High school football: The News Tribune’s 2019 All-Area team
The News Tribune’s All-Area football team has become an annual tradition, highlighting the best players in the South Sound — a region that includes more than 60 high schools, nine leagues, and all six classifications, ranging from 4A to 1B.
The team is carefully selected with input from coaches. This year, 21 schools in the South Sound are represented by players and coaches selected to the All-Area first and second teams.
The 27 first-team spots, broken down by leagues, are 4A NPSL Mountain (six), 4A SPSL (five), 3A Pierce County League (10), 3A South Sound Conference (one), 2A SPSL Mountain (three) and 2A Evergreen Conference (two).
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Emeka Egbuka
Steilacoom
6-foot-1, 190 pounds, jr.
There simply was no player in the South Sound more electric than Egbuka with the ball in his hands. The five-star recruit and two-time 2A SPSL Mountain MVP racked up 1,607 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns on 83 receptions. He had 2,240 all-purpose yards and 35 total touchdowns. And on defense, Egbuka tallied eight interceptions at corner for the Sentinels. Washington’s 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year.
COACHING STAFF
Masaki Matsumoto
Lincoln
Coach of the year
Abes’ fifth-year coach led Lincoln to a 10-3 overall record, the 3A PCL title and the program’s first-ever appearance in the state semifinals. It was the first appearance in the state semifinals by a Tacoma Public Schools program since 1998, when the Marcus Trufant-led 1998 Wilson Rams advanced to the title game.
Jason Bergstrom
Lincoln
Offensive coordinator
Led an Abes offense that averaged 42.4 points per game — the top mark in 3A — and 486 yards per game. This season Lincoln racked up 2,744 rush yards (third in 3A), 3,545 pass yards (best in 3A) and a school-record 6,316 total yards. Offense averaged 30 points per game in the first half of its games in 2019.
Mike Martin
Steilacoom
Defensive coordinator
Second-year Steilacoom defensive coordinator managed one of the state’s most impressive turnarounds for any unit. After giving up a combined 97 points to Lynden and Union in back-to-back weeks, the Sentinels gave up less than 14 points per game through the final 11 games of the season. The defense forced 37 turnovers — including 15 in the playoffs — and tied the school’s season record with three shutouts. Steilacoom’s 42-0 win over Lynden in the 2A state semifinals marked the first time Lynden had been shut out in the postseason since 1979.
BACKFIELD
Sam Huard
Kennedy Catholic
Quarterback, 6-2, 185, jr.
It just keeps getting better for Huard, who threw for 4,168 yards and 56 touchdowns in his junior season — both top marks in the state across all classifications. The UW commit averaged 347.3 yards per game through the air and completed 269-of-426 passes. First-team 4A NPSL Mountain selection.
Abner Sio-Fetaui
Lincoln
Running back, 6-0, 205, sr.
3A PCL MVP turned into a workhorse back for an offense that had favored more spread looks in the past. Rushed 152 times for 1,440 yards, 18 touchdowns and averaged 9.5 yards per carry for the Abes and was key to Lincoln’s state semifinals run.
Dylan Paine
Tumwater
Running back, 5-10, 190, sr.
2A EvCo offensive player of the year was the focal point of 2A state champion Tumwater’s offense. Carried 209 times for 1,729 yards and 28 touchdowns in T-Birds’ wing-T offense, including three scores in the state championship win over Steilacoom. Eclipsed 100 yards in seven of Tumwater’s 14 games this season, and in four of its five playoff games. Leaves the school with 4,307 career rushing yards, despite missing half of his junior season with an ACL injury.
Caden Jumper
Eatonville
Multi-purpose, 6-3, 245, jr.
2A SPSL Mountain offensive player of the year projects as a tight end or linebacker at the next level, but played quarterback for the Cruisers due to the program’s need at the position, and was one of the area’s best dual threats. Rushed 115 times for 1,117 yards and 13 touchdowns, completed 71-of-114 passes for 992 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught nine passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.
Devon Nofoa-Masoe
Lakes
All-purpose, 6-0, 200, soph.
Lauded by longtime Lakes coach Dave Miller for his football IQ, versatile super-sophomore did a little bit of everything for the Lancers. Rushed 78 times for 786 yards and 12 touchdowns, caught 24 passes for 396 yards and four touchdowns and had 48 tackles on defense — including six for losses and three sacks. Was also the team’s punter and returned kicks.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Braeden Bellmer
Puyallup
Offensive lineman, 6-4, 275, sr.
