Washington high school football: Preseason rankings, players to watch

By Mitch Stephens Feb 10, 2021, 3:00pm

Three of the nation's top 25 players are scheduled to play this season in Evergreen State, which is the first to begin in 2021.

Washington might become the first state to kick off high school football in 2021 this weekend. Might because snow is forecast for much of the state through Sunday, meaning the long wait to finally hit the field may be a little bit longer.

Whenever teams do finally get the opportunity to play, there are plenty of compelling storylines to follow, including a pair of five-star prospects sticking around for their senior seasons.

For regions in Phase 2, competition may begin as early as Friday, beginning a five-week window for games. The WIAA will hold a "culminating event" March 15-20.

Read on for a look at the state's top players and teams ahead of an unprecedented season.
Kennedy Catholic quarterback Sam Huard threw for state-best 4,172 yards in 2019.
Kennedy Catholic quarterback Sam Huard threw for state-best 4,172 yards in 2019.
File photo by Paul Caldwell
Players to watch



SENIORS

1. J.T. Tuimoloau, Eastside Catholic (Sammamish)
6-4 | 275 | SDE | Undecided
The nation's No. 3-rated senior player overall told MaxPreps he's definitely playing his senior year. He racked up 134 tackles and 18 sacks the last two years while lining up on offense as a tight end. Also a standout basketball player.

2. Sam Huard, Kennedy Catholic (Burien)
6-2 | 190 | QB | Signed with Washington
The five-star standout with rich family history is on pace to shatter the state career passing yards record, needing 1,303 to break Brett Rypien's mark. Nation's 22 overall recruit has thrown for 11,741 yards and 132 touchdowns in three seasons.

6-3 | 295 | OG | Signed with Washington
Ranked the 12th best guard in the country, Prentice committed to the in-state Huskies in July.

6-2 | 220 | ATH | Signed with Washington
Latu had originally planned to enroll early but changed his mind. He's a versatile athlete who can play at a number of spots, but projects in the box in college.

5. Jabez Tinae, Kennedy Catholic
6-1 | 190 | WR | Signed with Washington
Over the past two seasons, the the 4-star wideout has 104 catches for 2,185 yards and 16 touchdowns.

JUNIORS

6-5 | 270 | OT | Uncommitted
Ranked the No. 7 junior tackle in the country, Conerly has 26 offers, including Alabama, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon and USC. He reminds some of Chicago Bears' lineman Charles Leno.

6-4 | 185 | WR | Uncommitted
Long, smooth and rangy, Merriweather is ranked the No. 13 junior receiver in the country. As a sophomore he had 43 catches for 766 yards and five touchdowns. He already has 16 college offers, including Notre Dame, Oregon, USC and UCLA.

6-6 | 225 | TE | Uncommitted
No. 4 junior tight end prospect in the country, Otton has 14 offers but appears to be leaning toward five Pac-12 schools, including in-state Washington. His brother Cade Otton already is at Washington.

6-5 | 295 | OT | Uncommitted
Already garnered with 21 offers, including defending national champion Alabama.

6-5 | 315 | OG | Uncommitted
Missed sophomore season with an injury but already has 14 offers, including Oklahoma, Oregon, USC and Washington.

Defending champions

4A — Camas
3A — Eastside Catholic
2A — Tumwater
1A — Royal
2B — Onalaska
1B — Odessa



Washington Preseason Top 25

# School Rec. Str. +/-
1ECHS (Sammamish)0-00.0--
2Kennedy Catholic (Burien)0-00.0--
3Mount Si (Snoqualmie)0-00.0--
4Camas0-00.0--
5O'Dea (Seattle)0-00.0--
6Bothell0-00.0--
7Puyallup0-00.0--
8Steilacoom0-00.0--
9Tumwater0-00.0--
10Lake Stevens0-00.0--
11Chiawana (Pasco)0-00.0--
12Woodinville0-00.0--
13Royal (Royal City)0-00.0--
14Bethel (Spanaway)0-00.0--
15Lincoln (Tacoma)0-00.0--
16Eastlake (Sammamish)0-00.0--
17Skyview (Vancouver)0-00.0--
18Eastmont (East Wenatchee)0-00.0--
19CVHS (Spokane Valley)0-00.0--
20Bellevue0-00.0--
21Yelm0-00.0--
22Mt. Spokane (Mead)0-00.0--
23Graham-Kapowsin (Graham)0-00.0--
24Seattle Prep (Seattle)0-00.0--
25Lakes (Lakewood)0-00.0--