High school football: The News Tribune’s 2022 all-state team

Jon Manley, Lauren Smith

THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S 2022 ALL-STATE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM

Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar hoists the championship trophy after the Vikings beat Kennedy Catholic, 24-22, in the Class 4A state title game on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Wash.
Lake Stevens’ Jayden Limar hoists the championship trophy after the Vikings beat Kennedy Catholic, 24-22, in the Class 4A state title game on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Wash.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jayden Limar, Lake Stevens, sr. — Opposing defenses couldn’t stop the top-ranked running back in the state in the 2023 class this fall. Four-star recruit piled up 185 yards and a touchdown in Lake Stevens’ 4A state championship win — pacing the Vikings to the first title in program history — and completed a stellar season with 235 carries for 2,018 yards and 36 touchdowns. 4A Wesco first-team selection. Oregon signee.

Yelm head coach Jason Ronquillo (center) and his assistants celebrate as the clock expires on the Tornados’ 20-13 victory over the Eastside Catholic Crusaders in the 3A football state championship game at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Yelm head coach Jason Ronquillo (center) and his assistants celebrate as the clock expires on the Tornados’ 20-13 victory over the Eastside Catholic Crusaders in the 3A football state championship game at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jason Ronquillo, Yelm — Guided the Tornados to a perfect 14-0 record, 3A SSC and 3A state titles. Yelm paced 3A in both scoring average (49.7 points per game) and scoring average against (10.7), while piling up 449.4 yards of offense per game and taylling 95 total TDs. The Tornados completed their run with a thrilling win over Eastside Catholic in the 3A championship game, securing the first title in school history.

OFFENSE

Lincoln quarterback Gabarri Johnson breaks loose for the first of two touchdown runs against the Camas Papermakers in Saturday afternoon’s 4A football game at Lincoln Bowl in Tacoma, Washington, on Sept. 17, 2022. Lincoln won the game, 42-28.
Lincoln quarterback Gabarri Johnson breaks loose for the first of two touchdown runs against the Camas Papermakers in Saturday afternoon’s 4A football game at Lincoln Bowl in Tacoma, Washington, on Sept. 17, 2022. Lincoln won the game, 42-28.

QUARTERBACK

Gabarri Johnson, Lincoln, sr. — The state’s top-ranked quarterback completed 133-of-190 passes for 2,301 yards and 25 TDs this season, and added another 177 carries for 1,639 yards and 21 scores. 3A PCL MVP paced the Abes to an undefeated league title and the 3A state quarterfinals. Finished career with 8,903 total yards and 111 total TDs. Missouri signee.

Sumner running back Mathew Spurbeck breaks loose against the Graham-Kapowsin defense during Friday night’s 4A football state quarterfinal game at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner, Washington, Nov. 18, 2022. Graham-Kapowsin won the game, 28-21.
Sumner running back Mathew Spurbeck breaks loose against the Graham-Kapowsin defense during Friday night’s 4A football state quarterfinal game at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner, Washington, Nov. 18, 2022. Graham-Kapowsin won the game, 28-21.

RUNNING BACK

Jason Brown, O’Dea, jr. — The top-ranked recruit in the state in the 2024 class, Brown paced O’Dea to the 3A state semifinals, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. 3A Metro League Mountain co-offensive MVP had 209 carries for 1,624 yards and 21 TDs this season. Four-star recruit has 20 FBS offers.

Ryder Bumgarner, Stanwood, sr. — Led the Spartans to the 3A state quarterfinals, averaging 10.1 yards per carry and 207.2 per game, and finished the season with 246 carries for 2,486 yards and 27 TDs. Also had 56 tackles, two tackles for loss and two interceptions on defense. 3A Wesco North first-team running back and linebacker.

Matthew Spurbeck, Sumner, jr. — 4A SPSL MVP paced the Spartans to their first league title since 2016 and the 4A state quarterfinals. Piled up 1,946 rushing yards and 20 TDs on 271 carries, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt. Also had 44 tackles and six tackles for loss at safety for the Spartans.

