All-Area defense first and second teams

FIRST TEAM

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Sean Elledge, S, Glacier Peak, Sr.

For more on Elledge, click here.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Dylan Donohue, Lakewood, Sr.

The Cougars 6-foot-1, 270 pound d-lineman wreaked havoc in the trenches for a Cougars’ defense that pitched two shutouts and held three other opponents to only a touchdown.

Dakota Creed, Archbishop Murphy, Sr.

The Wildcats defensive lineman was a force inside for Murphy, recording more than 30 tackles, three for a loss and two sacks.

Brandon Johnson, Lake Stevens, Sr.

The Vikings lineman had 83 tackles, 14 for a loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries to lead a stout Lake Stevens defense.

Hector Ruiz, Mariner, Sr.

The 6-foot-5, 280-pound lineman was the leader on a strong defensive line.

Jeremy Gomez, Meadowdale, Sr.

The Mavericks defensive lineman recorded more than 30 tackles, four for a loss, and 2.5 sacks in leading a stout Meadowdale defense.

LINEBACKER

Michael Cummings, Meadowdale, Sr.

One of the best linebackers in the state, the Mavs senior roamed from sideline to sideline, recording more than 60 tackles, seven for a loss, and two sacks.

Quinton Dunbar, Glacier Peak, Sr.

The Grizzlies outside linebacker led the team with eight sacks and recorded 45 tackles, 12 for a loss. “One of the most explosive athletes in the area,” Rosenbach said of Dunbar. “Great in the run game and as a pass rusher.”

Jordan Hoorn, Marysville Pilchuck, Sr.

The Tomahawks linebacker finished with 107 tackles, six for a loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and two pass defense in just over eight games.

Steven Kane, Archbishop Murphy, Sr.

The Wildcats linebacker recorded nearly 50 tackles, five for a loss, and three sacks as the leader of a strong Murphy defense. “(Steven) is the best mike (middle) linebacker I’ve ever coached,” said Archbishop Murphy coach Mike Pluschke.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Larry Baker-Bruce, Jackson, Sr.

After sitting out his junior season, the Timberwolves defensive back returned and was a force on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. As a safety, Baker-Bruce was equally good in pass coverage and run support.

Tyri Bethea, Kamiak, Sr.

The Knights cornerback was one of the best one-on-one defenders in the area and a great tackler and is a two-time All-Wesco defensive back.

Skylor Elgarico, Arlington, Sr.

The Eagles three-year starter at safety was a big part of a defense that held a strong offense in Kentwood to just 14 points in a quad-district playoff game.

Sean Elledge, Glacier Peak, Sr.

In his first year at safety, the Grizzlies senior led the team in tackles with 75, recorded two sacks, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups. “Great tackler and the emotional leader of the best defense we have had at GP,” said Glacier Peak head coach Rory Rosenbach of Elledge.

PUNTER

Malcolm Manson, Mariner, Sr.

The Marauders punter kicked for more than 1,000 yards this season, averaging more than 34 yards per punt and pinning teams inside the 20-yard line 10 times.

SECOND TEAM

Defensive line

Steven Gallardo, Cascade, Sr.

Austin Gianetto, Marysville Pilchuck, Sr.

Jevin Pahinui, Mountlake Terrace, Jr.

Jojo Alkheidairy, Meadowdale, Jr.

Linebacker

Andrew Elgaen, Lake Stevens, Sr.

Dylan Judson, Monroe, Sr.

Jon Lanningham, Oak Harbor, Sr.

CJ Lat, Lake Stevens, Jr.

Defensive back