In addition to the reigning 3A and 4A State Champion showdown, the ECKC also features match-ups with Bothell-Coeur d’Alene (Idaho), Lynden-King’s, and Roosevelt-Seattle Prep.

“The return of the Kickoff Classic to Seattle at the brand new Husky Stadium with the four match-ups will be a great Saturday,” WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese said.  “Our thanks to the University of Washington for hosting this annual event.”

The marquee game offers a pair of 2012 undefeated teams.  Bellevue has been a 3A powerhouse, capturing 10 out of the last 12 3A State Championships.  Last year, the Wolverines completed their third-straight undefeated season and have not lost a game since 2010, a loss to Skyline.  The Spartans are looking for revenge from a 2011 loss to Bellevue in their last meeting.  Skyline has had similar success by claiming four out of the last five 4A State Championships creating one of the most highly anticipated match-ups of the 2013 schedule.

The Bothell Cougars were a State semifinal team in 2009 and a quarterfinal team in 2010.  The Cougars have played in three ECKC games with a record of 1-2.  They will get a glimpse of one of the premier teams from neighboring Idaho.  Coeur d’Alene was the 5A (largest Idaho classification) runner-up in 2012 and State Champions in 2010 and 2011.  The Vikings are making their second trip to the ECKC after a 32-14 victory over Moses Lake in 2011.

The third game is another premier cross-classification contest.  The 2A reigning champion, Lynden, has been dominant in recent years.  In 2012, the Lions claimed the State Championship, but suffered one loss on the season – King’s.  The 1A Knights had high hopes in 2012, but ultimately fell short of their State Championship goal when they fell to eventual State Champion Montesano in the quarterfinals.

Roosevelt forced its way in the spotlight in 2012 by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in school history.  This year, the Roughriders will not take too many teams by surprise and look to build momentum from last year’s historic run. However, the Panthers have been a constant contender in the always-tough Metro League.

For the first nine years of the event, Century Link/Qwest Field hosted the ECKC.  However, with scheduling conflicts in 2012 and 2013, the game has moved locations.  Last year, the Kickoff Classic was played at Roos Field in Cheney.

The ECKC will be the second event held at the new Husky Stadium.  The Washington Huskies home opener against Boise State Broncos will be the first game played at the new state-of-the-art venue on August 31.  The $250 million renovation will place Husky Stadium atop the list of premier football facilities.

Fans will get an early opportunity to view the first class facility.  Tickets for the event are $15 for adults, while students and senior citizens are $10.  The ticket includes all four games.