High school football: The News Tribune’s fall 2021 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 and all six classifications, ranging from 4A to 1B.

The team is carefully selected with input from coaches. This year, 31 schools in the South Sound are represented by players and coaches selected to the All-Area first and second teams.

The 34 first-team spots, broken down by leagues, are 4A/3A North Puget Sound League (four), 4A South Puget Sound League (14), 3A Pierce County League (five), 3A South Sound Conference (five), 2A SPSL (one), 2A Evergreen Conference (three) and 1A Evergreen Conference (two).

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JOSHUA WOOD

Graham-Kapowsin

Quarterback, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, sr.

The best player on the state’s best team dazzled in all facets of the game, throwing for 2,222 yards, 31 touchdowns and five interceptions, while adding 535 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, leading Graham-Kapowsin to the Class 4A state title. Threw the game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds of Graham-Kapowsin’s GEICO State Champions Bowl Series game against nationally-ranked Collins Hill, the Georgia 7A state champion. Verbally committed to Eastern Washington.

COACHING STAFF

ERIC KURLE

Graham-Kapowsin

Coach of the year

At long last, Kurle finally chased down the state title that had eluded him over his 26-year head coaching career. He led the Eagles to a 14-0 record in Washington and the Class 4A state championship, in which G-K beat Lake Stevens, 44-7. His team won its games in Washington by an average margin of 41 points this season. Also coached Graham-Kapowsin to a win over Georgia 7A state champion Collins Hill in Las Vegas in the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series game, capping off a perfect season (15-0) and putting the 2021 Graham-Kapowsin Eagles in the conversation of the best teams to ever come out of Washington.

GAVIN KRALIK

Eatonville

Offensive coordinator

Cruisers’ head coach was also the play caller for Eatonville, leading an offense that averaged 42 points per game and advanced to the 1A state championship game, where Eatonville fell to top-seeded Royal. Royal was the only team that had an answer for Eatonville’s up-tempo, varied offense this fall.

TIM OTTON

Tumwater

Defensive coordinator

Managed one of the state’s best defenses in Class 2A. The T-Birds gave up just 11.9 points per game this fall, including allowing just three points to Squalicum’s potent rushing attack in the 2A state tournament semifinal round.

BACKFIELD

GABARRI JOHNSON

Lincoln

Quarterback, 6-2, 185, jr.

The junior lived up to the hype this fall, showing why he’s a highly-coveted recruit nationally in the 2023 class. 3A Pierce County League MVP threw for 2,222 yards and 28 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Also rushed for 737 yards and 15 touchdowns, posting highlight-reel plays all season and making defenders miss with ease.

BRAYDEN PLATT

Yelm

Running back, 6-2, 235, soph.

The sophomore’s stock is rising quickly. The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder featured prominently both at running back and linebacker for the Tornados. 3A South Sound Conference first-team selection rushed 158 times for 1,152 yards and 15 touchdowns. On defense, had 78 tackles, two sacks, five tackles for loss and two interceptions. Holds an offer from UW. “He’s a monster with the ball in his hands,” said Yelm coach Jason Ronquillo. “Defensively, he’s a wrecking ball.”

LEO PULALASI

Lakes

Running back, 6-1, 205, jr.

The 3A Pierce County League offensive player of the year did a bit of everything for Lakes. He rushed for 931 yards and 13 touchdowns, caught 21 passes for 380 yards and five touchdowns and even played a bit of quarterback, throwing for a pair of touchdowns. Holds a Portland State offer.

THADDEUS UMI-TUATO’O

Auburn Riverside

Muliti-purpose, 5-9, 170, sr.

The North Puget Sound League White Division player of the year had over 1,200 all-purpose yards for the Ravens, rushing 114 times for 891 yards and 10 touchdowns and hauling in eight receptions for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Three-year starter led the Ravens to the league title and playoffs. “He was a threat to score each time he touched the ball,” said Auburn Riverside coach Greg Herd.

ANDRE JORDAN

Federal Way

All-purpose, 6-1, 170, jr.

The 4A North Puget Sound League Red Division defensive back of the year was an all-league defensive back, all-league receiver and the league’s kick returner of the year. “One of the most electric players in the league this year,” said Federal Way coach Marcus Yzaguirre. “He locked down each team’s best wide receiver every week.” Had three interceptions on the season. Holds offers from Oregon State, Virginia Tech and Nevada.

