High school football: The News Tribune’s 2024 All-Area team
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TNT’s 2024 Fall All-Area teams
Players of the year, plus first- and second-team selections for The News Tribune’s 2024 fall sports All-Area teams
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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, 35 schools in the South Sound are represented by players and coaches selected to the All-Area first and second teams.
The 37 first-team spots, broken down by leagues, are 4A North Puget Sound League (five), 4A South Puget Sound League (18), 3A North Puget Sound League (four), 3A Puget Sound League (five), 2A South Puget Sound League (one), 2A Evergreen Conference (three), and 1A Nisqually League (one).
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
ZAYDRIUS RAINEY-SALE
Bethel
Linebacker, 6-3, 230, sr.
There was no player that had a greater impact on his team this year than Rainey-Sale, a true game-changer and difference maker at linebacker for the Bison, with a quick first step and elite closing speed — a total package of nastiness, size, speed and football IQ. The 4A SPSL South division MVP had 98 tackles and an SPSL-leading 87 tackles in league play with four scores on defense, taking three interceptions back for touchdowns and one scooped fumble returned for a touchdown. At wide receiver on offense, had 10 touchdowns in 10 games. Signed with UW, choosing the Huskies over Oregon, Alabama, Miami, Texas and others.
COACHING STAFF
MATT VAEENA
Decatur
Coach of the Year
Has orchestrated one of the most impressive program turnarounds in the state in recent years. Three years ago, Decatur didn’t win a game. Last year, Vaeena led the Gators to an 8-2 record and a playoff appearance. This year, he took it a step farther, coaching Decatur to a 10-1 overall record, an undefeated league title in the 3A NPSL — which included wins over perennial playoff team Enumclaw and district rival Federal Way — and the first state tournament appearance in school history.
SCOTT HAURY AND DAN HINKLE
Tumwater
Offensive Coordinators
Working with second-year head coach Willie Garrow, Tumwater’s co-offensive coordinators took Tumwater’s tried and true Wing-T offense to the next level this season. T-Birds scored 50 points per game, scoring 40+ points in all but two of their games, including 56 points against 4A Puyallup, 52 points against 2A state tournament semifinal participant W.F. West, 70 points in a 2A state quarterfinal game against Sehome and 42 points in the state tournament semifinal against Archbishop Murphy.
KEITH ROSS
Sumner
Defensive Coordinator
A worthy candidate for coach of the year as well, Ross called plays for Sumner’s defense this year, which was perhaps the state’s best. The longtime Sumner head coach won his first state championship in his 23rd season, coaching his Spartans to a thrilling 27-24 win over top-seeded Camas at Husky Stadium in early December. Sumner compiled a 13-1 overall record, an undefeated 4A SPSL title and was undefeated against in-state opponents in 2024.
OFFENSE
SPENCER HOLLOWAY
Decatur
Quarterback, 5-11, 180, sr.
The 3A NPSL player of the year was the definition of poise, leading the Gators to comeback wins in close games on multiple occasions and guiding Decatur to the program’s first state tournament appearance. Passed for 2,065 yards and 24 touchdowns and was a legitimate dual-threat as well, rushing 180 times for 700 yards and 13 touchdowns.
JABEZ BOYD
Life Christian Academy
Multi-purpose, 6-2, 170, jr.
Boyd was a nonstop highlight machine for the Eagles this season, a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. The 1A Nisqually MVP led Life Christian to an undefeated league title and to the state tournament quarterfinals for the first time since 2007. He completed 124-of-170 passes for 34 touchdowns and 2,388 yards and rushed 86 times for 737 yards and nine touchdowns. Also played corner on defense, where he had a pair of interceptions and 19 tackles, including three tackles for loss.
BRYSON ALLEN
Franklin Pierce
Running back, 5-10, 170, jr.
Several running backs tallied a lot of yards in Franklin Pierce’s run-heavy Power T offense this year, but Allen was the best of the bunch. The 2A SPSL MVP racked up 1,631 yards and 21 touchdowns on 130 carries this year, leading the Cardinals to an undefeated run through the 2A SPSL and a state tournament quarterfinals appearance. Defensively, had 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks at linebacker.
