High school football season preview: Puyallup Vikings
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 Puyallup Vikings 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.
PUYALLUP VIKINGS
Head coach: DJ Mims, first year
2024 results: 6-5, Class 4A state tournament first round
Offensive coordinator & base scheme: Christian Chambers, Run & Shoot
Defensive coordinator & base scheme: Aaron Rambo, 4-2-5 multiple
OUTLOOK
Puyallup was already trending in the right direction last season, heating up in the second half of the season and advancing to the Class 4A state tournament with a young roster after a slow start.
Now, with most of the talented roster returning, a few impact transfers and a new head coach in former Mercer Island coach DJ Mims, the expectations are suddenly sky high at Sparks Stadium.
Wide receiver J’Isaiah Mitchell, a 6-foot-5 junior and three-star recruit, said he feels a difference with the culture Mims is working to instill within the team.
“Definitely big changes,” he said. “Intensity, first day of practice, we’ve never been as close to perfect as we were (on Wednesday). Overall, just great intensity.”
Puyallup returns three-star offensive tackle Gecova Doyal, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound menace on the line. The Vikings also return receiver Jayden Woodland and welcome Central Kitsap lefty quarterback transfer Noah Smith. He’ll have to sit the first four games of the season, per the WIAA’s new transfer rule. In the meantime, dual-threat Luke Parker will start for the Vikings and already has some experience under his belt from last season.
Other notable transfers: LB Michael Pulalasi (Lakes), UW commit and offensive lineman Ah Deong Yang (Roosevelt), RB Briytan Bailey (Mount Tahoma), RB Malcolm Akuffo (Emerald Ridge).
Whoever is at quarterback, they’ll have plenty of weapons to work with in the passing game, including the matchup nightmare Mitchell. He’s envisioning a big role for himself in the new offense this year.
“Definitely Air Raid, airing the ball out a lot,” he said. “We like our matchups, we like our receivers. If you’re 1-on-1, the ball is definitely coming to you.”
Mims said he’s still settling into the new role and feels ready for the opportunity.
“It’s just a blessing,” he said. “It’s a blue blood program. It’s a very sought-after job. There were over 50 applicants for this job. I’m very honored to lead this program.”
Mims said he wants to bring an attention to detail and culture of discipline to the team.
“I’m big on execution, no walking on the field, no helmets off until you get off the field,” he said. “Just the little details like that.”
As far as expectations, everyone at Puyallup is aiming high. “Nothing else to say (other) than state championship,” Mitchell said.
KEY PLAYERS
OL Gecova Doyal, jr.
WR Jayden Woodland, sr.
LB Michael Pulalasi, jr.
WR J’Isaiah Mitchell, jr.
OL Ah Deong Yang, sr.
CB Jasiah Denmark, sr.
RB Briytan Bailey, soph.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 5: vs. Tumwater
Sept. 12: at Evergreen
Sept. 19: vs. Skyview
Sept. 26: at Emerald Ridge
Oct. 4: vs. Sumner
Oct. 9: at South Kitsap
Oct. 17: vs. Rogers
Oct. 24: at Curtis
This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 2:38 PM.
