4A NPSL football preview: Top teams, players for 2018

ON THE THRONE

Kentwood beat out Hazen for the Cascade Division title, while Enumclaw edged Auburn Riverside for the Olympic Division crown. Despite both divisions sending a combined eight teams to the district playoffs, Kentwood was the only team to advance beyond Week 10. The Conquerors then lost in the first round of the state playoffs to eventual runner-up Woodinville.

CHANGE IS GOOD

The 4A NPSL has restructured for the 2018 season, trading in the two-division format for a tiered system. The league will be broken down into three divisions (Mountain, Valley and Sound) based on previous records and input from coaches and athletic directors. Twelve teams (six Mountain, four Valley and two Sound) will advance to Week 9, with the winners earning a berth to the district playoffs.

10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

RB/LB Trey Davis, Federal Way, sr.: USC commit will be versatile on defense, and could play safety, corner or linebacker. Will line up in the backfield on offense, too.

WR/DB Ethan Eilertson, Enumclaw, sr.: First-team 4A NPSL Olympic pick led the Hornets in receiving and has two college offers.

OL/DL Wyatt Hansen, Kentwood, jr.: Two-way starter for the Conquerors was the 4A NPSL Cascade offensive lineman of the year as a sophomore, and a first-team pick on the defensive line.

QB Sam Huard, Kennedy Catholic, soph.: MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year led the state in passing in 2017, throwing for 3,432 yards and 34 touchdowns. Has offers from Florida, WSU and Nevada.

QB Kellen Kranc, Enumclaw, sr.: First-team 4A NPSL Olympic pick a year ago has three college offers after throwing for nearly 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns.

TE/DE Justus Legg, Auburn Riverside, sr.: Led a defense that shut out its first three opponents in 2017 and finished with nine sacks. Considering seven Division I schools, including Michigan, Oregon and Utah.

QB Brandon Niksich, Todd Beamer, sr.: Former Northwest 9 competitor has an offer from Simon Fraser.

WR Jabez Tinae, Kennedy Catholic, soph.: Was Huard’s top target as a freshman, leading the Lancers in receiving last season witch 59 catches for 1,278 yards and 12 touchdowns.

RB/LB Alphonzo Tuputala, Federal Way, sr.: UW commit led the Eagles in tackles the past two seasons. Was a 4A NPSL Olympic first-teamer in 2017;

WR/DB Corbin Walker, Hazen, sr.: 4A NPSL Cascade all-purpose player of the year had 43 tackles and two interceptions at corner, and 870 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Has four FCS offers.

PROJECTED FINISH

Mountain Division — Enumclaw, Kennedy Catholic, Todd Beamer, Auburn Riverside, Kentwood, Tahoma

Valley Division — Federal Way, Hazen, Kentlake, Auburn Mountainview, Auburn

Sound Division — Mount Rainier, Decatur, Kentridge, Thomas Jefferson, Kent Meridian

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

AUBURN RIVERSIDE RAVENS

Coach: Marcus Yzaguirre, first year

2017: 8-2, 4A NPSL Olympic runner-up, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Marcus Yzaguirre (spread). Returning starters — 4. Top players — RB Javon Forward, 6-1, 210, jr.; TE Justus Legg, 6-5, 240, sr.; OL Jordan Robinson, 6-2, 255, jr.; OL Eyvar Robles, 6-3, 285, sr.; RB Jayden Solis, 6-2, 225, jr.; QB D’Andre Stevens-Suaava, 6-1, 170, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Keith Terry (4-2). Returning starters — 8. Top players — DB Javon Forward, 6-1, 210, jr.; DL Joel Guerrero, 5-11, 245, jr.; DE Justus Legg, 6-5, 240, sr.; DB Tyrus Malietufa, 6-1, 170, sr.; LB Jayden Solis, 6-2, 225, jr.; DB D’Andre Stevens-Suaava, 6-1, 170, sr.

