High school football: The News Tribune’s 2023 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, 29 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 (four), 4A South Puget Sound League (18), 3A North Puget Sound League (two), 3A Pierce County League (six), 3A South Sound Conference (five), 2A South Puget Sound League (two), and 2A Evergreen Conference (one).
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DAVEON SUPERALES
Graham-Kapowsin
Quarterback, 6-1, 180, sr.
The 4A SPSL co-MVP beat opponents with his arm and and legs all season long, leading Graham-Kapowsin to an undefeated run through the league and all the way to the state championship game at Husky Stadium, where the Eagles lost to Lake Stevens. Completed 311-of-416 passes for 3,779 yards and 44 touchdowns and ran 123 times for 781 yards and eight touchdowns. Averaged 325.7 total yards per game.
COACHING STAFF
KEITH TERRY
Mount Tahoma
Coach of the year
Mount Tahoma posted a historic season in Terry’s second year leading the program, winning a league title for the first time since 1982 and advancing to the state playoffs for the first time since 1984. After sweeping their league opponents on the way to an undefeated 3A PCL championship, the T-Birds added wins over West Seattle in the 3A district round and Ferndale in the 3A state first round to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1980.
JEFF LOGAN
Graham-Kapowsin
Offensive coordinator
In his second season as Graham-Kapowsin’s head coach, the 4A SPSL coach of the year led the Eagles to an undefeated league title and 4A state championship game appearance. Graham-Kapowsin finished the season at 13-1, paced by a high-flying offense that averaged 414.7 total yards per game and scored 65 total touchdowns.
JASON RONQUILLO
Yelm
Defensive coordinator
After leading the Tornados to their first state championship trophy last season, Ronquillo took Yelm back to the 3A title game this fall in his 11th season as the program’s head coach, as the Tornados built a winning streak that reached as many as 27 consecutive games. The undefeated 3A SSC champions finished the 2023 season at 13-1, with the defense allowing one touchdown or fewer and posting two shutouts in nine of those victories.
OFFENSE
JAKE SCHAKEL
Emerald Ridge
Quarterback, 6-2, 195, sr.
Four-year starter completed 253-of-347 passes for 3,287 yards and 37 touchdowns to lead Emerald Ridge to the 4A state first round this fall. 4A SPSL offensive player of the year also rushed for three touchdowns for the Jaguars. Schakel wrapped up an impressive career with a 71.2 completion percentage, 9,284 passing yards and 109 touchdowns in 40 games played the past four seasons. Eastern Washington commit is a two-time TNT All-Area selection.
ROCCO KOCH
Curtis
Multi-purpose, 6-2, 200, sr.
4A SPSL co-MVP led the league in total offense, and paced Curtis to the 4A state playoffs for the first time since 2018 this fall. Four-year starter for the Vikings finished the season with 4,080 yards of offense and 56 total touchdowns, completing 148-of-211 passes for 2,354 yards and 32 touchdowns, and adding 1,706 rushing yards and 24 more scores. Koch collected 121 total touchdowns during his career with the Vikings. Three-time TNT All-Area selection.
BRAYDEN PALMER
Bonney Lake
Multi-purpose, 5-11, 180, sr.
3A PCL MVP paced Bonney Lake’s offense in both passing and rushing, and led the Panthers to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Palmer completed 95-of-140 passes for 1,170 yards and seven touchdowns, and rushed for another 1,273 yards and 17 touchdowns on 149 carries for a Bonney Lake program that reached the 3A district round.
BRISON BAILEY
Mount Tahoma
Running back, 5-8, 185, sr.
3A PCL co-offensive player of the year was the leader in the backfield for a Mount Tahoma program that reached the state playoffs this fall for the first time since 1984. Bailey piled up 1,225 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 165 carries, and added nine catches for 185 yards for a T-Birds team that won an undefeated 3A PCL title and advanced to the 3A state quarterfinals.
INDIANA JONES
Kennedy Catholic
Running back, 5-9, 165, jr.
4A NPSL MVP was a playmaker for the five-time league champion Lancers in every phase this fall. Jones led the backfield with 181 carries for 1,138 yards and 22 scores, and added another 33 catches for 451 yards and six touchdowns. Was also a 4A NPSL first-team linebacker, recording 62 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, four caused fumbles and two recoveries for a Kennedy Catholic program that reached the 4A state quarterfinals.
NEHEMIAH WASHINGTON
Decatur
Running back, 6-0, 205, jr.
4A NPSL offensive player of the year paced Decatur to the program’s first winning record since 2003, and a trip to the 4A district round. Rushed for 1,350 yards and 18 touchdowns on 189 carries, added 18 two-point conversions and was also a 4A NPSL first-team selection at linebacker.
