Highline High School’s Pirates varsity football team begins its 2026 season this weekend with a young core, several returning players and a renewed focus on improvement on and off the field, Coach Johntye Jackson told The B-Town Blog.
Highline was a very young and inexperienced team last season, when they had a 1-8 overall record. Jackson said the group’s losses showed players that success requires daily effort.
“Last year’s losses taught the group that there are no shortcuts to success,” Jackson said. “The work has to be put in to be 1% better each day, not just as a football player but as an overall person.”
Jackson has been Highline’s head football coach since January 2024, when he was hired to replace Deontae Cooper. He is entering his third season as head coach.
Entering this season, the Pirates are ranked No. 211 statewide and No. 59 in Washington’s 3A division by MaxPreps. That compares with a No. 218 statewide ranking and No. 59 division ranking at the end of the 2025 season, when the Pirates finished 1-8 overall and 0-5 in district play. The current rankings represent a seven spot improvement statewide, while the division ranking remains unchanged.
The Pirates spent the offseason working to build a stronger culture and bond. Jackson said the team’s positive approach has helped create excitement heading into the season.
“With a full off-season of building a stronger culture and bond there’s a lot to be excited for,” Jackson said.
Jackson said the offseason message centered on positivity and bringing energy to the group. That mindset carried into the team’s weightlifting and conditioning sessions.
“The offseason message was everything we do is rooted in positivity,” Jackson said. “Energy is infection and if everybody is speaking and putting out positive vibes we have a great group of young men.”
Highline returns Kael Stuart, Tristan Gandy, Jykai Hutson, Hodavieah Fa’aiu Ma’ileoi, Daniel Gitamo, Gio Lopez and CJ Dunkle. Newcomers include William Garcia, Promise Ativalu, Shawn Davidson, Jaidyn Partman and Amari Brown.
Jackson said every game will be significant after the way last season unfolded. He identified the Week 1 matchup this Friday night, Sept. 4 against Mount Rainier as a standout because both district schools take pride in what they are building.
“Two in district schools that have a lot of pride in what each school is building,” Jackson said. “It should be a lot of fun week 1.”
Jackson said community support will be important as the Pirates begin their season.
“We would love for community members to come out and show support this season,” Jackson said.
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