The News Tribune’s 2025 All-Area high school football team
The News Tribune’s All-Area football team has become an annual tradition, highlighting the best players in the South Sound — a region that includes more than 60 high schools across all six classifications, ranging from 4A to 1B.
The team is carefully selected with input from coaches. This year, 33 schools in the South Sound are represented by players and coaches selected to the All-Area first and second teams.
The 38 first-team spots, broken down by leagues, are 4A North Puget Sound League (two), 4A South Puget Sound League (19), 3A North Puget Sound League (three), 3A Puget Sound League (11), 2A South Puget Sound League (one), 2A Evergreen Conference (one), and 1A Nisqually League (one).
CO-PLAYER OF THE YEAR
ELIJAH DURR
Mount Tahoma
Cornerback, 6-1, 170, sr.
Beyond this season’s accomplishments, Durr brought an attitude and confidence to a Mount Tahoma program that had struggled in years prior, helping transform the T-Birds from a league doormat to one of the state’s top contenders over the course of his high school career. This fall, he was one of the state’s top all-around players, making an impact in all three phases of the game. Offensively, totaled 427 receiving yards and eight touchdowns and on special teams, returned three punts for touchdowns and blocked five field goals. The UW signee shone brightest on defense, where his talent as a lockdown corner prevented most teams from even trying to throw the ball in his direction. Tallied 35 tackles, three interceptions, and broke up four passes. Washington’s 2025 Gatorade state player of the year led Mount Tahoma to its first state championship game since 1980.
CO-PLAYER OF THE YEAR
LANCE McGEE
Sumner
Running back, 6-0, 215, sr.
Maybe the state’s most dominant running back since former NFL back Jonathan Stewart walked the halls of Timberline High School, McGee was at his best when the lights were brightest. In a Class 4A state semifinal against No. 1 seed Puyallup, McGee rushed for 313 yards and five touchdowns. Somehow, the Davis (Yakima) transfer was even better a week later in the state championship game against Lake Stevens, when he rushed for 368 yards and six touchdowns on 46 carries — all three marks now 4A state championship game records. McGee averaged 9.9 yards per carry this fall, finishing the season with 2,489 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns on 251 carries, carrying Sumner to back-to-back 4A state titles. Oregon State signee.
COACHING STAFF
KEITH ROSS
Sumner
Coach of the Year
It was a rocky road this season in the valley, where the Spartans took three losses in the first five games of Keith Ross’ 25th year at Sumner. Then the Spartans won nine straight, including a revenge win over 4A SPSL champion and tournament top seed Puyallup in the semifinals and the win over Lake Stevens in the 4A state championship game at Husky Stadium. The win secured back-to-back 4A titles for Ross’ Spartans.
KEITH TERRY
Mount Tahoma
Coach of the Year
Perhaps no coach in the state has engineered a more impressive turnaround with any program than Terry has with Mount Tahoma. Before Terry’s arrival four years ago, Mount Tahoma struggled to win any of the games on its schedule. Terry took the T-Birds to the Class 3A state tournament quarterfinals a season ago and this year, guided the team to the 3A PSL title and the 3A state championship game at Husky Stadium, where Mount Tahoma fell just short against defending champion O’Dea. Led the team to a 13-1 record this season, with two wins over Tacoma rival Lincoln, wins over Camas and Mount Si and a win over Metro power Eastside Catholic in the 3A state tournament semifinals.
WYATT EVENSON
White River
Offensive Coordinator
Evenson’s Hornets were one of the South Sound’s best stories in 2025, surging atop the 3A NPSL with the program’s first win over crosstown-rival Enumclaw since 2007. White River won a single game in 2022 before Evenson took over as head coach, lifting a last-place team into the 3A state tournament in the span of three years. “He set a new standard. A new everything,” Hornets QB Chaz Strickland told The News Tribune, who threw 30 touchdown passes this fall. “The seniors and their work ethic just grew and grew. They set a standard for us in the weight room, and I think that just made everyone better.”
