The stage is set for one of the biggest games of the 2026 regular season as the No. 3-ranked Cashmere Bulldogs travel to David Nielsen Memorial Field on Friday night to take on the top-ranked and six-time defending state champion Royal Knights in a key SCAC matchup.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

With both teams entering the game ranked among the top teams in the 1A classification, Friday night’s showdown could go a long way toward deciding the SCAC championship and will have significant implications for the 1A state playoff bracket.

The Bulldogs and Knights are certainly no strangers to playing high-stakes football.

Last season, the two teams met in the 1A state championship game at Husky Stadium, with Royal holding on for a thrilling 21-20 victory to claim the state title. The Knights also defeated the Bulldogs during the 2025 regular season, winning in overtime.

Cashmere will be looking to turn the tables on Friday night, while Royal will be attempting to extend its remarkable winning streak. The Knights enter the matchup looking for their 50th consecutive victory.

Friday’s game will also be part of a football doubleheader at David Nielsen Memorial Field.

Friday’s Schedule

4:00 p.m. – 2B Football
No. 7 Liberty Bell vs. No. 10 Tri-Cities Prep

7:00 p.m. – 1A Football
No. 3 Cashmere vs. No. 1 Royal

Tickets:
Adults – $7
Students/Senior Citizens – $5

For fans unable to make the trip to Royal, the game will be streamed live on YouTube through Royal SD Live.

With a conference championship, state playoff positioning and a year of history between these two programs on the line, Friday night promises to be another memorable chapter in the Cashmere-Royal rivalry.