State semifinals: High school football games to watch in South Sound, predictions

State semifinals: High school football games to watch in South Sound, predictionsStory byJon Manley, Tyler WickeWed, November 26, 2025 at 9:12 PM UTC·3 min read

Read team previews and score predictions for every South Sound program in the state semifinals.

Sumner defensive back Izear Ferguson (4) grabs an interception from Puyallup wide receiver Lawson Looker (3) during the first half of the game at Sparks Stadium, on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Puyallup, Wash.

CLASS 4A

No. 5 Sumner Spartans (9-3) vs. No. 1 Puyallup Vikings (12-0)

1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Sparks Stadium

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The rematch is on. Sumner coach Keith Ross — and any casual fans in attendance, for that matter — will hope Round 2 is more of a game than the regular season meeting, which Puyallup won 58-22, a game that was over by halftime. Sumner has won seven straight since that loss, all in convincing fashion. Running back Lance McGee has been one of the state’s premier backs and Sumner’s defense has played lights out down the stretch. Puyallup, meanwhile, has only kept rolling, beating Graham-Kapowsin the 4A SPSL title game before three comfortable playoff wins. We think it’s tighter this time around, but we can’t pick against Puyallup.

TNT pick: Puyallup 38, Sumner 31

Graham-Kapowsin wide receiver Jayce Halasz (1) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Keh'ano Corpuz (3) during the first half of the opening round 4A state tournament game at Art Crate Field, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Spanaway, Wash.

No. 6 Graham-Kapowsin Eagles (11-1) vs. No. 2 Lake Stevens Vikings (12-0)

4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Lake Stevens High School

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Graham-Kapowsin QB AJ Tuivaiave and the Eagles visit Lake Stevens for a marquee matchup in the 4A semifinals after knocking off No. 3 Gonzaga Prep in Spokane. If you’re a fan of high-scoring thrillers with plenty of points, this could be the game for you: G-K has piled at least 34 points in all three playoff wins this month and Lake Stevens exploded for 76 points to beat Moses Lake last weekend. Tuivaiave has 28 touchdown passes to just one interception this fall, but it’s Graham-Kapowsin’s perhaps-underrated defense that needs to be at its best to walk away with a win. Watch for Lake Stevens QB Blake Moser, a dual-threat with 36 touchdown passes and scary speed. We think the Vikings do enough on offense, but expect a shootout.

TNT pick: Lake Stevens 38, Graham-Kapowsin 34

Mount Tahoma running back Aziel Salima (12) leads the team’s entrance onto the field before their game against Lincoln on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash.

CLASS 3A

No. 3 Eastside Catholic Crusaders (10-1) vs. No. 2 Mount Tahoma T-Birds (12-0)

1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Mount Tahoma High School

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The T-Birds soared into the state semifinals for the first time since 1980 with last weekend’s runaway win over Tacoma-rival Lincoln. Head coach Keith Terry’s roster has every piece in place for a title run — a stable of running backs, perimeter talent, and a physical defense that’s stifled every opponent in its path this fall. Eastside Catholic has allowed seven total points in three playoff games and shut out Kennewick in the quarterfinals, 41-0, powered by QB Luca Villasenor’s five touchdown passes. Can Mount Tahoma find a way to knock off the perennial 3A contender? We think they can.

TNT pick: Mount Tahoma 27, Eastside Catholic 24

Teammates celebrate Tumwater running back Blake Heryford (26) after Heryford’s touchdown against Franklin Pierce on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Tumwater, Wash.

CLASS 2A

No. 3 East Valley of Yakima Red Devils (12-0) vs. No. 2 Tumwater T-Birds (11-1)

3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Tumwater District Stadium

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Tumwater’s defense has given up just 18 points through three postseason games, including a 27-6 defensive clampdown against Franklin Pierce’s Power-T offense last week. If East Valley is going to play in a state championship game, this appears to be the year to do it, with a senior-heavy team. QB Jaxon Berg, the son of head coach Eric Berg, has been electric in the passing game, throwing for 2,714 yards and 44 TDs to just three interceptions this season. His top target is Greyson Stevens (1,250 yards, 21 TDs), a Montana State commit with elite speed. The Red Devils have been balanced, though; RB Braden Albrecht has 1,199 yards and 19 TDs on the ground. This feels like a game that could either way, but we like Tumwater’s experience. We’ll take the T-Birds at home in a close one.

TNT pick: Tumwater 24, East Valley 21

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