MALACHI DURANT
Graham-Kapowsin
Wide receiver, 6-2, 170, sr.
Paced Graham-Kapowsin’s high-flying offense in receiving touchdowns with 18, and caught 75 passes for 1,129 yards for an Eagles program that won an undefeated 4A SPSL title and reached the 4A state championship game. Collected 1,315 all-purpose yards, and returned the opening kickoff of Graham-Kapowsin’s season 90 yards for a touchdown back in August. 4A SPSL second-team selection. Oregon State commit.
TONY HARSTE
Emerald Ridge
Wide receiver, 6-0, 165, sr.
4A SPSL first-team selection paced the Jaguars in receiving again this season, hauling in 67 catches for 1,393 yards and 17 touchdowns for an Emerald Ridge program that reached the 4A state first round. Idaho commit finished an impressive career with 206 catches for 3,277 yards and 39 touchdowns. Two-time TNT All-Area pick.
JABEZ WOODS
Graham-Kapowsin
Wide receiver, 6-0, 170, sr.
4A SPSL first-team selection has been a key playmaker in Graham-Kapowsin’s offense throughout his career, and led the Eagles in receiving this fall with 105 catches for 1,299 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score. Montana State commit piled up 1,632 all-purpose yards this fall for a Graham-Kapowsin program that won an undefeated 4A SPSL title and reached the 4A state championship game. Two-time TNT All-Area pick.
PARKER MADY
Curtis
All-purpose, 5-10, 170, jr.
A playmaker in every phase this fall, Mady was a 4A SPSL first-team selection at wide receiver and second-team selection at defensive back for a Curtis program that reached the state playoffs for the first time since 2018. Mady hauled in 52 catches for 975 yards and 13 touchdowns to pace the Vikings in receiving, and had a passing touchdown, and added 63 tackles, 13 assists and three interceptions on defense. He also returned a pair of punts for touchdowns, and piled up 1,571 all-purpose yards this season.
KAGE REPENN
Tahoma
All-purpose, 6-2, 205, sr.
4A NPSL all-purpose player of the year piled up 1,422 all-purpose yards and 15 total touchdowns for a Bears program that reached the 4A district round. Repenn led Tahoma in receiving with 72 catches for 797 yards and 11 touchdowns, and added another 222 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Also collected 378 return yards, including a kickoff return touchdown and punt return touchdown. Idaho commit.
CARTER COCKE
Sumner
Tight end, 6-3, 235, jr.
4A SPSL first-team selection hauled in 32 catches for 465 yards and seven touchdowns for a Sumner program that reached the 4A state first round. Also blocked for a Spartans offense that led the 4A SPSL in rushing, and averaged 411 total yards per game and scored 55 total touchdowns.
LANDEN BARGER
Yelm
Offensive line, 6-2, 305, sr.
3A SSC lineman of the year blocked for a Tornados offense that averaged 394.9 yards of offense per game and scored 74 total touchdowns this fall on the way to an undefeated 3A SSC title and 3A state title game appearance. Montana Tech commit.
AYDEN BULLINGER
Graham-Kapowsin
Offensive line, 6-3, 210, fr.
4A SPSL first-team selection started at left tackle as a freshman for an Eagles team that won an undefeated league title and reached the 4A state championship game. Blocked for an offense that averaged 414.7 yards per game and scored 65 total touchdowns this fall.
JEDIAH DARRELL
Lincoln
Offensive line, 6-3, 285, sr.
3A PCL defensive lineman of the year was also a first-team selection on the offensive line for a Lincoln program that reached the 3A state first round. Blocked for an offense that averaged 335.7 yards per game and scored 38 total touchdowns.
DYLAN SIKORSKI
Sumner
Offensive line, 6-5, 310, sr.
Four-year starter for the Spartans was the 4A SPSL offensive lineman of the year this fall, blocking for a Sumner offense that led the league in rushing, and averaged 411 total yards per game and scored 55 total touchdowns. Also a starter on defense for a Spartans team that advanced to the 4A state first round. Two-time TNT All-Area selection. Oregon State commit.
MARQUISE THORPE-TAYLOR
Mount Tahoma
Offensive line, 6-6, 305, sr.
3A PCL offensive lineman of the year was a leader on offense and defense for a Mount Tahoma program that won an undefeated 3A PCL title and reached the state playoffs for the first time since 1984, advancing to the quarterfinals. Blocked for a T-Birds offense that averaged 351.9 yards per game and scored 48 total touchdowns, and added 27 tackles and seven tackles for loss on defense on the way to 3A PCL second-team honors on the defensive line. UCLA commit.
