YAKIMA, Wash. — Eisenhower defensive back James Akers has accepted a scholarship to play football at Jamestown College in North Dakota.

Akers was a first-team CBBN Cascade defensive back in his senior season and led the Cadets with four interceptions.

Jamestown is an NAIA college that competes in the Dakota Athletic Conference.

YAKIMA, Wash. — He has gotten his foot in the door, if not on the playing field.

But then Mike Reilly has been down this competitive road before, and has been undeterred by such speed bumps.

“No playing time yet,” the former Central Washington quarterback said of his first NFL season, which consisted of three weeks as a Green Bay practice squad member and four on the St. Louis active roster. “But I spent four weeks with the Rams learning the offense and taking on the role of emergency backup. So at least I was suited up and standing on the sidelines, ready to go in.”

Reilly and his wife, Jessica, had recently returned to their home in Kennewick when contacted by yours truly. Their 1,900-mile drive had been complicated by harsh conditions in the Midwest — “there were maybe 125 to 150 cars off the road and there were semis upside down in the medians,” Reilly reported — and his football year had been an emotional roller coaster.

It started on a down note when Reilly wasn’t chosen in April’s NFL draft, but reversed itself when he was signed as a free agent by defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh.

Reilly was cut by the Steelers just prior to the start of the regular season, however, and returned to Kennewick where he put his CWU engineering degree to work.

He and Jessica bought a house, and while Reilly settled into something of a 9-to-5 routine, he continued to work out, wait and hope.

In November, the Packers called and signed him to their practice squad. And while he wasn’t an active member of the team, he at least was in an NFL camp. Then the Rams, whose quarterback ranks had been thinned by injuries to starter Marc Bulger and backup Kyle Boller, signed Reilly to their active roster.

That meant wearing a uniform on game day. It also meant substantially more money, from the $5,200 (with no benefits) practice players earn weekly to approximately $18,000 as a full-fledged roster member.

So for his seven weeks as an NFL player, including three as a practice squad member, Reilly banked close to $90,000, according to the league’s pay schedule.

He is also signed through the 2010 season, for which the minimum NFL salary will be $325,000.

So the move from Washington State, where Reilly became convinced he would not get to play, to Central, where he started every game for four years, turned out golden.

It’s true that the Rams were abysmal, finishing 1-15, but from such rubble can be found opportunity for a comparative unknown like Reilly.

“When a team goes 1-15, there are obviously issues and you figure there will be a lot of changes during the offseason,” he said. “From what I’ve heard from my agent, and some other people, the GM (Billy Devaney) is pretty high on me. That they signed me through 2010 shows they hopefully have some sort of plan for me.”

And if the Rams don’t have a plan for him, Reilly does for them.

“My thing is to go out and win the starting job for next year,” he said, “and that should always been your approach whether you’re a freshman in high school or a senior in college or whatever.”

Now that he has a functional grasp of the West Coast offense deployed by St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo — and also by Green Bay’s Mike McCarthy — Reilly figures he’s worth more.

“The reason Brett Favre was able to come to Minnesota in the middle of training camp and take over is because the Vikings run the West Coast offense,” he said. “A lot of teams run it. So if you know it, it makes you more valuable as a quarterback.”

And even if Reilly has yet to take his first NFL snap, his seven-week career has enriched him personally.

“In Green Bay, to be on the sideline in Lambeau (Field) and see the crowd and watch guys do the Lambeau leap — that was great,” he said. “And to be in St. Louis, to suit up and wear the jersey and pads and go through pregame warmups knowing, OK, if something happens, I’m going to go in the game.

“It was good to get that feeling back. It had been awhile.”

And for Mike Reilly, maybe the next such period will not last nearly as long.

COWICHE, Wash. — Highland High School will hold a celebration for Matthew Newman tonight in conjunction with the Scotties’ boys and girls basketball games with Mabton.

Newman, a Highland junior, is continuing to recover from a severe head injury suffered during a football game on Sept. 18.

The celebration will offer maroon Raise 7 For Matthew T-shirts for $15. Of each T-shirt sold, $5 will go toward Medical Teams International whose doctors and staff are preparing to help relief efforts in Haiti.

Other activities will be held either between the girls and boys games or after the boys game, which are scheduled to start at 6 and 7:30 p.m., respectively.

Newman was initially hospitalized at Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center, then moved to Children’s Hospital in Seattle in early October. He returned to his home and family on Naches Heights on Dec. 29.

Eisenhower trio make college football plans official ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — And to think there were so many questions, some uncomfortably pressing.

How would Seth Kline’s left knee hold up, especially under the strain of added pass coverage?

Can Ryan Watson handle a majority of the pass rush with Kline dropping into coverage more?

And who, exactly, is Joe Fuerst and what can he do?