OFFENSIVE LINE

MALIK AGBO

Todd Beamer

Offensive lineman, 6-5, 320, sr.

Always sporting a wide smile, Agbo was the gentle giant of the North Puget Sound League. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound, size-19-shoe wearing lineman overpowered opponents with ease. Texas signee had a long list of offers from some of the nation’s top programs, including Oklahoma, Alabama, Miami and others.

KYLE COX

Eatonville

Offensive lineman, 6-6, 270, jr.

The 6-foot-6, 270-pound left tackle was a first-team selection in the 1A Evergreen Conference and a dominant force for the Cruisers, which reached the 1A state championship game this fall. Anchored the line for an offense that averaged over 40 points per game and only allowed two sacks in 12 games.

VEGA IOANE

Graham-Kapowsin

Offensive lineman, 6-4, 320, sr.

6-foot-4, 320-pound left tackle was the 4A South Puget Sound League’s co-offensive lineman of the year and the most imposing physical presence on the state’s top offensive line. Three-star recruit recently reopened his recruitment. He holds offers from UW, Minnesota, BYU, Arizona State and others.

DAVI IULI

Puyallup

Offensive lineman, 6-5, 315, sr.

Four-star prospect was the co-offensive lineman of the year in the 4A South Puget Sound League. Played left tackle and left guard on a Puyallup team that was once again on the league’s best. “His dominant run blocking and competitive performances up front on both sides of the ball were noticed even to the casual fan,” said Puyallup coach Brian Grout.

HALL SCHMIDT

Peninsula

Offensive lineman, 6-7, 300, sr.

Boise State commit was the lineman of the year in the 3A South Sound Conference. The 6-foot-7, 290-pounder had great mobility for his size, per Seahawks coach Ross Filkins. Stuck with his Boise State commitment despite late interest from Arizona and USC.

PASS CATCHERS

DENZEL BOSTON

Emerald Ridge

Wide receiver, 6-4, 185, sr.

First-team 4A South Puget Sound League selection was productive despite consistent double teams from defenses this season. Caught 42 passes for 651 yards and seven touchdowns for the Jags. Emerald Ridge coach Adam Schakel calls him a “matchup problem.” UW signee.

JORDAN DWYER

Puyallup

Wide receiver, 6-1, 175, sr.

Few players were as impactful on both sides of the ball than Dwyer was for the Vikings this fall. On offense, he caught 64 passes for 1,132 yards and 10 touchdowns and had 12 total touchdowns. Defensively, had a pair of interceptions and on special teams, returned a kick for a touchdown. Puyallup coach Brian Grout calls Dwyer one of the most explosive receiving weapons in program history. “His ability to be able to score with the ball in his hands from any space or any situation while he is on the field is what made him special,” Grout said.

MASON JUERGENS

Olympia

Wide receiver, 6-2, 195, jr.

First-team 4A South Puget Sound League selection hauled in 72 catches for 1,172 yards and 16 touchdowns. “He runs amazing routes and catches everything,” said Olympia coach Nick Mullen. “He has deceptive speed. … He outworks the DB from the snap until the play is over.” Defensively, had 37 tackles, a sack, three tackles for loss and an interception.

JULIAN MASON

Graham-Kapowsin

Wide receiver, 6-0, 175, sr.

The No. 1 target for quarterback Joshua Wood, who Mason has been friends with since the two were in third grade. Caught 58 passes for 873 yards and seven touchdowns for the 4A state champion Eagles.

HUDSON CEDARLAND

Gig Harbor

Tight end, 6-4, 220, sr.

Named the 3A South Sound Conference MVP despite Gig Harbor not winning the league, a show of how well respected he was by coaches around the league. “Extremely great athleticism, great production on both sides of the ball consistently all year long,” said Tides coach George Fairhart. Had 43 catches for 771 yards and 10 touchdowns, rushed 14 times for 41 yards and three touchdowns. At linebacker — where he’s projected to play in college — had 106 tackles, two sacks and nine tackles for loss. WSU signee.

