Lakes Lancers: 2019 Washington high school 3A football preview

Here is an inside look at the Lakes Lancers 2019 football team. LINKS: Lakes team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW 8-3 in 3A PCL (first place);

Here is an inside look at the Lakes Lancers 2019 football team.

LINKS: Lakes team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

8-3 in 3A PCL (first place); lost to Yelm in 3A first round

COACHING RESUME

Dave Miller, 20th season

173-46 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 7. Defense - 6.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

QB Justin Brennan, 6-0, 175, jr.

OL Aaron Evans, 6-2, 170, sr.

WR Jaedon Hall, 6-3, 195, jr.

OL Zefanaia Magalei, 6-1, 255, sr.

RB Devon Nofoa-Masoe, 6-0, 200, so.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DB/LB Jaedon Hall, 6-3, 195, jr.

DL Zefanaia Magalei, 6-1, 255, sr.

LB Jaydon McMillon, 5-11, 200, sr.

LB J.J. Niuamoa, 6-0, 235, sr.

LB Devon Nofoa-Masoe, 6-0, 200, so.

THREE TO SEE

Jaedon Hall, wide receiver

With Phillip Riley gone, he becomes clear primary outside target in explosive offense

Devon Nofoa-Masoe, linebacker

Attacks like his hair is on fire, he is one of more impressive Lakes athletes in years

J.J. Niuamoa, linebacker

Addition of 2A SPSL's co-defensive MVP from Washington strengthens lively crew

OUTLOOK

After losing much of its offensive nucleus off the school's first league championship-winning squad since 2011, you'd think Lakes was in for a downward turn.

Don't bet on it.

The Lancers should be in the thick of things again, likely led in a different manner -- on the strength of their defense, which features one of the best linebacking groups in the state.

McMillan and Niuamoa will team up to make a formidable inside duo, allowing Nofoa-Masoe -- a Troy Polamalu-type attacking hitter -- to shift outside. Hall will play the "sniper" position, coming up from his free safety spot.

If Brennan, who was the backup at Curtis last season, continues to take firm charge of the offense, showcasing himself as an accurate passer with an ability to run, the Lancers will be dangerous -- even if they are young.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 6: at Capital, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: Central Kitsap, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: Mount Tahoma, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: at Stadium, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Bonney Lake, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: Bethel, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17: at Spanaway Lake, 7 p.m.

Oct 25: Lincoln, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1: at Wilson, 7 p.m.