High school football: The Olympian’s fall 2021 All-Area team

For the first time in 32 years of naming an All-Area football player of the year, The Olympian has chosen a player from Class 1A in Tenino High School’s Takari Hickle.

All previous winners attended 2A schools or larger. Two Elma players have been selected, but at a time when the Eagles played in 2A.

This fall, sixteen different schools in all six classifications are represented among the players selected to the All-Area first and second teams.

The 37 first-team selections, broken down by leagues, include players from the 4A South Puget Sound League (5), 3A South Sound Conference (14) and 2A Evergreen Conference (16) and 1A Evergreen (two).

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Takari Hickle

Tenino

Running back/defensive lineman, 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, sr.

Hickle is unique as a small school player selected All-Area player of the year, but he’s no fluke. Blessed with size, Hickle worked to prove his belief that college coaches will find talent wherever it exists. He did the expected for someone with his size and athleticism — he dominated the small school defenses he ran against, rushing for 2,091 yards and 24 touchdowns, and disrupted opponents’ offenses with 54 tackles, including 12 sacks, in Tenino’s run to the 1A state quarterfinals. He also did what many would not expect, landing a Pac-12 scholarship to play defensive end at Oregon State. “Takari’s always been the ultimate competitor,” Tenino coach Cary Nagel said. “His drive to win this year was big for us.”

COACHING STAFF

Jason Ronquillo

Yelm

Coach of the year

Ronquillo guided the Tornados to back-to-back 3A SSC championships. Yelm had a 16-game winning streak ended in this season’s 3A state quarterfinals. The Tornados’ run of three consecutive state tournament appearances comes on the heels of a 31-year drought. When the Tornados went 6-0 in the shortened spring season, it was the first undefeated Yelm team since 1938.

Cary Nagel

Tenino

Offensive coordinator

Clark Shaughnessy died a half century ago. The legendary Hall of Fame coach would likely be aghast to see Tenino playing home games on black artificial turf, but he’d instantly recognize the Beavers’ Power T formation. Shaughnessy won the 1940 collegiate national championship at Stanford by reviving a discarded 19th Century system featuring the quarterback under center, with a full house backfield right behind him. Nagel, also Tenino’s head coach, didn’t watch ancient black and white film to create Tenino’s version. He did seek out advice from current high school coaches as far away as Minnesota and Wisconsin. The results can’t be ignored — Tenino averaged just under a point per minute at 47.5 per game and 447 yards rushing, ranking first in Washington and fifth nationally. The Beavers scored 76 points against Seton Catholic and 80 against Freeman in a state playoff game.

Tim Otton

Tumwater

Defensive coordinator

Otton has been named All-Area defensive coordinator for a third straight season. It’s not that no other defensive coordinators with high football IQs are at work in the area. It’s that, still, no team is harder to score on than the T-Birds. When 2019 defending 4A state champion Camas jumped out to a 28-7 lead over the T-Birds this fall, Otton oversaw adjustments that held the Papermakers scoreless in the second half. 2A teams averaged only 8.5 points against Tumwater. The T-Birds recorded three shutouts, including one of the second-best team in the 2A EvCo in W.F. West, which averaged 33 points in its other 12 games.

BACKFIELD

Gabe Downing

Olympia

Quarterback, 5-11, 190, jr.

Downing is a repeat first-team selection at quarterback after passing for 2,024 yards and 22 touchdowns this fall. “Gabe can make every throw and processes information faster than most QBs,” Bears coach Nick Mullen said. “One of the smartest and most competitive QBs I have had the opportunity to coach.”

Talon Betts

Rochester

Running back, 6-1, 175, sr.

Betts rushed 176 times for 1,142 yards and caught 18 passes for 307 yards. Three of his 17 total touchdowns came on kickoff returns. “Talon is the definition of a work horse,” Rochester coach A.J. Easley said. “The more touches, the better he gets. Every time our offense needed a big play, he wanted the ball.”

Jake Kennedy

Capital

Running back, 5-9, 195, sr.

Kennedy rushed for 1,165 yards on 156 carries. “Jake is a pure football player who brings passion to the leadership element,” Capital coach Terry Rose said. “He’s the toughest runner I’ve ever seen.”

Carlos Matheney

Tumwater

Running back, 6-0, 195, jr.

