LAKE STEVENS — Halfway through its 4A playoff matchup against Woodinville on Friday, Lake Stevens football was not where it wanted to be.

Sure, it held a 21-14 lead, but after turning the ball over on the final offensive drive before the break and allowing three straight red zone trips from Woodinville to close the half — capped by allowing a one-yard passing touchdown with 2.8 seconds left in the second quarter — the heavily favored Lake Stevens squad felt it was not playing up to standard.

Words were shared in the locker room. Some yelling, but the more encouraging kind. There was talk of tightening up defensively. Talk of playing less selfishly. Talk of simply having fun playing the game again. Once both teams returned to the sidelines, coach Tom Tri gathered his players in a huddle b

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