Preseason watch list: Top 40 high school football players in the South Sound in 2023
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High school football is back
The News Tribune is visiting schools in the area and previewing local leagues as the first week of games approaches.
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High school football programs across the South Sound begin their 2023 seasons this weekend.
Many rosters are stacked with Division I-bound talent and returning all-league, TNT All-Area and TNT all-state performers.
Here are 40 of the top preseason players to watch this fall.
QB Damian Aalona, Yelm, sr. — Was remarkably efficient last year, completing 71 percent of his passes for the 3A state champion Tornados. Accurate in the short- to mid-range passing game with the arm to stretch the field, too.
WR/DB Xavier Ahrens, Curtis, jr. — 6-foot-4 receiver and defensive back impacts the game in all three phases in a way few players in the area can. Eleven of his 39 catches went for TDs in 2022, he took three of his four interceptions to the house and had a 39.9 yard punt-return average.
WR/DB Jackson Almond, Cascade Christian, sr. — Last season’s 1A Nisqually offensive player of the year also earned first-team league honors on defense in 2022. Hauled in 58 catches for 1,213 yards and 12 TDs while adding 71 tackles and six interceptions at safety to lead the Cougars to an undefeated league title and 1A state tournament appearance.
OL/DL Landen Barger, Yelm, sr. — Tornados’ coach Jason Ronquillo calls him an “incredibly physical” player who wants to dominate everyone he lines up against. 3A SSC lineman of the year in 2022.
RB/DB Jaycion Cain, Steilacoom, sr. — Don’t let the 5-foot-7 frame fool you. When Steilacoom’s speedy back gets going, he’s nearly impossible to slow down. 2A SPSL offensive back of the year in 2022.
QB/WR Drew Carlson, Olympia, sr. — Versatility and leadership come from his multi-sport background. Figured to be one of the 4A SPSL’s top receivers this fall, but will move to QB because of an injury to Olympia’s presumptive starter. Has the athleticism to make things happen at any position.
RB/DB D’aryhian Clemons, Spanaway Lake, jr. — One of the state’s most electric backs in terms of pure speed, Clemons also brings a physical edge and nastiness when finishing off runs. Eager to prove doubters wrong in 3A PCL. Holds several Power Five offers.
RB/LB Navarre Dixon, Emerald Ridge, sr. — Set to lead the Jaguars’ backfield this fall after piling up 933 yards and 14 TDs last season for a Lincoln program that won an undefeated 3A PCL championship and reached the 3A state quarterfinals. 3A PCL first-team running back in 2022. Also won a Mat Classic title last winter.
WR/DB Malachi Durant, Graham-Kapowsin, sr. — Oregon State commit a key addition to Eagles’ new high-flying offense after pacing Puyallup to the 4A district playoffs last season with 58 catches for 789 yards and eight TDs.
WR/LB Jonathan Epperson, Auburn Riverside, jr. — Four-star recruit is one of the state’s top recruits in the 2025 class and the focal point of the Ravens’ linebacking corps in 2023.
TE/LB Noah Flores, Graham-Kapowsin, jr. — Returns to Graham-Kapowsin’s offense after missing much of the 2022 season due to injury. State’s top tight end recruit in the junior class has offers from nine Division I programs.
QB Devon Forehand, Kennedy Catholic, jr. — Entering third season as Kennedy Catholic’s starting quarterback after completing 153-of-226 passes for 2,529 yards and 28 TDs in 2022, and leading the Lancers to a 4A state championship game appearance.
QB Legend Galeai, Lakes, soph. — His cool presence and big arm led longtime Lakes coach Dave Miller to name Galeai the starter in 2022. In year two, he’s stronger, faster, more confident, more in control of the offense and more vocal in the huddle.
TE/LB Darrell Gipson, Timberline, sr. — Mixture of speed, strength and explosiveness off the edge will make him a nightmare for opposing tackles this season. Was first-team 3A SSC selection last fall when he racked up 19 tackles for loss.
WR/DB Jaydus Green, Steilacoom, sr. — Led the entire South Sound in receiving touchdowns in the 2022 regular season with 13. Steilacoom staff is hopeful Green (knee) will be able to return early in the season. 6-foot-4 receiver has good speed and can high-point a ball with the best of them.
WR/DB Tony Harste, Emerald Ridge, sr. — The Jaguars’ leading receiver during their run to the 4A state semifinals, Harste is set to be an impact player again as part of Emerald Ridge’s talented receivers group. Returning TNT All-Area selection had 80 catches for 1,166 yards and 13 TDs last season. Idaho commit.
WR/DB Gio Kafentzis, Emerald Ridge, sr. — Division I recruit was a 4A SPSL first-teamer at both wide receiver and defensive back last fall, piling up 970 receiving yards and 11 TDs on 66 catches while adding 34 tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries at safety.
QB Rocco Koch, Curtis, sr. — Practice all you want, but there’s no way to simulate how hard it is to bring down Curtis’ bruising QB in the run game. Has improved as a passer over his career, too. 4A SPSL co-offensive player of the year and TNT All-Area pick in 2022.
RB/DB Unterrio Latin-Henley, Washington, sr. — If he can stay healthy and available, he’s the league’s most dynamic player and can single-handedly take games over in a hurry.
RB/LB Antoine Lee, Kentwood, jr. — Two-time 4A NPSL first-team running back tallied 1,485 rushing yards and 11 TDs last fall. Has multiple Division I offers.
