Before the jerseys, Friday night lights and senior photos, there were oversized helmets, youth football fields and three boys learning to love the game.
Tonight, East Jefferson seniors Deken Lorenzen, Jackson Dupuy and Alex Garcia take the field for their final game, closing a chapter that began years ago in youth football.
The three running backs will be among 10 seniors honored this evening at Memorial Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Together, No. 25 Lorenzen, No. 7 Dupuy and No. 28 Garcia have formed a juggernaut in the Rivals’ Wing-T backfield. Their combination of speed, toughness and experience has given East Jefferson a group that future teams will have big shoes to fill.
All three also play iron-man football, serving as key contributors on defense alongside their offensive responsibilities. Whether carrying the ball, blocking for a teammate or bringing down an opposing runner, they have taken on the demanding work of playing both sides of the ball.
For Garcia, the journey began in first grade at age 6. Nearly 12 years later, the senior running back and linebacker prepares to put on his Rivals jersey one last time. Along the way, he earned first-team All-Nisqually League honors last season, recognition for the player he has spent years becoming.
Lorenzen and Dupuy also grew up playing Pee Wee football. Deken started in his first year of C squad, while Jackson began in his first year of B squad. Those early seasons laid the foundation for two fast, shifty runners who each earned second-team All-Nisqually League honors on offense last year.
In the Wing-T, success depends on timing, trust and players willing to carry out their assignments whether they get the football or help clear the way for someone else. This senior trio has brought years of experience to that shared effort, along with the grit to turn around and anchor the defense.
The photos tell the rest of their story: small kids in football pads growing into the young men their families, teammates and community will celebrate tonight. Between those first youth football pictures and senior photos are years of practices, muddy uniforms, friendships and family support.
Tonight belongs to all 10 Rivals seniors and the people who helped them reach this moment.
Noah Brown
Adrian Cervantes
Jackson Dupuy
Alex Garcia
David Henry
Damien IIarraza
Oliver Ingersoll
Deken Lorenzen
Cash Pearce
Ethan Perovich
For Deken, Jackson and Alex, it is one last ride together. Come fill the stands, cheer them on and give this senior class a sendoff worthy of the years they have given the game. I’ve got another post about their team leader Ethan, coming soon…
Senior Night • Memorial Field • Tonight at 7 p.m.