High school football season preview: Emerald Ridge Jaguars
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 Emerald Ridge Jaguars 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.
EMERALD RIDGE JAGUARS
Head coach: Torey Donovan, second season
2024 results: 7-4, Class 4A state tournament first round
Offensive coordinator & base scheme: Jake Nelson, Power Spread
Defensive coordinator & base scheme: Skyler Norris, Multiple
OUTLOOK
Emerald Ridge was a surprise last year, posting a 7-4 record and advancing to the opening round of the Class 4A state tournament, despite the losses of several key players the year before.
Second-year coach Torey Donovan is hoping he can pull off a similar feat this year. The Jaguars don’t return a single starter on the offensive side of the ball, but the school’s youth feeder program continues to filter talent into the high school program, participation numbers are strong and Emerald Ridge has been a consistent playoff team in recent years.
All of those things point to sustainable success, and Donovan likes the potential upside of this year’s group.
“We’re much faster this year,” he said. “I think we can use that to our advantage. We definitely have talent.”
One of those speedy playmakers is Puyallup transfer QB Brayden Paulino, who has starting experience under his belt and has gelled instantly with his new teammates.
“He’s been an unbelievable leader, directing traffic,” Donovan said. “And in a positive way. Not coming in and thinking he owns the joint. He’s a team guy. The kids are already starting to follow him. He’s not your typical, tall, drop back quarterback. He’s very quick, very fast. We haven’t had a quarterback like that for a while.”
On defense, Emerald Ridge returns all-league defensive end Elijah Wallace, though he’ll miss the first few games due to an academic issue. But once he’s back on the field, the impact should be immediately noticeable; Wallace had a league-leading 14 sacks last fall.
“I feel like our scheme, the way we were able to blitz got me into 1-on-1 situations a lot, so I was able to get into the backfield last season,” Wallace said. “I feel like I’m gonna have a better season because I’m faster, stronger, I weigh more this year. So I’m ready to succeed this season.”
Keep an eye on 6-foot-1 receiver Zab Zekner and 6-foot-3 receiver Hunter Rusler, as well as receiver/defensive back Amosa Masaniai.
“It’s just about putting the guys in the right positions and building the offense around what we had last year versus what we had this year,” Donovan said.
KEY PLAYERS
QB Brayden Paulino, jr.
WR Zab Zekner, jr.
WR Hunter Rusler, jr.
DL Elijah Wallace, sr.
S Amosa Masaniai, soph.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 4: vs. Kentwood
Sept. 11: at Bethel
Sept. 18: at Graham-Kapowsin
Sept. 26: vs. Puyallup
Oct. 3: at Rogers
Oct. 9: at Curtis
Oct. 16: vs. South Kitsap
Oct. 24: vs. Sumner
This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 4:39 PM.
