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- calendar_today November 15, 2026
Stanwood Spartans Outlast Lakes Lancers to Reach State Quarterfinals
The Stanwood Spartans clinched their place in the 3A State football quarterfinals on Saturday night with a decisive 31-14 victory over the Lakes Lancers at Bob Larson Stadium. Led by a relentless defense and critical plays from key athletes, Stanwood extended their undefeated record to 11-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2022, setting up a rematch with No. 2 seed Bellevue.
Defensive Firepower Leads the Way
Stanwood’s defense set the tone early, delivering two touchdowns in the first quarter. Senior Linkin Currie opened the scoring by intercepting a Lakes pass and returning it over 50 yards for a touchdown just over two minutes into the game. Not long after, junior Landon Stokes jumped a screen pass for a pick-six, extending Stanwood’s lead to 17-0 with 35 seconds left in the opening quarter.
Lakes Rallies but Stanwood Responds in the Fourth
Despite falling behind early, the Lakes Lancers responded with a determined effort. Senior Toetu Moliga capped an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run, and later added another score plus a two-point conversion to draw within 17-14 midway through the third quarter. However, key defensive plays stymied Lakes’ comeback attempt. With the Lancers threatening late in the third, junior Parker Rosencrans intercepted a pass, marking Stanwood’s third pick of the night and swinging momentum back to the home team.
Explosive Offense Seals the Game
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Linkin Currie broke free for a 54-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the Spartans’ lead to 24-14. Currie struck again five minutes later, capitalizing on field position set up by a 34-yard reception from junior Kolby McKnight, and ran in his second touchdown of the quarter to make it 31-14 with under six minutes remaining. Currie finished the game with 124 yards rushing and two offensive touchdowns, having started the fourth quarter with just 38 yards.
Crucial Defensive Stops and Ball Control
Stanwood’s defense continued to make critical stops throughout the game. Senior Eben Bland Jr. recovered a Lakes fumble with just under four minutes left, allowing the Spartans to run out the clock and confirm their quarterfinal berth. The defensive line, anchored by players like Bland Jr., repeatedly pressured the Lakes offense, contributing to turnovers and keeping the visitors out of the end zone in the final stages.
Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals
The Spartans, seeded seventh, will now face Bellevue in the state quarterfinals—a rematch from the 2024 Round of 16, which Bellevue won 24-14. A victory for Stanwood would earn the program its first state semifinal appearance since 1996. Head coach Tony Slater emphasized the importance of film review and preparation as the Spartans look to "answer the bell" against one of the top teams in the tournament.
Source: heraldnet.com.
