The Northwest Christian High School Wolverines football program wasn’t built on comfort. It was forged with a primary focus on cardio and conditioning. With no challenge left in sight in the 6-man circuit, they decided to go looking for one. In 2025, the coaching staff, players, and administration all agreed: it was time to move up to 8-man football. This meant playing bigger schools with larger teams. With a roster of just 13 kids, the Wolverines didn’t just need starters, they needed “ironmen.” Every player was required to pull double duty on both sides of the ball. To put that into perspective, the Wolverines frequently faced opponents with triple their roster size who had the luxury of substituting fresh legs.
Adjusting to this change was no small feat, but the team ended the season with a respectable record, outscoring their opponents 274 to 225, earning them a spot in the first round of district playoffs.
South Sound Football Award Given to Northwest Christian
After the pads were put away, the South Sound Football Officials Association (SSFOA) announced that the Wolverines had been selected for the 2025 Sportsmanship Award. The honor recognizes the program’s character and includes two $1,000 scholarships for deserving seniors who exemplify sportsmanship on and off the field.
Ashton Carlisle played the part of “lightning” in the team’s offensive strategy. Alongside star running back Jacob Kearns – a force who provided the “Thunder” – Carlisle used his speed to dismantle exhausted defenses. “He would tire people out by just kind of pounding through them… getting through the interior,” Carlisle explained. “And then once they’re tired, they would hand me – the speedy quick guy – [the ball] to kind of just go around them.” The strategy worked. Carlisle rushed for 739 yards, averaging an incredible 9.4 yards per carry and tallying 13 total touchdowns.
Parker Cox represents the pure grit of the team. A quarterback turned defensive end, Cox embraced the “whatever the team needs” mentality required of a 13-man roster. Even after breaking his thumb during the season, he didn’t step off the field. He simply wrapped it up and suited up on defense. Coach Robb Jimenez noted that Cox’s resilience was a central part of the defense’s success throughout the season.
The roles that senior captains Carlisle and Cox played for their teammates not only helped them face a monumental new challenge, but they also carried them to the postseason in their very first year as an 8-man squad.
The Wolverines are coached with intent. Humility, toughness, and belief in one another became the engine that drove them to the playoffs. This mentality is sewn into the fabric of the culture at Northwest Christian High School, distinguishing it among high school options in Thurston County for families seeking a program that prioritizes character.
Northwest Christian High School Among High School Options in Thurston County
Northwest Christian High School offers competitive sports, extracurricular clubs and activities, music and art programs, college credit courses, and a truly transformative educational experience. Their smaller class sizes, partnership with families, and a focus on spiritual formation are defining characteristics. Northwest Christian High School resides on a 14-acre campus along with Northwest Christian Academy (K-8) and Northwest Christian Preschool.
Prospective families, 2026-27 Northwest Christian Schools of Lacey enrollment season opens on February 2nd. You can find out more information by visiting the Northwest Christian Schools of Lacey website, by touring or by calling 360.491.2966. Take a moment and find out what they have to offer!
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