High school football: The News Tribune’s 2022 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 across all six classifications, ranging from 4A to 1B.
The team is carefully selected with input from coaches. This year, 35 schools in the South Sound are represented by players and coaches selected to the All-Area first and second teams.
The 38 first-team spots, broken down by leagues, are 4A North Puget Sound League (seven), 4A South Puget Sound League (11), 3A North Puget Sound League (two), 3A Pierce County League (seven), 3A South Sound Conference (four), 2A South Puget Sound League (three), 2A Evergreen Conference (one) and 1A Evergreen Conference (three).
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
GABARRI JOHNSON
Lincoln
Quarterback, 6-1, 195, sr.
Perhaps the most dynamic quarterback Tacoma has seen, Johnson paced the Abes to an 11-1 record, undefeated 3A PCL title and 3A state quarterfinals appearance this fall. The four-star recruit, who is committed to Missouri, completed 133-of-190 passes for 2,301 yards and 25 TDs this season, and added another 1,639 yards and 21 scores on 177 carries to lead Lincoln’s offense both through the air and on the ground. A two-time 3A PCL MVP as a senior and junior, and the league’s offensive back of the year as a sophomore, Johnson finished a remarkable career with 8,903 total yards and 111 total TDs. He passed for 6,165 yards and 71 TDs, rushed for 2,605 yards and 39 TDs and added 133 receiving yards and one score in his four seasons at Lincoln.
COACHING STAFF
JASON RONQUILLO
Yelm
Coach of the year
Ronquillo guided the Tornados to a perfect 14-0 record and a 3A state championship this fall. Yelm completed its undefeated season — during which the Tornados led 3A in scoring average (49.7 points per game) and scoring average against (10.7), and piled up 449.4 yards of offense per game and 95 total TDs — with a thrilling win over Eastside Catholic in the title game, securing the first state championship in program history. Ronquillo has now guided the Tornados to each of the past four 3A state brackets, including winning this season’s title. Yelm was also honored as the 3A SSC coaching staff of the year this season after making an undefeated run through league play. The Tornados have now won at least a share of the league title each of the past three seasons.
SHELDON CROSS
Kennedy Catholic
Offensive coordinator
4A NPSL coach of the year led the Lancers to a 12-2 record, fourth consecutive undefeated league title and the first state championship appearance in program history. Kennedy Catholic’s 594 points — 42.4 per game — led 4A, while the Lancers allowed opponents only 203 points. Kennedy Catholic’s offense split time running the Air Raid and Wing-T, piling up 412.8 yards per game and 72 total TDs.
MARK GUNDERSON
Enumclaw
Defensive coordinator
2A SPSL coach of the year guided the Hornets to a 12-1 record, undefeated 2A SPSL championship and the first 2A state semifinals appearance in program history. Led an Enumclaw defense that collected 87 tackles for loss and 41 sacks, and tallied 34 turnovers, including 19 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries, and scored five defensive TDs. The Hornets outscored their opponents, 603-193, this season. Their points scored also led 2A.
OFFENSE
JAKE SCHAKEL
Emerald Ridge
Quarterback, 6-1, 190, jr.
The leader of Emerald Ridge’s high-flying offense, Schakel guided the Jaguars to the first state playoffs appearance in program history, and all the way to the 4A state semifinals. 4A SPSL co-offensive player of the year completed 253-of-347 passes for 3,287 yards and 37 TDs, and added a pair of rushing scores. Was also a 4A SPSL first-team selection as a sophomore.
EMMIT OTERO
Enumclaw
Running back, 5-7, 175, sr.
2A SPSL MVP led Enumclaw’s relentless rushing attack, piling up 1,600 yards and 24 TDs on 212 carries to pace the Hornets to an undefeated league championship and an appearance in the 2A state semifinals for the first time in program history. Finished the season with 2,174 all-purpose yards, and added 72 tackles, three interceptions, one caused fumble and three recoveries and a kickoff return TD. Was also a 2A SPSL first-team running back as a junior.
DYLAN SPICER
Tenino
Running back, 6-2, 165, sr.
1A Evergreen MVP averaged 165.8 rushing yards per game and 10.3 per carry for a Tenino program that reached the 1A state first round. Spicer piled up 145 carries for 1,492 yards and 19 TDs in nine games, rushing for 100-plus yards in eight games this season, 200-plus yards in three and tallied multiple scores in seven contests. Spicer added 28 tackles, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery on defense. Was also a 1A Evergreen first-team pick at running back and linebacker as a junior.
