For the 11th straight year, the South Whidbey High School Knowledge Bowl team has advanced to the state playoffs in its division.

Last month in Blaine, in an overtime tiebreaking match against Sehome High School, the season came down to a two-question victory for South Whidbey’s Arrrgyle Pirates.

The Knowledge Bowl competitions pit 55 regional teams from schools of all sizes against each other in a round-robin format.

“There are three tournaments during the season,” explained academic coach Greg Ballog. “Regional playoffs determine which teams advance to state playoffs.”

South Whidbey will compete against the 16 winning teams from across the state for the state title.

The team will travel to the state competition in Richland on March 26. This year’s Falcon state competitors include Will Mellish (team captain), Gabe Frishman, Dinah Hassrick, Lisa Sparks, Ramona Fankhauser, Athena Michaelades and Claire Hofius.