Graham-Kapowsin roster loaded with young upside: Offense

Prior to last season, the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles had made the Washington state quarterfinals in each of the past eight seasons and played for a pair of state titles, winning one in 2021.    While the Eagles have a young core, the expectations will again be high for the program, which is littered with talented, rising young prospects.   Led by a potential state history-making quarterback, the Eagles have a bright future over the next few years.    And with eight starters returning, the blend of experience and emerging young stars makes for an intriguing roster.    Here's a look at the offense (Graham-Kapowsin defense preview here):    Quarterback   Class of 2028 quarterback A.J. Tuivaiave returns as the starter - and comes back with sky-high expectations.   The 6-foot-3, 200-pound signal-caller is a bluechip talent with early offers from Arizona State, BYU, Miami, Oregon, Washington and others.   Like Joshua Wood, quarterback of Graham-Kapowsin's lone state title team (2021), Tuivaiave has elite command of the offense and never seems to get rattled.    He showed that as a freshman, throwing for over 2,500 yards with 30 total touchdowns.   Tuivaiave has a chance to develop into an historic Washington quarterback, and the Eagles are poised to be special for the next three years with him at the helm.   Running back   Class of 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1576634' first='Blake' last='Pearson'] emerged last season as a true threat with the ball in his hands and should be the lead back this season.   The bruising 6-foot-1, 210-pound playmaker didn't get the lion's share of the work until the middle of the season, but still eclipsed 700 yards on the ground.   Logan described him as a “violent runner with nimbleness that surprises,” and that perfectly sums up his film.   A 1,000-yard season feels imminent.    Wide receiver   A loaded group, the wide receiver unit has many names to know.   Graham-Kapowsin likes to spread out defenses and let its playmakers do the rest - and this group should be able to do just that.    In a preview, it's difficult not to shortchange anyone, because several of the athletes are special and deserve their own description.   Class of 2027 pass-catcher [player_tooltip player_id='937738' first='Kase' last='Betz'] returns as a do-it-all athlete who can wreak havoc on a defense.   As a sophomore, he compiled 865 yards and 11 touchdowns.   But even more could soon be on the horizon.   Class of 2028 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='985348' first='Jayce' last='Halasz'] will be a breakout contributor on both sides of the ball for the Eagles this fall.   The 6-foot-2, 180-pound athlete eats up ground in a hurry and and is an excellent route runner with high-end body control.    Senior Mazaia Roberson and class of 2029 rising star Keh'Ano Corpuz are a couple of names to know as well.   Corpuz, in particular, could blossom into a national recruit - and already holds an offer from Sacramento State.    This group is very deep and has multiple athletes who could pop on any given Friday night.    At tight end, senior [player_tooltip player_id='1530860' first='Quinncey' last='Ratteray'] takes over for Noah Fox-Flores (UCLA) and should hit the ground rolling.    The 6-foot-4, 225-pound pass-catcher, who is also an excellent pitching prospect in baseball, is a physical presence who can also stretch the field.   A well-rounded tight end, Ratteray holds offers from George Fox and Central Washington.   Offensive line   Four starters return for the Eagles, highlighted by [player_tooltip player_id='569907' first='Ayden' last='Bullinger'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1576625' first='Douglas' last='Peterson'].   Bullinger, a soon-to-be three-year starter, has been a two-time all-area award winner by The Tacoma News Tribute and has the upside to be a late riser in the recruiting ranks.   Currently, the 6-foot-5, 245-pound lineman holds offers from Montana State and Portland State.   “Ayden has done a tremendous job growing his body into collegiate size with his long frame,”coach Jeff Logan said.    Peterson, a lacrosse standout, is an undersized, but savvy offensive lineman who has a lot of responsibility up front.   “We put a ton on his plate,” Logan said. “Douglas is athletic and able to get onto second level defenders in space, allowing our receivers to do what they're good at in our screen game.”    Class of 2028 Tua Steffany is a budding star, who already holds offers from Portland State and Sacramento State.   The 6-foot-1, 295-pound lineman looks incredibly strong for his age and is advanced in his pass protection.    Class of 2027 prospect Adrian Tela is a player who will likely take a big step forward this fall.   It's an exciting group, who could look even better as the season progresses.

Prior to last season, the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles had made the Washington state quarterfinals in each of the past eight seasons and played for a pair of state titles, winning one in 2021.