal game against Gonzaga Prep on Nov. 20, 2021, at Lake Stevens High School. (John Gardner / Pro Action Image)

4A state semifinal preview: Lake Stevens vs. Eastlake

After their Week 1 matchup was canceled, the Vikings and Wolves meet in a semifinal clash of unbeatens.

Lake Stevens' Trayce Hanks eludes defenders during a 4A state quarterfinal game against Gonzaga Prep on Nov. 20, 2021, at Lake Stevens High School. (John Gardner / Pro Action Image)
Lake Stevens' Grayson Murren competes against O'Dea High School in Seattle on September 17, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Lake Stevens standout QB ‘so glad’ to be back from injury

After an injury threatened to end his senior season, Grayson Murren is leading the Vikings’ offense again.

Lake Stevens' Grayson Murren competes against O'Dea High School in Seattle on September 17, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Lake Stevens' Jayden Limar leaps for a catch over a Gonzaga Prep defender during a 4A state quarterfinal game on Nov. 20, 2021, at Lake Stevens High School. (John Gardner / Pro Action Images)

Lake Stevens shuts down Gonzaga Prep to reach 4A state semis

Jayden Limar runs for four TDs and the Vikings silence the Bullpups 35-14 in the state quarterfinals.

Lake Stevens' Jayden Limar leaps for a catch over a Gonzaga Prep defender during a 4A state quarterfinal game on Nov. 20, 2021, at Lake Stevens High School. (John Gardner / Pro Action Images)
Stanwood's Mischa Kessler is blocked by Monroe's Campbell Barrow as Stanwood took on Monroe in a volleyball game on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Stanwood, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

State volleyball results for Saturday, Nov. 20

Third-seeded Lake Stevens beat No. 10… Continue reading

Stanwood's Mischa Kessler is blocked by Monroe's Campbell Barrow as Stanwood took on Monroe in a volleyball game on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Stanwood, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Lake Stevens running back Jayden Limar carries the ball during a 4A state playoff game against Richland on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Lake Stevens. (John Gardner / Pro Action Image)

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

The Vikings host Gonzaga Prep in a 4A quarterfinal showdown of unbeaten state title contenders.

Lake Stevens running back Jayden Limar carries the ball during a 4A state playoff game against Richland on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Lake Stevens. (John Gardner / Pro Action Image)
Lake Stevens cheer after a point in the first game as the Vikings beat Mount Si in five sets in a Class 4A Wes-King Bi-District tournament semifinal volleyball matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

New-look Lake Stevens aims for another run at state title

COVID kept the Vikings from avenging their 2019 loss. But Lake Stevens has a reloaded with another talented group.

Lake Stevens cheer after a point in the first game as the Vikings beat Mount Si in five sets in a Class 4A Wes-King Bi-District tournament semifinal volleyball matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Murdock Rutledge, Everett High alumni, looks down field to pass against George Fox Saturday afternoon in Tacoma on October 5, 2019. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Community roundup: Everett alum caps record career at UPS

Plus, a trio of locals are honored by their respective conferences and Edmonds volleyball reaches the final eight.

Murdock Rutledge, Everett High alumni, looks down field to pass against George Fox Saturday afternoon in Tacoma on October 5, 2019. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Glacier Peak's Konner Meyer, left, celebrates Glacier Peak's Caden Skibiel's interception and return for a touchdown Thursday evening at Pop Keeney Stadium in Bothell on September 16, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

State football: A preview of local teams’ 1st-round matchups

A look at state openers for Lake Stevens, Glacier Peak, Marysville Pilchuck, Arlington, Stanwood and Granite Falls.

Glacier Peak's Konner Meyer, left, celebrates Glacier Peak's Caden Skibiel's interception and return for a touchdown Thursday evening at Pop Keeney Stadium in Bothell on September 16, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Lake Stevens’ Peri Hoshock sends the ball past Mount Si’s Lauren Kremer in a Class 4A Wes-King Bi-District tournament semifinal volleyball matchup Tuesday in Lake Stevens. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

GALLERY: Lake Stevens clinches state volleyball berth

The undefeated Vikings get pushed by Mount Si in the bi-district semifinals, but find a way to win.

Lake Stevens’ Peri Hoshock sends the ball past Mount Si’s Lauren Kremer in a Class 4A Wes-King Bi-District tournament semifinal volleyball matchup Tuesday in Lake Stevens. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Lake Stevens running back Jayden Limar (right) eludes a tackle on his way to a touchdown during a playoff game against Emerald Ridge on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Lake Stevens High School. (John Gardner/Pro Action Image)

Even without star QB, Lake Stevens football keeps on rolling

Despite losing standout quarterback Grayson Murren to injury, the Vikings keep finding ways to win.

Lake Stevens running back Jayden Limar (right) eludes a tackle on his way to a touchdown during a playoff game against Emerald Ridge on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Lake Stevens High School. (John Gardner/Pro Action Image)
Lake Stevens' Peri Hoshock sends the ball past Mount Si's Lauren Kremer in a Class 4A Wes-King Bi-District tournament semifinal volleyball matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Lake Stevens clinches state volleyball berth after 5-set win

The undefeated Vikings get pushed by Mount Si in the bi-district semifinals, but find a way to win.

Lake Stevens' Peri Hoshock sends the ball past Mount Si's Lauren Kremer in a Class 4A Wes-King Bi-District tournament semifinal volleyball matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Members of the Everett Elite Flag Football 14-under team hold up a sign after winning the NFL FLAG open regional championship on Oct. 30, 2021, in Tacoma. (Photo provided by Jacob Hiatt)

Community roundup: Local flag football squad headed to Super Bowl

Plus, Taylor Roe places third at the Big 12 Cross Country Championships, Gabby Gunterman is honored and more.

Members of the Everett Elite Flag Football 14-under team hold up a sign after winning the NFL FLAG open regional championship on Oct. 30, 2021, in Tacoma. (Photo provided by Jacob Hiatt)
Lake Stevens' Gavin Steidle rushes with Glacier Peak's Rider Wilkinson closing at Veterans Memorial Stadium Friday night in Snohomish on October 29, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

3 takeaways from Week 9 of prep football in Snohomish County

Lake Stevens finds a way, Monroe is peaking, and Granite Falls is state-bound for the 2nd time ever.

Lake Stevens' Gavin Steidle rushes with Glacier Peak's Rider Wilkinson closing at Veterans Memorial Stadium Friday night in Snohomish on October 29, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Lake Stevens' Jayden Limar celebrates a touchdown at Veterans Memorial Stadium Friday night in Snohomish on October 29, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Minus QB, Lake Stevens tops GP for 8th straight Wesco 4A title

The No. 2 Vikings ride a Wildcat attack past No. 8 Glacier Peak 34-28 in the de facto league title game.

Lake Stevens' Jayden Limar celebrates a touchdown at Veterans Memorial Stadium Friday night in Snohomish on October 29, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Duo of two-way senior standouts Drew Carter, left, and Trayce Hanks Thursday evening during practice at Lake Stevens on October 28, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Lake Stevens pair are ‘game-changers on both sides of the ball’

Two-way senior standouts Drew Carter and Trayce Hanks have been a huge part of the No. 2 Vikings’ success.

Duo of two-way senior standouts Drew Carter, left, and Trayce Hanks Thursday evening during practice at Lake Stevens on October 28, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Elyse Baker practices with the Lake Stevens High girls soccer team on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

September Athlete of the Month: Lake Stevens’ Elyse Baker

The standout senior is 4-year varsity player and key contributor for the Vikings.

Elyse Baker practices with the Lake Stevens High girls soccer team on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)