No fly zone: Federal Way boasts one of the state’s top secondary units

Finding athletes rarely is an issue at Federal Way High School. The Eagles show off their speed and talent virtually every spring when relay teams, sprinters and jumpers consistently turn in top performances at the Class 4A state track and field meet.

Just last May, Roman Hutchinson and Jaylon Jenkins were part of the 4x100 relay team that finished second in the state, both placed in the top four in the triple jump and Hutchinson was fourth in the long jump.

For many years, it’s been tougher translating that talent into success on the football field in the fall. Two weeks into the 2022 season, and with the toughest test to date immediately in front of them in a nonleague game Friday at top-ranked Lake Stevens, the Eagles (2-0) may have found the right mix for success.

It’s a group that starts with three seniors in Hutchinson, Jenkins, and Oregon State commit Andre Jordan Jr. along with four-star junior Rahshawn Clark. All either have committed to or have received interest from Division I colleges.

“I knew I had one of the best secondaries in the area,” football and track coach Marcus Yzaguirre said. “They’re all different. They’re all athletic. I knew in the springtime that Jaylon was going to catch the eyes of everybody. We already knew Andre Jordan was legit. We knew Rahshawn Clark was legit. Those guys knew, too. Jaylon is one of the most freakish athletes around this area. Roman Hutchinson jumped 23 feet in the long jump this (last) year. No. 1 in the state. At practice, there are a lot of interceptions.”

But this group goes much deeper.

“We’ve been blessed to have four big DBs,” Yzaguirre said. “But we’ve got about eight guys that help us out in the defensive backfield. They all bring something different to the table. But they’re all super athletic, super fun to coach. They give each other probably the best look you’re going to get, right here in practice.”

With so many athletes capable of contributing, the Eagles can run waves of combinations in coverage at their opponents.

“We’re constantly rotating, so everyone’s always fresh,” Clark said.

They’ll know a lot more about 10 p.m. on Friday night, not long after the game against the Vikings has ended. What Federal Way already knows is that the offense has scored points for two weeks — more than it has needed to win.

That’s because the defense, led by that deep defensive backfield, has clamped down on its first two opponents. Federal Way has given up just six points in two games so far this season.

“We’ve got a whole bunch of ball-hawks,” Jordan said. “We’re looking pretty good. We’ve only given up the six points. But it should be zero.”

The key for this Federal Way group comes down to a simple concept.

“Just trusting each other,” Clark said. “It’s been a lot of team bonding, getting to know each other and the flaws in our game so we can help each other.”

Federal Way has gotten here despite an injury that has kept Jenkins out of the lineup to begin the season, and one that will do so again against the Vikings.

“We’ve just got guys after guys after guys,” Jenkins said. “We can maintain the same level of play throughout. It’s fun to have that versatility. Our main thing here is a brotherhood.”

The Jenkins injury also has provided an opportunity. In his absence, the next generation of Federal Way defensive backs has stepped up in freshman Zamari Tellez.

Todd Beamer and Thomas Jefferson naturally tried to take advantage of a possible weakness, directing their offense toward the freshman replacement. Tellez responded.

“He’s young, but he kind of just gets out there and does his thing,” Yzaguirre said. “He’s been ready to jump in, and they (his teammates) have been helping him get ready to go. It’s fun watching him progress.”

The man his teammates call “The Pup” has interceptions in both games, one returned for a touchdown, and also has a fumble recovery returned for a score.

“I’m just out there doing my job,” Tellez said. “Being in the position I’m supposed to be. It’s only going to get better from here.”

In all, the defense has scored 21 of the Eagles’ 93 total points so far this season. Meanwhile, that same defense has allowed just the six points to Beamer in a season-opening 60-6 victory.

“It takes an immense pressure off,” Hutchinson said. “I know I can trust people out there, and they can make plays, too. Just trust. They’ll do their jobs, too. It makes things easier.”

Lake Stevens provides a much stiffer test. The Vikings (1-1) come into this showdown fresh off a 37-28 win over 3A defending champion Bellevue.

This one should provide a decent litmus test to show Federal Way where it is and how far it and its touted defensive backfield has to go if the team is to make the deep playoff run they all believe can be accomplished in 2022.

“I’m excited to see what we’re all about,” Jordan said. “We’re more accountable this year. Last year, we didn’t really have that.”