AUSTIN TERRY

Tumwater

Tight end, 6-5, 230, sr.

The 2A Evergreen Conference co-MVP has been Tumwater’s most productive tight end most of his high school career. While a lot of time is spent blocking in Tumwater’s run-heavy Wing-T, Terry made the most of his opportunities in the pass game, catching 15 passes for 237 yards and four touchdowns. “Excellent blocker with great hands,” said Tumwater coach Bill Beattie. “Tough defensive player vs both the run and the pass.” Boise State signee.

DEFENSIVE LINE

CURTIS HILL

Graham-Kapowsin

Defensive lineman, 6-3, 290, sr.

Played both ways on the state’s best line. A mauler in the run game and a run stuffer on the defensive line, Hill was the 4A South Puget Sound League defensive lineman of the year. Had 32 tackles and eight tackles for loss for the Eagles. Idaho State signee.

RYAN OTTON

Tumwater

Defensive lineman, 6-6, 225, sr.

The 2A Evergreen Conference co-MVP, alongside teammate Austin Terry, Otton was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball for the T-Birds. Caught 10 passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns and at defensive end, had 45 tackles, seven sacks, 13 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. “Tough blocker and a big-time receiver for us,” said Tumwater coach Bill Beattie. Signed with UW, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Cade.

SAM STOWERS

Steilacoom

Defensive lineman, 6-3, 340, sr.

Was so dominant on the interior defensive line of Steilacoom that he earned co-MVP honors in the 2A South Puget Sound League, leading a defense that allowed 5.6 points per game in league play and 8.3 on the season. “He was an absolute force inside, making it difficult for any team to run between the tackles,” said Steilacoom coach Kyle Haller.

ANDREW TILLETT

Sumner

Defensive lineman, 6-3, 295, sr.

Four-year starter for Sumner was a first-team offensive and defensive line selection in the 4A South Puget Sound League this fall, consistently one of the league’s top linemen over the course of his high school career. United States Air Force Academy signee.

JAYDEN WAYNE

Lincoln

Defensive lineman, 6-5, 250, jr.

Wayne has been a highly-coveted national recruit since his freshman year. This fall was his breakout year on the football field, a look into just how dominant a player Wayne can be. He had 44 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 13 quarterback hurries and forced a fumble. First-team all-league selection in the 3A Pierce County League holds 35 offers, including UW, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, LSU, Texas, USC and others.

LINEBACKERS

JALEN DAVENPORT

Graham-Kapowsin

Linebacker, 5-10, 220, jr.

The tone-setter for the Class 4A state champion Eagles. Appeared at running back at different times, but perhaps the biggest contribution from the 4A South Puget Sound League co-MVP came at linebacker, where Davenport racked up 86 tackles. On offense, rushed for 656 yards (7.7 yards/carry) and 13 touchdowns.

ELIJAH MAREKO

Kentwood

Linebacker, 6-2, 225, sr.

The 4A North Puget Sound League Red Division linebacker of the year was an impact player on the Conquerors state tournament squad. “He’s a physical sideline-to-sideline run stopper,” said Kentwood coach Michael Bush. Had 106 tackles, an 88 percent tackle percentage, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles.

RAY WRIGHT

Yelm

Linebacker, 5-10, 200, jr.

3A South Sound Conference defensive MVP racked up 129 tackles, including nine sacks, 19 tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery. On offense, rushed 55 times for 441 yards and six touchdowns. Also caught 14 passes for 120 yards and four touchdowns. “As instinctual as any linebacker in the state,” said Yelm coach Jason Ronquillo. “Can run sideline to sideline with a motor that never turns off and that just unloads on contact.”

DEFENSIVE BACKS

TRISTAN DUNN

Sumner

Defensive back, 6-4, 190, sr.

Longtime Sumner coach Keith Ross calls him a “tackling missile shot out of a cannon.” The safety was the defensive player of the year in the 4A South Puget Sound League this fall, known for his elite speed and hard-hitting. “He’s tbe the best tracker and hitter I have ever coached,” Ross said. Arizona State commit.

KYLER RONQUILLO

Yelm

Defensive back, 5-10, 170, jr.

