Kamiak back in quarterfinals

Knights say they believed all along they’d get this far

By AARON COE

Herald Writer

MUKILTEO — When Dan Mack talked about a return to the playoffs before the season started, some wondered if the Kamiak football coach had taken too many hits in his playing days.

After all, three players had moved on to play for Pacific-10 Conference teams, including quarterback Ryan Kanekeberg, who holds every major Kamiak passing record. Only two starters were back, and folks figured the Knights would return to the middle of the Western Conference 4A pack.

Yet here they are, back in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, same as last year.

"I guess I’m always the optimist," Mack said. "We knew we were young, but we believed all along we could do this."

The Knights are 10-1, which means Mack is no longer an optimist. He is a realist. A victory tonight over Tahoma on Kent’s French Field would put Kamiak in its first-ever state semifinal game.

Surely this Mack madness couldn’t have spread to his players. They couldn’t possibly have believed they’d be back, right?

"We really thought we could go further than last year," running back Reid Wilson said. "Our coaches always remind us of last year’s team. Our goal is to have our coaches not mention them any more."

To go where no Knight has gone before, Kamiak will have to get past a tough 10-1 Tahoma team that is making its first trip to the state playoff since 1995. Tahoma actually lost two games on the field, but one was turned into a victory when it was learned that top-ranked Kentwood had used an academically ineligible player in its 15-13 victory.

The Bears are led by twin brothers Casey and Randy Robbins in an offense that features the run with an occasional pass mixed in. Both are running threats who have combined for more 1,000 yards rushing. Fullback Casey Robbins gets the bulk of the carries, and quarterback Randy Robbins can run and throw. Tahoma lines up three running backs in a line behind the quarterback, a formation the Knights have never seen.

"They have a pretty creative offense, and they’re dangerous," Mack said. "They have three guys who can get a ton of yardage."

The Knights counter with Wilson and Justin Washington in the backfield, a duo that has combined for nearly 1,400 yards. Quarterback Ryan Jones has put up similar numbers to Kanekeberg’s 1999 totals. His favorite target is senior Mike Boyle, who was second in the conference in receptions in only his first year of high school football.

The Knights may not have had a recognizable cast of characters at the season’s beginning, but people are learning. Wilson hopes to burn his name and his teammates’ in Kamiak history with a few more victories.

"I think we can go far," Wilson said. "We’re already headed on our way."

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Jackson’s Drew Pepin yells after striking out the final batter to end the game against Edmonds-Woodway on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Wednesday, April 2

Jackson’s Pepin pitches ‘gem’ against E-W.

AquaSox’s Michael Arroyo makes a throw from second base during practice at Funko Field on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
AquaSox usher in new era with first practice of 2025

The 30-man roster, including eight top Mariners prospects, first took the field together on Tuesday.

Prep softball roundup for Wednesday, April 2

Stanwood’s Addison Anderson dominates Chargers.

Kaleo Anderson is The Herald's 2024-2025 Girls Basketball Player of the Year. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kaleo Anderson is The Herald’s 2024-25 Girls Basketball Player of the Year

The King’s junior guard averaged 23.9 points and nine rebounds in a state runner-up season.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 23-29

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 23-29. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Lake Stevens pitcher Charli Pugmire high fives first baseman Emery Fletcher after getting out of an inning against Glacier Peak on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep roundup for Tuesday, April 1

Vikings softball blows out Cascade.

Prep boys soccer roundup for Tuesday, April 1

Snohomish flurry of goals cools Stanwood.

Prep golf roundup for Tuesday, April 1

Lynnwood girls, Snohomish boys win

Stanwood's Ellalee Wortham tries to make a one-handed layup during the game against Snohomish on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
3 players from Meadowdale, GP earn All-Wesco first-team honors.

Wesco has announced its all-league teams for girls basketball. Glacier Peak and… Continue reading

Auburn's Johni Broome celebrates after returning to the game after an injury and sinking a 3-point basket in the second half. (Daniel Mears / The Detroit News / Tribune News Services)
This March’s Cinderella stories are players, not teams

To find Cinderella stories at this men’s Final Four, you have to… Continue reading

Seattle coach Mike Macdonald looks on before the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL game on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Seahawks won 16-6. (Naji Saker / Tribune News Services)
Macdonald looks to double Seahawks joint practices

If their coach has his way, the Seahawks will be doing twice… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.