From left, Eisenhower students Joe Fuerst, Ryan Watson and Seth Kline sign letters of intent for college on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. Fuerst is going to Central Washington University, Watson intends to go to Eastern Oregon and Kline is going to the Air Force Academy. (Sara Gettys/Yakima Herald-Republic)

Those heavy concerns drifted through the first days of Eisenhower’s football season last August, but on Wednesday afternoon in a crowded room filled with family and friends they were memories to smile and laugh about.

Kline, Watson and Fuerst — key contributors to the Cadets’ school-record 11 victories and trip to the state quarterfinals — sat side-by-side while signing letters of intent for colleges in three different states. Kline inked with Air Force, Watson with Eastern Oregon and Fuerst with Central Washington.

For Kline, this day was inevitable. The three-year standout linebacker built serious credentials and had an offer from Air Force before the season even started. The only two possible snags he addressed — the knee that was injured twice before held up just fine and he showed more versatility in pass coverage.

“They were happy with my progress,” Kline said of Air Force, where he commits five years of military service after college graduation. “They thought I was a little raw in pass coverage after my junior year, but I did a lot more of that last season. I’ll admit I missed blitzing all the time, but I enjoyed the complexity of the coverages.”

Watson excelled at defensive end, rising from CBBN Cascade honorable mention as a junior to unanimous first-team and co-MVP of the division. He may stay at that position at Eastern Oregon, an NAIA college, or move to outside linebacker.

“I could play either position,” said Watson, currently a double-digit scorer on the basketball team. “This spring and summer I want to get my speed up and get up to around 220 pounds. With basketball now I’m down to 205. I’m really looking forward to getting ready.”

Fuerst, who moved in from West Valley, had plenty of work to do on the recruiting trail and little time to do it. As a running back his junior numbers were modest at best.

But over 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns at the 4A level can make a good impression.

“It all fell into place for me. I was very lucky,” said Fuerst, who averaged nearly seven yards a carry. “I had this year to prove myself and we had a great season. The timing was perfect.”

It was a fitting departing moment for the trio, which made a haul with Cascade Division awards. Fuerst and Watson shared the overall MVP honor and Kline was named defensive MVP.

“At the start of the season it was kind of hard to tell how good we’d be,” Kline said. “But it seemed like game by game we just got better and better.”

YAKIMA, Wash. — Kip Harris needs to roll his players in bubble wrap and isolate them in a vacuum chamber. If not, the way things are going at Selah, he may not have anybody left.

Already shuffling his lineup with the absence of Drew Washut to a foot injury, Harris got word this week that the CWAC’s leading scorer, Nick Longmire, has mononucleosis.

And this with third-ranked Ephrata coming to town tonight.

“We have to take things one day at a time now. That’s all we can do,” Harris said. “We’re asking some kids to step and they are. We’ll just hang in there the best we can.”

Ailments have abounded for the Vikings — Pablo Chavez (split lip needed six stitches) and Daniel Hernandez (wisdom teeth removed) have also missed time recently — but when 43 points takes a seat it feels like a curse.

Despite Washut sitting out the last 10 days with plantar fasciitis, Selah (9-1, 10-2) managed to extend its win streak to eight games over the weekend and move into a share of the CWAC lead with Ephrata.

Part of the reason was Longmire ramping up his already highly productive offense, scoring 26 points against Othello and a season-high 30 the next day against Quincy.

But now with Washut and Longmire out for an indefinite period, Harris has to circle the wagons, call up some JV kids and hope for the best. And at least he has some time with the CWAC only one game into its second half. The final game of the regular season is three weeks away.

“Game by game we’ll fill the holes and do what we can,” said Harris, whose squad will have the added challenge of playing five of the last seven conference games on the road. “There’s still a lot of time left and we’ll just have to play through this. I’d rather have to deal with it now rather than district.”

Sharing the moment

For Eisenhower’s Dan Eyman, it was gratifying enough to earn the District 5 coach of the year award at last weekend’s WSCA Football Coaches Hall of Fame banquet in Bellevue.

Making it so much better was his longtime defensive coordinator Gary Jimenez standing alongside him with the assistant coach award.

“Gary’s been with me the whole time here,” Eyman said, “and he puts in an unbelievable amount of hard work. It was great to share that with him.”

Jimenez has been Eyman’s defensive coordinator for eight years and last season they directed the Cadets to a school-record 11 wins and state quarterfinal appearance.

Swimming into sunset

It was great while it lasted.

East Valley exchange student and standout swimmer Rodolphe Dienst, who ranks first or second in the Valley in six events, is heading home to Belgium and won’t be participating in the postseason.

“He was a great asset to the team,” said Selah coach Ken Yager, whose program co-ops with East Valley. “He gave the rest of the swimmers something to shoot for.”