The 3A South Sound Conference offensive MVP was electric on offense and just as valuable on defense for the Tornados. On defense, had four interceptions, including a pick-six and 41 tackles. A constant threat to take it the house on any play, Ronquillo caught 69 passes for 775 yards and six touchdowns; he rushed 18 times for 68 yards and a touchdown and had 337 return yards and two return touchdowns. Racked up 1,190 all-purpose yards. “Incredibly explosive and electrifying,” said Yelm coach Jason Ronquillo. “He can score from any position on the field.”

JASIAH WAGONER

Spanaway Lake

Defensive back, 5-11, 160, jr.

The premier shutdown corner in not just the 3A Pierce County League, but perhaps the entire area, did more of the same after coming off a breakout sophomore season in the spring. In seven games, he led the Sentinels with 521 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Had an interception on defense.

DAVID WELLS

Lakes

Defensive back, 6-2, 175, jr.

First-team 3A Pierce County league receiver, defensive back and kick returner caught 40 passes for 920 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, had four interceptions, 36 tackles and 14 pass break ups. He also return kickoffs for 273 yards and punts for 151 yards. Holds an offer from Portland State.

SPECIAL TEAMS

WYATT REDDING

Sumner

Kicker, 6-1, 190, sr.

Converted 7-of-11 field goal attempts (three were blocked) for the Spartans a perfect 59-of-59 PAT’s. 44 of his kickoffs went for touchbacks and he had a 45-yard punt average. Had enough leg to connect on field goals from 50-plus yards for the Spartans. Holds a Boise State walk-on offer.

ROCCO KOCH

Curtis

Punter, 6-2, 185, soph.

Averaged 33.5 yards per punt for the Vikings, but will be better remembered this season for his contributions at quarterback. He had 1,500 yards passing 1,150 yards rushing for the Vikings, leading Curtis to the playoffs.

SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks — Gavin Garcia, Tahoma, sr.; Bo Carlson, Sumner, sr.; Jake Schakel, Emerald Ridge, soph.; Gabe Downing, Olympia, jr.

Running backs — Zack Lee, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Tristan Warner, Bellarmine Prep, sr.; Peyton Wing, Sumner, sr.; Kouper Hall, Central Kitsap, jr.; Aidan Herd, Orting, sr.

Wide receivers — Ty Faker, Bellarmine Prep, sr.; Khaleel Robinson, Lincoln, sr.; Dylan Watterson, Enumclaw, sr.; Job Kralik, Eatonville, jr.

Tight end — Andrew Savaiinaea, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.

Offensive line — Micah Banuelos, Kennedy Catholic, jr; Josh Holder, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Austin Siitia, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Tyler Lawrence, Puyallup, sr.; Kyle Martin, Sumner, jr.; Noah Koke-Mauga, Lakes, sr.; Trey Meredith, Lincoln, jr.; Zeke Luchu, Enumclaw, jr.; Jacob Hampton, Tahoma, sr.

DEFENSE

Defensive line — Zekiel Seumalo, Kentwood, jr.; Hunter Hill, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Tuaoa Taauiliili, Lincoln, sr.; Trishion Sullivan, Spanaway Lake, sr.; RJ Brewster, Steilacoom, sr.

Linebackers — Eric Buck, Sumner, sr.; Austin Kinney, Steilacoom, sr.; Blain Hanly, Eatonville, sr.; Elijah Burbridge, Orting, sr. Logan Lisherness, White River, jr.

Defensive backs — Ziggy Loa, Mount Tahoma, sr. Michael Westbrook Jr., Lakes, sr.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickers — Max Walker, Bellarmine Prep, sr.; Connor Goff, Bonney Lake, sr.; Gage Pedro, Timberline, soph.

Punters — Brady Peterson, Emerald Ridge, jr.; Owen Johnson, Stadium, sr.; Skyler Perrotti, Capital, sr.

This story was originally published December 22, 2021 at 6:45 AM.

Jon Manley

The News Tribune

253-358-4151

Jon Manley covers high school sports for The News Tribune. A McClatchy President’s Award winner and Gonzaga University graduate, Manley has covered the South Sound sports scene since 2013. He was voted the Washington state sportswriter of the year in 2024 by the National Sports Media Association. Born and raised in Tacoma. Support my work with a digital subscription