Season Opener Highlights
Lake Stevens High School’s football team opened its season on Friday night with a 31‑26 victory over Graham‑Kapowsin, a result that set an optimistic tone for the Vikings as they head into a series of non‑league matchups.
The turning point came when sophomore running back Jayden Hollenbeck recovered a fumble near the sideline, instantly halting a potential scoring drive by Graham‑Kapowsin and preserving the lead for Lake Stevens.
Ferrell, who had already dazzled fans with an 80‑yard rush earlier in the first half, added a decisive 12‑yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, extending the advantage to 31‑20 before the final play sealed the win.
The Vikings’ offensive line, anchored by seniors Ty Tautolo and Azael Sawo, opened lanes that allowed Ferrell to break free, while the defense forced two critical stops, including a sack by Antoine Griffin III and strategic adjustments from head coach Eric Dinwiddie.
Graham‑Kapowsin answered early when Trevon Mayfield broke free for an 80‑yard run down the right sideline, but a tackle for loss by Tautolo on the second play forced a missed field goal, keeping the game within reach.
Mid‑field momentum shifted when Jayce Halasz ripped a 38‑yard gain that set up a nine‑yard touchdown pass to Keh’ano Corpuz, narrowing the gap before the Vikings’ defense reasserted itself with a blocked kick recovered by Hollenbeck.
Ferrell’s final rush, a powerful run that ended with him leaving the field after a calf cramp, capped the comeback and secured the 31‑26 result, marking the team’s first test in a rematch of the 2025 4A State semifinal.
With the victory in hand, the Vikings look ahead to upcoming non‑league games against Bothell and Puyallup, carrying the momentum from a hard‑fought opening win.