Yelm wide receiver Kyler Ronquillo streaks into the end zone after wrestling an interception away from Eastside Catholic defensive back Tyson Weaver, then carrying the football into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, 20-13, in the 3A football state championship game at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Yelm wide receiver Kyler Ronquillo streaks into the end zone after wrestling an interception away from Eastside Catholic defensive back Tyson Weaver, then carrying the football into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, 20-13, in the 3A football state championship game at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

WIDE RECEIVER

Mason Hayes, Kennedy Catholic, sr. — 4A NPSL offensive player of the year led the Lancers with 70 catches for 1,340 yards and 16 TDs. Also added two rushing TDs as the Lancers’ Wing-T quarterback, played safety and had an interception return TD, and was a 4A NPSL first-teamer at punter. Kennedy Catholic won an undefeated 4A NPSL title and reached the state title game for the first time in program history.

Kyler Ronquillo, Yelm, sr. — Completed an already impressive season with the spectacular touchdown in the 3A state championship game that lifted Yelm the first title in program history. 3A SSC offensive MVP hauled in 67 catches for 953 yards and 11 TDs, and tallied 75 carries for 683 yards and nine TDs for the undefeated Tornados. Had 46 tackles and two interceptions as a 3A SSC first-team defensive back. Added another 650 yards on kickoff and punt returns, including one kickoff return TD. Portland State commit.

Jabez Woods, Graham-Kapowsin, jr. — Paced the Eagles — the 4A state champions in 2021 — back to the state semifinals, hauling in 70 catches for 946 yards and 10 TDs. Was also a key playmaker as a defensive back, had 1,367 all-purpose yards, a kickoff return TD and punt return TD. 4A SPSL first-team selection.

TIGHT END

Tucker Ashcraft, O’Dea, sr. — 3A Metro League Mountain first-team selection hauled in 19 catches for 335 yards and four TDs, averaging 17.6 yards per catch, and was a key blocker for an O’Dea program that reached the 3A state semifinals. Wisconsin signee.

Ferndale offensive lineman Landen Hatchett (66) clears a path for running back Jason Nowak (43) during the third quarter on Friday evening Sept. 2, 2022, at Blaine High School in Blaine, Wash. Lynden defeated Ferndale 24 to 7 in their season opener.
Ferndale offensive lineman Landen Hatchett (66) clears a path for running back Jason Nowak (43) during the third quarter on Friday evening Sept. 2, 2022, at Blaine High School in Blaine, Wash. Lynden defeated Ferndale 24 to 7 in their season opener.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Micah Banuelos, Kennedy Catholic, sr. — 4A NPSL offensive lineman of the year helped the Lancers to an undefeated league title and the first state championship appearance in program history. Blocked for an offense that piled up 412.8 yards per game and 72 total TDs. Also earned 4A NPSL first-team honors as a defensive lineman. USC signee.

Landen Hatchett, Ferndale, sr. — Played center for a Golden Eagles offense that piled up 4,192 yards of total offense and 53 total TDs. 3A Wesco North first-team selection on both the offensive and defensive line. Ferndale reached the 3A state quarterfinals. UW signee.

Heath Ozaeta, Mount Si, sr. — 4A KingCo first-team selection blocked for a Wildcats offense that averaged 328 total yards per game and tallied 25 TDs. Mount Si reached the 4A district round. Oklahoma signee.

Nathan Pritchard, Auburn Riverside, sr. — 3A NPSL offensive lineman of the year played left tackle for a Ravens offense that piled up 2,500-plus yards this season. Also a 4A NPSL first-teamer on the defensive line, added 18 tackles, two sacks and two passes defended at nose tackle. Auburn Riverside reached the 3A district round. WSU signee.

Ashton Tripp, Kennewick, sr. — 4A/3A MCC co-lineman of the year anchored the offensive line for a Lions program that reached the 3A state quarterfinals. WSU signee.

MULTI-PURPOSE

Dylan Allred, Royal, sr. — 1A SCAC East offensive player of the year and first-team quarterback led Royal to a third consecutive 1A state championship. Completed 173-of-264 passes for 2,476 yards and 32 TDs and added 85 carries for 498 yards and nine TDs for the Knights. Also a 1A SCAC East first-team linebacker, piled up 112 total tackles and eight tackles for loss on defense.