DEFENSE
DEREK COLMAN-BRUSA
Kennedy Catholic
Defensive line 6-5, 230, soph.
The 4A NPSL defensive lineman of the year was disruptive all season for the Lancers, racking up 75 tackles, 14 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. Caused four fumbles, had four fumble recoveries and forced a safety. Holds offers from UW, BYU, Oregon State, WSU and Idaho.
ALEX HACH
Tumwater
Defensive line, 6-3, 240, sr.
The 2A EvCo defensive MVP was a major reason the T-Birds advanced to the state championship game this fall. Big, physical run stopper found his way through double teams, racking up 33 rackles, six tackles for loss, forced three fumbles and blocked two kicks for the T-Birds.
JAYMAR TASI
Bethel
Defensive line, 6-4, 300, jr.
Simply nasty in the trenches, Tasi paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher at tackle this season on offense and was the highlight of the 4A SPSL’s best run-stuffing defense, recording 25 tackles, four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. First-team 4A SPSL selection.
LEVI TURNER
Graham-Kapowsin
Defensive line, 6-0, 235, sr.
The 4A SPSL defensive lineman of the year had his best season of his high school career, tallying 93 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and a defensive touchdown at defensive end. Eagles coach Jeff Logan calls him the “meanest, toughest DE around.”
LUVENS VALCIN
Auburn
Defensive line, 6-2, 215, sr.
One of the area’s most electric two-way playmakers, Valcin was everywhere for the Trojans this fall. The 3A NPSL MVP hauled in 56 receptions for 853 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed 40 times for 313 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, had 35 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Montana State commit.
DARRELL GIPSON
Timberline
Linebacker, 6-3, 235, sr.
The 3A SSC defensive MVP was everywhere for the Blazers this fall. Recorded 106 tackles, including 26 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, nine pass break ups, forced and recovered three fumbles, blocked four kicks, blocked a punt and had a defensive touchdown. Led a unit that gave up just 14 points per game. Holds an Idaho State offer.
KARSON HOLT
Enumclaw
Linebacker, 6-4, 200, sr.
A game-changer on both sides of the ball for the state semifinalist Hornets, Holt was an all-league selection at both wide receiver and linebacker in the 2A SPSL this fall. Tallied 619 receiving yards and six touchdowns and defensively, racked up 81 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss, eight sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown.
ISAIAH PATTERSON
Yelm
Linebacker, 6-3, 240, sr.
A versatile threat for the Tornados, Patterson excelled in run-stopping, getting into the opposing backfield, dropping back into coverage and spying opposing quarterbacks when called upon. Racked up 113 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and three sacks. UCLA commit.
BRAYDEN PLATT
Yelm
Linebacker, 6-2, 245, sr.
The state’s top recruit led the Tornados back to the 3A state championship game, racking up 1,328 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 122 carries. On defense, the 3A SSC MVP tallied 99 tackles, including 22 tackles for loss and had an interception. Three-time TNT All-Area selection. Oregon commit.
THYROU UMI-TUATO’O
Auburn Riverside
Linebacker, 6-0, 200, sr.
The engine of Auburn Riverside’s state tournament team, Umi-Tuato’o was an impact player on both sides of the ball. On offense, the 3A NPSL offensive back of the year rushed for 946 yards and 17 touchdowns on 131 carries and caught 13 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. On defense, had 48.5 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
XAVIER AHRENS
Curtis
Defensive back, 6-3, 195, jr.
Once again, Ahrens impacted the game in all three phases for the Vikings this season, voted a first-team all-league defensive back in the 4A SPSL and a second-team receiver this season. On offense, hauled in 60 catches for 893 yards and 12 touchdowns. On special teams, had a punt return touchdown. On defense, tallied four interceptions and had 67 tackles. In total, racked up 1,588 all-purpose yards.
GIO KAFENTZIS
Emerald Ridge
Defensive back, 5-10, 175, sr.
Had Kafentzis not gotten injured, who knows how far Emerald Ridge may have advanced in the 4A state tournament. First-team selection in the 4A SPSL at both receiver and defensive back, Kafentzis was an explosive playmaker for the Jaguars, hauling in 29 catches for 509 yards and nine touchdowns on offense. On defense, had 30 tackles, including two tackles for loss, at safety, quick to diagnose plays and lightning fast to the ball. Also tallied a pair of interceptions.
COOPER MILLER
Sumner
Defensive back, 6-5, 190, sr.
