High school football: The News Tribune’s 2024 all-state team
THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S 2024 ALL-STATE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
QB Jake Davidson, Camas, sr. — Turned into one of the state’s elite passers in his senior season, completing 224-of-321 passes for 3,711 yards, 53 touchdowns and just six interceptions, leading Camas to the No. 1 seed in the Class 4A state tournament, a title game appearance and runner-up finish. Averaged 16.6 yards per completion, equally prolific pushing the ball downfield as he was in the short passing game. Spread the ball around, too — seven different Papermakers receivers had over 100 receiving yards this season.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Monte Kohler, O’Dea — Longtime coach led the Irish to a title through a 3A gauntlet, which included wins over Eastside Catholic in the semifinal and top-seeded, previously undefeated, defending state champion Bellevue in the state championship game at Husky Stadium. The state championship win tied Kohler with legendary Tumwater coach Sid Otton for most career wins in state history (394).
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Kolton Matson, Lake Stevens, sr. — Last year’s Gatorade state player of the year led the Vikings to the 4A state tournament quarterfinals this season, completing 186-of-277 passes for 2,710 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. Also rushed for 373 yards and five touchdowns. Over the course of his career, appeared in three state championship games, winning a pair, and threw for 8,346 yards and 99 touchdowns. Holds offers from Central Washington and Western Oregon.
MULTI-PURPOSE
Lance Allred, Royal, sr. — Dazzled in Royal’s 1A state championship game win over Seton Catholic, racking up seven touchdowns (six rushing, one passing) to secure Royal’s fifth state championship in a row. On the year, passed for 40 touchdowns and rushed for 17, throwing for 2,462 yards, completing 73 percent of his passes.
Beau Oaksmith, Seattle Prep, sr. — 3A Metro co-player of the year racked up 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns this year, throwing for 2,190 yards and 25 TDs, rushing for 810 yards (6.5 yards/carry) and 10 touchdowns, and also adding a kickoff return for a score. Led the Panthers to a first-round road upset of No. 4 Lakes in the 3A state tournament.
RUNNING BACK
Braxton Feldmann, Chiawana, sr. — Mid-Columbia Conference offensive player of the year was a two-way star for the Riverhawks. On offense, rushed for 1,695 yards and 21 TDs on 203 carries, averaging 8.4 yards per carry and 130 yards per game on the ground. Defensively, had 55 tackles, including five tackles for loss, six interceptions, a forced fumble and three defensive touchdowns.
Caleb Reed, Arlington, sr. — As this shifty running back went, the Eagles went this year. He led Arlington to the 4A state tournament quarterfinals, rushing for 1,358 yards and 28 touchdowns on 161 carries, averaging over eight yards per carry.
Steele Isaacs, Sumner, 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.
WIDE RECEIVER
Chase McGee, Camas, sr. — The No. 1 target for quarterback Jake Davidson in Camas’ explosive offense, McGee was a matchup issue for opposing corners all year, racking up 1,445 yards (103.2 yards per game) and 24 touchdowns on 77 receptions.
Gavin Packer, Skyview, sr. — 4A GSHL co-offensive player of the year was a threat in all three phases. At receiver, tallied 876 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 53 receptions. Boise State signee.
Parker Mady, Curtis, 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.
ALL-PURPOSE
Indiana Jones, Kennedy Catholic, 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.
Ryken Moon, Bellevue, sr. — The 3A KingCo MVP was a difference maker everywhere he lined up for the Wolverines this season, at running back, receiver, defensive back and returning kicks. Had 1,297 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, 158 yards and a receiving touchdown, a punt return touchdown and a kickoff return touchdown. Defensively, had 22.5 tackles, a sack and two interceptions. Holds offers from Air Force, Arizona and others.
Brock Beaner, Anacortes, sr. — 2A Northwest Conference first-team running back and linebacker led the team in rushing with 1,523 yards and 28 touchdowns. Defensively, had 75 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
TIGHT END
Carter Cocke, Sumner, 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.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Luke Richardson, Sumner, 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.
Demetri Manning, Bellevue, sr. — This 6-foot-6, 336 pound, four-star recruit already looks the part of a next-level offensive lineman. Blocked for an offense that averaged nearly 400 yards per game on the ground. Defensively, had 32 tackles. Oregon commit.
Jojo Matautia, Eastside Catholic, sr. — 3A Metro co-lineman of the year was a physical presence on both sides of the ball, leading the Crusaders to a 3A state tournament semifinal appearance.
