Players to Watch

CJ Lat, Lake Stevens, LB

All Lat did in his first year of playing linebacker was record 112 tackles and earn first-team All-Wesco 4A North honors. Now a senior, Lat is primed for a big season, Vikings coach Tom Tri said.

“He’s going to be a stud,” Tri said. “He plays downhill really well. He reads passes really well. He can blitz off the edge. He can pretty much do a little bit of everything.”

Tri, who coached the West squad in the annual East-West game in June, said Lat has grown tremendously as a football player and a person over his high school career.

“He really didn’t understand football (his freshman year),” Tri said. “Just to see the growth from his freshman to his sophomore (year), sophomore to junior (year) and now junior to senior year, I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

While Lat, who is getting looks from Central and Eastern Washington universities, was primarily a defender last year, the playmaker may hear his number called on offense a few times this fall.

“He plays some tight end for us. He rotates in,” Tri said. “He’s really more of a defensive specialist, but he’ll play some offense for us.”

Lat said the coaches were careful with him last year because of an injury he suffered his sophomore year. Two Marysville Pilchuck linemen landed on Lat’s leg, tearing a medial collateral ligament in his knee.

Now, Lat appears fully recovered, and has several goals for his final season at Lake Stevens.

“All I want to do is take our team to a Wesco title and hopefully to the T-Dome (Tacoma Dome),” he said. “That’s my main goal: get to the T-Dome.”

He also has his eye on the school record for tackles in a season.

“I’m going to try to get there,” Lat said. “I’m close. It’s like 150-something, and I was 112 last year in my first year, as a junior, playing linebacker.”

While on the field at linebacker, Lat — whose No. 47 practice jersey identifies him as “King Kong” — said he’s just trying to stop the ball and get himself and the rest of the Vikings defenders back to the sidelines.

“My main (thought) is three-and-out. Stop them. That’s my philosophy,” Lat said. “If you have the ball, you’re going down. That’s what I see in my head.”

Other players to watch

Max Gray, Arlington, WR

Healthy and confident, this senior is looking to be a major playmaker as Arlington plans to take to air more this season.

Gabe Moore, Monroe, RB/LB/RET

Following in older brother Jordan’s footsteps, this senior is a dangerous offensive weapon who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Spencer Lipke, Snohomish, OL

All-league senior center brings experience and leadership to the Panthers’ offensive line.

Melvin Walser, Mount Vernon, WR/DB

Senior wide receiver is big, rangy, athletic and has great hands. Plus he’s being asked to help break in a new quarterback.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.