Another Washington high school classification just saw its state football bracket drop to 12 teams

Two years after 1A fell below the minimum 44-school threshold required by the WIAA to hold a 16-team state bracket, 2B now is facing the same circumstance in 2026

Class 2B playoff hopefuls such as Newport, led by Kutter Driver, right, saw their allocation number reduced to 12 teams for the upcoming WIAA playoffs. (Jason Duchow / Jacob Duchow Photography)

In the race to the all-glory Gridiron Classic, it was announced Monday that the state-playoff field has been reduced yet again, this time for a different WIAA classification.

For any of Class 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A, 2B or 1B to be eligible to hold a standard 16-team state football bracket, a minimum of 44 member schools (range is 44 to 67) must be eligible to participate in that classification’s postseason.