Dienst leads the Valley in the 50 free (22.73), 100 back (59.41) and 100 breast (1:03.86).

Rams get green light

With the WIAA’s Executive Board handing down final decisions on appeals and requests last weekend, the enrollment breakdown for the 2010-2012 cycle is now complete and can be found at www.wiaa.com

West Valley and Sammamish had their requests to opt up to Class 3A approved. That brings the total number of opt-ups from 2A to 3A to 24.

Life Christian and University Prep had requests for opting up from 2B to 1A also approved. Brewster’s appeal to stay 2B and not opt up to 1A was granted.

CBBN’s power side

How’s this for depth in the Cascade Division of CBBN boys basketball: Kamiakin is ranked seventh in the state but is no better than fourth in its division.

This week’s 4A state poll has four Cascade teams — Walla Walla (5), Richland (6), Kamiakin (7) and Eisenhower (8).

Two showdowns loom this week — Eisenhower visits Walla Walla tonight and Kamiakin hosts Richland on Saturday.

From the sidelines

• Mike Hinz, a 1963 East Valley grad, was inducted into the Washington State Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame earlier this month. Hinz has coached Pullman to six state team titles and has been named the state’s coach of the year twice.

• Selah and Othello, both 8-0 in CWAC dual meets, will clash for the conference wrestling title in Othello tonight at 7.

• Wapato’s A.J. Yarlott averaged 11.8 points in her first six games and 18.8 in her second six, helping the Wolves take a four-game win streak into big games this weekend against Ellensburg and East Valley.

YAKIMA, Wash. — The Valley’s two most prolific offensive football players last season — Eisenhower running back Joe Fuerst and Ellensburg quarterback Ethan Sterkel — are planning to sign with Central Washington University on national signing day next Wednesday.

Fuerst, the co-MVP of the CBBN’s Cascade Division, set school records for rushing yards (1,816) and touchdowns (20) while helping the Cadets win a school-record 11 games.

Sterkel, the MVP of the CWAC, passed for 3,671 yards and 38 touchdowns with a 76-percent completion rate as the Bulldogs won 12 games and reached the 2A state semifinals.

Fuerst shared the Cascade MVP award with teammate Ryan Watson, a defensive end who has committed to Eastern Oregon University.

Fuerst and Watson will join Air Force recruit and teammate Seth Kline at a signing party after school next Wednesday.

Former Ike football coach dies after lengthy battle with cancer ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — Art Ellis, who coached Eisenhower’s football team for 13 years and taught at the school for 24 years before retiring in 1995, died Thursday night at his Selah home following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ellis was 68. Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Jan. 30, starting at 10 a.m.

Art Ellis gives directions to players during his tenure as the Eisenhower football coach in this undated photo. (Yakima Herald-Republic file photo)

There were plenty of resume highlights for Ellis, whose 1977 team was Ike’s first to reach the state playoffs. And his defense in 1992 allowed just 10 points a game and was the backbone of the Cadets’ first 10-win season.

But beyond the statistics was Ellis’ style of coaching, a composed demeanor overlaying a driven intensity that is remembered today.

“He had a wonderful way with kids, and he could get the most out of them,” said Gavin from his home in Las Vegas on Friday. “I couldn’t believe how calm he was — he never raised his voice. He was always calming me down.”

Tom O’Brien, who coached at Davis from 1974 to 1982, admired his connection with kids as well.

“He was a good motivator and his players responded — they were always well-coached,” O’Brien recalled. “I respected him and enjoyed our rivalry. My first year they beat us 60-32 and we got them the next year (14-11). It was back and forth, and I always enjoyed playing Art’s teams.”

Ellis and Gavin, who share Eisenhower’s longest run as head football coach at 13 years each, joined forces in 1990. Gavin knew Ellis had a keen offensive mind, having been the offensive coordinator when he was head coach, but he soon discovered Ellis’ far-reaching grasp of the game.

“Art had a profound knowledge of the game in all facets, as much as anyone I’ve ever known,” he said. “When we had it going (five straight winning seasons), I can say without doubt none of it would have happened without him. I didn’t worry about the defense for one minute.”

After graduating from Central Washington University, where he played football and baseball, Ellis began his teaching and coaching career at Central Kitsap High School. He was quickly successful, having directed the 1969 team to the Class AA poll state championship.

Ellis, a biology and physical education teacher, retired in 1995 but was not finished coaching. He and his wife, Marilyn, built a home in Idaho and he coached three seasons at Newport, Wash., just across the border, from 2000 to 2002.

“I always thought Art would make a great college coach,” Gavin said. “He studied the game, he was dedicated to it and he adjusted to things so quickly and so easily. And the way he connected with players — that was special.”

Marilyn noted Friday that Art had battled cancer for nearly two years, and when he was initially diagnosed the disease had reached stage IV, which has a prognosis of three to six months.

