Lake Stevens reloaded for big playoff run (Defense)

A season after losing in overtime of the 4A Washington state title game, Lake Stevens returns a ton of talent.   Because of that, the program's aim is obvious.   “Our team goals are simple: Win our league and win a state championship,” Lake Stevens coach Tom Tri said. “We have a very athletic group of kids. Overall, we're pretty deep - even if we're light int the pants at a few position. We've got the size, speed and strength to win a state championship, led by five juniors who return who were first-team all-state guys last year.”    Much like the offense, the Vikings are loaded at most spots, but have a couple of key questions at the start of spring ball.   How those questions are answered may determine how far they go.   One area that isn't a question is the defense they'll run, and the way they'll attack.     “We're an aggressive 4-2-5 defense that will mix our coverages up - play some zone, play some man,” Tri said. “We'll blitz and we'll stunt with our six guys in the box.”    <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/lake-stevens-reloaded-for-big-playoff-run-offense/?itm_source=parsely-api" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/lake-stevens-reloaded-for-big-playoff-run-offense/?itm_source=parsely-api">Lake Stevens preview: Offense</a>   Defensive line   Lake Stevens' dominant front starts with one of the best players on the entire West Coast.    Edge-rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1188123' first='Ty' last='Tautolo'] has nearly 20 scholarship offers, highlighted by Cal, Kansas State, Michigan. Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Washington and others.    He's a returning all-state performer, who could spell things on the offensive line this year as well.   But don't get it twisted, Tautolo is a monster on the defensive side of things.    “He's the highest-recruited guy on the team,” Tri said. “He's a do-everything, but his specialty is pass rush. He's a hard work, strong, explosive and a good teammate.”   Antoine Griffin takes the other spot as a junior and carries significant upside.   The 6-2, 235-pound (and growing) edge competes in the 100-meter dash in track.    “He's athletic with a high motor,” Tri said. “He's a high-energy D-end. He's starting to get looks and I have no doubt he'll get offers by the end of next season. He's almost two inches taller and has added 20 pounds and runs the 100. He's got a motor on him.”   Lake Stevens will rotate defensive tackles between [player_tooltip player_id='1241961' first='Will' last='Lynch'], Ryder Gobin-Tolintino and [player_tooltip player_id='984903' first='Calvin' last='Middendorf'].   While there's no obvious superstar in the group, it's a great collection of athletes who will perform well.    “We like that group, but are hoping for some other guys to step up,” Tri said. “They were pretty good last year.”    Slezak is a versatile, hybrid piece who could play edge or linebacker.   Last season, he performed admirably at inside ‘backer filling in after some injuries, so he may stay there due to his experience.   But he has the talent and strength to put his hand in the dirt and wreak havoc up front.   Linebacker   As mentioned, Slezak could be the answer again at inside ‘backer, this time having earned the job outright rather than through injuries.    The talented athlete performed well last season and should take another step forward with a year of experience under his belt.    Senior-to-be Kaiden Blanchard started a sophomore and began the year as a starter as a junior, but missed most of the season.   “He's a big-time run stopper and we can bring him as a blitzed as well,” Tri said. “He's a hard-nosed, old-fashioned hit-you-in-the-mouth type of linebacker.”    Sophomore-to-be 6-foot-1, 230-pounder [player_tooltip player_id='2137869' first='Gavin' last='Smith'] is another player to watch in the program.   Smith could develop into a high ceiling-type player as he continues to gain valuable experience.   Oerall, that trio makes for a talented group.    “(Smith) played a little as a freshman last year. He and Slezak and Blanchard will hold down the fort at our inside ‘backer positions,” Tri said. “Smith's ceiling is high. I think he'll end up being a college football player, for sure, if he keeps getting bigger and better and works like we think he will.”    Defensive back    For the Lake Stevens offense, the only real question coming into the year is the offensive tackle spots - and which tight end will grab the reins.   The defense is similarly loaded - with its only real question being the cornerback spots.    “We're not struggling there, but we're not as deep as receiver,” Tri said.   Nolan Nettles and Max Cook will play safety roles and have the size and athleticism to create match-up problems in space.    Strong safety [player_tooltip player_id='2100463' first='Felix' last='Ramsey'] is a versatile player who the Vikings can depend upon to help against the run or in coverage.    “He's a good safety for us,” Tri said. “He sets the alley but can also flip his hips and cover for us.”    At corner, a mix of players from the receiver group will have to step up, led by Seth price and [player_tooltip player_id='985363' first='Jayden' last='Hollenbeck'].    “It's lots of the same names,” Tri said. “We've got some good ones.”   [player_tooltip player_id='987638' first='Akio' last='Yonesaka'], an all-league performer last year and potential superstar running back in time, will be the starting nickel - and could deliver an all-state-caliber season.    Sophomore-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='2137865' first='Karter' last='Bringedahl'] is a player to watch, who brings some youth and upside to the group.   ‘He's an athletic 6-foot-1, 170-pound kid,” Tri said. "He played a fair amount last year as a No. 2, but we were beating teams by double-digits so he got a lot of playing time. He's developing, but he's showing signs of true athleticism and is going to be a good football player for us.”

A season after losing in overtime of the 4A Washington state title game, Lake Stevens returns a ton of talent.