The stage is set for the 1A state championship at Husky Stadium. The Cashmere Bulldogs head to Seattle on Thursday morning to face the Royal Knights for the second time this season. Cashmere is coming off a dominant 41-14 semifinal win over Mt. Baker, while Royal rolled past Lynden Christian 61-35 on the other side of the bracket—setting up a highly anticipated rematch that will put the entire state on notice.
Their first matchup in Week 5 was a battle. Cashmere led 8-0 at halftime before Royal stormed back in the second half. Regulation ended tied at 15, and in overtime, the Bulldogs were unable to move the ball on their possession. Royal responded with a steady drive capped by junior quarterback Grant Wardenaar finding receiver Dax Jenks for the game-winning score, sealing a 21-15 win for the Knights.
Now it’s Round 2.
For Cashmere, this marks its first trip to the 1A state championship in 17 years. For Royal, it’s a chance to capture a sixth consecutive state title and continue its reign over the classification.
The Bulldogs are led by senior quarterback and first-team All-SCAC selection Rylan Hatmaker, whose favorite target is fellow senior Logan Spies. Cashmere’s strength lies in its defensive front, anchored by UNLV commit Prin Fox and SCAC Defensive Player of the Year Grey Jacobson.
Across the field, the defending five-time champions return with firepower of their own. The Knights are guided by junior QB Grant Wardenaar, who often looks to SCAC Offensive Player of the Year Shea Stevenson. Royal brings one of the most balanced and complete rosters in the state and will aim to extend its dominance Friday at Husky Stadium.
Head Coach Bryan Bremer spoke about the challenge of keeping his team grounded heading into the biggest game of their season. When asked how the Bulldogs can stay calm and avoid getting overwhelmed by the moment, he said, “My job as the coach is to be the opposite of whatever the moment that is currently taking place. If the moment is big, stressful, intense, or a negative outcome, my job is to be even-keeled and provide confidence and reassurance to the group. If the moment feels insignificant or minor, it’s my job to bring intensity and focus.” Bremer said. “Admittedly, that is very difficult to do at times, especially in the heat of the game. Therefore, our program has leaders on and off the field that will provide a sense of belief & calmness to any environment that we might come across.”
For both programs, this is more than a game—it’s a shot at a state championship on one of the greatest stages in college football. Round 2 of Bulldogs vs. Knights is set.
Kickoff is December 5th at 3 p.m. at Husky Stadium.
