When considering the 2024 edition of the Enumclaw High football program, it would be easy to think only of what the Hornets lost following last season.

Departing due to graduation were a handful of stalwarts who were deemed the best in the league at their position. A quick reminder: Two-way threat Wyatt Neu was named SPSL 2A Most Valuable Player, Gunnar Trachte was honored as Offensive Player of the Year, Ryan Fehr was tabbed as Offensive Lineman of the Year and placekicker Riley Rutledge was Special Teams Player of the Year.

That’s quite a hit on a program that captured a league championship and advanced to the state’s Final Four, going unscathed until losing in the Class 2A semifinals.

But Mark Gunderson, who was named Coach of the Year during the Hornets’ final season in the SPSL 2A (the team is now a part of the North Puget Sound 3A division) is quick to remind that his athletic cupboard remains fully stocked. How experienced is the 2024 squad? The Hornets return 18 starters from last season’s dominant squad, eight on offense and 10 on defense.

One position that need not be replaced is on the defensive line where Ryker Popke returns for his senior season in maroon and gold. At the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, SPSL 2A coaches named him the league’s Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Gunderson points to other key defensive players like linemen Fernando Reyes (first team all-league a year ago) and Porter Rodarte; linebackers Colton Paulson (second team all-league), Cooper Rodarte and Seamus Twohey; and defensive backs Dak Herrell (first team all-league), Marcell Lensegrav, Louie Chevalier and Drew Francis.

On the offensive side, returning starters include running backs Twohey (first team fullback), Chevalier and Cooper Rodarte; wide receivers Paulson and Francis; and offensive linemen Nik Storem, Reyes and Popke.

As Enumclaw transitions to a new league and new opponents, the keys to the Hornets’ offensive engine are being handed to junior Gavin Trachte. The position is staying in the Trachte family, as Gavin takes over from older brother Gunnar, who graduated in the spring and now suits up for Western Oregon.

For Gunderson, experiencing a change in classification is old hat. “We have been in 4A, 3A and 2A since I have been here,” he reported. “This is nothing new.”

The Hornets will be tested from the opening bell, traveling to face the Gators from Decatur High. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 6, at Federal Way Memorial Field.

“We won the league twice in 4A, twice in 2A, we want that 3A title before we start another playoff run,” Gunderson said.