Jonah Martin, O’Dea, sr. — A 6-foot-1, 260-pound center, the 3A Metro offensive lineman of the year was the most important piece on an offensive line that ran over all opponents all the way to the 3A state title at Husky Stadium in December.
Brian Kuhn, Chiawana, sr. — A mauler at left tackle and a relentless pass rusher, the Mid-Columbia Conference lineman of the year was a game-wrecker for the Riverhawks, setting the tone for Chiawana’s 4A state tournament semifinal team. On defense, had 32 tackles, including a sack and six tackles for loss. Also forced a fumble. Offensively, blocked for an offense that averaged 252 yards per game on the ground and 369 yards of total offense per game.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINE
Derek Colman-Brusa, Kennedy Catholic, 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 tackles for loss) with a dozen sacks and five forced fumbles in 11 games.
Shaun Griffith, Sumner, 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.
Malijah Tucker, Tumwater, 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 tackles for loss, six sacks and two fumble recoveries. Washington State commit led T-Birds to the state championship game and a runner-up 2A finish, the focal point of the best T-Birds defense since its 2019 state championship team.
Jaymar Tasi, Roosevelt, sr. — Former Bethel standout quickly made his presence felt alongside a host of other fresh faces at Roosevelt this season. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle was the 3A Metro co-lineman of the year and led Roosevelt to the 3A state tournament semifinals. Idaho signee.
Fameitau Siale, O’Dea, jr. — Opposite teammate David Scwerzel, O’Dea had two of the state’s most dangerous tacklers and pass rushers this season. The 3A Metro defensive lineman of the year had 44 tackles, five sacks and two tackles for loss. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher has 15 offers from the likes of UW, Oregon, Arizona State, Utah, Florida State, Miami and others.
LINEBACKER
Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, Bethel, 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. The News Tribune’s 2024 All-Area player of the year.
Wassie Lugolobi, Eastside Catholic, jr. — Whether coming straight up the gut or off the edge, the 3A Metro co-defensive player of the year was nearly unblockable this season, leading the Crusaders to the 3A state tournament semifinals. The 6-foot-2, 215 pound linebacker is a UW commit.
Joseph Fuavai, O’Dea, sr. — The 6-foot-4, 215 pounder was a force for the 3A state champion Irish with 101 tackles, including five sacks and four tackles for loss, an interception and a defensive touchdown. Holds offers from Air Force, Army, Navy, Nevada and San Diego State.
Nikko Speer, Camas, sr. — The two-way standout was a major factor for the 4A state tournament runner-up Papermakers, tallying 161 total tackles (39 solo, 98 assists) with 29 tackles for loss. Offensively, was one of QB Jake Davidson’s top threats, tallying 600 yards and eight touchdowns on 41 receptions. Idaho commit.
Cooper MacPherson, Chiawana, sr. — Another Chiawana two-way standout, MacPherson hunted opposing quarterbacks all season. At linebacker, had 31 tackles, including six sacks, 18 tackles for loss, an interception, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. On offense, led the team in receiving with 638 yards and eight touchdowns on 36 receptions. Eastern Washington signee.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Sage Salopek, O’Dea, sr. — 3A Metro co-defensive player of the year was an all-purpose factor for the Irish and high-level corner, tallying 26 tackles, intercepting three passes and scoring two defensive touchdowns. Montana commit.
David Kuku, Kamiakin, sr. — Few teams this year tested Kuku, who was one of the state’s premier corners and helped guide Kamiakin to a 4A state tournament first round appearance. First-team Mid-Columbia Conference selection is a Washington State signee.
Bryce Smith, Bellevue, sr. — A two-way standout at Bellevue, Smith was dangerous at safety for the 3A runner-up Wolverines, tallying five interceptions and 33 tackles on defense this season. On offense, had 878 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 67 carries. Also had a receiving touchdown, a punt return touchdown and a kickoff return touchdown. Holds offers from Colorado State, Arizona, Boise State and others.
Brady Beaner, Anacortes, sr. — Like twin brother Brock, did a bit of everything for Anacortes, including playing some quarterback for the Seahawks. Accounted for 28 touchdowns, passing for 1,133 yards, rushing for 656 and had 485 receiving yards. Defensively, had 69 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and six pass break ups. Montana commit projects as a safety in college.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Austin Ferencz, Sumner, 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.
P Jackson Spitz, Lewis and Clark, soph. — First-team Greater Spokane all-league punter averaged 47.3 yards per punt and had a long punt of 75 yards this season.
This story was originally published December 22, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "High school football: The News Tribune’s 2024 all-state team."