“It was a miracle Art lived as long as he did,” she said. “He went through a lot of treatment, mostly for me and the family, but it was a blessing. It gave him time to catch up with so many people he has known.”

Kline

Eisenhower’s three-year standout linebacker spent the weekend at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and before departing gave his verbal com-mitment to sign an NCAA letter of intent on Feb. 4.

“I was amazed with every aspect of the campus and the coaches,” Kline said. “I can’t say enough nice things about the coaching staff. The players felt the same way, and everything seemed right for me.”

Kline had football scholarship offers from New Mexico State and Eastern Washington and a baseball offer from Washington State. That was another clincher for Kline — Air Force is fine with two-sport athletes.

“They have no problem with me doing both,” he said. “In fact one of the assistant coaches, Mike Thiessen, did football and baseball at Air Force and he played for the Yakima Bears (in 2001).”

The Air Force offer was on the table before Kline’s senior season, having been sufficiently impressed with video highlights of his 17 sacks and 10 forced fumbles during his sophomore and junior years.

For his senior season, Kline was asked to pass rush less and drop into coverage more and he helped the Cadets to a school-record 11 victories and trip to the Class 4A state quarterfinals. The CBBN Cascade Division defensive MVP collected 107 tackles overall and 59 solo, recorded 16 tackles for a loss and blocked three kicks.

Head coach Troy Calhoun, who visited Kline in Yakima prior to his recruiting trip, recently directed Air Force to an 8-5 season with a victory over Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl.

“They play a 3-4 defense with two middle linebackers so it’s ideal for me,” Kline added. “I looked at their playbook and they are very diverse on defense. From everything I saw and talked about, this seems like the perfect situation for me.”

YAKIMA, Wash. — Matthew Newman is home.

The Highland junior, who suffered a severe head injury during a Sept. 18 football game in Cowiche, returned to his home and family on Naches Heights on Tuesday according to a journal item posted on his CaringBridge Web site.

Newman was initially hospitalized at Yakima Regional and Cardiac Center, then on Oct. 10 was moved to Children’s Hospital in Seattle.

More information on Newman’s condition and situation can be found at www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewnewman1.

It was one of the darkest nights in the history of the Highland community, the evening of Oct. 24, 1969, which began with the festive atmosphere that accompanies a high school football game in a small town.

The lighthearted environment quickly included concern, however, when Joe Casper, the Scotties’ best player, lay motionless on the home-field turf after making the tackle on the opening kickoff against Goldendale.

Concern became fear when Joe, after being attended to for a long period on the field and then being carefully removed on a stretcher, was driven away in an ambulance. He still hadn’t moved.

Fear became sorrow when we learned that Joe had suffered a spinal injury, that he was paralyzed and would likely remain so.

Then sorrow became raw, unspeakable grief.

Shortly before midnight on Nov. 6, 1969 — hours after Highland had won the Valley A League championship with a 21-0 win at Cle Elum — Joe died.

During the two weeks between his injury and death, the youth among us wrestled all manner of emotions.

Why us, for example, and above all, why Joe?.

After his passing, I faced a question that should never confront someone so young: Why should this person, who had lived less of his life than I had, die?

Forty years after that tragedy, on the field that bears Joe Casper’s name, Highland was dealt another soul-sapping blow when Matthew Newman suffered a life-threatening head injury against Naches Valley.

The similarities regarding the incidents are eerie.

Both Casper and Newman were juniors. Both were solid students, both were multi-sport athletes, and both were among the best-liked and most-respected people in their schools.

But thankfully, there is also a welcome difference.

Newman, initially at Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center, was moved in October to Children’s Hospital in Seattle where he continues a remarkable recovery.

Not an easy one, mind you, but a recovery nonetheless.

Through past weeks Matthew has fought through dangerous infections accompanied by severe headaches, but of late has made substantial strides.

Literally.

He even walked to a recent medical staff meeting, prompting a post on his Caringbridge Web site to remark, “Showing off to his doctors in hopes of getting an earlier release never hurts.”

Matthew’s family — mother Marla, father Randy and brothers Patrick and Benjamin — are with him today, no doubt brightening his mood and providing him the ultimate outlet for displaying his newly-recovered mobility. At the same time, familiar faces have whetted Matthew’s appetite for home.

“I can tell you this,” Randy said in a recent telephone conversation, “Matthew does not want to be here.”

And as remarkable as Matthew’s recovery has been, the outpouring of support from throughout the entire Northwest has been nothing short of mind-boggling.

Among his visitors at Children’s have been Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck and John Carlson, and former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson. Wall posters and cards have been sent by schools, teams and cheer squads from up and down the Valley.

And thanks to the Internet, Matthew’s story has known no boundaries.

