Cashmere vs. Royal – Friday, December 5 • 3:00 p.m. • Husky Stadium

The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown Friday afternoon at Husky Stadium as the #2 seed Cashmere Bulldogs (11–1) clash with the #1 seed Royal Knights (12-0) in the 1A state championship game. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., and the matchup features two familiar foes from the South Central Athletic Conference — but with everything on the line, this chapter promises to be written in bold.

Cashmere’s Long-Awaited Return

For Cashmere, this title game represents both a return and an opportunity.
The Bulldogs are chasing the third state championship in school history, having claimed titles in 1984 and 2008. This is their first trip to the state final in 17 years, and they arrive with the belief that this is their moment.

And why shouldn’t they feel that way?

Back on October 3, Cashmere nearly shocked the state when they led Royal deep into the fourth quarter in Royal City. The Knights rallied late and escaped with a 21–15 overtime victory.  It felt like the Bulldogs had finally reached striking distance.
Now, they believe they can finish the job.

Royal’s Dynasty March Continues

Meanwhile, the Royal Knights enter the championship game with the confidence of a dynasty.
They are the five-time defending 1A state champions, riding a staggering 47-game winning streak. Royal has also won 21 straight WIAA playoff games.

Key Players to Watch

Cashmere Bulldogs

• QB Rylan Hatmaker – 155/215, 2,297 yards, 37 TDs; 36 rushes, 207 yards, 2 TDs
• WR Logan Spies – 53 receptions, 868 yards, 15 TDs
• WR Isaac Zavala – 36 receptions, 388 yards, 7 TDs; 11 carries, 89 yards, 3 TDs
• DL Grey Jacobson – 71 tackles, 28.5 TFL, 16.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries
• DT Prin Fox– 11 TFL, 4 Sacks
• RB/LB Jacoby Tait – 47 carries, 249 yards, 6 TDs; 6 receptions, 56 yards, TD; 59 tackles, 4 TFL
• RB Jayce McMahon – 32 carries, 325 yards, 5 TDs; 9 receptions, 139 yards, 4 TDs

Cashmere’s offense is balanced, explosive, and efficient, and Jacobson, Fox and Tait lead a defense that will need to pressure Royal’s high-octane offense.

Royal Knights

• QB Grant Wardenaar – 145/191, 2,429 yards, 39 TDs
• WR Shea Stevenson – 46 receptions, 853 yards, 17 TDs
• RB Dax Jenks – 70 carries, 737 yards, 14 TDs
• RB/LB Brody Bishop – 56 carries, 353 yards, 10 TDs; 66 tackles, 12 TFL, 6 sacks
• WR Anderson Brown – 33 receptions, 657 yards, 11 TDs

Royal’s offense is fast, precise, and ruthless when given space.

A Familiar Rivalry — With Championship Stakes

The Bulldogs have never come closer to Royal than they did two months ago. That near-victory has fueled this playoff run and given Cashmere belief that Friday will be the day the tide will turn.

Something has to give.
And the whole state will be watching.

How to Watch & Listen

• Television: NFHS Network (subscription required) – Link HERE
• Radio: Live on 1340 The Hawk
  • Broadcasters: Avery Cooper, Steve Sandman, Jarod Fillion
• Gameday Info: Tickets, parking, stadium policies – Link HERE