Lakes running back Leo Pulalasi, 20, runs down the field with the ball in the second quarter of a Thursday night game at Harry E. Lang Stadium in Lakewood, Wash. on Oct. 27, 2022. Lakes defeated Mount Tahoma 51-14.
Lakes running back Leo Pulalasi, 20, runs down the field with the ball in the second quarter of a Thursday night game at Harry E. Lang Stadium in Lakewood, Wash. on Oct. 27, 2022. Lakes defeated Mount Tahoma 51-14.

ALL-PURPOSE

Leo Pulalasi, Lakes, sr. — Piled up 1,203 all-purpose yards this season, averaging 133.7 per contest, and 26 total TDs to lead Lakes to the 3A district round. 3A PCL offensive player of the year tallied 79 carries for 762 yards and 19 TDs, added 17 catches for 391 yards and seven TDs, and posted seven multi-touchdown games. 3A PCL first-team linebacker had 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, an interception, a safety and a blocked field goal this season, and also punted for the Lancers. WSU signee.

DEFENSE

Emerald Ridge’s Jacob Lane skips away from a tackle attempt by Bothell punter Tyson Hoke as he returns a punt block for a touchdown during the first quarter of a Week 10 4A playoff game on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash.
Emerald Ridge’s Jacob Lane skips away from a tackle attempt by Bothell punter Tyson Hoke as he returns a punt block for a touchdown during the first quarter of a Week 10 4A playoff game on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Wash.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Dallas Afalava, Rainier Beach, sr. — 3A Metro League Mountain lineman of the year was a first-team selection as both an offensive tackle and defensive end for a Vikings program that reached the 3A state first round. Could beat offensive linemen with speed or power and had a relentless motor. Idaho signee.

Owen Coomes, Eastlake, sr. — 4A KingCo co-lineman of the year as a guard and defensive tackle was also the league defensive MVP. Eastlake advanced to the 4A state first round. Racked up 73 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Sofian Hammou, North Kitsap, sr. — 2A Olympic League defensive MVP was as disruptive as any player in the state, racking up 75 tackles, including 33 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, leading a North Kitsap team that conceded fewer than 10 points per game. The Vikings reached the 2A state championship game.

Jacob Lane, Emerald Ridge, sr. — 4A SPSL defensive lineman of the year was a key playmaker for an Emerald Ridge program that reached the 4A state semifinals in the first appearance in the state bracket in school history. Recorded 46 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, six sacks, three quarterback hurries and a caused fumble, and had an interception return TD and punt return TD in nine games played. Added 24 catches for 304 yards and four TDs at tight end. UW signee.

AJ Tanupo, Eastside Catholic, jr. — Of all the talented pieces on Eastside Catholic’s defensive line, there was no one opposing teams feared more than Tanupo, who boasted the perfect blend of size, strength and speed. 3A Metro League Mountain defensive lineman of the year holds an Arizona offer. Eastside Catholic reached the 3A state championship game.

Lynden running back Lane Heeringa finds running room in the North Kitsap defense during the 2A football state championship game at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Lynden running back Lane Heeringa finds running room in the North Kitsap defense during the 2A football state championship game at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

LINEBACKER

Xe’ree Alexander, Kennedy Catholic, sr. — Athletic in coverage and physical around the line of scrimmage, Alexander was the heart and soul of Kennedy Catholic’s defense, leading the Lancers to a 4A NPSL title and the 4A state championship game. 4A NPSL defensive player of the year had two defensive TDs and was a factor in special teams, also, adding a kickoff return TD. At running back, piled up 930 yards and 18 TDs on 108 carries.

Lane Heeringa, Lynden, sr. — Just how strong was Lynden’s star linebacker? He holds the school’s squat record, a whopping 615 pounds, while weighing just 195. 2A Northwest Conference defensive MVP led the Lions to a second consecutive 2A state title, tallying 136 tackles, three forced fumbles and recoveries and two interceptions, including one returned for a TD. Offensively, rushed 169 times for 943 yards and 17 TDs.