A Raise 7 for Matthew campaign (his jersey number is 7) has included selling T-shirts, inspired car washes, and more. To participate, log onto www.Raise7forMatthew.com or http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewnewman1.

At last check, 682 messages had been left in Matthew’s guestbook. And here’s an example of his inspiration.

During a Class 1A playoff quarterfinal last month, Nooksack Valley’s Anthony Reese discarded his normal jersey No. 85 in tribute to Matthew’s No. 7, and led the Pioneers to a 54-47 win over King’s. Not only did Reese honor Matthew, his teammates followed suit by holding up seven fingers after scoring touchdowns.

That Matthew was badly injured playing a game he loves, and continues a long and arduous recovery, have clearly gotten the public’s attention. But those who know him, who are truly aware of his character, realize that their own responses have stemmed from more than reactive sympathy.

“Matthew,” said Highland football coach Shane Roy, “is a good athlete, a good student and a good citizen. But the reason his classmates, teammates, teachers and coaches are so fond of him is that he’s simply an outstanding human being.”

So is he close to coming home?

“He might be, we’ll see,” said Randy Newman. “He definitely wants to, and is working really hard to get to that point.”

Meaning Matthew has made light years of progress since the night of Sept. 18, when a blossoming young life came perilously close to ending. A portion of Matthew’s skull was removed, for example, during emergency surgery to reduce swelling and pressure around his brain.

“They have to tell you the worst-case scenario,” Randy said, alluding to discussions with doctors on the night of Matthew’s injury. “I was thinking, ‘that can’t be. He’ just a kid, and a few minutes ago he was running around on a football field.’ I was in denial, I guess.”

But now, 40 Christmases after Highland grieved the loss of Joe Casper, the community is rejoicing. It is celebrating Matthew Newman’s spirit, courage and resolve, and joining with his family in marveling at the far-flung recognition of it.

My father, Howard Underwood, drove Joe Casper to school on his bus and coached him in youth sports. When he learned of Joe’s death he did something I hadn’t before seen, he cried.

Were Dad here today — he drove Matthew’s grandfather, Dave Newman, to school — he would no doubt consider Matthew and what he has done over the past three-plus months.

And I’m sure he’d cry again.

• Roger Underwood can be reached at 509-577-7694 or runderwood@yakimaherald.com

YAKIMA, Wash. — Eisenhower football Dan Eyman was a little bit miffed over the past few days after seeing all-state football teams announced by the Seattle and Tacoma newspapers and not seeing Cadet linebacker Seth Kline’s name on either of them.

“I couldn’t believe looking at that and them not having Seth on there,” Eyman said Wednesday of Kline, the defensive MVP of the CBBN Cascade Division. “He carries his team to an 11-1 record and gets left off like that. I just can’t believe there’s many backers out there than that kid is.”

Eyman’s belief in the media’s ability to recognize football talent was renewed, though, when Wednesday’s announcement of the Associated Press all-state team, voted on by newspaper reporters around the state, took notice of the players who helped the Cadets forge their best season in decades.

Three Cadets — Kline, defensive lineman Ryan Watson and offensive lineman Abel Soto, just a junior — were named to the first team in Class 4A.

“I think that’s a first,” Eyman said of three Cadets on the all-state team. “But I think it’s reflective of the kids we had and the season we had. They’re very deserving.”

Davis sophomore defensive back David Trimble joined the Ike trio on the 4A first team.

Ellensburg, which won 12 straight games before falling in the state quarterfinals, had four players named to the Class 2A all-state first team — wide receiver Kramer Ferrell, offensive lineman Kyle Matthews, defensive lineman Blaze Affholter and defensive back Ethan Sterkel.

On offense, Sterkel was honorable mention at quarterback, having been aced out of the first-team spot by Jordan Hastings of state champion Lynden. Sterkel’s sensational season saw him complete 76.1 percent of his passes for 3,671 yards and 38 touchdowns against only five interceptions, adding another seven touchdowns on the ground.

Hastings threw for 2,400 yards and 24 TDs, while running for another 959 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Other Valley athletes receiving first-team state honors included Israel Manzo of Sunnyside, all-purpose in Class 3A; defensive lineman Jake Lunceford of Selah and punter Jesse Chavez of Wapato in 2A; in Class 1A, Zillah linemen Kane Koerner on defense and Trevor Oswalt on offense, offensive lineman Aaron Goldendale, all-purpose returner Michael Newman of Cle Elum, and the Naches Valley duo of defensive back Justen Weigel and linebacker Nolan Sheehan.

La Salle had a big showing in Class 2B, with offensive lineman Dane Voelker, defensive lineman Josh Bartlett, linebacker Matt Kuribayashi, defensive back Dan Brusic and kicker Mitchell Kennedy all earning first-team all-state honors. Kittitas had running back Paul Oursland, lineman Kennon Brist and defensive back Spencer Slyfield on the team.

