Mount Tahoma Thunderbirds: 2019 Washington high school 3A football preview

Here is an inside look at the Mount Tahoma Thunderbirds 2019 high school football team. Links: Mount Tahoma team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW

Here is an inside look at the Mount Tahoma Thunderbirds 2019 high school football team.

Links: Mount Tahoma team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

0-10 in 3A PCL (eighth place)

COACHING RESUME

Leon Hatch, seventh season

16-43 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 3. Defense - 4.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

OL Josiah Ahfua, 6-0, 255, jr.

OL Taliese Fauga, 6-5, 210, sr.

QB Eithen Nickell, 6-2, 175, jr.

RB David Olivares, 5-10, 165, sr.

WR Elijah Zaragoza, 6-1, 185, sr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

LB Josiah Ahfua, 6-0, 255, jr.

DB Roland Grandberry, 5-10, 185, sr.

DB Naturelle James, 5-10, 175, jr.

DB Keeshawn Ouk, 5-10, 175, jr.

DB Simon Yim, 5-11, 210, jr.

THREE TO SEE

Taliese Fauga, offensive lineman

Thunderbirds' highest-profile college recruit will play both tackle and guard

Eithen Nickell, quarterback

If first-year starter shows like he did in offseason, should thrive in passing attack

Simon Yim, defensive back

An offensive tackle as a ninth grader, his body transformed into a speedy safety

OUTLOOK

In his second stint at Mount Tahoma, Hatch knows rebuilding programs takes time and investment. He was also the last coach to lead the school into the postseason -- way back in 2006 -- which was the final year of his four-year run.

Can he do it again? The team outlook appears move favorable than last season.

For starters, Hatch has something he struggled to find in 2018 -- a capable passer. And Nickell, a home-schooled student who went to Baker Middle School with a few of the current Mount Tahoma players, was spotted throwing the football around in the spring -- and was approached about trying out for the team.

Nickell did, and immediately seized the starting job in spring ball. He has two fleet-footed wide receivers at his disposal in Zaragoza and James -- and a big man blocking for him in Fauga, who has a handful of FBS offers.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 6: Davis, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: at North Creek, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: at Lakes, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: Spanaway Lake, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3: at Bethel, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: at Wilson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: Lincoln, 7 p.m.

Oct 25: Stadium, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1: at Bonney Lake, 7 p.m.