George Kruger, Bellevue, sr. — 3A KingCo defensive MVP was a tackling machine for the Wolverines, leading Bellevue to the 3A state semifinals. Racked up 80 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Coach Michael Kneip calls him a “savvy” football player who loves contact.

Brayden Platt, Yelm, jr. — One of the state’s best two-way players, the 3A SSC MVP was a monster with the ball in his hands as a running back and a key part of Yelm’s vaunted linebacker corps, leading the Tornados to the 3A state title, the school’s first championship. Offensively, rushed for 1,242 yards and 24 TDs on 132 carries and caught 12 passes for 227 yards and a TD. At linebacker, tallied 69 tackles, including five for loss and had an interception. Considered a four-star recruit and the No. 2 player in Washington in the 2024 class by 247sports.com, Platt holds offers from UW, Michigan and others.

After catching a pass from quarterback Jay O’Neil, Federal Way receiver Dre Jordan evades a tackle attempt on his way up field during the first quarter of a 4A NPSL game against Kennedy Catholic on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Federal Way Memorial Field in Federal Way, Wash.
After catching a pass from quarterback Jay O’Neil, Federal Way receiver Dre Jordan evades a tackle attempt on his way up field during the first quarter of a 4A NPSL game against Kennedy Catholic on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Federal Way Memorial Field in Federal Way, Wash.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Andre Jordan, Federal Way, sr. — Voted the 4A NPSL all-purpose player of the year, Jordan was a first-team selection at wide receiver and defensive back. Racked up 1,162 all-purpose yards and a league-leading 15 total TDs. Defensively, was a lockdown DB, allowing just one catch all season. Oregon State signee.

Caleb Presley, Rainier Beach, sr. — Separated by his competitive edge and high football IQ, the state’s top-ranked recruit in the 2023 class and premier shutdown corner was one of the state’s best defenders this fall, shutting down receivers all season for a Vikings program that reached the 3A state first round. Named the 3A Metro League Mountain co-defensive MVP. Previously an Oregon commit, flipped late and signed with hometown UW.

Isaac Redford, Lake Stevens, sr. — A key contributor on Lake Stevens’ 4A state title team, Redford tallied seven interceptions on defense. Offensively, caught 40 passes for 518 yards and six touchdowns. 4A Wesco first-team defensive back and wide receiver.

Gabe Tahir, Kamiakin, sr. — 4A/3A MCC defensive player of the year was a first-team selection as both a defensive back and wide receiver. Was hardly ever thrown at, challenged just five times on the entire season and had three interceptions. Kamiakin coach Scott Biglin calls him the best player he’s coached in his 19 years of coaching. Boise State signee.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bellevue’s Luke Scoma attempts a 43-yard field goal with 16.5 seconds to play in the fourth quarter of a Class 3A state quarterfinal game against Lincoln on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Lincoln Bowl in Tacoma, Wash. Scoma’s field goal squeaked over the cross bar then bounced back onto the field on play. The ricochet caused confusion for both teams. Lincoln players ran toward their sideline exuberant that they had held on for the win, while the referees underneath the goal posts were calling the kick good. Scoma’s field goal won the game for the Wolverines, 22-20.

KICKER

Luke Scoma, Bellevue, jr. — Converted 61-of-65 PAT attempts and connected on three field goals, including a 43-yard game-winner against Lincoln that sent the Wolverines to the 3A state semifinals. Also tallied 35 touchbacks on kickoffs and averaged 42.9 yards per punt for the 3A KingCo champions.

Lynden defensive back Troy Petz races to the end zone after scooping up a blocked North Kitsap field goal attempt during the 2A football state championship game at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Lynden defensive back Troy Petz races to the end zone after scooping up a blocked North Kitsap field goal attempt during the 2A football state championship game at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

PUNTER

Troy Petz, Lynden, sr. — Did a little bit of everything for the 2A state champion Lions. Averaged 40.1 yards per punt, and as a kicker made 99 PAT attempts and five field goals and had an 85 percent efficiency on touchbacks on kickoffs. At receiver, caught 16 passes for 453 yards and six TDs. As a defensive back, had 16 tackles, five pass breakups and three interceptions, including one returned for a TD.

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