Three 3A KingCo football programs—Mercer Island, Liberty and Inglemoor—are headed to Issaquah High School on Saturday, Oct. 27, for a Kansas tiebreaker that will determine the last two postseason berths in the Crest division.
Why a tiebreaker is needed
All three teams sit at 5-1 in league play after Liberty fell 10-3 to Inglemoor on Oct. 24. Because the league’s rules require a clear ranking for the top three spots, a Kansas tiebreaker will be used to separate the teams.
How the Kansas tiebreaker works
The format differs from a standard high‑school game. Each matchup consists of two 12‑minute quarters. The winner moves on, while the loser faces the remaining team after a 20‑minute intermission. If a game is tied after the 24 minutes, overtime follows regular high‑school rules—alternating possessions from the 25‑yard line.
Game order and schedule
At the start of the season, each 3A KingCo school drew a number to determine potential tiebreaker pairings. Mercer Island received the No. 3 draw and will host Liberty, the No. 6 draw, at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 27. The victor of that contest will advance to face Bellevue in the Week 9 KingCo championship and lock in a playoff spot.
The loser of the Mercer Island‑Liberty game will immediately meet Inglemoor in a win‑or‑go‑home finale. The winner of that second matchup will claim the final postseason berth.
What’s at stake
Beyond the immediate playoff implications, the tiebreaker offers each program a chance to showcase the resilience and sportsmanship that define King County high‑school athletics. Parents, alumni and community members are expected to fill the stands at Issaquah High, supporting their local teams as they battle for a spot in the state tournament.
Both coaches emphasized the importance of staying focused and playing “the right way.” Liberty’s head coach noted, “Our kids have worked hard all season; this is an opportunity to finish strong.” Inglemoor’s coach added, “We respect our opponents and will give everything we have on the field.”
Looking ahead
The winner of the Kansas tiebreaker will join Bellevue in the upcoming KingCo championship, a game that could determine the division’s representative at the state level. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, respect the modified game format, and cheer loudly for their hometown heroes.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
