Kingston’s football program is set to re‑enter the Olympic League for the 2026 season, ending a two‑year stretch in the 1A Nisqually League. The move comes after the school’s athletic director confirmed that the Buccaneers will field a full league schedule this fall.
The Buccaneers spent the last two seasons as a Class 2A team in the Nisqually League, posting a 2‑8 record in both 2023 and 2024. The campaign was marked by long bus rides, limited snap counts for younger players and a win‑loss column that refused to climb.
Efforts to reclassify as a 1A school for football only were rebuffed by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, leaving Kingston to navigate the logistical strain of increased travel and sparse playing time. The athletic director, Ed Call, said the decision forced the team to reassess its long‑term strategy.
The 2026 slate will see home games against North Mason, Olympic and Port Angeles, while road trips are slated for Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, North Kitsap and Sequim. The season opens on the road against East Jefferson on September 4, followed by a home debut against Klahowya on September 12.
A New Era Under Coach Levi Andrew
Head coach Levi Andrew, who took the helm in 2025, is bullish about the team’s prospects. “We’ve built a foundation that can compete with familiar foes,” he said, pointing to the upcoming league opener against the defending champion Trojans on September 18.
With a refreshed schedule and a coaching staff eager to prove the move was the right one, Kingston hopes to translate its renewed confidence into wins on the field.