From Class 4A to 1A, here is a player to watch on defense from every team representing Clark County.

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

It is time to get defensive.

Earlier, Clark County Today posted a story highlighting players to watch on offense for the 2024 high school football season.

Now, it is the defense’s time to shine.

Here is one player from each team representing Clark County on the defensive side of the ball. Please note that these are not necessarily the best players on defense for each team. They could be listed for their leadership skills, or their potential. Their coach saw something in them to nominate them for this list. All of these players should make quite an impact on the season.

Class 4A

Battle Ground: Thomas Avery, DB

A weight-room warrior who is fearless on the field. Was a huge contributor last season as a sophomore. Now, he has gained 10 pounds of muscle and is ready to be even more physical against opponents. Coach Mike Woodward described Avery as an excellent teammate.

Camas: Nikko Speer, LB

The reigning defensive player of the year for the Class 4A GSHL, Speer knows a thing or two about defense. He has a high football IQ and is a quality teammate, says coach Adam Mathieson. Speer continues a long tradition of incredible linebacker play for the Papermakers. 

Skyview: Kaden Hamlin, LB

Skyview is loaded with returning talent on defense, and Hamlin just might be the key to the whole operation for the Storm. One of the most productive players on the team, and one of the most physical guys in the state, coach Steve Kizer said.  

Union: Blake Childreth, DB

Listed as 5-8, 165 pounds, Childreth is all heart on the field. New coach Steve Pyne knew Childreth was good, but Childreth really impressed the coach at the recent jamboree. Childreth is an excellent open-field tackler who makes his presence known.

Class 3A

Evergreen: Josiah Alanis, DB

A Boise State commit, Alanis is a sideline-to-sideline player who punishes ball carriers. Coach Christian Swain described Alanis as a “great leader” for our defense. Alanis is one of the many reasons Evergreen is optimistic about having a breakout season in the 3A GSHL.

Heritage: Jaidin Compton, DL

A knee injury wiped out his season in 2023. The coaching staff said there was a significant difference without him. Compton is a defensive lineman with a motor, a guy who will chase an opponent from sideline to sideline.

Mountain View: Jaden Brown, LB

Brown is a returning all-league linebacker who can play all three linebacker spots. Even though he was all-league last year, his coach believes he will still surprise some coaches this year. “His versatility and athletic ability are sure to turn some heads,” Sean McDonald said.

Prairie: Spud Merritt, DL

Besides that great name, he also has a great presence about him at Prairie. One of the strongest players on the team, he will demand double teams from opponents. “I fully expect him to be up there in league leaders in sacks and TFLs (tackles for loss),” said coach Junior Miller.

Class 2A

Columbia River: Preston Shearer, DL

There are very few four-year starters in varsity football. Shearer is that good. Not only talented on the field, but coach DeWayne Patterson said Sherer has really thrived as a leader going into his senior season. 

Hockinson: Payton Thompson, DL

Thompson can play inside or as a defensive end. In fact, the Hawks will likely move him around, just to try to confuse the offensive line. Thompson is a force. He will see a lot of double-teams, making life easier for the Hockinson linebackers.

Hudson’s Bay: Amari Gilbert, LB/DE

One of those hybrid defenders who can do a little bit of everything. He has natural instincts on defense. He has the ability to cover passes downfield as well as rush the quarterback, according to coach Mark Oliverio.

Ridgefield: Colt Couch, LB

The Spudders feel Couch should have received more recognition for his play last year. They know he will get that recognition this season. Coach Scott Rice called Couch the anchor of the defense who plays at the point of attack. He also is a coach on the field, getting everyone on teh same page for every play of the game.

Washougal: Harrison DeShazer, DE

This beast of a football player could have been selected for offense as tight end or wide receiver, but we put him on defense because he is listed as a defensive lineman on his recruiting announcement. DeShazer is an Idaho commit. 

Woodland: Karsen Northcut, LB

Voted the team’s defensive MVP last year as a sophomore, he is not a big athlete, but he plays big for the Beavers. He has natural instincts, tackles well, and he has a big motor, according to coach Glen Flanagan.

Class 1A

Fort Vancouver: Dylan Duenas, DB

Doesn’t look like the typical strong safety but he brings the power of the typical strong safety. Boom. He levels the boom! He also has football IQ, understanding not just his position but the roles of the entire defense. A true team leader. 

King’s Way Christian: Jace Barnes, LB

He earned some all-league recognition as a sophomore, then missed all of last season with an injury. He’s back, and he’s ready to make up for lost time. Coach Dale Rule called Barnes a 170-pound ball of muscle. “Pound for pound, he’s the strongest kid on the team.”  

La Center: Wyatt Eiesland, LB

La Center is another one of those teams with so much talent returning that it is difficult to select one player. So let’s go with the reigning defensive player of the year for the Trico League. Tenacious. Ferocious. “He plays to the end of the whistle, every play,” coach John Lambert said. “He has a knack for finding the ball.”

Seton Catholic: Aeven Napoleon, LB

A two-year starter for the loaded Cougars, Napoleon has been a workhorse this offseason to make the most of this season. Seton has high expectations, due in part to players such as Napoleon. He is a strong leader, and a great student, too, coach Dan Chase said.