STEELE ISAACS
Sumner
Running back, 5-9, 190, sr.
Sumner’s going to pound the rock come postseason time — and Isaacs embodied that and more. In four state playoff games, the workhorse back handled 129 carries for 668 yards and nine touchdowns with 125+ rushing yards and 2+ touchdowns in each, guiding the Spartans to the 4A title at Husky Stadium. 4A SPSL North first-teamer finished his senior season with 260 carries for 1,451 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
ANTOINE LEE
Kentwood
Running back, 5-10, 195, sr.
This prolific running back ended his high school career with a resounding bang, rushing for 344 yards in a Week 10 consolation matchup against Gig Harbor. Lee put together one of the best rushing careers in state history, racking up 5,822 career rushing yards, 59 rushing touchdowns and 62 total touchdowns. This year, he was the 4A NPSL offensive player of the year, rushing for 2,100 yards and 28 touchdowns on 215 carries. He added 267 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 21 receptions. Five times over the course of his career, he had five-touchdown games. Central Washington commit.
DARIUS SUM
Stadium
Running back, 5-10, 170, jr.
The state’s leading rusher through eight weeks prior to injury, Sum’s blend of breakaway speed, vision, and patience make him one of the South Sound’s scariest runners. Stadium’s team captain scored 20 total touchdowns and averaged 10 yards per carry for an offense that operated through him. First-team 4A NPSL selection tallied seven straight games with 100+ yards and a touchdown.
HARPER HEJTMANEK
Olympia
Wide receiver, 6-0, 195, sr.
Had Olympia’s starting quarterback not gone down with an injury midway through the season, it’s scary to think what numbers Hejtmanek might have finished with. Still, the 4A SPSL South first-team selection was a problem for opposing secondaries all season, explosive out of his breaks and a strong bet to win 50/50 balls. Tallied 1,198 yards and 13 touchdowns on 66 catches. He also rushed for a pair of scores.
AUSTIN MAY
Federal Way
Wide receiver, 5-7, 160, sr.
The 3A NPSL co-offensive player of the year was all speed, all the time for the state tournament-appearing Eagles. Federal Way’s No. 1 target had 1,000 all-purpose yards, including 850 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns. Also a standout track athlete at Federal Way.
LUCAS WHITEHALL-GILKES
Auburn
Wide receiver, 6-2, 195, jr.
Whitehall-Gilkes put up historic numbers in 2024, and it wasn’t a byproduct of the system he played in. “He was by far the best receiver in the NSPL,” Auburn head coach Aaron Chantler said of his junior wideout, who tallied at least 80+ receiving yards in all 10 games despite routine double-coverage. Whitehall-Gilkes set all-time NPSL records in receptions (101) and receiving yards (1,527) and corralled a season-high 17 catches for 218 yards with the game-winning touchdown run to win the city’s Fugate Trophy vs. Auburn Riverside on Nov. 1. 4A NPSL first-team selection at receiver and defensive back.
KYSON DOUGLAS
Puyallup
All-purpose, 5-8, 190, sr.
As Douglas went, Puyallup went. Playing through injury early in the season, it wasn’t until Douglas got healthy that Puyallup turned a corner and started winning games. A versatile threat, he rushed for 691 yards and 13 touchdowns and had 16 catches for 320 yards and four touchdowns. 4A SPSL North first-team selection had 1,167 all-purpose yards, blending straight-line speed, patience, vision and football IQ for the state tournament-appearing Vikings.
INDIANA JONES
Kennedy Catholic
All-purpose, 5-9, 175, sr.
Did a little bit of everything for the Lancers this season, playing running back, slot receiver, outside linebacker and long snapper, leading Kennedy Catholic to another 4A NPSL title and the 4A state tournament quarterfinals. Had 1,334 yards and 29 touchdowns (and no fumbles) on 197 carries and added 33 receptions for 548 yards and four scores. Defensively, had 42 tackles, five pass break-ups and four tackles for loss. Was this year’s 4A NPSL defensive player of the year. Two-time TNT All-Area first-team selection.
