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- calendar_today November 15, 2026
Lake Stevens Surges Ahead in 4A State Playoffs
At Vikings Stadium on Saturday in the 4A State Round of 16, Lake Stevens football faced an early challenge but responded emphatically, defeating Curtis 57-7 to advance to the state quarterfinals. The No. 2 seed Lake Stevens Vikings (10-1) surged past the No. 15 seed Curtis Vikings (5-6), thanks in large part to a career-best game from senior Jay Ferrell and a stifling defensive effort.
Early Turnovers Test Lake Stevens
Just 35 seconds into the second quarter, the home team confronted adversity after a handoff fumble gave Curtis possession. This marked Lake Stevens’ second turnover of the game, and with a slim 14-7 lead, the momentum was up for grabs. However, Curtis failed to capitalize, missing a chance to tie after three straight incompletions led to a quick punt. Junior Deuce Wilson’s return set up the Lake Stevens offense at midfield.
Jay Ferrell Breaks Loose for Career Performance
On the first play following the punt, senior Jay Ferrell made an impact with a 50-yard touchdown run, displaying agility with a stutter step past a defender. The subsequent two-point conversion stretched the Lake Stevens lead to 22-7. Ferrell finished the night with an outstanding 345 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 18 carries. "When I fumbled, and then we got the ball back and I bounced back, it was a momentum shift," Ferrell said. He credited his offensive line for holding strong against Curtis’ physical defensive front.
Lake Stevens Defense Shuts Down Curtis
The Lake Stevens defense complemented the offense's explosive plays by forcing four turnovers, including three interceptions and a fumble recovery. The defensive line tallied five total sacks, stifling any hopes of a Curtis comeback. Senior Ty Tautolo led with two sacks and an extra tackle for loss, while junior Antoine “AG” Griffin III contributed with a sack and several pressures on the quarterback.
“After our coach gave us a good speaking to – he said we were on track for six turnovers – we all just came together as one," Griffin stated. Adjustments to Curtis' increased passing attack enabled the defense to keep pressure on the quarterback and tighten coverage, especially in critical third-down situations.
Quarterback Nolan Nettles Steps Up
Junior quarterback Nolan Nettles filled in for starter Blake Moser, passing for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Moser missed the contest due to back tightness but remains day-to-day. Nettles’ efficient play ensured the offense didn’t miss a beat.
Lake Stevens’ first drive saw junior Jayden Hollenbeck’s strong kickoff return, setting up a sequence of runs and catches by Ferrell and senior Seth Price. Senior Taylor Smith’s interception and following touchdown reception gave Lake Stevens its early lead, and a long touchdown pass to junior Max Cook kept the momentum rolling.
Lake Stevens Pulls Away After Halftime
After Ferrell’s second long touchdown, Curtis moved into the red zone but penalties stalled their progress. Lake Stevens’ defensive front capitalized with more pressure and sacks. Additional interceptions by Hollenbeck and junior Akio Yonesaka, paired with big plays from the offense, widened the margin. Ferrell added two more rushing touchdowns—a 25-yarder and a 54-yarder—pushing the score to 43-7 by the end of the third quarter. Coach Tom Tri praised Ferrell, calling him a “five-tool-type talent kid.”
Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals
Lake Stevens closed the game with late rushing touchdowns from Nettles and sophomore Henry Campbell, sealing the 57-7 result. The Vikings now advance to host No. 10 seed Mead next weekend, continuing their pursuit of the 4A State Championship.
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Source: heraldnet.com.