The player of the year for all classifications was quarterback Jake Heaps, who led Skyline to the Class 4A title and who was also named the country’s top quarterback on the all-USA team announced earlier Wednesday by USA Today.

Player of the year, all classes — Jake Heaps, sr., Skyline.

CLASS 4A

Player of the year — Jake Heaps, sr., Skyline.

FIRST TEAM

Quarterback — Jake Heaps, sr., Skyline.

Running back — Anthony Meray, sr., Bethel; Jacob Sealby, Wenatchee; Austin Denton, sr., Marysville-Pilchuck.

Wide receiver — Kasen Williams, jr., Skyline; Jason Bates, sr., Ferris; Rahmel Dockery, jr., Curtis.

Tight end — Austin Seferian-Jenkins, jr., Gig Harbor

Offensive line — Chris Edison, sr., Curtis; Danny Shelton, jr., Auburn; Colin Porter, sr., Bothell; Abel Soto, jr., Eisenhower; Maxx Forde, sr., Woodinville.

All-purpose — Trenton Pinson, sr., Federal Way.

Defensive line — Scott Crichton, sr., Foss; Ryan Watson, sr., Eisenhower; Austin Graves, sr., Southridge; Mychael Tuiasosopo, sr., Mariner.

Linebackers — Anthony DeMatteo, sr., Skyline; Seth Kline, sr., Eisenhower; Sam Gauksheim, sr., Olympia; Drew Powell, sr., Southridge.

Defensive backs — Jamal Byrd, sr., Foss; Evan Zeger, jr., Skyline; Bo Tully, sr., Mead; David Trimble, so., Davis.

Kicker — Jake Miller, sr., Central Valley.

Punter — Sean Tollan, sr., Rogers (Puyallup).

HONORABLE MENTION

Quarterback — Connor Halliday, sr., Ferris.

Running back — Bishop Sankey, jr., Gonzaga Prep.

Wide receivers — Leon La Deaux, sr., South Kitsap; Tim White, jr., Kamiakin.

Tight end — Michael Hartvigson, sr., Bothell.

Offensive line — Trevor Poole, sr., Ferris; Drew Schultz, sr., Olympia.

All-purpose — Elils Henderson, jr., Skyview.

Defensive line — Kjelby Oiland, sr., Ferris; Happy Iona, sr., Bethel; Evan Hudson, sr., Bothell; Jeff Waldner, sr., Olympia; Dallin Shirley, sr., Skyview.

Linebackers — Dylan Zylstra, sr., Kentridge; Jason Walker, sr., Curtis.

Defensive backs — Chris Young, sr., Auburn.

Kicker — Brandon Bailey, sr., Bethel.

Punter — Thomas Fossedal, jr., Kamiak.

==========

CLASS 3A

Player of the year — Julious Moore, sr., Bellevue.

FIRST TEAM

Quarterback — Zach Richter, sr., Glacier Peak.

Running back — Willis Wilson, sr., Lakes; Colten Williams, sr., Mt. Spokane; Larry Dixon, sr., Olympic.

Wide receivers — Jake Bainton, jr., Liberty; Tommy Rollins, sr., Glacier Peak; Delas Raiford, sr., Timberline.

Tight end — Darius Waters, sr., Lakes.

Offensive line — Roc Hill, sr., Lakes; Ben Riva, sr., O’Dea; Cody Hatchel, sr., North Thurston; John Froland, sr., Glacier Peak; Ashton Boothroyd, Mt. Spokane.

All-purpose — Israel Manzo, so., Sunnyside.

Defensive line — Sione Potoa’e, sr., Lakes; Julious Moore, sr., Bellevue; Travis Erb, sr., Yelm; Darius Waters, sr., Lakes.

Linebackers — John Kanongata’a, sr., Bellevue; Dylan Swanstrom, sr., Timberline; Darrian Creamer, sr., Peninsula; Taylor Nelson, sr., Union.

Defensive backs — Jamaal Kearse, sr., Lakes; Dee Maggitt, sr., Lakes; Naji Moore-Taylor, sr., Meadowdale; Kellen Camus, sr., Capital.

Kicker — Race Sciabica, sr., Bellevue.

Punter — Chris Lider, jr., Sammamish.

HONORABLE MENTION

Quarterback — Trey Wheeler, jr., Liberty.

Running backs — Tyler Sundberg, jr, Capital; Jordan Radcliffe, jr., Timberline.

Wide receiver — Jake Smith, sr., West Valley (Yakima); Michael Acode, sr., Mount Vernon; Tanner Southard, jr., Glacier Peak.

Tight end — Connor Hamlett, sr., Meadowdale.

Offensive line — Tanner May, sr., Glacier Peak.

All-purpose — Frank Cange, sr., Lindbergh.

