High school football season preview: Gig Harbor Tides
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 Gig Harbor Tides 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.
GIG HARBOR TIDES
Head coach: Jeff Scoma, first year
2024 results: 4-6
Offensive coordinator & base scheme: Jeff Scoma, Wing-T
Defensive coordinator & base scheme: Kale Wong, Multiple
OUTLOOK
The Wing-T is coming to a harbor near you: New Tides head coach Jeff Scoma brings Bellevue roots across the Narrows with plans to unleash a stable of running backs in a brand-new offensive scheme.
“They’ve picked it up quickly,” Scoma said Thursday. “They’ve put a lot of work in. I feel like this is the perfect type of group to do this with in the first year. They’ve embraced it. We’ll have our ups and downs, but all in all, we’ll see a lot of success running the ball.”
The 3A Tides return 15 starters in 2025, matching Peninsula’s number from across town. Among them are dual-threat QB Sawyer Hayes — a convenient match for Scoma’s Wing-T formula — and two-way lineman Peyton Howard, a first-team all-PSL selection last fall.
“I’m glad our backs get the chance to show off what they can do,” Howard said.
Scoma will open up the offense when opportunities arise, but expect a healthy dose of senior Henry Blake with speedster Troy Arnold, Wilson West, and Ian Shearer mixed in. Former Tides standout RB Ryland Geldermann transferred to Curtis in the offseason, opening the door for several to shine from one of Gig Harbor’s strongest positional groups.
The Tides can bring bragging rights back to Gig Harbor with a win in Week 1’s annual Fish Bowl rivalry over Peninsula, scheduled for Sept. 6 at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma.
“They won, what, seven in a row? Hey, we’re ready for our third,” Howard said. “Keep that streak going.”
KEY PLAYERS
OL Peyton Howard, sr.
RB Henry Blake, sr.
OL Hunter Parris, sr.
LB Ethan Trader, sr.
LB Johan Gerl, sr.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 6: at Peninsula
Sept. 13: at Eastlake
Sept. 19: at Lake City
Sept. 26: vs. Lincoln
Oct. 3: at Silas
Oct. 10: vs. Central Kitsap
Oct. 17: vs. Mount Tahoma
Oct. 24: at Bellarmine Prep
This story was originally published August 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
