The Kingston Buccaneers are back in the Olympic League after two seasons spent in the 1A Nisqually League, a move that brings both familiarity and fresh challenges as the program looks to shake off a 4‑16 record over the past two years.
A Setback Turned Opportunity
A bid to remain classified as a 1A program for the 2024‑28 WIAA cycle was rejected, citing a lack of recent success and lingering injury concerns. Rather than retreat, the school secured permission to compete in the Nisqually League as a 2A team, setting the stage for a season that could redefine the Bucs’ trajectory.
The roster this year is dominated by youth, with 22 freshmen stepping onto the field for the first time. To bridge the experience gap, the team spent four days at Central Washington University’s football camp, focusing on fundamentals, cohesion and mental sharpness.
Leadership in the Locker Room
Seniors Liam Walter and Connor Mutch have taken the lead in reshaping the team culture. Walter has organized weekly weight‑room sessions aimed at building physicality and technical soundness, while Mutch has championed a defensive mindset he describes as ‘lights out’ for the upcoming campaign.
Head coach Andrew, now in his second year, says the goal is simple: finish at or above .500 and snap a decade‑long drought of winning seasons that dates back to 2013. ‘We’re not just looking to compete; we want to win,’ he said, noting that the first test will come on September 4 against East Jefferson.