Even though North Kitsap’s football team was not the best in the state, its community support was top-tier.

“It’s really awesome because the biggest part of football is having a community and that brotherhood,” 2016 NKHS graduate Taylor Woodworth said.

NK ended up losing the state title game in Puyallup at Sparks Stadium 31-24, but the community supported it the entire way.

Before the title game against Lynden, some alumni came to practice to show their support.

Alum Joanne Klein said the culture of the community seems to be the same. “I don’t think it’s changed a lot,” Klein said. “We are still a small town that is very unique.” Klein’s brothers played for North Kitsap during the 1960s, while she graduated from NKHS in 1967.

Early on game day Dec. 3, members of the Poulsbo fire and police departments escorted the team through downtown in a parade-like setting.

“It’s awesome to see the community out here and support us,” NK football coach Jeff Weible said. “We left the school today, and the great community supported us on the drive out of town.”

By the time the game started, Viking horns were heard around the stadium and the crowd cheered at the top of its lungs. The Blue Thunder drumline of the Seattle Seahawks was even there to perform.

“It’s almost like you’re at a college game. It’s almost Southwest football high school up here in the Northwest, which we’ve never seen before, so it’s outstanding,” Charles Dungy said, comparing it to the famous Texas prep atmosphere.

Shannon Dungy, who son Carter plays on the team, added: “It’s always exciting and very stressful on a momma’s heart. There is no feeling like it. I can’t describe it.”

Despite falling short of a state title, the Viking faithful still had their team’s back.

“At the end of the day, I’m excited they had a chance for a life-changing experience,” Woodworth said.