DION ALEXANDER
Mount Tahoma
Defensive Coordinator
Tacoma’s best defense featured Alexander at the helm, the FCS All-American linebacker from Eastern Washington (1995) who helped revive South End football and steer the program into the 3A championship game alongside head coach Keith Terry. Alexander rejoined Mount Tahoma’s staff in 2018 for his second stint as defensive coordinator and delivered his best work this fall, holding opponents below 10 points in eight of Mount Tahoma’s 13 wins.
OFFENSE
AJ TUIVAIAVE
Graham-Kapowsin
Quarterback, 6-4, 210, soph.
After turning heads as Graham-Kapowsin’s freshman starter last season, Tuivaiave took the next step this fall, completing 193-of-273 (71%) of his passes for 3,026 yards, 33 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns. 4A SPSL South MVP holds offers from UW, Oregon, BYU, Miami and others.
BRYSON ALLEN
Franklin Pierce
Multi-purpose, 5-10, 170, sr.
A difference maker on both offense and defense, Allen was a nightmare for opposing defenses to slow down at running back this season. He racked up 2,040 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the Cardinals to the 2A state tournament quarterfinals. At linebacker, had 70 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. 2A SPSL MVP and two-time TNT All-Area first-team selection.
BRIYTAN BAILEY
Puyallup
Running back, 5-10, 180, soph.
In the year of the running back in the South Sound, it didn’t take long for Bailey to make a name for himself at Puyallup. The 4A SPSL North offensive player of the year rushed for 1,696 yards and 24 touchdowns on 207 carries.
JADEON SCRANTON
Lincoln
Running back, 6-2, 220, sr.
One of the league’s most physical runners turned into a workhorse back for the Abes this fall, rushing for 1,354 yards and 25 touchdowns. Added 116 receiving yards and another touchdown. 3A PSL Narrows offensive player of the year.
LUCAS WHITEHALL-GILKES
Auburn
Wide receiver, 6-2, 175, sr.
A dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, Whitehall-Gilkes was a master of making defenders miss and racking up yards after the catch. The 4A NPSL offensive player of the year tallied 1,414 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns on 83 catches. Holds offers from Central Washington and Portland State. Two-time TNT All-Area first-team selection.
BRAYLON POPE
Sumner
Wide receiver, 6-3, 190, jr.
The highly-coveted recruit and blazing-fast wideout turned in his best season yet for the back-to-back 4A state champion Spartans, totaling 869 yards and 12 touchdowns on 52 receptions, averaging 16.7 yards per reception. Also had a rushing touchdown and a kickoff return for a touchdown. Three-star recruit holds offers from UW, Oregon, BYU, USC and others.
LAWSON LOOKER
Puyallup
Wide receiver, 6-0, 165, sr.
A home run threat on every play, the speedy Looker was an instant fit in first-year Puyallup coach DJ Mims’ high-flying offense. First-team 4A SPSL selection hauled in 42 catches for 1,005 yards, averaging a state-leading 23.9 yards per catch.
KASE BETZ
Graham-Kapowsin
Wide receiver, 5-11, 160, jr.
A complete receiver, Betz was equally dangerous stretching the field vertically as he was in the short passing game, making defenders miss in tight spaces. 4A SPSL South MVP totaled 1,216 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 76 receptions. Holds offers from Montana State and Portland State.
RAY PALMER
White River
All-purpose, 6-0, 185, sr.
The 3A NPSL MVP did a bit of everything for the Hornets, appearing at defensive back, receiver, running back, kick returner and punt returner. At running back, took 31 carries for 188 yards and three touchdowns for the 3A NPSL champions. At receiver, had 26 receptions for 416 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, had four interceptions and 40 tackles and on special teams, had 241 yards and three touchdowns on 11 punt returns. Led White River to the first round of the 3A state tournament.
TAYVEN COLLINS
Cascade Christian
All-purpose, 5-11, 180, jr.