CARTER COCKE
Sumner
Tight end, 6-3, 245, sr.
One of the state’s most sure-handed pass catchers, Cocke’s game was a mixture of blocking, pass catching, bulldozing defenders and old-school football nastiness. 4A SPSL North offensive player of the year totaled 797 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 56 receptions and added a rushing touchdown. Caught a touchdown pass in the second half of Sumner’s state championship game win over Camas. Montana State commit is a two-time TNT All-Area first-team selection.
BRAD AMSDEN
Lincoln
Offensive line, 6-2, 265, sr.
Playing left tackle and defensive end for the Abes, the 3A PSL Narrows lineman of the year had a motor that never stopped running. A physical, strong player with good feet, Amsden was an integral part of Lincoln winning the 3A PSL Narrows and reaching the 3A state tournament quarterfinals this fall.
AMIDJAH DILWORTH
Lakes
Offensive line, 6-1, 280, sr.
The team captain and “alpha leader” of the Lakes lines tallied 36 tackles (eight tackles for loss), 28 pancake blocks and five sacks. PSL Nisqually Lineman of the Year was a three-year Lancers starter who blocked three field goals and forced two fumbles in 2024.
GECOVA DOYAL
Puyallup
Offensive line, 6-5, 290, soph.
It’s sometimes easy to forget this talented lineman is only in 10th grade. Doyal’s promising measurables and skill set began to come to fruition on the football field this year. The 4A SPSL North first-team selection was a major reason why Puyallup returned to the state tournament this year. Will have a chance to be one of the best linemen to put on a Vikings uniform when it’s all said and done.
DOUGLAS PETERSON
Graham-Kapowsin
Offensive line, 6-0, 225, jr.
The anchor of Graham-Kapowsin’s offensive line, the 4A SPSL South offensive lineman of the year was a big reason why freshman quarterback AJ Tuivaiave had a good first season. Playing a critical position in Graham-Kapowsin’s scheme, he was effective both in pass protection and as a run blocker, helping a young Eagles’ offense make the 4A SPSL league championship game and return to the 4A state tournament.
LUKE RICHARDSON
Sumner
Offensive line, 6-0, 275, sr.
The 4A SPSL North offensive lineman of the year was Sumner’s top offensive lineman this season at center, making all the calls and leading and paving the way for running back Steele Isaacs and a relentless Sumner rushing attack. Matched football IQ with high-level athleticism for the Spartans.
DEFENSE
JOSAIAH ASUEGA
South Kitsap
Defensive line, 6-4, 290, sr.
Dominant two-way standout paved lanes for Wolves RB Brycen Clay and tackled 46 (10.5 TFL) with four sacks in eight games. 4A SPSL North first-team defensive lineman signed with Montana State on Dec. 4.
DEREK COLMAN-BRUSA
Kennedy Catholic
Defensive line, 6-5, 245, jr.
Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Washington — when the time comes, Colman-Brusa will have his pick of premier Division-I programs hoping the 4A NPSL’s Player of the Year walks through the door. The state’s top recruit in the 2026 class tackled 68 (25 TFL) with a dozen sacks and five forced fumbles in 11 games. Four-star recruit is a two-time TNT All-Area selection.
SHAUN GRIFFITH
Sumner
Defensive line, 6-3, 240, jr.
Coaches consider Griffith one of Sumner’s best defensive linemen in a long time, the 4A SPSL North Defensive Lineman of the Year who wrecked the line of scrimmage throughout the Valley’s state championship run. Tackled 74 with nine tackles for loss and five sacks. Coach Keith Ross: “A desire to make every play.”
MALIJAH TUCKER
Tumwater
Defensive line, 6-0, 265, sr.
