If you enjoy our coverage, please consider subscribing. For less than $3/week you can become part of the J425 gang and support independent local media. We invest membership fees in providing a better product and in hiring excellent writers like the Hall of Fame Viking correspondent Mike Anderton! Thank you for your support! - KTH
Welcome to the State Semifinal Game Thread. See below for a game preview and prediction. This thread will be updated live from the sidelines of Pop Keeney Stadium beginning at 12:45. Kickoff is at 1:00pm. Video highlights will be posted above and play-by-play updates will be in the comments, in chronological order. Feel free to chime in in the comments. See you at 12:45. - KTH
GAME PREVIEW
Historically, when the Vikings raided opponent territory, Viking leaders would set fire to their own boats upon reaching enemy shores — in effect removing any possibility of retreat and requiring Viking forces to impose their will upon their enemies in order to survive.
At least that’s how one Lake Stevens Vikings (10-0) coach told the story, in a mini history lesson given to the Wesco Champions earlier this week.
Buoyed by a brush up in history and a mid-week visit from Viking alumnus and current Seahawk QB Jacob Eason, the Vikings square off against the 12-0 Eastlake Wolves today at Pop Keeney Stadium in Bothell with a trip to the 4A State Finals on the line.
As one might expect, the second-seeded Wolves represent the Vikings toughest opp to date. The Wolves ran through Kingco and were rarely challenged - an early season 17-16 squeaker over 3A State Quarterfinalist Rainer Beach aside.
First year head coach Kyle Snell (taking over after 8 years as OC) runs a spread attack that will be familiar to Viking fans. The Wolves offense is senior-laden (as is the entire team) and led by Kingco Offensive MVP QB Parker Berrysmith, a 5’10, 160 lb packet of dynamite with a rocket arm and breakaway foot speed. Berrysmith likes to throw the vertical route to senior All Kingco WR Will Eaton, the 6’2, 200 lb son of a former Seahawk DT. The Wolves have a pair of imposing tackles both checking in over 6’4 and a bruising interior line.
On defense, the Wolves run a 3/4 base that morphs into nickel. They prefer Cover 3 Sky coverage and rarely blitz. Their defense is captained by the most dynamic LB the Vikings have seen yet: Kingco Defensive MVP Griffin Miller.
The Wolves best Eastmont 50-0 two weeks ago and got past a tough Sumner team 46-29 last week.
The Vikings enter the game confident and unbeaten. The younger team by far, Lake Stevens features multiple non-senior starters, but also features more recruitable athletes than the Wolves. Lake Stevens has outscored its three playoff opponents 150 - 42.
The Viking offense is led by junior four star RB Jayden Limar, who brings 1400 yards rushing and 23 total touchdowns. Dynamic senior Trayce Hanks has over 1000 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns — 4 on defense/special teams. Senior WR Drew Carter has 13 touchdown catches and over 1000 yards from scrimmage. Senior QB Grayson Murren is back from injury and has completed over 70 percent of his passes this year.
The Viking defense is led by senior LB Madison Wynkoop, who leads the team in tackles. The Vikings have stellar defensive backs paced by Eastern commit Drew Carter and All Wesco selection Trayce Hanks and Isaac Redford. Dylan Slezak leads the team with 8 sacks.
The most interesting matchup for the Vikings may be freshman CB Cassidy Bolong-Banks lined up against Wolves WR Will Eaton, a vertical threat.
The weather looks super dicey and turnovers will likely be the deciding factor today. Which index well for a Viking team that has lost just one fumble all year.
We predict a typical dynamic offensive performance led by Jayden Limar and a key takeaway on defense — let’s call it a pick 6 for the freshman CB Bolong-Banks.
We like the Vikings to make it to the State Finals behind a 42-28 victory.
Drew Carter had 13 catches for 165 yards and Trayce Hanks had 14 for 122; Gray Murren went 33/44 for 355 yards, Jayshon Limar rushed for three touchdowns and the defense held Eastlake to 258 yards.
FINAL: Lake Stevens Vikings 45 vs Eastlake Wolves 28 - State Quarterfinals Game Thread
That’s all from Pop Keeney in Bothell. Thanks for riding along. 🤙🏻
Drew Carter had 13 catches for 165 yards and Trayce Hanks had 14 for 122; Gray Murren went 33/44 for 355 yards, Jayshon Limar rushed for three touchdowns and the defense held Eastlake to 258 yards.
Updated video with postgame interview from drew carter
Pretty close prediction you had there
Postgame prayer video added
Lake Stevens will play #1 Graham-Kapowsin (who won 42-0 today) in the State Championship game next Saturday in Tacoma.
Congratulations, Vikings. WELL DONE
FINAL. Vikings 45 Eastlake 28.
Vikes about to take the final knee.
Another correct prediction…” turnovers will likely be the deciding factor today”
Just 1:30 to drain. 2&7.
Viking ball at EW 32 2:14 left.
Eastlake FUMBLE recovered by VIKINGS
Big questions about health of Murren and Limar
TD staves it’s Eastlake ball
What did we predict? 42-28? pretty close
Holding my breath for the flag.....
Lake Stevens 45 Eastlake 28 3:11 4
Jayshon Limar busts a 30 yard touchdown, his third of the game.
it’s all freshman in bacjkfiejd for Lake
KOLTON MATSON IN AT QB
Score is very close to your prediction. You may mail it.
Lake ball EW 37. 5:23 left
VIKES HOLD.
measurement
4th and 7. Game time.
3&15 for EW 6:05 own 27
3&10
EW 2nd and 10 own 32
Great video of 4h down TD posted above.
Time for an onside kick?
Hold on, Lake!
That was a championship drive. Carter and Murren have been outstanding. video to follow
Lake Stevens 38 Eastlake 28 6:22 4Q
so. Tri went fo it in 4th and Murren hit Carter for the HUGE score
it’s on the D
flag…uh oh
DREW CARTER TD ON FOURTH DOW!!!!!
Timeout vikings. Flanders is on for the FG but Tri is gonna think it over. a FG gives the Vikes a 6 point lead.
hmmmm
and….Tribis gonna kick?
4th and Goal at 4
two down territory
3rd and Goal at 4
I put money on Lake.
They better score.
Pass to Redford for 13
First and goal on the 18. 6:59
Another holding penalty called on Vikings
First and goal at 4 after Carter catch