4A SPSL offensive lineman of the year was always the first to arrive to practice and the last to leave. Columbia commit anchored Vikings offensive line at left tackle. Helped a balanced Puyallup offense to the 4A state quarterfinals.
Samuel Peacock
Gig Harbor
Offensive lineman, 6-6, 265, sr.
Two-way lineman was the 3A SSC lineman of the year, showing athleticism and footwork rare for someone his size. Played with a nasty edge for the Tides and was praised for being the hardest worker on the team by coach George Fairhart. Headed to UW.
Wyatt Hansen
Kentwood
Offensive lineman, 6-4, 280, sr.
Eastern Washington commit was key to Conks’ rushing attack, runner-up finish in the 4A NPSL Mountain and state playoffs run. Named lineman of the year in the 4A NPSL Mountain.
Caleb Puapuaga
Lincoln
Offensive lineman, 6-3, 310, sr.
3A PCL offensive lineman of the year anchored the Abes at center and never required double-team help. Helped the Abes to 2,744 rush yards and 3,545 pass yards on the season.
Malik Agbo
Todd Beamer
Offensive lineman, 6-5, 300, soph.
4A NPSL Mountain first-team selection is one of the top recruits in the state in the 2022 class. Combination of size, strength and foot speed made him a difficult matchup all season for opposing defenders.
PASS CATCHERS
Malaki Roberson
Graham-Kapowsin
Wide receiver, 5-8, 175, sr.
4A SPSL offensive player of the year was one of the area’s most dynamic playmakers and elusive athletes in space. Caught 72 passes for 1,164 yards and 13 touchdowns, and added two touchdowns and 235 yards on the ground. Averaged 23 yards per punt return and led the Eagles to the 4A state quarterfinals.
Junior Alexander
Kennedy Catholic
Wide receiver, 6-2, 185, jr.
Alexander was the top target for Huard on a team full of explosive playmakers. Hauled in 67 catches for 1,328 yards and 24 touchdowns. Holds multiple Pac-12 offers, including UW, Washington State, Utah and Cal.
Cameron Parker
Bethel
Wide receiver, 6-0, 180, sr.
Two-time 3A PCL first-teamer has steadily racked up yards for Bethel the past two seasons. This year, he tallied 908 yards and 11 touchdowns, helping lead the Braves to the 3A state quarterfinals. Holds an offer from Rocky Mountain College.
Defensive Line
Nico Golla
Graham-Kapowsin
Defensive lineman, 5-8, 225, sr.
Not the biggest or tallest, it didn’t matter for Golla, the 4A SPSL defensive lineman of the year. With a running back’s speed and a lineman’s strength, the high-motored Eagles’ lineman racked up 13 sacks for Graham-Kapowsin and was a key figure on one of 4A’s top defenses.
Robert Cooper
Bethel
Defensive lineman, 6-5, 255, sr.
Boise State commit was the 3A PCL co-defensive lineman of the year. Had 26 tackles, 10 tackles for losses and seven sacks for the Braves, and allowed Bethel’s talented linebacking and secondary corps to make plays.
Jacob Schuster
Tumwater
Defensive lineman, 6-2, 300, jr.
2A EvCo MVP was a one-man wrecking crew for the T-Birds, which boasted one of the stingiest defenses in the state, which held opponents to just 5.6 offensive points and 31 yards per game rushing. Totaled 61 tackles on the season, including 26 for losses and 9.5 sacks.
Judah Jackson
Steilacoom
Defensive lineman, 6-3, 235, soph.
Explosive defensive end never took plays off for the Sentinels’ defense, which was dominant through the 2A state playoffs. 2A SPSL defensive MVP racked up 69 tackles, 14 tackles for losses and three sacks.
LINEBACKERS
Will Latu
Bethel
Linebacker, 6-0, 220, jr.
Was a do-it-all player for the Braves, appearing at linebacker, defensive back and defensive end on defense. Might be better remembered for his contributions offensively this season, pacing the Braves with more than 1,000 yards and 22 total touchdowns at running back. Holds offers from UW, USC, Tennessee, Utah and others.