Played running back, receiver, safety, kick returner and even some quarterback for the Cougars this fall. At QB, threw for 403 yards and six touchdowns. At running back, rushed for 388 yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries. At receiver, had 281 yards and four touchdowns on 18 receptions. At safety, had 63 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks and four interceptions and as a returner, racked up 445 yards on eight kickoff returns. Holds offers from BYU, Nevada and others.
GRADY WALL
Tumwater
All-purpose, 6-0, 180, jr.
Played defensive back, linebacker, running back, kicker, long snapper and was a returner for the 2A state tournament runner-up T-Birds this fall. Rushed for 489 yards and six touchdowns and on defense, had 94 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles, nine pass break-ups and an interception. Returned a kick for a touchdown and made 50 PATs.
ASHTON PILLARD
Sumner
Tight end, 6-4, 210, jr.
Excelled a run blocker and a complement to the state’s best road-grading offensive line. Also flashed ability as a pass catcher, hauling in 29 receptions for 303 yards and a touchdown. First-team 4A SPSL North selection.
GECOVA DOYAL
Puyallup
Offensive line, 6-4, 295, jr.
6-foot-5, 295-pounder was key for 4A tournament No. 1 seeded Vikings, dominant in both run blocking and pass protection. 4A SPSL North offensive lineman of the year. Three-star recruit holds offers from UW, Stanford, Penn State, Oregon, Miami and others. Two-time TNT All-Area first-team selection.
DOUGLAS PETERSON
Graham-Kapowsin
Offensive line, 6-2, 230, sr.
Three-year starter never missed a snap over the course of his career. Two-time 4A SPSL South offensive lineman of the year was a versatile player who excelled at making protection adjustments, leading G-K to a 4A state tournament semifinals appearance this year. Two-time TNT All-Area first-team selection will play lacrosse at Tiffin University in Ohio.
ELIJAH THOMAS
Sumner
Offensive line, 6-3, 295, sr.
The best offensive lineman on the state’s best offensive line, the 6-foot-3, 295-pound tackle was a nasty run blocker, creating holes for running back Lance McGee all the way to the 4A title game at Husky Stadium. 4A SPSL first-team selection.
PEYTON HOWARD
Gig Harbor
Offensive line, 6-0, 260, sr.
Three-time all-league selection was a difference maker on both sides of the ball, allowing no sacks and blocking for an offense which produced 2,745 rushing yards in first-year coach Jeff Scoma’s Wing-T scheme. On defense, 3A PSL lineman of the year had 40 tackles, six sacks, 18 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Also blocked three field goal attempts.
KINGSTON KERKHOFF
Curtis
Offensive line, 6-6, 270, sr.
6-foot-6, 270-pound tackle paved the way for Curtis’ run game, leading the Vikings to a 4A state tournament opening round appearance. Three-star recruit is an Idaho signee.
DEFENSE
DEREK COLMAN-BRUSA
Kennedy Catholic
Defensive line, 6-5, 267, sr.
The state’s top recruit was the definition of a game-wrecker, a dominant two-way pass rusher and run defender capable of steamrolling guards or tossing them aside. “He looks like J.J. Watt,” Graham-Kapowsin coach Jeff Logan said. “And he plays with such discipline, technicality. I watched him throw a kid with a back-armed swing against Bothell onto the ground. That’s something you’d see out of a movie when Thanos gets pissed or something.” Two-time 4A NPSL Player of the Year tackled 50 (19 TFL) with eight sacks and two blocked kicks. Three-time TNT All-Area selection signed with the University of Washington over Ohio State, Oregon, and others.
SHAUN GRIFFITH
Sumner
Defensive line, 6-3, 245, sr.
Last year, Griffith attended the 2024 TNT All-Area photo shoot and told The News Tribune he’d be back. Here he is. The 4A SPSL’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year “plays harder than anyone” Sumner’s Keith Ross has coached in 28 years, a disruptor with a relentless motor that helped deliver back-to-back 4A state titles. After logging 84 tackles (15 TFL) with nine sacks, he grinned at this year’s shoot. “Told you I’d be back.”
TEAVEN JONES
Mount Tahoma
Defensive line, 6-0, 205, jr.
