Yelm: A Special Football Community

Jordan Johnson May 21, 2023 @ 11:03 PM

One of the most talked about programs anywhere in the West covering the last few seasons is Yelm HS out of Washington. The reigning state champs were absolutely dominant for a majority of the 2022 season, finishing 14-0 while outscoring their opponents by an average margin of 50-10.    The Tornados played legit teams throughout the season, beating SW Washington powers Camas and Union by a combined score of 90-20 to start the year. They closed things out in dramatic fashion with three tough playoff games, against two programs who traditionally have a national ranking in Eastside Catholic and Bellevue.    [player_tooltip player_id='115328' first='Brayden' last='Platt'] (Overall), [player_tooltip player_id='87422' first='Kyler' last='Ronquillo'] (Offensive), [player_tooltip player_id='87486' first='Ray' last='Wright'] (Defensive), and [player_tooltip player_id='158380' first='Landen' last='Barger'] (Lineman) swept the SSC MVP Awards, with both Platt and Barger returning next season. Add to this 3* LB [player_tooltip player_id='338788' first='Isaiah' last='Patterson'] and Platt ranking as one of the top players in America, and Yelm should be in good shape again. That being said they do lose three all conference O lineman and numerous other talented seniors to graduation.   So how did Yelm build their program into a state title winner, and can they keep it going? One thing that separates the Tornado program is the community support. With many NW programs struggling from a participation standpoint, Yelm has had a significant increase in numbers and a certain type of electricity rarely seen on Friday nights. A lot of credit should go to Head Coach Jason Ronquillo and his staff.   Speaking with people in the know, one coach says, "Yelm has always had a passionate fan base, but it has definitely taken off since 2018's state quarterfinal team. Friday nights are now a community event with food trucks, vendors, and the youth programs out at the games."   He continued, "The youth programs have done really well, with turnout skyrocketing in recent years, meaning some age groups have two different teams so all kids can play. Our current 2028 group (7th graders) just went undefeated last season. Paired with a strong 2027 group they have the potential to dominate when in High School together."   It's also not every day that two big time national recruits like [player_tooltip player_id='115328' first='Brayden' last='Platt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='338788' first='Isaiah' last='Patterson'] come through. Platt is currently ranked the nation's #9 LB with 20+ offers from the likes of Oklahoma, Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA, Oregon, and Texas A/M. Patterson has a stock which is rising quickly with 4 PAC 12's offering in UCLA, Oregon, Arizona St, and Washington St, among others.   Look for 1st team all league DE [player_tooltip player_id='338812' first='Onyx' last='Carter'] 6-3 220 24', along with 2nd team all-conference returner [player_tooltip player_id='643363' first='Damian' last='Aalona'] QB, to be among Washington's best and play a key role once again next season. Also make note of 6-5 270 pound Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='643362' first='Tyler' last='Blevins'] 24' and fellow 2026 standout [player_tooltip player_id='928117' first='Jonah' last='Smith'] OL/DL who will get in the mix up front.   It's inspiring to see a community rally around its kids, with the entire town playing a part in the team's success. In closing coach says, "The most special thing at Yelm is the youth turnout at our HS games on Friday nights in their jersey's. Hundreds of youth kids lining the end zones to get high fives from players during pregame and after they score touchdowns. Yelm is a football community and being the only HS in town with two middle schools is a huge benefit to us."