Defensive line — John Froland, sr., Glacier Peak; Jeff Henke, sr., North Thurston.

Linebackers — Jordan Patterson, sr., Lakes; Jay Sicilia, sr., Mt. Spokane.

Defensive backs — Nate Blackham, sr., Mt. Spokane; Leo Cuellar, sr., Sunnyside; John Ferriera, sr., Timberline.

Kicker — Riley Baker, sr., North Thurston.

Punter — Stuart Jergensen, jr., Camas.

=========

CLASS 2A

Player of the year — Jordan Hastings, sr., Lynden.

FIRST TEAM

Quarterback — Jordan Hastings, sr., Lynden.

Running backs — Caleb Stratham, sr., Blaine; Brett Kirschner, sr., Interlake; Cody Peterson, sr., Black Hill.

Wide receivers — Blair Bomber, sr., Lynden; Kramer Ferrell, jr., Ellensburg; Clayton Knoles, sr., Sultan.

Tight end — Ryan Seto, sr., Lynden.

Offensive line — John Fullington, sr., North Mason; Nick Brown, sr., West Valley (Spokane); Jake Welch, sr., Mark Morris; Kyle Matthews, sr., Ellensburg; Ben Westrum, sr., Black Hills.

All-purpose — Alex Wolf, sr., Deer Park.

Defensive line — John Fullington, sr., North Mason; Jake Lunceford, sr., Selah; Blaze Affholter, sr., Ellensburg; Tani Tupou, jr., Archbishop Murphy.

Linebackers — Ryan Seto, sr., Lynden; Sam Schoesler, sr., West Valley (Spokane); Jake Steelhammer, sr., Chehalis; Alex Martinez, sr., Archbishop Murphy.

Defensive backs — Devon Lind, sr., Othello; J Nusbaum, sr., R.A. Long; DeAngelo Jones, sr., Cheney; Ethan Sterkel, sr., Ellensburg.

Kicker — Andrew Furney, sr., Burlington-Edison.

Punter — Jesse Chavez, sr., Wapato.

HONORABLE MENTION

Quarterback — Ethan Sterkel, sr., Ellensburg.

Running back — Alex Martinez, sr., Archbishop Murphy.

Wide receivers — Trevor Chau, sr., Blaine; Erik Forgione, jr., Chehalis; Shane Brady, sr., Woodland; J Nusbaum sr., R.A. Long.

Tight end — Blaze Affholter, sr., Ellensburg; Sam Schoesler, sr., West Valley (Spokane).

Offensive line — Nate Meeske, sr., Prosser; Taylor Beck, sr., Mark Morris; Donovan Gratton, sr., Lynden; Thomas Gallagher, sr., Sequim. Julius Tevaga, jr., Archbishop Murphy.

All-purpose — Devon Lind, sr., Othello.

Defensive line — Hovik Melkonyan, sr., West Valley (Spokane); Shawn Burton, jr., Deer Park; Conor Hamilton, sr., Othello; Julius Tevaga, jr., Archbishop Murphy; Jake Welch, sr., Mark Morris; Jake Christianson, sr., Lynden.

Linebackers — Jerry Graham, jr., R.A. Long; Jake McCoy, sr., Mark Morris; Bobby Riddle, jr., Ellensburg.

Defensive backs — Blair Bomber, sr., Lynden; Quincy Davis, sr., Selah; David Craig, sr., Blaine; Mitch Peterson, sr., West Valley (Spokane).

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CLASS 1A

Player of the year — Matt Hadley, so., Connell.

FIRST TEAM

Quarterback — Thomas Vincent, jr., King’s.

Running backs — Braden Cordes, sr., Orting; Matt Hadley, so., Connell; C.J. Lockwood, sr., Omak.

Wide receivers — Mitchell Tripp, jr., Meridian; Brendan Hoch, sr., River View; Anthony Reese, sr., Nooksack Valley.

Tight end — Cody Creech, sr., Cascade Christian.

Offensive line — Trevor Hamilton, sr., Cascade Christian; Parker Waber, sr., Montesano; Trevor Oswalt, sr., Zillah; Ryker Young, sr., King’s; Aaron Cochran, sr., Goldendale.

All-purpose — Michael Newman, sr., Cle Elum.

Defensive line — Jessie Salmonson, sr., Nooksack Valley; Ernie Garza, sr., Royal; Kane Koerner, sr., Zillah; Will Lohman, Chewelah.

Linebackers — Jon Charroin, sr., Nooksack Valley; Ryan Campbell, sr., Montesano; Dyrel Whitby, sr., Connell; Nolan Sheehan, sr., Naches Valley.

Defensive backs — Spencer Ramos, sr., Cascade Christian; Tyler Fry, sr., Montesano; Justen Weigel, sr., Naches Valley; Curtis Clauson, jr., King’s.

