Each week during the 2024 Washington high school football season, the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington State Football Coaches Association select two high school football coaches as their High School Coach of the Week winners. Each recipient receives a $500 donation to the school’s football program and will be honored on-field at a Seahawks Home Game with their fellow recipients.
Below is each week’s winner along with a write-up that appeared on the Seahawks’ website:
Week 8
Michael McKeown, Freeman HS (2B)
Coach Michael McKeown is off to an incredible start as a first year head coach. Coach McKeown leads the Freeman football program and has been coaching for 7 years total.
Coach McKeown started his coaching career as a graduate assistant for Whitworth University after his playing career. Coach McKeown has Freeman rolling and credits others for his opportunity to be the Head Coach and lead the way. “I became the head coach this season and none of it would be possible without the amazing support from my family, fellow coaches, players, and community” said Coach McKeown. Freeman is currently 7-1 and #3 in the 2B WIAA RPI rankings after shutting out Jenkins 50-0!
Kevin McNulty, Naselle HS (1B)
Coach Kevin McNulty is in his 40th year of coaching! Coach McNulty has coached for several programs across the state and has been the head coach of the Naselle program since 2021. Coach McNulty is also an incredible wrestling coach and was inducted into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2017.
The Naselle Comets are rolling at #4 in the WIAA 1B RPI rankings and are currently 8-0 after beating Ocosta 85-22!
Week 7
Jake Whitman, Mount Vernon HS (3A)
Jake Whitman has been a physical education teacher and coach at Mount Vernon, his alma mater, since 2012. He worked as an assistant football coach for 10 seasons at Mount Vernon and Stanwood for 2 before taking the Head Coaching position at Mount Vernon in 2023. Coach Whitman has been happily married to his wife, Khalie, since 2011 and they have 4 incredible kids together: Presley 11, Scarlet 9, Blair 7 and Jude 4.
Mount Vernon recently beat undefeated and 6th-ranked Sedro Woolley 14-6 — The first time the Bulldogs have beat their county rival since 2019!
Trevor Hanson, Franklin Pierce HS (2A)
Trevor Hanson has been dedicated to the Franklin Pierce football program for 16 years, including the past 7 seasons as the head football coach. Known for his passion for developing players for success on and off the field, Coach Hanson and his staff have built a culture of excellence at FP. He is happily married to his wife, Somer, and they have two children, Leland and Victoire, that they are very proud of.
The Cardinals have had an outstanding season, with a 7-0 record, outscoring their opponents 360-51. Their most recent game was a 58-16 victory over Fife in Week 7, where they ran for 522 yards and scored 8 touchdowns. In total, Franklin Pierce has rushed for an impressive 2800 yards and 41 touchdowns so far this season. Their success is a testament to the team’s highly talented players and the dedication of their committed coaching staff.
Week 6
Nate Graham, Gonzaga Prep (4A)
After spending over 15 seasons as an assistant coach for Gonzaga Prep the first year Head Coach Nate Graham has the Bullpups off to an incredible start this season outscoring opponents 229-81 so far. Coach Graham is a proud dad of his daughter Grace and son Jack most importantly!
The Bullpups move to 6-0 under coach Graham’s leadership after shutting out Shadle Park last Friday 28-0 to move to 6-0 and #7 overall in the WIAA RPI rankings!
John Thompson, Eastside Catholic HS (3A)
Coach John Thompson (JT) joined the Eastside Catholic football staff in 2022 as the varsity football offensive coordinator. Coach JT played wide receiver at Washington State University from 2013 to 2017 for the late great and legendary Head Coach Mike Leach.
Coach JT has taken his passion for football and background of playing it at a high level and put it into leading the next generation. That is exactly what he did in week 6 when he led Eastside Catholics offense to a 20 point comeback win against a tough Roosevelt team with just over 3 minutes left in the game to move to 5-1 and are top 10 in the WIAA RPI rankings so far this season!
Week 5
Cody Lamb, La Salle HS (2B)
Coach Cody Lamb is in his 12th Season as the Head Coach of La Salle High School of Yakima where he also serves as a teacher and director of campus ministry. Coach Lamb is happily married to his wife Molly and they have 4 boys they are very proud of! The Lamb family lives and breathes La Salle High School football!
Coach Lamb is the all-time wins leader in La Salle history, surpassing HOF coach Jack McMillan last season. La Salle was recently named the WIAA 2B Team of the month for September and beat Goldendale 19-0, ending the Timberwolves’ 16-game EWAC West Conference win streak. La Salle is now 5-0 to start the year and #5 in the WIAA RPI rankings for 2B.
