Decatur football looks to back up best season in school history | Season preview

The biggest surprise of the 2023 season was the Decatur Gators football program. Decatur’s 8-2 record is the most wins the Gators have recorded on the gridiron since the “MaxPreps Era” began in 2004.

On the final night of the regular season, Decatur ended a drought of over 20 years of losses to Federal Way, 16-14. For the Gators, last year might have seemed like a leap, but it was just a small step in changing a program that has been down in the dumps.

Along with the Eagles, Decatur dropped to 3A this year and looks like the favorites of the NPSL next to their week one opponent, Enumclaw. Ever since they went from 4A to 2A, the Hornets have dominated the football field.

Apart from being the first game of the season, playing that level of an opponent creates an even higher level of emphasis during the first days of fall camp.

“It is a constant conversation about consistency and approach,” said Matthew Vaeena, head coach. “It really is the best way to get going this year. You come out and you have to be ready.”

Then right after the Hornets come to town, Decatur is lined up for a rematch against a highly motivated Federal Way side that’s ready to take their city champion crown back.

“I can’t wait. I’m super stoked that our first games are those first two hard games. It is a good measuring stick and level mark for our season going forward,” Nehemiah Washington said.

Last season, the Gator defense was on another level. They held Kennedy to a regular season low of 30 points and allowed just 14.3 points per game, the lowest in the NPSL. A big part of the hope for this season is the continuity of the coaching staff from last year. Every coach from last season’s defense stayed for this season.

“Having Evan Cook return and spearheading that (the defense), it is probably the most important thing because the voices are the same and the message is the same,” Vaeena said on his staff.

Spencer Holloway (senior, quarterback), Nehemiah Washington (senior, running back) and Maddox Heyliger (senior, wide receiver) are going to be the focal points on offense and are all returning from last season. Holloway has taken a noticeable step forward in his development, not only as a signal caller, but as a true leader on the offensive side of the ball.

“Spencer’s got more control of the huddle this year. In years prior, he may have deferred to the older linemen or running backs. But it’s his time,” Vaeena said.

His teammates see it too: “He’s definitely stepped up. I see a lot of the young guys look toward him… Having those years under his belt and knowing the offense so well and being able to tell the guys their responsibilities is a big deal,” Washington said on his quarterback.

Paired with those first two games, Decatur will also play Todd Beamer and Thomas Jefferson — two other Federal Way squads that will ignite some electric atmospheres for Decatur players to look forward to.

“I love the rivalry games because the crowds are crazy and everybody comes out. It’s good to play against the guys you grew up with,” Washington said.

In his junior year, Washington broke out and put other teams on notice. The running back made an impact both on offense and defense, and is looking to play an even larger role this season.

Washington is partnering up with Mount Rainier transfer Sefa Leapai, who is providing a good one-two punch.

“Having him pitch in and step into that role will be pretty interesting. … They are both different styles of runners. But both really good at what they do,” Vaeena said.

The Gators open up with Enumclaw on Sept. 6 with toe-to-leather at 7 p.m. inside Federal Way Memorial Stadium.