Danny Uluilakepa
Puyallup
Linebacker, 6-0, 210
Montana State commit was once again one of the state’s best tacklers. Led the state with 174 tackles per MaxPreps (14.6 tackles per game) and had six tackles for losses and sacks. Two-time 4A SPSL defensive player of the year also spent some time at fullback, rushing 31 times for 117 yards, 43 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Sav’ell Smalls
Kennedy Catholic
Linebacker, 6-4, 245, sr.
Played mostly on the defensive line for Kennedy this year, but projects as an outside linebacker at the next level by most recruiting analysts. Was a matchup nightmare for offensive tackles this season, with 40 tackles, 15 tackles for losses, 35 quarterback hurries, seven sacks and an interception. UW commit also had six touchdowns on offense as a running back.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Julien Simon
Lincoln
Defensive back, 6-2, 215, jr.
Was the best player on a star-studded Lincoln team which was the first in school history to reach the 3A state semifinals. Lauded by his coaching staff for his film study, football IQ and defensive positioning, Simon had 55 tackles, five tackles for losses, two sacks, three quarterback hurries, four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and a fumble recovery. On offense, Simon caught 83 passes for 1,033 yards and 21 touchdowns. He had 1,474 all-purpose yards. 3A PCL first-team receiver and defensive back was also the league’s defensive player of the year. Four-star recruit holds offers from UW, Oregon, USC, Stanford and others.
Alphonse Oywak
Kentwood
Defensive back, 6-2, 171, sr.
Arizona commit was a first-team 4A NPSL Mountain selection at receiver and defensive back. At corner, had four interceptions and five fumble recoveries and 30 tackles. On offense, hauled in 27 catches for 550 yards and six touchdowns.
Jaylen Clark
Lincoln
Defensive back, 6-2, 195, sr.
One of the state’s top two-way players, Clark put together his best year yet in his final high school season. Often shadowed the opposing team’s top receiver, and had four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 35 tackles and nine passes defensed. Offensively, hauled in 52 receptions for 776 yards and 12 touchdowns. First-team 3A PCL selection at wide receiver and defensive back.
Peter Latu
Bethel
Defensive back, 6-5, 215, sr.
Played multiple positions on defense and was used in different ways on both sides of the ball during his career at Bethel. Had 35 tackles, four tackles for losses, one sack and an interception. On offense, added over 600 yards of offense and five touchdowns. Committed to Oregon.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Wyatt Redding
Sumner
Kicker, 6-1, 190, soph.
Was a perfect 29 of 29 on extra-point attempts and converted eight field goals for the Spartans. First-team 4A SPSL selection hit a school-record 51-yard field goal this season. Sumner coach Keith Ross calls him a “true weapon” for the Spartans.
Jasiah Snow-Marshall
Lincoln
Punter, 6-2, 197, sr.
Had a 60-yard punt against Lakes, which was a season long. Will be better remembered as one of the Abes’ best receivers, catching 45 passes for 786 yards and nine touchdowns.
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QB — Chance McDonald, Steilacoom, jr.; Caden Filer, Lincoln, sr.
RB — Sean Skladany, Peninsula, jr.; Gabe Johnson, Kentwood, sr.; Javon Forward, Auburn Riverside, sr.
All-purpose — Isaiah Zetterberg, Cascade Christian, sr.
Multi-purpose — Justin Baker, Kennedy Catholic, sr.
WR — Jabez Tinae, Kennedy Catholic, jr.; Eython Daugherty, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Will Anderson, Olympia, sr.; Chase Wittmers, Peninsula, sr.
OL — Taliese Fuaga, Mount Tahoma, sr.; Villami Hofoka, Tumwater, sr.; Austin Lawrence, Puyallup, sr.; Brenden Rivera, Gig Harbor, sr.
DEFENSE
DL — Jeremiah Noaese, Lincoln, sr.; Bradley McGannon, Yelm, sr.; Victor Juarez, Kentwood, sr.; Jonah Mains, Emerald Ridge, sr.
LB — Jonas Waugh, Graham-Kapowsin, jr.; Mitchell Wolfe, Sumner, sr.; Denny Tiumalu, Todd Beamer, sr.
DB — Tino Hansen, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Donovan Clark, Lincoln, sr.; Lamar Campbell, Sumner, sr.; Teagin Child, Auburn Mountainview, jr.; Jaedon Hall, Lakes, jr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K — Julian Huizer, Auburn Mountainview, sr.
P — Ben Krasnokutsky, Olympia, sr.
