Denzel During his brief career, Boston has participated in two Apple Cups. The sophomore wide receiver from Washington has never left without the award.

Playing in his third season at Washington, the South Hill native is aware that there is a stake in maintaining regional pride. Friends of his from Washington State have been warning him that the Huskies will not win the Apple Cup this year.

“I tell them, we aint losing to no Cougs while I’m here,” Boston remarked.

During UW’s Tuesday media availability in the new team room at Husky Stadium—which now houses the Apple Cup trophy case—defense coordinator Steve Belichick, offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll, and fifth-year linebacker Carson Bruener all talked.

The 116th Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State will take place this Saturday at Lumen Field at 12:30 p.m. Since the Huskies joined the Big Ten and the Cougars were left in the Pac-12, this is the first game between the cross-state rivals.

As Boston put it, “I’ve never not seen the trophy in the case, so it’s definitely a personal thing.” “I would rather not see it empty.”

But Bruener has experienced losing the Apple Cup before.

The Redmond native and Husky dynasty arrived prior to the 2020 campaign; however, the Apple Cup was canceled that year because Washington State’s scholarship player count fell short of the required minimum due to COVID-19.

A year later, in the 2021 Apple Cup at Husky Stadium, Bruener participated in Washington’s 40-14 loss. On his home field, he witnessed the Cougars’ victory celebrations. He also witnessed Jayden De Laura, a former quarterback for Washington State who later transferred to Arizona and played for UW coach Jedd Fisch, plant a WSU flag on the Washington logo.

“We had to sit here and stare at that empty [trophy] case for a whole year, and I won’t forget that moment,” Bruener remarked. It wasn’t enjoyable. I didn’t feel comfortable with it.

Following that, Bruener participated in the rivalry in 2022 and 2023, including a 14-tackle effort in the previous season, as Washington won both games. He claimed that 2021’s defeat had inspired him.

“I remember that moment every time we’ve played them,” Bruener remarked. “When I think about it, it brings that extra aggression, that extra passion, to the game.”

As natives of Puget Sound, Boston and Bruener are well aware of the significance of the Apple Cup. However, 44 new scholarship athletes who haven’t had as much time to become ingrained in UW culture are also on the Washington roster.

Carroll stated that in order to help newcomers understand the significance of the game, the coaching staff has relied on players like Boston and Bruener. Boston highlighted how crucial it is for players like Bruener, who will run out of eligibility at the end of this season, to win the Apple Cup this year.

Bruener acknowledged that for players who have never seen the Apple Cup, it can be challenging to contextualize it. His strategy has been to share with his teammates his experiences as a fan attending games between UW and WSU, long before he ever donned the purple and gold.

Bruener remarked, “That trophy means a lot to me.” “Being able to keep it here is very important to me because of the history between these two teams and everything.”

Prepare for the nonconference Apple Cup with Washington and Washington State.

September and the Apple Cup as a nonconference match?

The times have evolved.

Washington and Washington State, two of the final two teams in the Pacific-12 Conference and the newcomers to the Big Ten, will square off on Saturday afternoon at Lumen Field, home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. Both teams are off to 2-0 starts.

“I hope you practice the same way regardless of our opponent,” Washington coach Jedd Fisch, who will be participating in his first Apple Cup, stated. However, you practice a little more intensely before a rivalry game. There is a little more fervor in the competition. There is slightly more enthusiasm on the field.

Washington leads the rivalry, which spans five years, 73-32-6. The schools agreed to prolong it for a another five years last year, marking the first time they have played in different leagues since 1962.

Over the course of the next four seasons, home fields for each school will host games in turn.

“We’ll keep emphasizing the significance of the game to our players, but not to the extent that it causes them to lose focus or neglect their preparation and discipline,” Fisch said.

The head coach expressed his excitement for the rivalry game, saying it will bring a level of intensity not often seen in nonconference play. He also hopes it lasts for many more years.

Fisch remarked, “I know we have it for the next five years.” “So it’s going to be really important over these next five years that we continue to make this game as important as it is.”

The Huskies began the season with two victories at home: 30-9 against Eastern Michigan and 35-3 over Weber State. Jonah Coleman has run for 231 yards and three touchdowns while Washington quarterback Will Rogers has completed 41 of 52 throws for 511 yards and five touchdowns.

In Pullman, Washington, games this season, Washington State has defeated Texas Tech 37-16 and Portland State 70-30. John Mateer, the quarterback for the Cougars, has completed 20 of 36 passes for 467 yards and six touchdowns in addition to rushing for a team-high 252 yards.

Coach of the Cougars, Jake Dickert, stated, “Obviously, our guys will be really excited to play.” “I think they know what’s on the line … to get the Apple Cup back in Pullman is a big deal.”