Sumner coach Keith Ross has been blessed with tall, rangy safeties in recent years, and Miller was the latest in the valley. Led the 4A SPSL with five interceptions and had 47 tackles for the Spartans this fall, eager and willing to come down and lay the big hit. First-team 4A SPSL defensive back.
WYATT NEU
Enumclaw
Defensive back, 6-5, 195, sr.
The 2A SPSL MVP had the ability to score whenever the ball was in his hands. On offense, rushed 31 times for 511 yards and eight touchdowns, caught seven passes for 129 yards and four touchdowns, had 283 kickoff return yards, 280 punt return yards and returned an interception for 57 yards. Tallied 1,150 all-purpose yards for the state semifinalist Hornets.
JEMANI TEPLASY
Lincoln
Defensive back, 5-10, 175, sr.
The 3A PCL co-offensive player of the year was the best playmaker for the state tournament participant Abes, an impact player in all three phases. On offense, had a pair of rushing touchdowns and had 775 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, Teplasy was a first-team all-league defensive back selection at safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS
LUKE FACCONE
Puyallup
Kicker, 6-1, 190, sr.
4A SPSL first-team kicker converted 7-of-9 field goal attempts, a perfect 29-of-29 extra points and had a long field goal of 50 yards. Season highlight came against Curtis in late October, when Faccone hit the game-winning field goal in overtime.
CALE ALLEN
Olympia
Punter, 6-1, 225, sr.
4A SPSL first-team punter was also an all-league linebacker for the Bears. Averaged 45.6 yards per punt on 10 punts in six games played. Two-time TNT All-Area selection.
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QB — Damian Aalona, Yelm, sr.; Devon Forehand, Kennedy Catholic, jr.; Ethan Kastner, Tumwater, sr.; Tristen Rebar, Sumner, sr.; Gunnar Trachte, Enumclaw, sr.
RB — Kooper Clark, Tumwater, sr.; Navarre Dixon, Emerald Ridge, sr.; Christian Goode, Franklin Pierce, sr.; Steele Isaacs, Sumner, jr.; Antoine Lee, Kentwood, jr.; Roy Lockley III, Bethel, sr.; Carson McCall, Orting, soph.; Matthew Spurbeck, Sumner, sr.
WR — Marius Aalona, Yelm, sr.; DJ Ervin, Mount Tahoma, sr.; Kai Laukkanen, Capital, sr.; Elijiah McChristian, Lakes, sr.; Drake Matthies, Gig Harbor, sr.
TE — Noah Flores, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Jake Dillon, Tumwater, jr.; Riley Sanderson, Bonney Lake, sr.; Jacob Tracy, Yelm, jr.
OL — Amidjah Dilworth, Lakes, jr.; Ryan Fehr, Enumclaw, sr.; Lui Filimaua, Bethel, jr.; Chris Hauss, Yelm, jr.; Brooks Kiguru, Curtis, sr.; Madox Meneses, Kennedy Catholic, jr.; Ryan Murphy, Emerald Ridge, sr.
MP — Drew Carlson, Olympia, sr.; Tre’ Walker, Mount Tahoma, sr.
AP — Jackson Almond, Cascade Christian, sr.; Anthony Kiamco, Yelm, sr.; Marcus Lloyd, Bonney Lake, sr.
DEFENSE
DL — Jeremiah Anderson, Mount Tahoma, sr.; Ty Evans, Timberline, sr.; Diego Flores, Auburn Riverside, sr.; Drake Johnston, Bellermine Prep, sr.; Ryker Popke, Enumclaw, jr.; Kai Richardson, Puyallup, sr.; Kenji Scanlan, Yelm, sr.; Jabez Tuaoa, Kentwood, sr.; Malijah Tucker, Tumwater, jr.
LB — Cole Johnston, Bellarmine Prep, sr.; Ethan Laloulu, Franklin Pierce, sr.; Ta’u Mareko, Lakes, soph.; Elijah Pula, Bethel, sr.; Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, Bethel, jr.; Dre Sio-Fetaui, Lincoln, jr.; Kelly Sio-Fetaui, Lincoln, sr.; Byson Vasquez, Cascade Christian, sr.; Beckett Wall, Tumwater, jr.
DB — Coen Cronk, Olympia, sr.; Jonathan Epperson, Auburn Riverside, jr.; Ayden Fink, Gig Harbor, sr.; Noah Maxwell, Steilacoom, fr.; Zamaire Tellez, Federal Way, soph.; Mika Roberson, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Arlo Henderson, Yelm, sr.; Cedric Ragland, Timberline, sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K — Boone Leverett, Gig Harbor, jr.
P — Dante Saladino, Kennedy Catholic, soph.
This story was originally published December 14, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
