Royal claims fourth title in five seasons with 26-22 win

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Royal’s Cooper Christensen collides with the defender after making the catch in a rainy first half in Lakewood.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Royal coaches embrace after the Knights defeated Lynden Christian on Saturday to claim the 1A title.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Lorenzo Myrick tries to fight his way forward with a Lynden Christian defender draped around him in the first half of the 1A Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Derek Bergeson wraps up the Lynden Christian player for the tackle behind the line of scrimmage on Saturday.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Caleb Christensen and Lorenzo Myrick celebrate after Christensen seals the victory by taking a knee on the final play of the 26-22 victory.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Caleb Christensen steps back to pass during the first half of the 1A State Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Royal quarterback Caleb Christensen runs in for the touchdown late in the first half to even the score at 7-7.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Lorenzo Myrick pushes forward as the Lynden Christian players swarm to make the tackle in the first half on Saturday.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Cooper Christensen raises the ball in celebration after sealing the title for the Knights with a late interception against the Lyncs.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Cooper Christensen hauls in the catch near the sideline for Royal on the team’s way to their fourth title in five years.

Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald Royal coaches and players gather for a photo after winning the 1A Championship over Lynden Christian, 26-22.