5 Reasons Why Lakes High School Football Remains A Washington State Powerhouse In 2025
As of December 2025, the Lakes High School Lancers football program continues to solidify its reputation as one of the most consistent and dominant forces in Washington state high school athletics. Located in Lakewood, WA, the Lancers are not just a local team; they are a perennial Class 3A contender, famous for their high-powered offense, tenacious defense, and an unparalleled legacy of developing elite collegiate and professional talent.
The conclusion of the 2024 season, which saw the Lancers finish with an impressive 9-2 record and another trip to the Class 3A state tournament, has only fueled the anticipation for the upcoming 2025 campaign. With a core group of returning stars and a legendary coach at the helm, the Lakes Lancers are poised to make a deep run for the state championship title, building on decades of gridiron excellence.
The Lakes Lancers Legacy: Head Coach and Notable Alumni
The foundation of the Lakes High School football program’s sustained success is built on the long-term stability and winning culture established by its coaching staff and the impressive trail blazed by its professional alumni.
Head Coach Biography: Dave Miller
- Role: Head Football Coach, Lakes High School Lancers.
- Tenure: Entering his 26th year as Head Coach.
- Career Record: An astounding 202 wins and just 58 losses since taking over in 1999.
- Achievements: One of the winningest coaches in Washington state history.
- Playoff Success: Led the Lancers to the state playoffs an incredible 22 times.
- Coaching Philosophy: Known for developing strong offensive schemes and running a disciplined, hard-nosed program that consistently competes at the highest level of the 3A classification.
Notable Lakes High School Football Alumni (NFL Pipeline)
Lakes High School has a rich history of producing athletes who excel at the college level and go on to play in the National Football League (NFL). This pipeline is a major draw for prospective players and a source of immense pride for the Lakewood community.
- Zach Banner: An imposing offensive tackle who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is one of the most recognizable recent alumni to make it to the NFL.
- Hillary Butler: A linebacker who played for the Seattle Seahawks in 1998, representing Lakes in the local professional league.
- Kavario Middleton: A highly-touted tight end prospect.
- Sione Potoa'e: Another prominent football alumnus who continued the school's tradition of sending talent to the collegiate ranks.
- Rick Austin: While not a football player, Austin is a notable Lakes alumnus who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers, highlighting the school's overall athletic pedigree.
The 2025 Season Outlook: Key Players and Schedule Anticipation
The Lakes Lancers are members of the highly competitive 3A Pierce County League (PCL), a classification known for its intense rivalries and high level of play. The 2025 season promises to be another thrilling chapter, with the team focusing on a rigorous schedule and relying on a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent.
Lancers Roster: The Core of the 2025 Contender
Coach Miller’s 2025 squad features several players expected to carry the load and make significant impacts in the 3A PCL and the state tournament. The team's strength lies in its depth and the return of key skill position players and defensive anchors.
- Exavier McChristian: A dynamic player expected to be a major force on offense.
- Elijiah McChristian: Another key member of the McChristian duo, providing talent and depth.
- Legend Galeai: A crucial component of the Lancers' unit, whose performance will be vital for offensive success.
- Ean Owens & Tristan Baker: Expected to be major contributors, adding to the team’s overall athleticism.
- Mareko: A highly anticipated returnee who missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. He is expected to anchor the defense at linebacker and is considered a critical piece for the 2025 campaign.
The Road to State: Key 2025 Matchups
The Lancers kick off their 2025 season with a home game at Harry Lang Stadium, a venue synonymous with Lakes football history. The season schedule is packed with challenging opponents that will test the team’s resolve and readiness for a deep playoff run.
- Season Opener: The Lancers are scheduled to host Sequim High School on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
- PCL Battles: The heart of the schedule involves tough league contests in the 3A Pierce County League, where every game is a battle for playoff positioning.
- Post-Season Focus: The goal, as always under Coach Miller, is to secure a spot in the 3A State Football Championships, with the team looking to improve on their 2024 first-round exit.
Why Lakes is a Perennial Power: The Winning Formula
Lakes High School’s ability to consistently compete at the state level year after year is not accidental. It is the result of a deliberate, multi-faceted approach that has created a culture of winning and development.
1. Unmatched Coaching Stability and Experience
The almost three-decade tenure of Head Coach Dave Miller is arguably the single most important factor. His 202+ career wins and 22 state playoff appearances provide a level of stability and institutional knowledge that few high school programs can match. Miller's system is proven, and his long-standing presence ensures that the program's philosophy—both on and off the field—remains consistent, allowing players to transition seamlessly from year to year.
2. The Dominance of the 3A Pierce County League (PCL)
Competing in the 3A PCL forces the Lancers to play at a high level every week. This consistent exposure to tough competition, including rivals like Capital High School, prepares the team for the intensity of the state tournament. The 2024 season saw the Lancers secure a key victory over Capital, highlighting their ability to win crucial league matchups.
3. The 'Orange Crush' Defensive Identity
Lakes football is known for its physical, aggressive defense, often referred to as the "Orange Crush." This defensive mindset is a hallmark of the program's success. The return of players like Mareko, who is expected to be the anchor over the middle, signals that the defense will once again be a major strength for the 2025 season. This defensive prowess allows the team to control the tempo of games and forces opponents into difficult situations.
4. A Proven Path to Collegiate and NFL Success
The robust list of alumni who have played in the NFL, including Zach Banner and Hillary Butler, serves as a powerful recruiting tool and a source of motivation. Players at Lakes know that the coaching staff and the program can prepare them for the next level. This cycle of success attracts top local talent, ensuring the roster remains stacked with highly motivated and skilled athletes.
5. Community and Stadium Support
The Lakes Lancers draw passionate support from the Lakewood community, and playing their home games at Harry Lang Stadium provides a significant home-field advantage. The atmosphere at Lancers games is electric, contributing to the team's mental edge and reinforcing the strong bond between the school, the team, and its loyal fanbase.
The Lakes High School football program is more than just a team; it is a dynasty in the making, continuously evolving while staying true to the winning traditions established by Coach Dave Miller. As the 2025 season approaches, the Lancers are once again the team to watch in the 3A classification, ready to prove why they are a Washington State powerhouse.
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