Previewing the Top 50 high school football teams in Washington: No. 33 Kentwood Conquerors
SBLive Washington is previewing the Top 50 high school football teams in the state ahead of the 2020-2021 season. Here's an inside look at the Kentwood Conquerors of the 4A NPSL - No. 33 in our countdown.
Editor’s note: Kentwood is in the Puget Sound Region of Washington’s COVID-19 reopening plan. The West and Puget Sound Regions moved to Phase 2 of the reopening plan on Feb. 1, which means moderate and high risk high school sports have been cleared return to competition.
2019 IN REVIEW
8-3 (second place in 4A NPSL Mountain); lost to Bothell in 4A first round.
COACH'S RESUMÉ
- Mike Bush, sixth season.
- Overall record: 34-18.
- Coordinators (base scheme): Offense - Brandon Gibson (pro style). Defense - Mike Bush (3-4).
NOTABLE DEPARTURES
OL Liban Britt
LB Trevon Erickson
WR Jaelin Green (transfer to Rainier Beach)
OL/DL Wyatt Hansen
RB Gabriel Johnson
DL Victor Juarez
WR/DB Alphonse Oywak
DL Connor Travers (opt-out)
RETURNING STARTERS
Offense - 5. Defense - 5.
TOP PLAYERS
DB/ATH Jalin Church, 6-1, 195, sr.
LB/TE DeAndre Gill, 6-5, 215, jr.
OL Carter Hanson, 6-2, 285, sr.
DL/LB Isaiah Napihaa, 6-1, 180, sr.
WR Gabriel Ogunleye, 6-2, 195, sr.
QB Jackson Proctor, 6-2, 200, sr.
LB Naizan Seumalo, 6-1, 205, sr.
WR Kendric Smith, 6-0, 175, sr.
RB/DB Lole'sio Tapasa, 5-0, 180, sr.
THREE TO SEE
Jalin Church, safety
Until last season, he had never played on defense. Now, he is team's lone returning 4A NPSL first-teamer.
Jackson Proctor, quarterback
Second-year dual threat referred to as the Conks' version of "Taysom Hill" because of reshaped build.
Lole'sio Tapasa, running back
Low-to-ground style similar to guy he is replacing - Gabriel Johnson - but might even have more wiggle in hips.
2021 OUTLOOK
Normally when a program graduates 20 seniors, including college players in every both-sides position group, it is headed for a dropoff.
Not the Conks. Talent-wise, they might be even better than last season's state playoff team.
It all starts with Jackson Proctor, the trigger man who will have a new offense (pro style) and coordinator (Brandon Gibson, ex-Washington State and NFL wide receiver) that should allow him to not only still make plays with his legs, but push the football downfield more often.
"We will be multi-dimensional," coach Mike Bush said. "And Jackson has really learned this offense."
One of the traditional big-play pieces that has been absent from this Kentwood offense in recent years is the tight end. Not now as DeAndre Gill, who moved up from California, will be a huge presence as both a pass catcher and blocker. He could end up being the team's most dynamic weapon.
Add Kendric Smith in the slot; Gabriel Ogunleye - a former 4A NPSL yardage leader at Hazen - and Koleden Nelson on the outside; and Jalin Church all over the formation, and Proctor should have a supporting cast at his disposal to put up points in a hurry.
Up front, replacing the void left by Wyatt Hansen will be crucial, but Bush said playing as many as eight offensive linemen last season should pay dividends now - especially with a talented sophomore group on its way.
There will be a few more moving parts on defense, but Church's presence as an inside-the-box safety should give the unit instant stability.
"There are a lot of unknowns, but also a lot of talent here," Bush said.
COVID-19 IMPACT
"At the beginning, it was tough ... but we got online and did all the virtual stuff. Once we were able to connect, we did some skill-building (discussion), talked about growing as people - and that we had a goal to work on our mindset. We even created a Wednesday football club where we'd meet and have a theme to discuss. ... We definitely had some leaders grow out of all of this." - Mike Bush
2020-21 SCHEDULE - KENTWOOD TEAM PAGE
- March 12 vs. Kentlake
- March 20 at Federal Way
- March 27 at Kennedy Catholic
- April 2 vs. Mount Rainier
- April 9 vs. Tahoma
- April 16 at Kentridge