Matheney rushed 156 times for 1,103 yards and 15 touchdowns for the 2A state runners-up. Playing some at linebacker late in the season due to an injury to another player, Matheney made 24 tackles, including four for losses. A junior, he made gameday visits to Portland State and Montana this fall.

Payton Hoyt

Tumwater

All-purpose, 6-1, 190, sr.

Deadly from scrimmage or as a punt returner, Hoyt also made some critical plays on defense. He rushed for 1,171 yards and 24 touchdowns, returning punts for three more scores. Hoyt completed all three passes he attempted. Defensively, he made 19 tackles, including a crucial one in the 2A state semifinals to save a touchdown. “He was our No. 1 running back, played safety and returned punts,” Tumwater coach Bill Beattie said. “He’s a great young man who has worked extremely hard.”

Brayden Platt

Yelm

All-purpose, 6-2, 235, soph.

A true two-way player, Platt rushed for 1,152 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, yet may have been even better on defense. He made 78 tackles, including two sacks, and had two interceptions. “Brayden’s a monster with the ball in his hands,” said Yelm coach Jason Ronquillo of a sophomore who already holds an offer from Washington. “Defensively, he’s a wrecking ball.”

Kyler Ronquillo

Yelm

All-purpose, 5-10, 170, jr.

The offensive MVP of the 3A SSC and a repeat first-team choice, Ronquillo caught 69 passes for 775 yards and six touchdowns, ran for another touchdown and returned two kicks for touchdowns. Had 1,190 all-purpose yards. Defensively, he made 41 tackles, including two for losses and had four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. “Kyler’s incredibly explosive and electrifying,” Jason Ronquillo said.

RECEIVERS

Mason Juergens

Olympia

Wide receiver, 6-2, 195, jr.

A first team 4A SPSL selection, Juergens caught 72 passes for 1,172 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the state in receiving, per MaxPreps. “Mason runs amazing routes and catches everything,” Mullen said. “He has deceptive speed. He outworks the defensive back from the snap until the play is over.”

Franco Segura

Timberline

Wide receiver, 5-10, 165, sr.

Segura caught 40 passes for 624 yards and eight touchdowns. He also scored two rushing touchdowns and two on punt returns. When quarterback Jackson Brown went down with an injury, Segura stepped in. He completed 14-of-23 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. At the end of the season, Segura was also playing cornerback on defense. “Franco’s quickness created excitement every time he touched the ball,” coach James Jones said.

Seth Weller

Tumwater

Wide receiver, 6-4, 195, sr.

Operating from Tumwater’s run-first wing-T formation, Weller didn’t have huge numbers, but passed the eye test. His size and speed gave him presence. He was there when the T-Birds needed him, catching 24 passes for 482 yards and six touchdowns, an average of more than 20 yards per reception.

Austin Terry

Tumwater

Tight end, 6-5, 235, sr.

The Boise State signee was named co-MVP of the 2A EvCo. A repeat first-team pick, he caught 15 passes for 237 yards and four touchdowns. A two-way starter, Terry also collected 36 tackles, including four sacks. “Austin’s an excellent blocker with great hands,” Beattie said. “He’s been a tremendous example for our younger kids, very humble and takes nothing for granted.”

OFFENSIVE LINE

Aidan Anderson

North Thurston

Offensive lineman, 6-5, 275, jr.

On a winless team, Anderson’s talents were still undeniable. He earned first-team 3A SSC honors as an offensive lineman and second team on defense. “Aidan never faced anyone he couldn’t move as an O-lineman,” former Rams coach Terry Shaw said. “He man-handled every center he faced on defense. He was the best all-around two-way lineman in our league.”

Cooper Carlson

Capital

Offensive lineman, 6-4, 280, sr.

A two-way player who projects as an offensive lineman in college, Carlson holds offers from Portland State and Georgetown as well as some smaller schools. “Cooper’s our emotional leader on and off the field,” Rose said. “He’s the best lineman I’ve ever coached.”

Kollin Gifford

Yelm

Offensive lineman, 6-2, 280, sr.

A first-team 3A SSC selection, Gifford has offers in hand from small colleges, but has yet to make a decision.

Hunter Irish

Olympia

Offensive lineman, 6-4, 295, sr.

Irish, a fundamentally sharp player who commits few miscues, makes a repeat first-team appearance after earning second-team all-league honors in the tough 4A SPSL.

Justin Walter

Tumwater

Offensive lineman, 6-2, 245, sr.