MATTHEW SPURBECK
Sumner
Running back, 5-10, 190, jr.
Spurbeck led a rushing attack that paced the Spartans to their first 4A SPSL title since 2016 and a 4A state quarterfinals appearance. The 4A SPSL MVP piled up 1,946 rushing yards and 20 TDs on 271 carries, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt and 162.2 per game in 12 contests. Added 44 tackles and six tackles for loss at safety.
AMARI GOODFELLOW
Auburn
Multi-purpose, 6-0, 190, sr.
Goodfellow paced Auburn on offense, as the program swept the 3A NPSL on the way to securing a league title for the first time since 2009. The 3A NPSL MVP and first-team quarterback completed 176-of-260 passes for 2,084 yards and 19 TDs, while also added 164 carries for 871 yards and 11 TDs in guiding Auburn to the 3A district round. Also earned league honors as the 4A/3A NPSL Blue Division player of the year as a junior, and 3A NPSL offensive back of the year as a sophomore.
ROCCO KOCH
Curtis
Multi-purpose, 6-1, 195, jr.
4A SPSL co-offensive player of the year was key in leading the Vikings to the 4A district round, completing 85-of-145 passes for 1,460 yards and 21 TDs and adding 143 carries for 1,076 yards and nine more scores. Was also a 4A SPSL first-team pick as a sophomore. Two-time TNT All-Area selection.
MASON HAYES
Kennedy Catholic
All-purpose, 6-2, 205, sr.
Hayes made impact plays in all three phases for a Kennedy Catholic team that won an undefeated 4A NPSL title and advanced to the state championship game for the first time in program history. 4A NPSL offensive player of the year hauled in 70 catches for 1,340 yards and 16 TDs, while also playing quarterback in the Lancers’ Wing-T and rushing for two TDs. Also played safety and had an interception return TD, and was a 4A NPSL first-team selection at punter.
LEO PULALASI
Lakes
All-purpose, 6-2, 210, sr.
WSU commit was a key playmaker in every phase for a Lancers team that reached the 3A district round. Piled up 1,203 all-purpose yards in nine games this season, averaging 133.7 per contest, including rushing for 762 yards and 19 TDs on 79 carries, and adding 391 yards and seven TDs on 17 catches. Two-time 3A PCL offensive player of the year scored in every game for Lakes, and had seven multi-touchdown contests, including five with at least one rushing and one receiving TD. Also a three-time 3A PCL first-team linebacker, Pulalasi added 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, an interception, a safety and a blocked field goal this season, and also punted for the Lancers. Two-time TNT All-Area selection.
TONY HARSTE
Emerald ridge
Wide receiver, 5-11, 160, jr.
Emerald Ridge’s leading receiver this fall helped the Jaguars reach the state playoffs for the first time in program history — and had a career game in a win over top-seeded Chiawana in the quarterfinals (14 catches, 179 yards) to send Emerald Ridge to the 4A state semifinals. Harste had four games with 100-plus receiving yards this season, and four multi-touchdown contests. 4A SPSL second-team pick finished the season with 80 catches for 1,166 yards and 13 TDs.
KYLER RONQUILLO
Yelm
Wide receiver, 5-10, 175, sr.
The touchdown that lifted the Tornados to the first state championship in program history will be remembered. With less than a minute to play in the 3A state title game, and Yelm trailing Eastside Catholic, Ronquillo wrestled away what seemed a sure interception and sprinted into the end zone for the game-winning score, completing Yelm’s perfect season with a championship. The 3A SSC offensive MVP led Yelm with 67 catches for 953 yards and 11 TDs this season, and added 75 carries for 683 yards and nine TDs, also helping pace the Tornados to a league title. Was also a 3A SSC first-team defensive back, adding 46 tackles, one for loss and two interceptions. Ronquillo added another 189 yards and one TD on kickoff returns, and 461 yards on punt returns. Was also the 3A SSC offensive MVP as a junior, and league co-MVP as a sophomore. Three-time TNT All-Area selection.
JABEZ WOODS
Graham-Kapowsin
Wide receiver, 6-0, 185, jr.
