Puyallup Vikings emerging as Northwest’s best team (Part 2)

<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/puyallup-vikings-emerging-as-northwests-best-team-part-1/">Part 1 dives into Puyallup's rise</a> - from intriguing spring heavyweight to fall Northwest juggernaut.   It also goes in-depth on <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/puyallup-vikings-emerging-as-northwests-best-team-part-1/">Puyallup's starting offense</a>.   Part 2, which you will read below, takes a look at the the defense.   The Vikings offense has been nearly unstoppable this season, averaging 56.1 points per game over its last six contests.   But Puyallup's 4-2-5 defense has arguably been just as dominant, holding opponents to just 10.1 points per game - and 10 or fewer in 4 of its 7 games.     Because of that, it is extremely difficult to pick out a top position group in the defense, as everyone has done an excellent job.   But given that Puyallup rolls five starters deep in the secondary, that group may get the nod.   “The defensive back corps has a lot of D1 prospects,” Mims said.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/4a-washington-mid-season-all-state-1st-2nd-team-o-2/">Midseason Washington 4A All-State Offense</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/4a-washington-mid-season-all-state-1st-2nd-team-d-2/?itm_source=parsely-api">Midseason Washington 4A All-State Defense</a>   Defensive line   Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='986529' first='Malakai' last='Leuelu'] is already a dominant force up front.   “He's probably the heart and soul of our football team. He's very, very technically-sound and can play inside and both 3-tech and 5-tech. He's quicker for the interior lineman and too powerful for a lot of tackles, but can also use his speed.”   Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1969806' first='Kitiona' last='Tupua'] is already a force inside, and could end up being one of the best prospects in entire country.    “He'll probably be the biggest recruit on our football team,” Mims said, “He's already got several offers as a freshman. He's going to be the next big-time recruit in the Northwest.”   Tupua already holds multiple offers, highlighted by Texas A&M.    Junior Mikey Tailua, a “gap plugger and run stopper” and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1165442' first='Keegan' last='Johnson'], Puyallup's sack leader, round out the group.   It's a collection that plays really well well together and complements each other to create a chaotic front.    Linebackers   Class of 2027 ‘backer Will Lorenz and Michael Pulalasi are the starters - and both are impact players.   “He's a good cover linebacker who plays well in space and uses his hands well to re-route guys,” Mims said. “Mikey is the biggest impact player we have on our defense. He was the Defensive MVP at Lakes last year. He's been amazing and is one of our captains. He'll have over 100 tackles by the end of the season and is one of premier linebackers in the state.”    Defensive backs   [player_tooltip player_id='726165' first='Jasiah' last='Denmark'] has been a star for quite some time.   Forced to sit out his sophomore season after transferring from Spanaway Lake, Denmark was already a well-known commodity.    He has not disappointed in his no-longer-new home.    “His ability and willingness to guard every team's No. 1 is special,” Mims said. “He slowed down or shut down his best match-ups this season. We give him the match-ups every week and he's excited for those and gets up for those.”    Denmark, who is also a great tackler for his cornerback position, looks the part of a big-offer kid, but remains committed to Sacramento State.    [player_tooltip player_id='1188105' first='J'Isaiah' last='Mitchell'] and Briytan Bailey rotate in depending on match-ups.   “People see Mitchell and think of him as a 6-foot-5 receiver, but he's really good on the outside. It's hard to throw on him - he can run long, he's long and he's got great hips for his size.”    [player_tooltip player_id='1165415' first='Jayden' last='Woodland'] is also a staple in the defensive backfield as a free safety.    “He's a ballhawk, rangy, 6-foot-2, athletic, pick-6 last week… he's one of the leaders and captains of our defense at the free safety spot,” Mims said.   Two strong safety/nickel players, [player_tooltip player_id='1605386' first='Luke' last='Parker'] and Markel Newell.   “Parker is a very versatile player who can tackle and cover in space,” Mims said. “Markell is a Swiss Army knife. Every play that he has is either a huge hit… he had a pick-6 this year. He's just good at everything he does. It's hard to attack him in the nickel spot. He's hard to block. He makes it hard to throw receiver screens. He's a good tackler, good at blitzing off the edge and is really good in coverage. He's a 2028 guy who is going to be one of the best in the state.”   Newell holds offers from Arizona State, Nevada and Washington.   “He's probably someone who gets overlooked a little because he we have so many good players on our team,” Mins said. “But 24 is a menace.”

Part 1 dives into Puyallup's rise - from intriguing spring heavyweight to fall Northwest juggernaut.