ENUMCLAW HORNETS

Coach: Mark Gunderson, seventh year

2017: 8-3, 4A NPSL Olympic champion, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Jeff Johnson (2 back multiple). Returning starters — 8. Top players — WR Ethan Eilertson, 6-3 180, sr.; RB Nick Harberts, 6-0, 210, sr.; QB Kellen Kranc, 6-4, 185, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Mark Gunderson (5-2). Returning starters — 9. Top players — DB Bryson Engebretsen, 6-0, 165, sr.; LB Nick Harberts, 6-0, 210, sr.; LB Kameron McKee, 6-1, 195, sr.; DB Anthony Russell, 5-9, 155, sr.; DL Mathew Utu, 6-2, 235, sr.;

KENNEDY CATHOLIC LANCERS

Coach: Sheldon Cross, third year

2017: 6-4, fifth in 4A NPSL Cascade

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Sheldon Cross (air raid). Returning starters — 9. Top players — WR Junior Alexander, 6-3, 170, soph.; OL Lei Ben Fesili, 6-2, 300, jr.; OL Marshall Hatfield, 6-0, 255, sr.; QB Sam Huard, 6-0, 180, soph.; OL Jacob McFarlane, 6-0, 270, sr.; WR Reed Shumpert, 5-11, 165, soph.; WR Jabez Tinae, 6-1, 185, soph.; OL Thomas Tran, 6-0, 275, soph.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Martez Johnson and Nolan Washington (4-2). Top players — LB Shane Aleaga, 6-1, 185, soph.; DB Justin Baker, 5-11, 170, jr.; DB Kieran Collins, 6-1, 165, fr.; DB Davis Dengah, 6-0, 170, jr.; LB Garret Kohler, 6-0, 180, sr.; DL Jahvius Leui, 6-0, 245, jr.; LB Riley Maroni, 6-0, 205, jr.; DB Noah Rushing, 5-11, 170, fr.

KENTWOOD CONQUERORS

Coach: Michael Bush, fourth year

2017: 9-3, 4A NPSL Cascade champion, lost in first round of state playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Matt Roth (multiple). Returning starters — 5. Top players — TE Trevon Erickson, 6-3, 215, jr.; OL Wyatt Hansen, 6-4, 260, jr.; OL Derek Kersey, 5-11, 245, sr.; OL Luke Klein, 5-11, 250, sr.; OL Conner McArthur, 6-4, 345, sr.; WR Alphonse Oywak, 6-2, 175, jr.; WR Tidane Sow, 6-4, 195, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Dion Alexander (3-3 stack). Returning starters — 5. Top players — DB Jalen Adams, 5-10, 150, sr.; LB K.J. Cooper, 6-0, 185, jr.; DB Dyllon Daniels, 5-10, 165, jr.; LB Trevon Erickson, 6-3, 215, jr.; DL Wyatt Hansen, 6-4, 260, jr.; DL/LB Luke Klein, 5-11, 250, sr.; LB Nick Musga, 6-1, 175, jr.; DB Alphonse Oywak, 6-2, 175, jr.; LB Myles Webster-Harrison, 6-3, 180, sr.;

TAHOMA BEARS

Coach: Tony Davis, 25th year

2017: 6-4, third in 4A NPSL Cascade, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Melvin Wells (spread). Returning starters — 3. Top players — OL Ryan Clarin, 6-2, 285, sr.; OL Brennen Heggenes, 6-3, 230, sr.; WR Artur Hrabar, 6-0, 180, sr.; RB Max Repenn, 6-0, 200, sr.; WR Carson Ringhiser, 5-9, 165, jr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Rex Norris (odd front). Returning starters — 2. Top players — DL Brennen Heggenes, 6-3, 230, sr.; LB Artur Hrabar, 6-0, 180, sr.; DB Tim McGonegle, 6-1, 170, sr.; DB Carson Ringhiser, 5-9, 165, jr.

TODD BEAMER TITANS

Coach: Darren McKay, seventh year

2017: 7-3, third in 4A NPSL Olympic, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Carter McKay (spread). Returning starters — 7. Top players — OL I’Ava Lui, 5-11, 275, jr.; QB Brandon Niksich, 6-3, 175, sr.; OL Daddee Matila, 6-4, 340, sr.; OL Marques Richards, 6-1, 230, sr.; WR Blake Stafford, 5-11, 160, jr.; OL Kiko Vaimauga, 6-0, 335, soph.; RB Billy Vann, 5-9, 190, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Darren McKay (4-2-5). Returning starters — 9. Top players — DB Brycen Dillworth, 5-10, 165, jr.; DL Daddee Matila, 6-4, 340, sr.; DB Kincade McFarlane, 6-2, 210, sr.; LB Demarcus Simpson, 6-1, 240, sr.; LB Denny Tiumalu, 6-0, 195, jr.; DB Alex Rogers, 5-11, 195, jr.; DL Kiko Vaimauga, 6-0, 335, soph.; DB Billy Vann, 5-9, 190, sr.

