High school football season preview: Stadium Tigers
The high school football season begins in early September and The News Tribune has been all over the South Sound, visiting local programs at practices before games begin. Up next, we’re previewing a handful of teams individually before the season kicks off.
Here’s how things are shaping up for the Stadium Tigers this fall.
Editor’s note: The “outlook” section for each program is pulled from the TNT’s preseason practice tour. Find the full practice tour story here, complete with insight on over 20 teams in the area, quotes, photos, videos and more.
STADIUM TIGERS
Head coach: Patrick Johnson, fourth year
2024 results: 6-4, Class 4A district playoffs
Offensive coordinator & base scheme: Tim Reynolds, Multiple
Defensive coordinator & base scheme: Patrick Johnson, Multiple
OUTLOOK
Wins used to come few and far between inside the scenic Stadium Bowl — but over the years, a retained coaching staff and tight-knit group of Tigers have put Tacoma’s only 4A program back on the map.
Stadium’s senior class fought through a 2-8 season in 2022, the final year before head coach Patrick Johnson’s breakthrough. The Tigers won five games (plus a forfeit) in ‘23, then improved to 6-4 with a playoff appearance in a new-look 4A SPSL last year.
“They (stuck) together,” Johnson said Tuesday. “Especially in today’s world, where kids can leave or try to leave and go to other places. Just the consistency of messaging. This is Year 25 for me starting today, and every year, I’m just trying to learn and get a little better.
“Wins and losses are great, but I think that we’re developing pretty good young men. It’s starting to translate on the field.”
Star RB Darius Sum remains at the forefront, whose blend of vision and 10.80-second 100M Dash speed torched opposing defenders for 1,587 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns in nine games last fall. Teams caught on to the lead back’s bellcow role, forcing Johnson and Co. to pivot: Could we see Sum line up at receiver in 2025?
“We’re putting him in the slot a little bit,” Johnson said. “Maybe it’ll help his college prospects, being a little more versatile. It’ll be good for us.”
Don’t worry. We’ll still see plenty of Sum as RB1.
“(Last year), I got to really showcase what I could do,” he said. “Showing off my vision, speed. I’m just a well-rounded athlete, I think.
“We’re going to try to win the league this year. I think we can do it. I think we can.”
Stadium returns starting QB Kooper Tasler, part of the senior class thrown into the fire three years ago that never left. The Tigers graduated all five offensive linemen but preserved every starter at skill positions, including Sum and 6-foot-3 tight end Diego Cabrera.
Also back are Stadium middle linebacker Raider Pula and defensive end Cruz Nolan, the latter of which logged 7.5 sacks en route to second-team all-NPSL honors as a junior in 2024.
“From day one, whether I was at Foss (High School) or here… I just want to be in the fight in the fourth quarter with whoever we’re playing,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s Kennedy Catholic or anybody. In the fourth quarter, does Stadium have a chance to win the game? That’s my goal every year, just a competitive environment.”
KEY PLAYERS
RB Darius Sum, sr.
QB Kooper Tasler, sr.
TE Diego Cabrera, sr.
LB Hao-Tien Moore, sr.
DE/LB Cruz Nolan, sr.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 6: at Washington
Sept. 12: vs. Mercer Island
Sept. 19: vs. Mount Rainier
Sept. 25: at Auburn
Oct. 4: vs. Kentwood
Oct. 10: at Kentridge
Oct. 17: vs. Kennedy Catholic
Oct. 23: vs. Auburn Riverside
Oct. 30: at Tahoma
This story was originally published August 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM.