Steve Reeves, Kennewick HS (3A)
Coach Steve Reeves is the defensive coordinator for the Kennewick Lions. Prior to coaching at Kennewick coach Reeves was the DC at Ellensburg High School for 21 years under Head Coach Randy Affholter who now leads the Lions as well. Coach Reeves has been happily married to his wife Mone for 36 years and has two amazing kids and 4 special grandchildren.
Coach Reeves has clearly lived a life of community service after retiring as a Detective Sergeant after 32 years with the Washington State Patrol. “I started coaching as a way to give back and have a positive impact on young men like my high school coach did for me after my father passed away. The measure of my success comes from when my players become adults and are good husbands, fathers, and have a positive impact in the communities in which they live.” said Coach Reeves. Coach Reeves has led the Lions defense to only allow an average of 8 points or less per game and had a huge win 14-13 on the road against 4A powerhouse Richland to move the Lions to a 5-0 start on the season.
Week 4
Scott Darrow, Monroe HS (3A)
Scott Darrow has coached at Monroe for 20 years, 15 as the offensive line coach and the past 5 years as head coach. He is a 12th grade history teacher at Monroe High School, is happily married to his wife named Caroline, and has two kids named Luke and Lily.
The Bearcats had an impressive 49-0 win against Everett last weekend and Coach Darrow and the team are now off to a 4-0 start outscoring opponets 185-24.
Brian Thomas, Clallam Bay HS (1B)
Head Coach Brian Thomas is also the Athletic Director at Clallam Bay. His wife Dana and him have been married for 30 years, have 3 sons, and are both military Veterans.
Prior to coaching at Clallam Bay he coached & recruited in the German Football League and NFL Europe. Coach Thomas stepped up big for the Bruins when their former coach unexpectedly resigned this year. The team has clearly responded well outscoring opponents 179-0 and starting the season 3-0 so far!
Week 3
William Garrow, Tumwater HS
2A-classified Tumwater is rolling this season so far with decisive wins against two 4A programs, including a great 38-27 win on the road at a very tough Eastlake team to move to 3-0.
Coach Garrow has been leading the charge for the Thunderbirds and continues to do great things on and off the field as their head coach and part of the Washington State Coaches Association Executive Board.
Adam Mathieson, Camas HS (4A)
Coach Mathieson is a veteran coach with more than 25 years of experience coaching offense, defense and special teams at the high school and collegiate level in the Pacific Northwest and in his first season as the Head Football Coach at Camas High School.
Coach Mathieson has led the papermakers to a 3-0 start after traveling to a tough Lincoln (Tacoma) program and winning in dominate fashion 33-14.
Week 2
Steve Kizer, Skyview HS (4A)
Coach Kizer led the Skyview Storm to an incredible comeback win against powerhouse Graham-Kapowsin. The Storm erased a 17 point deficit in the 4th quarter to take down the Eagles and move to 2-0!
Coach Kizer has been a leader for decades on and off the football field in the state of Washington, including 45+ years of coaching between Walla Walla Community College, Eastern Washington University, and Skyview High School. The Storm have been lucky to call Steve Kizer their Coach for over 20 years leading the way! The SKY is the limit for the STORM this season!
Hershel Dennis, Life Christian Academy (1A)
The 1A LCA Eagles started the season off playing 3A Lynwood High School and pulled off a dominate win on the road 64-7. Following that in week 2 the Eagles went on to have a battle against a perenial state contender in Napavine High School.
Coach Dennis lead his Eagles in the closing seconds when their defense defended tipped pass to break up the opposing team touchdown and secure the 35-28 win against a tough Napavine team! Coach Dennis has the Eagles primed to make a deep run this season!
Week 1
Curtis Wells, Jr., Garfield HS (3A)
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog: GHS graduate Coach Wells, accepted the challenge, becoming the Interim Head Football Coach after the close of the 2023-2024 season. During an extremely difficult time after the passing of our late student-athlete Amarr A’Shawn Murphy-Paine, Coach Wells warmly wrapped his arms around the school, extending kindness and valuable resources to both parents and players.
Garfield started their season with a huge and emotional win 16-13 against cross-town Metro League rival the Franklin Quakers.
Keith Ross, Sumner HS (4A)
Coach Ross is a legend in WA State high school football with his long hair and passion for the game, among all of his accomplishments on the field leading the Spartans! He has spent 24 years as the Spartans Head Coach developing and leading student-athletes.
Coach Ross and the Spartans upset the Lake Stevens Vikings 31-28 in overtime, who were the 2023 4A State Champs!
