ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (1-0) are slated for a big game against the Cashmere Bulldogs (1-0) on Friday, as it will be a rematch of the 2025 1A state championship. While the Knights were victorious in a 21-20 classic, it was the Bulldogs who gave Royal their toughest fights throughout the 2025 football season.  

Last season, the Knights played the Bulldogs twice, coming out victorious both times in tightly contested games. This season they're hosting them in week two, which provides a chance to see what this team is made of, Head Coach Wiley Allred said in a previous interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.  

"We're going to know right away where we're at, at that moment, anyway," Allred said. "We'll keep striving to get better but that's going to give a lot of indication for our league early on." 

The first time the two South Central Athletic Conference heavyweights faced off was week five. Coming into this game, both teams were undefeated. The Knights had only allowed seven points all season, while the Bulldogs had not allowed a score by any team. What unfolded was a tug of war for momentum, which the Bulldogs seemed to pull ahead by halftime with an 8-0 lead.  

From there, Grant Wardenaar led a second-half comeback campaign. Wardenaar threw the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter and then connected with Dax Jenks for the game-winning score in overtime, giving the Knights a 21-15 victory over Cashmere. Key defensive plays by Bryan Larsen and a missed Cashmere field goal in overtime helped seal the win.  

“I thought our defense was really good. I think offense, we're a little inconsistent, and there's some things we got to work on. (Cashmere’s) a really good football team, but it means a lot. I think it just gives us some confidence to try to keep overcoming,” Allred said after the win. 

The two teams went their separate ways the rest of the regular season. The Knights went on to dominate the SCAC, district tournament and state playoffs – outscoring their opponents 429-54. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs went on a seven-game win streak, which led to a rematch with the Knights in the state championship game, which lived up to the same intensity as their first meeting.  

The Knights built a 21-14 lead behind three touchdowns from Grant Wardenaar, Anderson Brown and Jenks. Royal then survived a late Cashmere rally when the Bulldogs failed on a game-deciding fake extra-point attempt, giving Royal a 21-20 victory at Husky Stadium.  

“They did some little things, but it's basically the same kids, same offense and defense; they mix it up really well, so it's hard to know when they're in certain defenses and offenses,” Allred said after the game. 

A key fourth quarter forced fumble by Brown and interceptions by Shea Stevenson and Fischer Livingston helped preserve the championship win. 

“There’s been so much work going into it,” Brown said after the win. “It’s been absolutely crazy, but we got the best coaching staff in the state. They just give me the game plan, and I know if I execute, it will be perfect.” 

Fast forward to this Friday and the two teams are slated for another big matchup. The Bulldogs are coming off a 64-6 win over College Place in week one. While the Knights earned a dominant 55-6 road win over the Lakeside Eagles.  

Wardenaar was back leading the offense with 14 completions on 21 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Making an impact in the run game was Jackson Flood with nine carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns. They converted most of their third downs, going five of eight and were successful on their sole fourth down conversion attempt.  

The Knights defense held the Eagles to just 95 pass yards, 11 rush yards and forced three turnovers.  

Both teams are set to kickoff at 7 p.m. on Friday.  

    The Knights' Grant Wardenaar (7) drops back to pass during the 1A state championship game against the Cashmere Bulldogs. Wardenaar is back as the Knights starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
  

    The Knights' Fischer Livingston (12) sets a block for running back Dax Jenks (6) against the Cashmere Bulldogs in the 2025 1A state championship.
  

    Former Royal Knights receiver Anderson Brown (14) sprints upfield against a Cashmere defensive back last season.
  

    The Royal Knights sideline clears the benches after Dax Jenks scored the game winning touchdown in overtime against the Cashmere Bulldogs last season.