4A SPSL first-team wide receiver was dynamic for a Graham-Kapowsin program that advanced to the 4A state semifinals again this season. Woods hauled in 70 catches for 946 yards and 10 TDs, reaching the end zone in eight contests and tallying multiple scores in three games. Woods piled up 1,367 all-purpose yards for the Eagles, and added a kickoff return TD and punt return TD.
DORIAN THOMAS
Kentridge
Tight end, 6-5, 230, sr.
Thomas is a Division I-bound tight end, but played quarterback for the Chargers this fall, leading the program to the 4A district round. 4A NPSL player of the year piled up 1,200 passing yards and eight TDs, 260 rushing yards and nine TDs and added a receiving TD for Kentridge this season. Collected 45 tackles, two interceptions returns for TDs and a scoop-and-score as a defensive back. Was also a 4A NPSL second-team defensive back this season, and 4A/3A NPSL Red Division first-team wide receiver as a junior.
MICAH BANUELOS
Kennedy Catholic
Offensive line, 6-2, 290, sr.
USC commit played left tackle for a Lancers team that won an undefeated 4A NPSL title and advanced to the state championship game for the first time in program history. 4A NPSL offensive lineman of the year blocked for an offense that piled up 412.8 yards per game and 72 total TDs, and was also a 4A NPSL first-team defensive lineman. Was the 4A/3A NPSL Red Division offensive lineman of the year as a junior, and a first-team pick on the offensive and defensive line.
KYLE COX
Eatonville
Offensive line, 6-6, 270, sr.
Boise State commit blocked for a Cruisers offense that averaged 358.7 yards per game — including 263.2 rushing yards per game — and scored 42 total TDs. 1A Evergreen first-team pick helped guide Eatonville to the 1A state quarterfinals. Was also a 1A Evergreen first-team offensive lineman as a junior, and the 2A SPSL offensive lineman of the year as a sophomore. Three-time TNT All-Area selection.
ZEKE LUCHI
Enumclaw
Offensive line, 6-3, 280, sr.
Luchi played center for a Hornets team that won an undefeated 2A SPSL title and advanced to the 2A state semifinals for the first time in program history. Two-time 2A SPSL offensive lineman of the year blocked for an offense that averaged 381.2 yards per game — including 240.5 rushing yards per game — and scored 78 total TDs this season.
KYLE MARTIN
Sumner
Offensive line, 6-3, 205, sr.
4A SPSL offensive lineman of the year played center for a Spartans team that won a 4A SPSL title for the first time since 2016 and advanced to the 4A state quarterfinals. Martin blocked for an offense that averaged 367 yards per game — including 220.4 rushing — and scored 57 total TDs. Was also a 4A SPSL first-team offensive lineman as a junior and sophomore.
TREY MEREDITH
Lincoln
Offensive line, 6-1, 300, sr.
3A PCL offensive lineman of the year blocked for an Abes offense that averaged 457.1 yards per game on the way to an undefeated 3A PCL championship and appearance in the 3A state quarterfinals. Was also the 3A PCL co-offensive lineman of the year as a junior.
DEFENSE
JEREMY HAFOKA
Tumwater
Defensive line, 6-1, 240, sr.
2A EvCo defensive MVP destroyed offensive linemen all season. Lauded by coach Bill Beattie for his “incredible motor,” Hafoka racked up 73 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, two sacks and three fumble recoveries for the T-Birds.
JACOB LANE
Emerald Ridge
Defensive line, 6-5, 235, sr.
When healthy, there was no more impactful defensive player in the 4A SPSL than Lane, who commanded double teams from opposing offensive lines and still made his presence felt. Long, athletic, quick and a matchup issue at tight end, as well, the 4A SPSL defensive lineman of the year collected 45 tackles and six sacks for the Jaguars. UW commit.
NATHAN PRITCHARD
Auburn Riverside
Defensive line, 6-5, 290, sr.
Two-way star hardly ever came off the field on either side of the ball for the Ravens. On offense, anchored the line at left tackle for an offense that racked up over 2,500 yards on the season. Defensively at nose tackle, finished with 18 tackles, a pair of sacks and two passes defended. WSU commit.
DYLAN SIKORSKI
Sumner
Defensive line, 6-5, 310, jr.
