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- calendar_today November 7, 2026
Glacier Peak Grizzlies Advance in the State Playoffs
In a decisive performance at Snohomish's Veterans Memorial Stadium, the Glacier Peak football team overpowered the Woodinville Falcons with a 49-6 victory in the 4A State Round of 32 on Friday night. The win propels the Grizzlies into the Round of 16, as they continue their postseason journey after rebounding from a 3-3 start to their season.
Explosive End to the First Half
With just over a minute to play before halftime, Glacier Peak held a modest 14-6 lead and possession deep in their own territory. While some expected the Grizzlies to play conservatively, head coach Shane Keck urged his team to attack. Quarterback Oliver Setterberg connected with wide receiver Matt Kowalski for a 90-yard touchdown, capitalizing on a collision between two Woodinville defenders and extending the Grizzlies' lead to 21-6 just before the break.
Momentum Shifts in the Third Quarter
The Grizzlies seized full control in the early minutes of the third quarter. Senior Zach Albright caught a 65-yard pass that set up a short touchdown run by Max Bridges. On the following Falcon possession, junior Kingston Carrara intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, giving Glacier Peak a commanding 35-6 advantage in less than five minutes of game time.
Standout Performances Power the Win
Matt Kowalski led the Grizzlies' offense, tallying nine receptions for 242 yards and three touchdowns. Setterberg orchestrated the offense with efficiency, finishing 13-for-18 passing with 334 yards and four touchdowns. Albright added four catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, while Carrara contributed a 10-yard rushing score to his interception return. Bridges made his mark with a sack and multiple tackles for loss.
Defensively, key contributions from junior Rozell Townsend and senior Ridley Frederickson-Brunson helped Glacier Peak keep Woodinville scoreless after their opening drive, with Townsend breaking up passes and the defensive line limiting the Falcons' big-play ability.
Kicking Off with a Defensive Stand
Woodinville opened the contest strong, scoring on their first drive with a five-yard run by senior Santiago Hernandez. However, Glacier Peak's Luke Jennings blocked the extra point, keeping the Falcons to just six points. The Grizzlies quickly responded, tying the game and taking the lead with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Albright. The defense adjusted effectively under coordinator Jason Rimkus, shutting down Woodinville's screen passes and run game for the remainder of the night.
Looking Ahead to the Round of 16
After a string of unanswered points propelled them to the victory, the Grizzlies await their seed and next opponent in the 4A State Round of 16. Team leaders and players credit their unity, growth, and resilience as keys to their turnaround and postseason momentum.
Reflections from Players and Coaches
Coach Shane Keck expressed pride in the young defensive unit's development. “They played physical, they played clean. I couldn’t be more proud of our kids,” Keck said. Kowalski and Carrara highlighted the team's strong brotherhood, with Carrara stating, “Iron sharpens iron, and every practice we’re getting better. We don’t want to feel those losses again.” Albright noted the importance of setting a standard for Glacier Peak football, emphasizing that each week is a new challenge to overcome.
Glacier Peak's Statement Win
The victory over the Woodinville Falcons underscores Glacier Peak's intent to make a deep run in the 4A state playoffs. The team now turns its focus to the upcoming Round of 16 matchup, aiming to build on their impressive performance and set a new benchmark for high school football success.
Source: heraldnet.com.