VALLEY DIVISION

AUBURN TROJANS

Coach: Aaron Chantler, first year

2017: 6-4, fifth in 4A NPSL Olympic

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Aaron Chantler (spread). Returning starters — 2. Top players — WR Josiah Fagan, 5-11, 185, sr.; QB Calvin Liulamaga, 6-0, 215, sr.; OL Jorge Martinez, 6-4, 300, sr.; WR Adam Nasheed, 6-2, 190, sr.; OL Omar Young, 6-6, 240, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Gordy Elliott (flex). Returning starters — 4. Top players — DB Carter Casaad, 6-0, 190, sr.; DB Calvin Liulamaga, 6-0, 215, sr.; DB Timmy Marksbury, 6-1, 195, sr.; DB Adam Nasheed, 6-2, 190, sr.; LB Randy Puletu, 6-3, 200, sr.

AUBURN MOUNTAINVIEW LIONS

Coach: Jared Gervais, eighth year

2017: 4-6, fourth in 4A NPSL Olympic, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Jared Gervais (spread). Returning starters — 7. Top players — WR Bill Benjamin, 6-2, 170, sr.; OL Varen Daggs, 5-10, 240, sr.; K/P Carlos Huizar, 5-9, 165, sr.; RB Isaiah Kenard, 5-10, 175, sr.; OL Jaron Marks, 6-2, 235, sr.; OL Viliamu Taimalelagi, 5-10, 250, jr.; WR Cooper White, 5-6, 150, jr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Kent Rodseth (3-3 stack). Returning starters — 8. Top players — DB Bill Benjamin, 6-2, 170, sr.; DB Drew Davenport, 5-10, 175, jr.; DL Keanu Mailoto, 6-2, 225, soph.; DL Jaron Marks, 6-2, 235, sr.; LB Caden Reyes, 5-10, 180, jr.

FEDERAL WAY EAGLES

Coach: John Meagher, 21st year

2017: 4-6, sixth in 4A NPSL Olympic

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Beckett Cordes (spread). Returning starters — 6. Top players — RB Milton Arnold, 5-9, 165, sr.; WR Julio Chavez-Tilei, 6-2, 175, sr.; RB Trey Davis, 5-11, 185, sr.; OL Rudy Delatorre, 5-9, 205, sr.; OL Elijah Tuiletufuga, 5-11, 240, sr.; RB Alphonzo Tuputala, 6-3, 235, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — C.J. Green (4-3). Returning starters — 5. Top players — DL Milton Arnold, 5-9, 165, sr.; DB Trey Davis, 5-11, 185, sr.; LB Rudy Delatorre, 5-9, 205, sr.; DB Poet Grayson, 5-10, 175, sr.; LB Alponzo Tuputala, 6-3, 235, sr.

HAZEN HIGHLANDERS

Coach: Chris Bennett, third year

2017: 7-4, 4A NPSL Cascade runner-up, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Chris Bennett (multiple). Returning starters — 6. Top players — WR Gerald Damus, 6-1, 170, sr.; OL Vance Dumas, 6-0, 260, sr.; WR Delaend Ford, 6-1, 170, sr.; QB Jaxon Ingram, 6-4, 220, jr.; WR Gabriel Ogunleye, 6-2, 170, soph.; OL Nate Spears, 6-0, 225, sr.; WR Corbin Walker, 6-0, 175, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Brian Hartline (multiple). Returning starters — 6. Top players — DB Gerald Damus, 6-1, 170, sr.; DL Vance Dumas, 6-0, 260, sr.; DB Delaend Ford, 6-1, 170, sr.; LB Alved Harris, 6-0, 195, sr.; LB Vincent Pualani, 6-0, 185, sr.; DL Nate Spears, 6-0, 225, sr.; DB Corbin Walker, 6-0, 170, sr.;

KENTLAKE FALCONS

Coach: Brett Thompson, fourth year

2017: 5-5, fourth in 4A NPSL Cascade, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Kevin Hurt (multiple). Returning starters — 6. Top players — TE Carson Lucas, 6-2, 215, sr.; QB Hudson Potts, 5-9, 170, sr.; WR Jeremiah Woods, 6-1, 180, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Brett Thompson (4-2-5). Returning starters — 5. Top players — LB Carson Lucas, 6-2, 215, sr.; DB Hudson Potts, 5-9, 170, sr.; DB Jalen Taylor, 5-10, 170, jr.; DB Jeremiah Woods, 6-1, 180, sr.