Kicker — Reid Bode, sr., Lynden Christian.

Punter — Nick Swanson, sr., King’s.

HONORABLE MENTION

Quarterback — Matt Wilhelm, sr., River View.

Running back — Ryan Campbell, sr., Montesano.

Wide receivers — Nick Swanson, sr., King’s; Curtis Clauson, jr., King’s; Cameron Robinson, sr., Port Townsend.

Offensive line — Jon Charroin, sr., Nooksack Valley; Michael Casper, sr., Connell.

All-purpose — Taylor Isadore, sr., Cascade (Leavenworth).

Defensive line — Keaton Stap, jr., Lynden Christian; Ryan Newby, jr., Meridian.

Linebackers — Aaron Cochran, sr., Goldendale; Cameron Bounds, sr., Zillah; Paul Lutgen, sr., King’s.

Defensive backs — Cameron Robinson, sr., Port Townsend; Shane Didier, sr., Connell.

Kicker — Nick Swanson, sr., King’s; Antonio Gonzales, so., Highland.

Punter — Reid Bode, sr., Lynden Christian.

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CLASS 2B

Player of the year — Kyle Grosshans, sr., Adna.

FIRST TEAM

Quarterback — Kyle Grosshans, sr., Adna.

Running backs — Paul Oursland, sr., Kittitas; Micah Brown, sr., Napavine.

Wide receivers — Anthony Tatum, Adna; Matt Waltenburg, Napavine.

Tight end — Tommy Gregg, jr., DeSales.

Offensive line — Walker Williams, so., Tacoma Baptist; Dane Voelker, sr., La Salle; Kennon Brist, sr., Kittitas; Sam Mellor, sr., Colfax; Carlos Sanchez, Adna.

All-purpose — Will Hatley, sr., Colfax.

Defensive line — Will Rockett, sr., Willapa Valley; Josh Bartlett, sr., La Salle; Cooper Brunoff, Adna; Sam Mellor, sr., Colfax.

Linebackers — Matt Kuribayashi, sr., La Salle; Myron Smith, jr., South Bend; Alex Teade, jr., Colfax; Sam Spiro, Tacoma Baptist.

Defensive backs — Austin Burkhalter, sr., Naselle; Dan Brusic, jr., La Salle; Spencer Slyfield, sr., Kittitas; Kyle Groshans, sr., Adna.

Kicker — Mitchell Kennedy, jr., La Salle.

HONORABLE MENTION

Running back — Jon Nissell, sr., Willapa Valley.

Wide receivers — Terrell Boyes, jr., South Bend; Brandon Funston, sr., Oroville.

Offensive line — Steve Gasseling, sr., La Salle; Daniel Janssen, Orcas Island.

Defensive line — Pat Sharkey, sr., DeSales; Carlos Sanchez, Adna; Ryan Conrad, sr., Colfax; Kennon Brist, sr., Kittitas.

Linebackers — Alan Erickson, sr., Naselle; J.J. Carney, Willapa Valley.

Defensive backs — Kellen Morgan, jr., Colfax; Anthony Tatum, Adna.

Kicker — Tyler McNannay, Colfax.

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CLASS 1B

Player of the year — Will Hoppes, sr., Tri-Cities Prep.

FIRST TEAM

Quarterback — Will Hoppes, sr., Tri-Cities Prep.

Running backs — Sam Robertson, sr., Colton; Daniel Wareham, sr., Wishkah Valley.

Wide receivers — David James, sr., Lummi; Troy Redmann, jr., Tri-Cities Prep.

Offensive line — Reid Ashley, sr., Almira/Coulee-Hartline; Joseph Fryberg, sr., Lummi; Edgar Venegas, sr., Lake Quinault.

Defensive line — Antonio Ledesma, sr., Tri-Cities Prep; Bradley Helberg, jr., Wishkah Valley; Alex LaClair, sr., Lummi.

Linebackers — Jay Orth, sr., Tri-Cities Prep; Nathan Marsh, jr., Wishkah Valley; Spencer Shanholtzer, sr., Cusick.

Defensive backs — Troy Redmann, jr., Tri-Cities Prep; Sam Robertson, sr., Colton; Cameron Pumphrey, sr., Lake Quinault.

HONORABLE MENTION

Running backs — Dylen Heaward, sr., Crescent; Dylan Tipps, sr., Almira/Coulee-Hartline; Kevin Ratuiste, sr., Tri-Cities Prep

Offensive line — Jay Orth, sr., Tri-Cities Prep; Johnny Andrews, sr., Cusick.

Defensive line — Reid Ashley, sr., Almira/Coulee-Hartline.

Linebacker — Kyle Finkbonner, sr., Lummi.

Defensive backs — David James, sr., Lummi; Josiah Rhoades, sr., Cusick.

— The Associated Press