The News Tribune’s season preview spotlights the Olympia Bears as they gear up for a promising campaign, highlighting the excitement surrounding the team’s early September kickoff.
First‑year head coach Cary Nagel has infused the program with a philosophy centered on physicality and discipline, promising a brand of play that will test opponents from the outset.
Revenge Game Looms
At the helm of the offense, senior quarterback Tucker Downing is expected to steer a versatile rushing attack, leveraging his experience to keep defenses guessing.
Complementing Downing’s leadership, running backs Ibrahima Diallo and David Ukwu bring distinct styles — Diallo’s quickness and Ukwu’s junior vigor — to a backfield that aims to control the line of scrimmage.
The receiving corps, featuring Karter Clark, Aden Carr and Charlie Debord, adds depth and speed, giving the Bears multiple threats in the passing game.
Defensively, Michael Mobuogwu anchors a unit that returns seven starters, including himself as a DT/DE, reinforcing the team’s commitment to a hard‑hitting scheme.
The Bears open the season on September 4 against Capital at Ingersoll Stadium, a rematch of last year’s overtime thriller that ended 33‑27 in Capital’s favor, a game that Downing says the squad is eager to reverse.
League competition in the 4A SPSL South begins September 25, with upcoming matchups against Bellarmine Prep, Yelm, Graham‑Kapowsin, Spanaway Lake and Bethel scheduled for October.