RB/LB Ta’u Mareko, Lakes, soph. — Already earning high praise around Lakes, this LB is an instinctual run stopper with a high football IQ. Strong, physical player who shows agility getting to the ball carrier.
TE/DL Cole Muilenburg, Peninsula, sr. — Has the athleticism and speed to match his 6-foot-5 frame, making him a dangerous weapon in the play action game for the Seahawks.
RB/DB Dylan Norman, Eatonville, sr. — 1A Evergreen first-team selection was the top rusher for a Cruisers program that reached the 1A state playoffs in 2022, collecting 1,161 yards and seven TDs on 182 carries.
RB/LB Isaiah Patterson, Yelm, sr. — UCLA commit shot up several inches and 40 pounds between sophomore and junior seasons. Now used to carrying that weight around, look for Patterson to be a factor all over the field for the reigning 3A state champions.
RB/LB Brayden Platt, Yelm, sr. — The state’s No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class and last year’s 3A SSC MVP was one of the most dominant two-way players in Washington in 2022. Wrestling background shows up in physical play, with speed to match. TNT All-Area and all-state selection in 2022.
TE/LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, Bethel, jr. — As physically gifted an outside linebacker as there is in the state, Rainey-Sale has seen his recruiting stock rise sharply, now considered a four-star prospect. Routinely blows up blocks and has the speed and athleticism to drop into coverage. Key part of Bethel’s imposing front seven in 2023.
WR/DB Kage Repenn, Tahoma, sr. — Idaho commit tallied 656 receiving yards last fall for a Bears team that reached the 4A district playoffs. Returning 4A NPSL first-team selection at receiver and defensive back.
RB/DB Zach Robertson, Fife, sr. — 2A SPSL first-team selection returns to the backfield after posting three 100-plus yard rushing performances and seven TDs in 2022. Also an impact player on defense for a Fife team that reached the 2A state playoffs last season.
QB Kaden Rolfsness, Puyallup, jr. — Returns for a second season as the Vikings’ starter after leading the program to a 4A district playoffs appearance last fall. Collected 1,139 passing yards, 351 rushing yards and 12 total TDs in 2022.
QB Jake Schakel, Emerald Ridge, sr. — Eastern Washington commit is entering his fourth season as the Jaguars’ starting quarterback and looking to lead the program on another state run after last season’s school-best appearance in the 4A semifinals. Completed 253-of-347 passes for 3,287 yards and 37 TDs last fall on the way to 4A SPSL co-offensive player of the year and TNT All-Area honors.
OL/DL Dylan Sikorski, Sumner, sr. — Oregon State commit was a 4A SPSL first-team selection on both offense and defense last fall for a Spartans program that won the 4A SPSL title and reached the 4A state quarterfinals. Returning TNT All-Area pick blocked for an offense that piled up more than 4,400 yards and 57 TDs while adding 32 tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks on defense.
RB/LB Dre Sio-Fetaui, Lincoln, jr. — Top returner on defense for Lincoln collected 92 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one sack, two caused fumbles and one recovery for an Abes team that won an undefeated 3A PCL title and reached the 3A state quarterfinals last fall. 3A PCL first-team linebacker in 2022.
RB/LB Kelly Sio-Fetaui, Lincoln, sr. — Returns to the backfield after scoring five TDs last fall on the way to 3A PCL first-team honors at fullback for a Lincoln team that won an undefeated 3A PCL title and reached the 3A state quarterfinals.
RB/LB Matthew Spurbeck, Sumner, sr. — Reigning 4A SPSL MVP led the Spartans to a league title and 4A state quarterfinals appearance in 2022, rushing for 1,946 yards and 20 TDs on 271 carries. Returning TNT All-Area and all-state selection set to start at middle linebacker for Sumner this fall.
QB Daveon Superales, Graham-Kapowsin, sr. — Second-year starting quarterback led the Eagles to the 4A state semifinals as a junior, completing 203-of-293 passes for 2,367 yards and 21 TDs.
OL/DL Marquise Thorpe-Taylor, Mount Tahoma, sr. — Watch out: Thorpe-Taylor’s technique has caught up to the raw talent he showcased early on in his career. 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle will set the tone for T-Birds team in search of 3A PCL title. First-team 3A PCL selection in 2022. UCLA commit.
QB Gunnar Trachte, Enumclaw, sr. — Second-year starting quarterback led the Hornets to an undefeated 2A SPSL championship and 2A state semifinals appearance last fall, completing 118-of-197 passes for 1,798 yards and 29 TDs.
WR/DB Luvens Valcin, Auburn, sr. — Twitchy, freaky athleticism was on display since Valcin was throwing down dunks on the basketball court his freshman year. Will be the two-way focal point of Trojans team looking to defend 3A NPSL title this fall. Holds a WSU offer.
TE/LB Beckett Wall, Tumwater, jr. — Lauded by Tumwater’s coaching staff for his intangibles, Wall brings plenty of measurable gifts to the table, too: size, speed and pure football instincts. First-team 2A EvCo selection in 2022.
WR/DB Jabez Woods, Graham-Kapowsin, sr. — Piled up 1,367 all-purpose yards and 12 total TDs last fall — including hauling in 70 catches for 946 yards and 10 scores — to pace the Eagles to the 4A state semifinals. Returning 4A SPSL first-team selection, and TNT All-Area and all-state pick has multiple Division I offers.
This story was originally published August 29, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
