These South Sound high school football teams could surprise people in 2024
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, but aside from the heavy hitters, which teams might surprise people this fall? Here’s our list of potential breakout candidates.
Bellarmine
Lions are the wild card in the 3A Puget Sound League after spending years in the 4A SPSL. Bellarmine gave even some of the 4A SPSL’s best programs trouble at times, but struggled to match up on the lines. A top three finish and playoff berth seems attainable this year if things fall into place.
Bethel
Bethel had the best statistical run defense in the 4A SPSL last year and returns linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, the state’s No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class. If the Bison can move the chains more effectively on offense, there could be something brewing in Spanaway.
Olympia
Injuries hurt Olympia last season. If the Bears can stay healthy, they could find themselves in the playoff hunt this fall. Senior QB Cam Downing will benefit from a good offensive line and experienced group of receivers.
White River
Hornets return eight starters on defense, are good on both lines and have a capable group of skill position players. Receiver Tate Bowen is due for a monster season after racking up 1,000 yards and 13 TDs last year in the 2A SPSL. Defensive ends Luke Lisherness and Riley Simmons were both state wrestling participants.
Gig Harbor
The Tides have the pieces to contend for a league title and should be balanced on offense. Line play will need to be physical against the likes of Lincoln and Mount Tahoma.
Franklin Pierce
It’s no secret 2A-Franklin Pierce loves to force-feed tailbacks on the ground, routinely throwing less than four times per game. New QB Jeremiah Orcutt is forcing Cardinals coaches to reconsider. We still expect a heavy dose of the run game, but Orcutt’s arm and ability to improvise should cut into that lofty rushing total.
Fife
The Trojans aren’t expecting another 5-5 campaign, and neither are we. In a 2A SPSL that feels up for grabs with Enumclaw’s rise to 3A, Fife returns all-league LB/FB La’au Maka, QB1 Mattson Ducharme, and four of five starters on both lines.
Spanaway Lake
The Sentinels “run around with their hair on fire,” making up for a lack of size with undeniable speed on the perimeter. And in a revamped 4A SPSL, Spanaway Lake is embracing the role of underdog. It starts with UW commit D’Aryhian Clemons, the workhorse tailback and standout defensive back for a program we believe could be on the rise.
Capital
RB Blake Ostrander didn’t mince words: “I genuinely don’t think there’s a team in the state that can beat us.” The Cougars ooze confidence in the state’s capital, led by Ostrander and dual-threat QB Lucas Redman. There’s enough speed and athleticism to keep 3A-Capital competitive.
South Kitsap
With nine returning starters on offense, could this be the year South Kitsap surges? It’s a tough ask in a loaded 4A SPSL, but the Wolves feature 6-foot-3 QB Franklin Fox and senior halfback Brycen Clay. South Kitsap head coach Sean Banks calls 6-4 OT/DT Josaiah Asuega the “most underrated player in Washington.”
