The Anacortes (Wash.) High School football team has been cleared of all scrutiny following an investigation by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association into the team’s alleged use of electronic devices in players’ helmets. The full investigative report was released on Jan. 8.
According to Cascadia Daily News, Anacortes won back-to-back 2A state championships, but while the team was celebrating, opponents were raising an eyebrow.
An initial complaint was filed by WF West High School athletic director Tommy Elder in November 2025 after a former West High School player came forward with information he received from a former Anacortes player alleging that their helmets had deactivated speakers built in. Elder told the WIAA that video evidence “showed defensive players consistently covering ear holes in their helmets with their hands and then adjusting their position on the field to make a play against the opponent.”
Elder’s complaint was followed by hours of video clips from the 2024 and 2025 football seasons, gathered from multiple opponents.
Despite the massive amounts of footage and Elder’s own account, the WIAA’s investigation by Dan Teeter found that “the evidence submitted was circumstantial, and declared it is reasonable to believe there were no listening devices in the helmets of Anacortes football players.”
“The accusations were based on a misleading narrative,” Anacortes football coach and athletic director Justin Portz said. “The only thing evident on film is we have a well-prepared football team.”
Portz pointed to faulty chin straps as the reason his players so frequently adjusted their helmets.
Meanwhile, Teeter watched the footage and interviewed all 46 current student-athletes, along with alumni. He also spoke with the equipment managers, officials and examined the helmets. He concluded there was no reason to believe the helmets contained listening devices.
“We felt disrespected,” Portz said. “We worked really hard and we are a small school with some success. It’s hard not to be defensive. Everyone began to share that feeling.”
