When it comes to historical excellence of football programs in South King County, Kentwood High School makes its way to the top of the list.
However, over the past two seasons, Kentwood has struggled on the gridiron.
Over the course of the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Conks have won just five total games, which is tied for third fewest in the entire NPSL (tied with Kentridge and Kent-Meridian).
Entering his third season, Head Coach Matt Roth was open and honest that the scheduling was a bit more than the Conks could chew from his predecessor. But now in year three, the Conks are looking to fire on all cylinders.
“We returned 33 varsity lettermen, and we are looking forward to that experience paying off,” Roth said. “I inherited an insane schedule that I didn’t make. So going up against some of the best of the best wasn’t pleasant in those moments. But there are dividends to be paid from those experiences.”
One guy who is known to do that is senior running back Antoine Lee. Kentwood has a hall of records right outside the gym and on the football section, Lee’s name will be all over that wall. Lee currently holds six records before he has even taken a snap during his senior season. Roth has seen Lee go from underclassman to one of the best backs in the state right in front of his eyes.
“Day one of spring ball, he set the tone, he started bringing everybody in. He made sure everybody was in line and he let people know if they were out of line. He’s been our alpha since then… He definitely sets the tone for our team,” Roth said.
4A NPSL welcomed some new faces this reclassification cycle. Auburn Riverside and Auburn along with Stadium made the jump to 4A this year. Kentwood and Auburn are familiar foes dating back decade,s and now that high intensity game is here once more on Oct. 18 at French Field.
Kentwood will also have a new quarterback under center this season. There is currently a three-player battle for that starting spot. Freshman Caleb Erickson and sophomore Chance Sivani are battling Brandon Tagle for first team reps. Sivani is tripling as a tight end and linebacker and is an overall great athlete. Erickson is turning heads with his pure arm talent and is developing to be the starter with his dad, Aaron, as the quarterback’s coach. Tagle is shaping up to be the starter — the point guard of the basketball team is in his first year of football and has been impressing coaches and players alike.
“I am really excited. He (Tagle) did really good job at camp. He was sending out dimes and didn’t throw one pick. His first year out and he is really reading the coverages like he has been playing since he was a kid. I feel like he is going to make a big difference,” Lee said.
Defensively, the Conks are excited about their defensive line. In a league that deals with physical offensive lines, to have depth and a solid core is something to look forward to.
“The offseason that they have had, changing their bodies and changing their strength profiles. We are going to be really good upfront… They have been able to beat up some people in camp, and we’re looking forward to seeing that continue,” said Roth.
As a running back, Lee is all too familiar with the defensive line. What the four-year senior has seen so far has been impressive.
“I see a lot more confidence from them. Before a play starts, I see that they are out there helping each other out… They are definitely locked in and ready to go,” Lee said.
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Senior RB Antoine Lee gets shift through some obstacles.
Kentwood assistant coach works with defensive linemen during practice.