The T-Birds’ center is a recruiting target for several smaller colleges, but has yet to commit. “Justin’s been our most consistent blocker for the past three years,” Beattie said. “Everything starts with him.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

William Buzzard

W.F. West

Defensive lineman, 6-3, 225, jr.

A first-team 2A EvCo choice, Buzzard made 39 tackles, seven for losses, and recovered a fumble. “He’s got a great motor and never stops working,” W.F. West coach Dan Hill said. “He’s been an outstanding O- and D-lineman for us.”

Emilio Lopez

River Ridge

Defensive lineman, 5-10, 245, sr.

A midseason position change switched Lopez from inside linebacker to the front for the Hawks, and he excelled, making three tackles for losses and causing two fumbles. He also played offensive guard. “He’s a very tough and great kid,” River Ridge coach Steve Schultz said. “He finished the season gutting it out through a leg injury.”

Daniel Matagi

W.F. West

Defensive lineman, 6-0, 270, jr.

The 2A EvCo defensive MVP, Matagi collected 35 tackles, including seven for losses and an interception. Offensively, he recorded 13 pancake blocks. “He’s the guy teams run away from when we’re on defense,” Hill said. “He’s a game changer. He has great technique which allows him to do special things.”

Ryan Otton

Tumwater

Defensive lineman, 6-6, 235, sr.

A three-year starter and 2A EvCo co-MVP, the repeat first-team selection is bound for Washington, where he will take his NFL prospect brother Cade’s place on the roster. He made 45 tackles, including 13 for losses. Offensively, he caught 10 passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns. “Defensively, every team has to account for him, he’s very disruptive,” Beattie said. “He’s also a tough blocker and great receiver for us.”

Logan Platt

Yelm

Defensive lineman, 6-3, 215, sr.

Yelm’s second-leading tackler with 78, Platt made them count — 13 were for losses, including 12 sacks. The repeat first-team pick was a starter at right guard on offense, too. “Logan has great athleticism and motor for a defensive lineman,” Jason Ronquillo said. “He took on double teams all year. He’s a menace in the backfield.”

LINEBACKERS

Blake Ely

W.F. West

Linebacker, 5-7, 155, jr.

An undersized inside linebacker, Ely nonetheless was a standout in earning first-team 2A EvCo honors. He was in on 71 tackles, including a team-high 45 solo tackles, had three sacks, caused a fumble and recovered two more. “Blake’s become the leader of our defense,” Hill said. “He’s got a great ability not to get blocked and to get to the football.”

Bennett Ferris

Tumwater

Linebacker, 6-0, 210, jr.

The Dickinson State signee was in on 79 tackles and recovered a fumble on his way to first-team 2A EvCo honors. “Bennett’s football intellect is very high,” Beattie said. “He does a good job of knowing what’s going on and getting to the football.”

Caleb Sadlemyer

Tumwater

Linebacker, 6-1, 215, sr.

Part of a one-two linebacking tandem Tumwater assistant Matt Beattie called “two of the hardest working and most aggressive linebackers we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Sadlemyer was also a first-team 2A EvCo selection. He totaled 91 tackles, including 6 1/2 sacks and had an interception return for a touchdown.

Max Tuitele

Olympia

Linebacker, 6-1, 245, sr.

Tuitele racked up 72 tackles, 10 for losses, including five sacks. He forced three fumbles and broke up three passes after missing the spring season with a broken hand. “He’s a student of the game and loves to hit,” Mullen said. “His football IQ is off the charts.”

Ray Wright

Yelm

Linebacker, 5-10, 190, jr.

Named the 3A SSC defensive MVP for a second consecutive season and a repeat first-team All-Area pick, Wright piled up an astonishing 129 tackles, 19 for losses including nine sacks. Playing both sides of the ball, he also rushed for 441 yards and six touchdowns on 55 carries. He caught 14 passes for 120 yards and four touchdowns. “Ray is as instinctual a linebacker as there is in the state,” Jason Ronquillo said.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Martin Aunese

Timberline

Defensive back, 5-11, 180, sr.

Aunese made 30 tackles and had an interception. “Martin is a rock. His role might require him to run vertical with a team’s top wide receiver one play then take on a pulling guard the next,” Timberline coach James Jones said. “He handles each responsibility with excellence.”

Kenyatta McNeese, Jr.

