The Cashmere Bulldogs were one play away from ending the most dominant championship run in Washington high school football history. After marching 92 yards in the final minutes Friday at Husky Stadium, the Bulldogs lined up for a two-point conversion that could have snapped Royal’s streak of six straight 1A state championships.

And they missed it by inches.

On the decisive play, senior receiver Isaac Zavala — lined up in a Wildcat formation — rolled left, pivoted, and spotted a streaking Logan Spies breaking free across the field. Under pressure, Zavala lofted a high-arcing pass toward the end zone. The ball sailed just wide of Spies’ outstretched hands, allowing the five-time defending champion Knights to escape with a 21–20 victory and claim yet another WIAA state title.  

Back-and-forth battle

The championship showdown featured momentum swings from start to finish. Royal struck first, scoring the only points of the opening quarter to grab a 7–0 lead. Cashmere responded early in the second when senior quarterback Rylan Hatmaker found junior tight end David Odenrider for a 13-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs went for two, but junior Braylon Rubio was ruled short of the goal line — a call that drew boos from the fans after replay appeared on the stadium’s video board. Cashmere trailed 7–6.

Royal stretched its lead before halftime when junior standout Dax Jenks broke free for a 71-yard touchdown reception, sending the Knights into the locker room ahead 14–6.

Cashmere answered with a strong third quarter. Sophomore running back Jacoby Tait powered in from 2 yards out, and moments later the Bulldogs executed a perfectly timed double-handoff option that allowed Hatmaker to score untouched on the two-point conversion, tying the game 14–14.

But with 43 seconds left in the third, Jenks struck again — this time on a 21-yard touchdown run — giving Royal a 21–14 advantage heading into the final quarter.

A goal-line heartbreak and one final drive

Early in the fourth, Cashmere appeared poised to tie the game yet again. Zavala caught a swing pass and lunged toward the goal line, but Royal defensive back Anderson Brown ripped the ball from his grasp inches before he crossed the plane. The Knights recovered, preserving their lead with 8:46 left.

Cashmere refused to fold. Taking over at their own 8-yard line with 4:26 remaining, Hatmaker delivered the signature drive of his stellar career — a 10-play, 92-yard march featuring a clutch 33-yard strike to Spies that pushed the Bulldogs deep into Royal territory. Three plays later, Hatmaker juked his way into the end zone from 2 yards out, pulling Cashmere within one at 21–20.

What followed was the moment of the night: the Bulldogs’ bold decision to go for two and the win instead of kicking the extra point. The play was there. The execution was inches off.

Royal recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock, securing its sixth consecutive championship.

Bulldog standouts

Hatmaker, playing the final game of his storied high school career, delivered one of his best performances. He finished 23-of-31 for 217 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while also leading the team in rushing with 14 carries for a career-high 76 yards and the dramatic late score.

Tait made an impact on both sides of the ball, totaling 23 rushing yards and a touchdown along with two catches for 51 yards. Senior receiver Tom McDevitt — returning after a two-month injury absence — was outstanding, collecting five catches for 42 yards, including two clutch grabs on the final drive.

Zavala led the team with nine receptions for 39 yards, Spies added two catches for 46, Odenrider battled through an injury to contribute three catches for 21, and freshman Jayce McMahon caught two passes for 16.

Junior SCAC defensive player of the year Grey Jacobson was a force as he collected two more sacks on Friday, and senior linebacker Joseph Acton had a first-half interception.  

A season to celebrate

Despite the heartbreak, Cashmere’s season was nothing short of remarkable. The Bulldogs finished 11–2, with both losses coming narrowly to Royal, and reached the state title game for the first time in 17 years. Their spirited performance and massive fan turnout at Husky Stadium reflected a community fully behind its team.

The Bulldogs came within a fingertip of ending a dynasty — and in doing so, proved they belonged amongst the state’s elite.