Mount Tahoma’s Keith Terry deemed Jones “unblockable,” the state’s sack leader (20.5) with 87 tackles, 35 for loss. The 3A PSL Narrows’ Co-Defensive MVP forced two fumbles and anchored a defensive line that bullied its way into the 3A title game.
ROBBY LAVATA’I
Curtis
Defensive line, 6-5, 220, sr.
University Place’s top edge rusher hunted the football this fall, a two-time 4A SPSL first-team defensive lineman in the state’s toughest league. Three-star recruit evaded blocks with ease, guiding Curtis to the state tournament. San Diego State commit.
ANTHONY MANCAO
Lincoln
Defensive line, 6-0, 280, sr.
The 3A PSL Narrows’ Co-Defensive MVP possessed the size and strength to make opposing linemen look silly. Mancao anchored the interior of an Abes defensive line that reached the state quarterfinals, tackling 89 with 18 sacks (2nd in WA). Holds offers from Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound, among others.
MICHAEL PULALASI
Puyallup
Linebacker, 6-0, 220, jr.
The 4A SPSL North’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year was the division’s best linebacker, a tackling machine and anchor over the middle for one of the area’s top defenses. Two-time TNT All-Area selection tackled 93 with 15.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks.
RAMZAK FRUEAN
Bethel
Linebacker, 6-4, 215, sr.
Fruean was anointed as Bethel’s next great linebacker following the graduation of 2024 TNT All-Area Player of the Year Zaydrius Rainey-Sale and lived up to lofty expectations. The 4A SPSL South’s Co-Player of the Year wrecked opposing gameplans at the line or in coverage, a versatile defender with Power-4 measurables. Logged 62 tackles (9 TFL) with six sacks and three interceptions, adding 24 catches for 625 yards and seven touchdowns on offense. Three-star recruit signed with the University of Washington over UCLA, BYU, and others, joining Rainey-Sale in Seattle next fall.
TA’U MAREKO
Lakes
Linebacker, 6-1, 215, sr.
The 3A PSL Nisqually’s Defensive Player of the Year broke school records in tackles and tackles for loss, a four-year starter for the “Orange Crush” defense in Lakewood. Mareko was the South Sound’s leading tackler (142) with 18 tackles for loss and three sacks. Three-star Idaho signee.
SHAN JONES
Mount Tahoma
Linebacker, 6-3, 235, sr.
Mount Tahoma’s leading tackler (134) dominated the box and sparked the T-Birds’ run to the 3A title game with a two-interception game against Eastside Catholic in the state semifinals. 3A PSL first-team linebacker added 25.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
FELIX DIAZ
Mount Tahoma
Defensive back, 5-8, 180, sr.
Diaz was one of Mount Tahoma’s best two-way players this fall, a lightning bolt at running back and dangerous defensive back lurking on Tacoma’s best team. The 3A PSL first-team DB snagged an interception and erupted for a 51-yard touchdown run in the 3A championship game at Husky Stadium, completing his senior campaign with a dozen rushing scores and three picks. “Electric with the ball on offense. Relentless finding the ball defensively,” head coach Keith Terry said.
ZAMARIE TELLEZ
Federal Way
Defensive back, 5-9, 175, sr.
One of the state’s most-dynamic players didn’t allow a catch in Federal Way’s secondary all season, appearing on the 3A NPSL’s all-league team twice as Defensive Player of the Year and first-team wide receiver. Tellez finished his high-school career with 20 turnovers and 34 touchdowns, a four-year starter who torched teams as a return specialist, too. Three-star Eastern Washington commit.
ISRAEL NABORS
Sumner
Defensive back, 5-11, 175, sr.
Sumner’s lockdown cornerback headlined the Valley’s secondary in their run to back-to-back 4A state titles this fall. Three-star recruit was equally dangerous at running back, a shifty runner with nine touchdowns and nearly 11 yards per carry. 4A SPSL first-team running back and defensive back signed with Eastern Washington.
JAYDEN WOODLAND
Puyallup
Defensive back, 6-1, 175, sr.
