Royal football is ranked the number one team in the state; a familiar spot for the Knights. Royal is going for it’s 11th total (1996, 2000, 2004-05, 2007, 2015-17, 2019, 2021) and third consecutive state title, with Covid taking the crown in 2020.
The Knights overpowered Freeman 57-21 in the semifinals to earn a spot to compete for a state title. They play Mount Baker this Saturday for a state title:
Semifinal Royal Stats:
Passing: Dylan Allred – 17/25 for 250 yds, 4 T, 3 INT
Rushing: Kaleb Hernandez – 14 carries/ 119 yds, 2 TD; Dylan Allred – 16 carries/ 109 yds, 1 TD
Receiving: Edgar Delarosa – 7 rec/ 110 yds, 4 TD; Bennett Brown – 3 rec/ 54 yds; Cade Allred – 2 rec/ 40 yds; Case Christensen – 1 rec/ 20 yds; Kaleb Hernandez – 1 rec/ 8 yds
In his 27th season, Royal head coach Wiley Allred (273-28 record) is in the Washington State Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame as well as the 2017 Seahawk’s High School Coach of the Year. However, honors aren’t what drives the perennial powerhouse to collect hardware. It’s family that keeps the ball rolling… Not just by blood, but also by blood.
“We’re not all related in Royal,” said Wiley Allred, “but we branch out a little bit.”
Allred, Ellis, and Anderson are common last names in Royal and all related to head coach Wiley Allred.
“This year we have five I think,” said Allred. “It’s been pretty fun. I don’t know if it’s fun for them but it’s fun for me. The best part is they work hard, they take coaching well, and they’re great teammates.”
The players on the roster are grandnephews, and Allred coached their dad’s (his nephews) in the 90s. It’s another dynamic of Royal football, but the actual Royal Football Family is a bit bigger according to Allred.
“Luckily when I’m coaching [my players],” said Allred. “I see them all as family. That’s the truth.”
The Knights take on Mount Baker in the 1A championship this Saturday at 12:00 PM at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood, WA.
Link to Watch: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/wiaa-wa/gamb3a145151a