The anchor of Tumwater’s interior defensive line, Tucker commanded regular double-teams and posted 2A EvCo Defensive co-MVP numbers with 57 tackles, 17 TFL, six sacks and two fumble recoveries. “Incredible power, explosiveness and motor,” says head coach Willie Garrow. Washington State commit.
BOL BOL
Yelm
Edge, 6-6, 235, sr.
The SPSL South’s most-feared defensive lineman wrecked shop in the backfield with 74 tackles and 14 tackles for loss on Yelm’s physical front. Three-star recruit was named 4A SPSL South Defensive Lineman of the Year and signed with Boise State on Dec. 4.
XAVIER AHRENS
Curtis
Linebacker, 6-4, 212, sr.
Montana State commit was a two-way force and first-team SPSL selection at both linebacker and receiver. Ahrens posted 56 receptions for 668 yards and seven touchdowns, adding three interceptions on defense (13 career). Three-time TNT All-Area selection.
COLTON PAULSON
Enumclaw
Linebacker, 6-0, 180, sr.
An electric play waiting to happen, Enumclaw’s top two-way standout secured 3A NSPL Defensive Player of the Year honors with 73.5 tackles, 16 sacks and 10 TFL. Paulson caught 10 touchdowns (500 receiving yards) and holds a Central Washington offer. NPSL first-team receiver.
MICHAEL PULALASI
Lakes
Linebacker, 6-1, 220, soph.
Longtime Lancers head coach Dave Miller insists Pulalasi will be playing Division-I football someday, and it’s easy to see why. The PSL Nisqually Defensive Player of the Year stuffed the stat sheet with 136 tackles (13 TFL), three interceptions and two forced fumbles — the undisputed engine of the 3A PSL Nisqually’s best defense. Added three interceptions, five pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.
DRE SIO-FETAUI
Lincoln
Linebacker, 6-2, 225, sr.
No player flew to the football like Sio-Fetaui, the state’s season leader in tackles (144). Three-star linebacker was named PSL Narrows Defensive MVP and holds offers from Arizona and Nevada. Two-time TNT All-Area selection.
BECKETT WALL
Tumwater
Linebacker, 6-3, 215, sr.
The 2A EvCo’s Defensive co-MVP proved nightmarish for opposing quarterbacks and tackled 25 for a loss, the leader of a Tumwater defense that surrendered less than seven points per game. Wall tackled 95 with six sacks, three blocked kicks and four batted balls. Two-time TNT All-Area selection.
ELIJAH DURR
Mount Tahoma
Defensive back, 6-1, 185, jr.
Mount Tahoma’s three-star perimeter playmaker says he wears No. 1 on his chest for a reason. The shutdown corner played both sides and posted 502 receiving yards with eight touchdowns, already with eight offers from the likes of Washington, Wisconsin and Arizona State. Tackled 29 with three interceptions, five pass break-ups and four blocked kicks. First-team PSL Narrows selection.
PARKER MADY
Curtis
Defensive back, 5-11, 180, sr.
Curtis Senior High’s all-time leader in receptions, touchdowns, and all-purpose yards concluded an illustrious high school career in University Place with 4A SPSL North MVP honors and a commitment to Montana State. Mady paced the entire SPSL in receptions (78) with 1,104 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns and paced the Vikings defensively in tackles and interceptions this season. Head coach Darren McKay: “No player affected the game in all three phases like he did.” Two-time TNT All-Area selection.
TAYLOR REBAR
Sumner
Defensive back, 5-10, 185, sr.
The hard-hitting “True Honey Badger” tackled 104 as the strong safety of Sumner’s championship defense. 4A SPSL North Defensive Player of the Year and dominating tackler “made every play,” head coach Keith Ross said.
DJ TA’APE
Graham-Kapowsin
Defensive back, 5-11, 175, sr.
What couldn’t Ta’ape do? Graham-Kapowsin’s team leader in tackles and interceptions played 95 percent of defensive snaps and was the offense’s pass-catching running back, kick returner and punter. The 4A SPSL South’s Defensive Player of the Year was “the most important piece” to the Eagles’ league-leading scoring defense with 54 tackles, four interceptions and a fumble recovery.