Puyallup’s two-way perimeter force logged 50+ tackles and caught 50+ passes this fall, an all-around athlete listed on both the 4A SPSL’s first-team offense and defense. Woodland totaled 15 touchdowns on offense with 913 receiving yards, a punt return score, and a pick-six. Three-star Eastern Washington commit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
LUCA NIEBERGALL
Curtis
Kicker, 5-9, 155, soph.
The sophomore from University Place paced the 4A SPSL in kick scoring, drilling 11 field goals with a long of 40. 4A SPSL North first-team selection.
TALEN McDONNELL
Peninsula
Punter, 6-4, 195, jr.
The 3A PSL’s leader in punting average (41.3 YDS) pinned eight of his 19 kicks inside the 20-yard line, adding seven field goals and four passing touchdowns at quarterback. 3A PSL first-team selection.
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QB — Sione Kaho, Lincoln, jr.; Noah Smith, Puyallup, jr.; Chaz Strickland, White River, jr.
Dual-threat — Jabez Boyd, Life Christian Academy, sr.; Jadis Lefono, Lakes, fr.
MP — Blake Bargelt, White River, sr.; Cole Chiechi, Enumclaw, sr.
RB — Peyton Davis, Tumwater, sr.; Jacob Martin, Peninsula, sr.; Carson McCall, Orting, sr.; Toetu Moliga, Lakes, jr.; Blake Pearson, Graham-Kapowsin, jr.; Ethan Rodriguez, Rochester, sr.; Darius Sum, Stadium, sr.; Naesirhc White, Mount Tahoma, sr.
WR — Tristan Baker, Lakes, sr.; Parker Fry, White River, jr.; Jayce Halasz, Graham-Kapowsin, soph.; Jaleo Johnson, Steilacoom, soph.; J’Isaiah Mitchell, Puyallup, jr.; Ean Owens, Lakes, jr.; Luke Shaw, Bellarmine Prep, soph.; Slavik Shemedyuk, Fife, sr.
AP — Shiron Seniours, Orting, jr.
TE — Diego Cabrera, Stadium, sr.; Elijah Muliufi, Bethel, sr.; Xander Shaw, Steilacoom, sr.
OL — Jacob Block, Bethel, sr.; Ayden Bullinger, Graham-Kapowsin, jr.; Royal Charles, Peninsula, sr.; Giovanni Eddinger, Orting, sr.; JayLinn Haywood, Kennedy Catholic, jr.; Rashaun Lavatai, Curtis, jr.; Parker Otheim, Olympia, sr.; Apela Sarte, Lakes, sr.; Nic Storem, Enumclaw, sr.; Chronicles Tauave, Mount Tahoma, jr.
DEFENSE
DL — Andrew Asaeli, Mount Tahoma, sr.; Braydon Cook, Olympia, jr.; Julius Hernandez-Avila, Graham-Kapowsin, jr.; Gray Longoria, Sumner, jr.; Ta’a Malu, Annie Wright, sr.; Cruz Nolan, Stadium, sr.; Jonah Smith, Yelm, sr.; Kitiona Tupua, Puyallup, fr.; Elijah Wallace, Emerald Ridge, sr.
LB — Henry Blake, Gig Harbor, sr.; Austin Glivar, Sumner, sr.; Zeke Isaacson, Franklin Pierce, sr.; Hunter Liberty, Olympia, sr.; Derick Manibusan, Graham-Kapowsin, jr.; Ranae Naitoko, Mount Rainier, sr.
DB — Jasiah Denmark, Puyallup, sr.; Noah Maxwell, Steilacoom, jr.; Jeremiah Orcutt, Franklin Pierce, jr.; Luke Parker, Puyallup, jr.; Carter Pennington, Capital, jr.; Sam Rigg, Olympia, sr.; Jay Sinclair, Federal Way, sr.; Maurice Williams, Graham-Kapowsin, jr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K — Landon Kingston, Silas, jr.
P — Leo Bosh, Central Kitsap, jr.; Dante Saladino, Kennedy Catholic, sr.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