SOUND DIVISION

DECATUR GATORS

Coach: Matthew Vaeena, first year

2017: 3-7, eighth in 4A NPSL Olympic

Offense: Coordinator (set) — James Diggins (pistol). Returning starters — 5. Top players — OL Junior Ameperosa, 6-0, 295, sr.; RB J.C. Clay, 5-7, 165, soph.; QB Isaac May, 5-9, 190, jr.; RB Jeremiah Palaita, 6-1, 225, sr.; RB/WR Jeff Salavea, 5-9, 175, soph.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — (4-2-5). Returning starters — 6. Top players — DL Junior Ameperosa, 6-0, 295, sr.; LB Marcellis Fuavai, 6-2, 245, soph.; DB Daniel Hylton, 5-10, 190, jr.; LB Jeremiah Palaita, 6-1, 225, sr.; DB Tyler Satterwhite, 5-8, 185, soph.

KENT MERIDIAN ROYALS

Coach: Justin Callander, first year

2017: 0-10, eighth in 4A NPSL Cascade

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Anthony Bogan (spread). Returning starters — 4. Top players — OL Tua Areta, 6-4, 320, sr.; QB Isaac Cordova, 6-2, 210, sr.; OL Isiaih Daravong, 6-3, 260, sr.; WR Karandeep Dhillon, 5-8, 150, soph.; WR Nate Jones, 6-0, 180, sr.; OL Dilon Sosa, 5-8, 270, sr.; TE Aaron Tulloch, 6-3, 240, sr.; WR Jordan Wigfall, 6-0, 160, sr.; WR Ronald Wilson III, 6-1, 180, jr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Justin Callander (4-2-5). Returning starters — 4. Top players — DL Tua Areta, 6-4, 320, sr.; DB Jamar Craddieth, 6-1, 180, jr.; LB Chris Kormann, 6-2, 200, sr.; DB Nate Jones, 6-0, 180, sr.; LB Kaden Oglesby, 5-11, 220, jr.; LB Aaron Tulloch, 6-3, 240, sr.; DB Ronald Wilson III, 6-1, 180, jr.

KENTRIDGE CHARGERS

Coach: Brett Ogata, second year

2017: 2-8, seventh in 4A NPSL Cascade

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Brett Ogata (spread). Returning starters — 6. Top players — OL James Adams, 6-3, 270, sr.; WR Jeremy Banks, 6-1, 185, sr.; OL Jacob Crumb, 6-3, 275, jr.; WR Michael Faber, 6-2, 175, jr.; RB Jaron Gonzales, 5-8, 190, sr.; WR Ben Victoria, 6-2, 180, sr.; QB Natano Woods, 6-5, 250, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Mitch Fowler (4-2-5). Returning starters — 5. Top players — DB Will Acay, 6-1, 175, jr.; LB Louie Albrecht, 6-0, 180, jr.; DB Jeremy Banks, 6-1, 185, sr.; LB Jaron Gonzales, 5-8, 190, sr.; DL Jeremiah Thomas, 5-8, 205, sr.; LB Payton Thomas, 5-8, 190, jr.; DB Ben Victoria, 6-2, 180, sr.

MOUNT RAINIER RAMS

Coach: Tremain Mack, seventh year

2017: 2-7, sixth in 4A NPSL Cascade

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Scott McCarron (spread). Returning starters — 7. Top players — OL Anthony Aguilar, 5-9, 230, jr.; WR Zeek Cruz (Pestana), 5-9, 170, jr.; QB Jayden Tamburelli, 5-10, 165, jr.; OL Phillip Vilaysom, 5-7, 200, sr. WR Nolan Willard, 6-1, 175, jr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Tremain Mack (4-3). Returning starters — 6. Top players — DL/LB Krenar Ajdini, 6-0, 210, jr.; DB Joe Grantham, 5-10, 160, sr.; DL Jeremiah Judd, 6-1, 205, jr.; LB Carden Sadettan, 5-9, 165, jr.

THOMAS JEFFERSON RAIDERS

Coach: Michael Talamaivao, first year

2017: 1-9, seventh in 4A NPSL Olympic

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Brian West (spread). Returning starters — 7. Top players — OL Fernando Castellanos, 6-0, 200, jr.; RB Damarion Davis, 5-9, 175, jr.; OL Daniel Fernandez, 6-1, 290, sr.; RB Charles Wight, 5-11, 195, jr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Michael Talamaivao (3-4). Returning starters — 8. Top players — LB Caleb Bloodsaw, 6-0, 190, jr.; DB Max Lundberg, 5-9, 160, jr.; DB Myles Turner, 5-9, 165, jr.