SPECIAL TEAMS
AUSTIN FERENCZ
Sumner
Kicker, 6-3, 190, sr.
The hero. As time expired in the 4A state championship game, Ferencz drilled a game-winning, 21-yard field goal that lifted Sumner to glory over No. 1 Camas, 27-24. Senior flew 90 percent of his kickoffs into the endzone, converted 16 field goals and tied a school record with a long of 54. 4A SPSL North first-team selection.
LOGAN LIPSCOMB
Emerald Ridge
Punter, 6-5, 205, sr.
Lipscomb was the league’s best punter, but SPSL rivals worried about this 6-5 wideout on both sides of the football – a big-play WR/DB threat with six touchdowns (16 YPC) and two pick-sixes on defense. “He is a hidden gem right now,” Jaguars coach Torey Donovan said. “If someone gets him, it will be a steal.” 4A SPSL North first-team selection.
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QB — Sione Kaho, Lincoln, soph.; AJ Tuivaiave, Graham-Kapowsin, fr.
MP — Mikkah Cordero, Mount Tahoma, jr.; Parker Myers, Yelm, jr.
RB — Louis Chevalier, Enumclaw, sr.; Brycen Clay, South Kitsap, sr.; Ryland Geldermann, Gig Harbor, jr.; Jaylin Nixon, Tumwater, sr.; Blake Ostrander, Capital, sr.; Josiah Taijeron, Rogers, sr.; Junior Teregeyo, Franklin Pierce, sr.
WR — Kase Betz, Graham-Kapowsin, soph.; Tate Bowen, White River, sr.; DJ Darling, Gig Harbor, jr.; Gabe Gomez, Bellarmine Prep, sr.; Braylon Pope, Sumner, soph.; Champ Seumalo, Life Christian, sr.; Zamarie Tellez, Federal Way, jr.; Kanoa Teplasy, Lincoln, sr.
AP — Tayven Collins, Cascade Christian, soph.; Carson McCall, Orting, jr.; Jeremiah Orcutt, Franklin Pierce, soph.
TE — Noah Flores, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.
OL — Ayden Bullinger, Graham-Kapowsin, soph.; Forrest Carter, Olympia, sr.; Royal Charles, Peninsula, jr.; Lowen Colman-Brusa, Kennedy Catholic, sr.; Malachi Neilson, Mount Tahoma, sr.; Elijah Thomas, Sumner, jr.; Kaden Thompson, Emerald Ridge, sr.; Jacob Tracy, Yelm, sr.
DEFENSE
DL — Taeron Clay, Decatur, sr.; Julius Hernandez, Life Christian, soph.; Peyton Howard, Gig Harbor, jr.; Anthony Mancao, Lincoln, jr.; Lijah Patelo, Auburn, sr.; Fernando Reyes, Enumclaw, sr.; Mekhi Richardson, Tumwater, sr.; Chris Vaomu, Auburn Riverside, jr.
LB — Jonathan Epperson, Auburn Riverside, sr.; Michael Havili, Decatur, jr.; Zeke Isaacson, Franklin Pierce, jr.; La’au Maka, Fife, sr.; Cash Short, Tumwater, sr.; Timothy Sousou, Central Kitsap, jr.; Chase Waters, Capital, sr.
DB — Jalen Boone, Lakes, sr.; D’Aryhian Clemons, Spanaway Lake, sr.; Jasiah Denmark, Puyallup, jr.; Felix Diaz, Mount Tahoma, jr.; Noah Maxwell, Steilacoom, soph.; Khris Norris, Graham-Kapowsin, sr.; Jasonni Prum, Decatur, jr.; Jayden Rice-Claiborne, Curtis, sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K — Boone Leverett, Gig Harbor, sr.
P — Mana Smythe, Peninsula, sr.
This story was originally published December 11, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "High school football: The News Tribune’s 2024 All-Area team."