Olympia

Defensive back, 5-10, 185, jr.

McNeese, another repeat selection, made 67 tackles, seven for losses, intercepted a pass and broke up seven others. He also rushed for 750 yards and six touchdowns to earn 4A SPSL first-team honors. “Kenyatta is a game and momentum changer on both sides of the ball,” Mullen said. “He has breakaway speed and power. He loves to play downhill, run and hit people on defense.”

Ryan Orr

Tumwater

Defensive back, 6-1, 190, sr.

Known more for baseball, a sport for which he has signed with Washington State, Orr amassed 66 tackles, intercepted two passes and deflected two more. He earned first-team 2A EvCo honors.

Ashton Paine

Tumwater

Defensive back, 6-1, 175, sr.

Paine was everywhere for the T-Birds, carrying the ball offensively and returning kickoffs, but he shined brightest at defensive back. He intercepted three passes, deflected five more and totaled 23 tackles, including two sacks. “Ashton was, by far, the best defensive back in our league,” Beattie said. “Most teams didn’t want to challenge him and we would put him on their best receiver.”

Cristo Parriott

W.F. West

Defensive back, 5-9, 145, jr.

Parriott earned first-team 2A EvCo honors after being in on 72 tackles, intercepting two passes and recovering four fumbles. “Cristo has a great ability to fill and alley and get to the ball carrier,” Hill said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Gage Pedro

Timberline

Kicker, 6-3, 210, soph.

Pedro handled all the Blazers’ kicking duties. He hit a 44-yard walk-off field goal to end a victory over Central Kitsap and made 37 PATs. On kickoffs, he boomed eight touchbacks. He averaged 37 yards per punt, booting five inside the 20-yard line. Jones says Pedro’s “kicking plays are like great defensive plays. He flips the field and puts our defense in great position.”

Skyler Perrotti

Capital

Punter, 6-0, 170, sr.

The 3A SSC first-team punter averaged 40 yards per kick with a long of 56. “There are no words to describe the heart and soul Skyler has put into his talents,” Rose said. “He’s battled through a tough couple of years and grown stronger because of it.”

SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks — Jackson Brown, Timberline, jr.; Gavin Fugate, W.F. West, jr.; Palaina Hooper, Yelm, sr.

Running backs — Junior Babber, Northwest Christian, sr.; Jarred Bailey, Elma, sr.; Dylan Spicer, Tenino, jr.

Wide receivers — Cameron Amoroso, W.F. West, jr.; Gage Brumfield, W.F. West, fr.; Parker Fouts, Olympia, jr.; Dantae Robinson, River Ridge, sr.; Dante Trikoff, Shelton, jr.

Tight ends — Max Craig, Tenino, jr.; Max Mboob, Rochester, jr.

Offensive line — Aidan Aguero, Tumwater, sr.; Martin Boxley, Shelton, jr.; Marshall Butler, Tenino, sr.; Owen Gillespie, Rochester, jr.; Lolomana’ia Hafoka, Tumwater, jr.; Tim Zane, Rainier, sr.

All-Purpose — Adam Brooks, Northwest Christian, sr.

DEFENSE

Defensive line — Blaze Andrews, Shelton, jr.; Donovan Bishop, Elma, sr.; Logan Bowers, Rainier, sr.; Nick Cairns, Tumwater, sr.; Brock Guyette, W.F. West, sr.; Carson Lowe, Black Hills, sr.; Isaiah Vasquez, Centralia, sr.; Ian Williams, River Ridge, jr.; Andreas Zumudio, Tenino, jr.

Linebackers — Cooper Cleveringa, Yelm, sr.; Ryan Mackeiwicz, Shelton, sr.; Randall Marti, Tenino, jr.; Kaleb McNeely, Timberline, jr.; Austin Salazar, Elma, jr.; Brody Schneider, Olympia, sr., Dig Zilla, Northwest Christian, sr.

Defensive backs — Brad Eleton, Shelton, jr.; Cameron Hashimoto, Timberline, sr.; Manny Hernandez, Elma, sr.; Keegan O’Connor, Tenino, jr.; Lucas Watterson, Tenino, soph.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickers — Zack Schmidt, Tumwater, sr.; Canon Seaberg, Elma, sr.

Punter — Erik Vasquez, Rochester, sr.

This story was originally published December 22, 2021 at 5:00 AM.