Longtime Sumner coach Keith Ross has coached plenty of imposing offensive linemen over the years. He thinks Sikorski — a 4A SPSL first-team selection on both sides of the ball — was as physically dominant as some of the best he’s coached. On offense, blocked for an offense that racked up 2,645 rushing yards, 33 rushing TDs, 1,758 passing yards and 24 passing TDs. Defensively, collected 32 tackles, including six tackles for loss and had three sacks.
XE’REE ALEXANDER
Kennedy Catholic
Linebacker, 6-3, 215, sr.
Disruptive at linebacker in both stuffing run games and dropping into coverage, Alexander was one of the best defensive players in the state. The 4A NPSL defensive player of the year had two defensive TDs and was a factor in special teams, also, adding a kickoff return TD. While his future likely lies on defense at the next level, Alexander took over games at running back, too, piling up 930 yards and 18 TDs on 108 carries.
WYATT GORDON
Puyallup
Linebacker, 5-11, 190, sr.
A true sideline-to-sideline linebacker, Gordon was named the 4A SPSL defensive player of the year. Puyallup built its defense around showcasing Gordon’s speed, physicality and nastiness. Racked up 79.5 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and had an interception. Idaho commit.
BRAYDEN PLATT
Yelm
Linebacker, 6-2, 235, jr.
One of the state’s best two-way players, Platt was an unstoppable force for the Tornados all season, leading Yelm to the 3A state title. A monster with the ball in his hands at running back and a powerful, fast, physical hitter at linebacker, Platt blew up overmatched players all season long. Rushed for 1,242 yards and 24 TDs on 132 carries and caught 12 passes for 227 yards and a TD on offense. Holds offers from UW, Oregon, Michigan and others.
ZYZY SAYAVONG
Lincoln
Linebacker, 6-0, 195, sr.
Challenged by the Lincoln coaching staff to be more physical in the run game this season, Sayavong stepped up and delivered, collecting 103 tackles, including eight tackles for loss. The anchor of Lincoln’s 3A state quarterfinals defense and the 3A PCL defensive player of the year, he hauled in a pair of interceptions and had four pass deflections.
RAY WRIGHT
Yelm
Linebacker, 5-10, 200, sr.
Yelm coach Jason Ronquillo praises Wright’s instincts. A hard-hitting, sideline-to-sideline linebacker with a nonstop motor, Wright was named the 3A SSC defensive MVP after racking up 130 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a defensive TD. Offensively, rushed 46 times for 386 yards and nine TDs and caught 17 passes for 198 yards.
RAHSHAWN CLARK
Federal Way
Defensive back, 6-0, 185, jr.
The 4A NPSL defensive back of the year was an integral part of one of the state’s best secondary units, flourishing at corner, strong safety and free safety for the Eagles. Offensively, was a matchup issue at receiver and was a factor as a kick returner on special teams. Had two interceptions on defense and returned 13 punts for 266 yards and a TD. Holds offers from UW, Oregon and others.
ZION JONES
Spanaway Lake
Defensive back, 6-3, 170, sr.
Long, fast and physical, Jones was one of the area’s premier lockdown corners and could travel with any team’s No. 1 wide receiver. 3A PCL co-defensive back of the year had two interceptions and 16 tackles. On offense, tallied 208 receiving yards and three TDs. Eastern Washington commit.
ANDRE JORDAN
Federal Way
Defensive back, 6-1, 170, sr.
Did a little bit of everything for the Eagles and was voted the 4A NPSL’s all-purpose player of the year, as well as a first-team selection at wide receiver and defensive back. Racked up 1,162 all-purpose yards and a league-leading 15 total TDs. Defensively, was a lockdown defensive back, allowing just one catch on the season. Oregon State commit.
JAY MENTINK
Sumner
Defensive back, 5-11, 195, sr.
Never out of position for the Spartans on defense, the 4A SPSL first-team selection had three interceptions and 62 tackles on the season. A physical, sure tackler and athletic in coverage. Offensively, hauled in 32 catches for 390 yards and five TDs. Princeton football and baseball commit.
JASIAH WAGONER
Spanaway Lake
Defensive back, 5-11, 175, sr.
Lingering injuries prevented Wagoner from ever being fully healthy in 2022, but the Oklahoma commit and 3A PCL co-defensive back of the year still made his presence felt at safety for the Sentinels. With a nose for the football and hard-hitting mentality, Wagoner had 41 tackles and an interception, as teams mostly shied away from throwing in his direction. Offensively, had 288 receiving yards and two TDs.
