High school football season preview: Fife Trojans
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 Fife Trojans 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.
FIFE TROJANS
Head coach: Kent Nevin, 23rd year
2024 results: 7-4, Class 2A state round of 16
OUTLOOK
In his 23rd season at the helm of the Fife program, Kent Nevin notices the details. And from the opening camps of summer, it became increasingly clear to the longtime head coach — this year’s Trojans squad hasn’t skipped a beat.
Fife put the pieces together for a state-tournament run to 2A’s Round of 16 in 2024, and playoff aspirations remain with starting QB Mattson Ducharme back for a third year.
“He’s out here early. He stays late,” Nevin said of his quarterback. “He puts guys where they’re supposed to be. He doesn’t yell or scream. He helps them. Kids will run through a brick wall for him because of how he leads.
“He wants to lead. He wants to be that guy, and that’s something that you really need.”
Perhaps an underrated ingredient of Fife’s success: Nevin and select assistants coach at the middle school level, allowing younger players to learn the standard years in advance and easing the transition to high school football.
“It’s the consistency,” Nevin said. “They know what they’re going to get. They know what to expect.”
Fife returns junior defensive tackle Labor Day Nielsen and two-way TE/LB Kannon King, a 6-foot-6 playmaker who could pose problems for opponents in man coverage. It’s a younger group this year, but Ducharme has every reason to believe a return to playoff football is imminent after a 7-4 finish last fall.
“We just have elite effort,” he said. “I love the effort that these boys are giving. We’re going to be a little bit younger this year, but all we need is (for) everyone to try as hard as we can, and I think that’s what we’re doing.
“I just think that we have a well-rounded team. I’m confident with every player on our team. I believe that every player can do their job.”
KEY PLAYERS
QB Mattson Ducharme, sr.
DT Labor Day Nielsen, jr.
TE/LB Kannon King, sr.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 4: at Inglemoor
Sept. 11: at White River
Sept. 19: at Orting
Sept. 25: vs. Washington
Oct. 2: at Clover Park
Oct. 10: vs. Eatonville
Oct. 17: at Franklin Pierce
Oct. 24: vs. Foss
Oct. 30: at Steilacoom
This story was originally published August 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
