High school football season preview: Lakes Lancers
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 Lakes Lancers 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.
LAKES LANCERS
Head coach: Dave Miller, 26th year
2024 results: 9-2, Class 3A state tournament first round
Offensive coordinator & base scheme: Dave Miller, Pro Style Multiple
Defensive coordinator & base scheme: Caleb Kellcy, 4-2-5
OUTLOOK
Lakes had one of the area’s best defenses last year. Could the offense keep pace this fall? If it does, Dave Miller’s group could be a sneaky postseason contender in the state tournament.
Expect a heavy dose of 6-foot receiver Tristan Baker, an Idaho commit.
“We’re gonna try to launch the ball a little more, pass the ball, get it to our athletes,” Baker said. “Right now it’s probably the deepest our receiver room has ever been. Many of our receivers are gonna go to the college level. We’re gonna pass the ball well, we’re gonna run the ball. I think the tough situations, we’re gonna be able to get out of them.”
He’ll likely be receiving passes from freshman quarterback Jadis Lefono, who looked dynamic running around making plays with both his legs and arm during Wednesday afternoon’s first practice of the season.
“He’s really handled everything beautifully,” said coach Dave Miller, who is entering his 26th year coaching the Lancers. “He’s not just physically talented, but smart. And not just smart, he picks stuff up. It’s not too big for him. He’s gonna play right away for us.”
Miller added that the quarterback competition remains ongoing between Lefono and senior Koi Calhoun, a Gig Harbor transfer.
Lakes lost TNT All-Area linebacker Michael Pulalasi (transferred to Puyallup), but returns two key pieces on the defense in linebacker Ta’u Mareko (Idaho commit) and defensive end Tupu Saeumealua, both of whom missed much of last season with injuries. Coupled with Baker on the back end at safety, and the players think this year’s defense could be even better than last year’s stingy group.
“If you guys think our defense was good last year, you’re gonna be real excited this year,” Baker said. “Those were really big missing key parts of our team (last year). I think this year, we should hold teams to a low score.”
KEY PLAYERS
WR Tristan Baker, sr.
WR Ean Owens, jr.
RB Toetu Moliga, jr.
OL Apela Sarte, sr.
LB Ta’u Mareko, sr.
DE Tupu Saeumealua, sr.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 5: vs. Auburn Riverside
Sept. 12: at Bonney Lake
Sept. 19: vs. Curtis
Sept. 25: at North Thurston
Oct. 2: at River Ridge
Oct. 10: vs. Peninsula
Oct. 16: at Timberline
Oct. 24: vs. Capital
This story was originally published August 26, 2025 at 1:02 PM.
