SW Washington’s Top Returning Underclassmen (DEFENSE)
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Here we break down the top athletes returning next season in SW Washington and what they bring to the table. Have a look as the GSHL is always one of the most competitive conferences state wide. *No Particular Order DEFENSE…
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Continue ReadingHere we break down the top athletes returning next season in SW Washington and what they bring to the table. Have a look as the GSHL is always one of the most competitive conferences state wide.
*No Particular Order
DEFENSE
4A
Gavin Poffenroth 6-1 210 Jr. DL Skyview- One of the GSHL’s top juniors. Poffenroth had an outstanding year on D, earning 1st team all-conference honors, while showing off his overall versatility on O and catching 6 passes with 3 TDs.
Jacob Champine 5-10 180 Jr. LB Battle Ground- Champine played QB on offense but shined on D, as the only 1st team all conference athlete for BG.
Colby Warner 5-10 190 Jr. OLB Skyview- Warner had a breakout season on the defensive side of the ball, making plays left and right from his outside backer position, and earning 1st team all conference honors.
Gavin Packer 5-10 160 So. DB Skyview- Just to put his talent into perspective, Packer was the only underclassmen to earn 1st team all-league honors on both sides of the football. Even more telling is the fact that he’s only a sophomore.
Cameron Crooks 5-11 175 Jr. DB Skyview- Crooks is a baller and deserving of his 1st team all-league accolades. Him and Packer should be considered one of WA’s top 1-2 punches state wide within the secondary.
Riah Po-Ching 6-0 220 So. LB/DL Skyview- One of the top 25’s in the region. Po-Ching earned 2nd team all-league honors on the defensive front, but projects at LB. Look for him to be listed among Washington’s best for the class.
Nikko Speer 6-2 215 So. LB Camas- Expect to hear big things from Speer in the coming seasons. He had a breakout year, earning 2nd team all-league accolades as a sophomore. His combination of size and mobility for a kid still so young is unique.
Chase Lofton 6-0 160 So. DB Union- Lofton did a little bit of everything as a sophomore, earning 2nd team all-league honors defensively. He should be considered one of Washington’s most versatile for the 2025 class, also excelling offensively and as a return man.
3A
Mekhi Parker 6-1 250 Jr. DL Mt View- Parker was dominant on the interior, earning 1st team all-league honors on the defensive front. He played varsity ball as a freshman and could be one of the Thunder’s most complete athletes ever.
Payton Stewart Payton Stewart 6'7" | 270 lbs | OL Kelso | 2024 State WA 6-7 240 Jr. DL Kelso- Look for Stewart to add multiple offers in the coming season. The 6-7 edge rusher brings a lot to the table separate from the size. He earned 1st team all league honors as a junior.
Mark Williams Mark Williams 5'10" | 210 lbs | LB Evergreen | 2025 State WA 5-10 210 So. LB Evergreen- Williams was one of the only athletes in the state of Oregon to earn all conference honors as a freshman at the 6A level last year. He backed that up nicely this year, earning 1st team honors on D.