High school football season preview: Sumner Spartans
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 Sumner Spartans 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.
SUMNER SPARTANS
Head coach: Keith Ross, 25th season
2024 results: 13-1, Class 4A state champions (defeated Camas, 27-24, in title game)
Offensive coordinator & base scheme: Zach Coop, Spread
Defensive coordinator & base scheme: Keith Ross, 4-2-5
OUTLOOK
The reigning 4A state champs aren’t rebuilding — they’re reloading. Sumner returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense from last year’s 4A state title team. Making things even sweeter for longtime coach Keith Ross: the Spartans added a few transfers, too.
Topping that list is former Davis (Yakima) running back and linebacker Lance McGee, an Oregon State commit. On paper, it looks like a match made in heaven: an old-school mentality football program that loves to run the ball and the bruising 6-foot-1, 215-pound McGee. Things are different at Sumner, according to McGee.
“The culture, by far,” he said. “Everything we do here is different than where I came from. From the kids being ready to work, everybody being hyped in the morning. Coach Ross getting on me, it’s just all different. Everyone welcomed me when I first got here, it just feels like home. I wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else.”
McGee racked up around 1,300 rushing and receiving yards and 21 touchdowns last season at Davis. He’s getting acclimated to Ross’ intense style, too.
“Very intense,” he said. “I was not expecting that when I first got here, not gonna lie. I’ve gotten used to it. He’s yelled at me a couple times, but I’m coachable. I take it, get better, it’s gonna help me for college, so I love it.”
Sumner also returns senior quarterback Nate Donovan and Division I receiver recruit Braylon Pope on offense. On defense, expect more of the same: a stifling, dominant defense at all three levels.
All-league defensive back Israel Nabors, all-league linebackers Austin Glivar and Dillon Titialii and all-league defensive lineman Shaun Griffith return for the Spartans, among others.
“It’s gonna be awesome,” Glivar said. “I think we’ve got one of the best defenses in the state. We’ve got great linebackers, great d-line and we’ve got some of the best DB’s in the state. There’s not much more to say about it.”
The victory tour during the offseason was fun, but Ross and the players feel they officially turned the page once practices began, if not earlier. And with so much of last year’s team intact, a repeat feels possible.
“We have the roster to have a chance, hopefully, to get into the playoffs and have a shot,” Ross said. “We have everyone back, we’re lucky. … We’re really excited about the potential of this team.”
KEY PLAYERS
RB Lance McGee, sr.
WR Braylon Pope, jr.
QB Nate Donovan, sr.
OL Kameron Raboteau, jr.
LB Dillon Titialii, sr.
DB Israel Nabors, sr.
LB Austin Glivar, sr.
DL Shaun Griffith, sr.
DE Will Maxwell, sr.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 5: at Lake Stevens
Sept. 12: vs. Kennedy Catholic
Sept. 19: vs. West Linn
Sept. 26: vs. South Kitsap
Oct. 4: at Puyallup
Oct. 10: at Rogers
Oct. 17: vs. Curtis
Oct. 24: at Emerald Ridge
This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 5:04 PM.
