These South Sound high school football teams could surprise people 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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We’ve been all over the South Sound since high school football practice began on Aug. 16, bringing subscribers coverage of what to expect this season.
We’ve laid out who the favorites are in most leagues in the area, but aside from the heavy hitters, which teams might surprise people this fall? Here’s our list of potential breakout candidates.
Auburn Mountainview
Lions posted a second-place finish in 3A NPSL last fall to reach the 3A district round, and nearly secured a return to the state bracket — Auburn Mountainview last advanced in 2015 — the following week, dropping a close 9-7 loss to Kennewick on the road. Can the Lions build off last year’s postseason run this fall? Second-year QB Elijah Baird returns along with two of the Lions’ top three receivers from 2022 in two-way all-league selection WR/DB Mande Wanlemvo and WR/DB Isaiah Wallis-Caw.
Bethel
Bison will have one of the league’s nastiest defensive front seven units, led by four-star junior LB Zaydrius-Rainey Sale. The question will be whether Bethel can move the ball on offense this year. If the Bison get it clicking on offense, watch out.
Bonney Lake
Panthers are ready to contend in 3A PCL this fall, looking to return to the postseason for the first time since back-to-back 3A state quarterfinals appearances in 2015 and 2016. Second-year QB Brayden Palmer and RB/WR/DB Marcus Lloyd, a returning 3A PCL first-teamer, are back to lead the offense along with TE/LB Riley Sanderson, who returns from injury, and an experienced offensive line.
Mount Tahoma
Expectation from T-Birds coaching staff isn’t just a playoff bid this year — it’s winning the 3A PCL. OT Marquise-Thorpe Taylor, a UCLA commit, leads the way. Offense will be among the league’s best with a couple impact transfers and playmakers everywhere, led by WR Jah-Jah Abdullah.
Tahoma
Second-year coach Zach Myers feels the team is further along than when he took the job a year ago. Bears return six starters on offense and five on defense, highlighted by WR Kage Repenn, an Idaho commit. Federal Way lost a lot of talent from last year’s state tournament team, opening the way for Tahoma this year. League favorite Kennedy Catholic still looms large.
This story was originally published August 31, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
