10/16/2026
Final Puyallup 36, Sumner 34
(Sumner, WA) A massive crowd was on hand at Sunset Chevrolet Stadium in Sumner where the Spartans re-newed their annual rivalry with Puyallup. This SPSL 4A clash has decades of history but maybe none as important as the recent history. Sumner has been the team in the 4A as 2-time defending State Champions.
Sumner hasn’t just run off multiple undefeated seasons they have battled and been tested. In fact, Puyallup blasted the Spartans in the regular season 58-22. Sumner wasn’t done and re-grouped and when the two teams met again in the Semi-finals it was Sumner pulling off a massive 42-35 victory that sent them back to Husky Stadium to defend their State Title which they did with a 41-35 win over Lake Stevens.
Sumner has two other State titles, one from 2024 with a 27-24 win over Camas and back in 1977 the Spartans took their first big trophy with a win over Gonzaga Prep 12-7.
Puyallup with all their success has only claimed one State championship in 1987 with a 27-21 over Gonzaga Prep. The Vikings had back-to-back losses in the Title game in 1991 and 1992.
1st Half of big plays and big kicks
The Sumner Spartans began their drive on their own 47 after a good kick return. The Spartans ran heavy with Santos Hernandez Ruiz and traveled the 53 yards with a 8-play drive and collected 3 1st downs along the way. The drive was in danger of stalling with a 3rd and 9 from the 16 of the Vikings.
The Spartans threw one pass on the drive incomplete but on 3rd and 9, QB Brennan Abbott dropped back and fired a laser to Zab Zenkner for 6. Bergen Eriksson booted the PAT and took a 7-0 1st quarter lead.
After a pair of 3 and outs, Puyallup took over on their own 36. The Vikings were in danger of their second 3 and out with a 3rd and 3. QB Noah Smith dropped back to pass and connected with a big 38-yard strike to J’Isaiah Mitchell with 6:13 to play in the 1st. The PAT though clanged off the upright and Sumner held a 7-6 lead.
The Spartans began their 3rd possession on their own 32. Hernandez Ruiz rattled off a pair of big runs for 17 and 9 yards. Abbott then hit Kai Moody for 10 and Sumner was on the march again. But the Vikings would slow the Spartans down forcing them to try a long field goal. Eriksson lined up from the 32 for a 42-yard attempt and drilled it right down the middle for 3 and extended the Spartan advantage to 10-6.
Puyallup’s 3rd possession began on their own 30. The Vikings Smith unleashed a deep throw to Luke Parker who went up and wrestled the ball away from the Spartan defender to set up a 1st and goal on the 10. After a 2-yard gain and then a false start it was 2nd and goal from the 13. Smith then fired a laser to Mitchell for his 2nd TD of the game. Coach DJ Mims decided to go for 2 with big Malcolm Akuffo who plowed in for the conversion and Puyallup had their first lead 14-10.
Another pair of 3 and outs got Sumner the ball back with just 2:26 to play in the first half. Sumner ran 2:24 off the clock and after a time out trotted out Bergen Eriksson to attempt a 44-yard field goal which he nailed as time expired to make it a 14-13 at the half.
Halftime Puyallup 14, Sumner 13
Puyallup’s opening drive of the 2nd half lasted 5 minutes and 17 seconds and ended with a 20 yard touchdown pass from Nolan Smith to J’Isaiah Mitchell. Malcolm Akuffo ran in another 2 point try and the Vikings took a 22-13 lead.
Sumner responded with a time consuming drive of their own that included a big reception on 4th down to keep the drive alive. Santos Hernandez-Ruiz finished the
drive with an 11 yard touchdown run after Eriksson’s PAT was good the score was 22-20 with 59 seconds to go in the 3rd quarter.
The Vikings went right back down the field and got a 12 yard touchdown run by Malcolm Akuffo the PAT was good and Puyallup had a 29-20 lead. After the kickoff Sumner got the ball at their own 26. One play later a short pass from Brennan Abbott to Gray Longoria went 74 yards for the touchdown and back to a 2 point game.
Puyallup answered quickly taking just a minute 20 off the clock after a 51 yard rushing touchdown by Logan Caldara and the lead went back to 9 points.
The Spartans drove down the field with a balanced attack. On the 11th play of the drive quarterback Brennan Abbott scrambled and was headed into the endzone but a hard hit jarred the ball loose. However Kai Moody recovered the ball before it crossed the endline for the touchdown. With only 1:45 left in the game Sumner had to try an onside kick.
Sumner’s first onside kick attempt was set up perfectly but a last second time-out by Puyallup made the Spartans rekick. The second attempt was good but the Vikings recovered at their own 49 and 2 first downs later Puyallup celebrated the 36-34 win.
Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP of the Game
The Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP went to J’Isaiah Mitchell for his 2 touchdown receptions and tough play on the defensive side of the ball. Malcolm Akuffo and Noah Smith were also considered for the MVP.
What’s Next?
Puyallup is now 7-0 on the season and finishes their 4A SPSL-North season at home against Emerald Ridge on 10/23.
Sumner will look to bounce back on the road against South Kitsap on 10/23 in their regular season finale.
The SPSL crossover games between the North and South divisions will be played on 10/30.
Link to watch full game replay on the NFHS Network (subscription required)
West 42 Sports Postgame Show
Sumner Strikes First
Puyallup Takes the Lead
Bergen Eriksson 44 yard Field Goal to end 1st half
J’Isaiah Mitchell 2nd TD
Gray Longoria 74 yard Touchdown
Logan Caldara 51 yard Touchdown Run
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