DAVID WELLS
Lakes
Defensive back, 6-3, 175, sr.
With blazing speed and strong ball skills, Wells was a 3A PCL first-team selection at both wide receiver and safety. Led the Lancers with 543 receiving yards and seven TDs, averaging 21.7 yards per catch. Defensively, had 17 tackles and two interceptions. Also returned a punt for a TD. Oregon State commit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
JOB KRALIK
Eatonville
Kicker, 5-11, 170, sr.
Will be better remembered as Eatonville’s quarterback this fall. Completed 36-of-51 passes for 741 yards and nine TDs and rushed 86 times for 743 yards and 18 TDs. 1A Evergreen co-offensive MVP also caught two passes for 93 yards and a TD. As a kicker, converted 37-of-41 PATs and went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, with a long of 39 yards. Army commit.
CALE ALLEN
Olympia
Punter, 6-1, 225, jr.
4A SPSL first-team punter and second-team linebacker had a booming leg for the Bears, punting 17 times for 787 yards — an average of 46.3 yards per punt — with a long punt of 76 yards. At linebacker, tallied 61 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss.
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QB — Gabe Downing, Olympia, sr.; Luke Elliott, Washington, sr.; Will Landram, Gig Harbor, sr.; Derrik McKinney, Mount Tahoma, sr.; Daveon Superales, Graham-Kapowsin, jr.
RB — Jaycion Cain, Steilacoom, jr.; William Carreto, Yelm, sr.; D’aryhian Clemons, Spanaway Lake, soph.; Navarre Dixon, Lincoln, jr.; Beau Fualaau, Fife, sr.; Antoine Lee, Kentwood, soph.; Carlos Matheney, Tumwater, sr.; Isaac Smith, Peninsula, sr.; Elijah Stafford-McNutt, Auburn Mountainview, sr.; Johnnie Stallings, Black Hills, sr.; Ki’Marree Washington, Lakes, sr.
WR — Jackson Almond, Cascade Christian, jr.; Drew Carlson, Olympia, jr.; Breydan Fisher, Washington, sr.; Drake Granberry, Lincoln, sr.; Jaydus Green, Steilacoom, jr.; Mason Juergens, Olympia, sr.; Gio Kafentzis, Emerald Ridge, sr.; Jerrell Larkins, Timberline, sr.; Treyvon Silva, Franklin Pierce, sr.; Luvens Valcin, Auburn, jr.; Maclane Watkins, Kennedy Catholic, sr.
OL — Aidan Anderson, North Thurston, sr.; Landen Barger, Yelm, jr.; Grady Johnson, Peninsula, sr.; Tristan Lewis, Eatonville, sr.; Danny Meade, Emerald Ridge, sr.; Karson Starr, Sumner, sr.; Marquise Thorpe-Taylor, Mount Tahoma, jr.; Tapuloa Tusi, Lincoln, sr.
DEFENSE
DL — Onyx Carter, Yelm, jr.; Elijah Comoza, Lakes, sr.; Tylin Jackson, Federal Way, sr.; Keanu Lafaele, Enumclaw, sr.; Julian Lee, North Thurston, sr.; Reece Long, Bonney Lake, sr.; Jase Martinez, Mount Rainier, sr.; Kaiden O’Neal, Auburn, sr.; Riley Sareth, Lincoln, sr.; Levi Turner, Graham-Kapowsin, jr.; Noah Ruiz, Spanaway Lake, sr.
LB — Eugene Camacho, Spanaway Lake, sr.; Darrell Gipson, Timberline, jr.; Logan Lisherness, Emerald Ridge, sr.; Austin Paulson, Enumclaw, sr.; Isaiah Patterson, Yelm, jr.; Makai Piper, Federal Way, sr.; Jabez Tuaoa, Kentwood, jr.
DB — Xavier Ahrens, Curtis, soph.; Ryder Alfrey, Auburn Mountainview, sr.; Josiah Maxey-Johnson, Mount Tahoma, sr.; Dane Meddaugh, Peninsula, sr.; Brody Noonan, Tenino, sr.; Dane Parker, Puyallup, sr.; Caden Smith, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K — Luke Faccone, Puyallup, jr.
P — Dilan Sadler, Kentlake, sr.
