![Dressed up as the varsity girls’ tennis coach Katelyn Arenos, senior Kate Johnson and junior Mireya David hand out candy at West High’s annual trunk or treat event. This year, the trunk or treat was moved inside as a result of adverse weather. “As a senior, I care less about Halloween now. Teachers will bring their kids and families [to West’s Trunk or Treat], but there were fewer [this year] because they just thought it was canceled [due to the] rain. [With] Halloween, I think you care less the older you get,” Johnson said.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/DSC00892-1-1200x800.jpg)
Returning to campus for his last year of high school, he was named this year’s homecoming king.
But it’s on the field where he’s leaving a reign of terror for opposing coaches.
After playing his freshman year at The Nest, Washington State University commit, wide receiver, Matthew McClain has returned to the Redhawks for one final season.
A playmaker on offense that has scored on receptions and punt returns, McClain is likely ready for the next level right now, but he’s still trying to get better, especially in the locker room.
“Just trying to be inclusive with everyone, just making sure that we really have that team bonding that really translates to you know off the field,” McClain said. “On the field and just overall performance individually and as a team as a whole.”
Returning to The Nest allowed McClain a chance to play alongside his childhood friends and his brother, sophomore, wide receiver and defensive back, Myles McClain.
“Outside of school we are always working out and doing other things outside of school,” Myles said. “So it’s really cool seeing us chase our dream together and not just only go with the flow of like life.”
Since rejoining the team, team morale has been at an all time high among the players. Head coach Chip Gregory finds this to be due to McClain’s relentless commitment.
“His ability to serve others as he’s been a leader whether it’s on the field or off the field,” Gregory said. “Every time you get a high caliber kid, he can be about himself, or about the team and no question no doubt he’s always been about the team.”
Teammates say McClain isn’t just a skilled player, but the kind that makes the people around him better, both on and off the field.
“He’s obviously a great player, great play maker, great leader,” defensive back, senior Ravi Pothukanuri said. “I mean he’s fun to be around, just makes everyday a little more enjoyable. You can tell there is a morale boost, the boys rally around him, they really trust him”
McClain’s ability to take charge and connect with his teammates has been a driving force this year. He attributes these leadership skills to his upbringing.
“My parents,” McClain said. “They definitely hold me up to a standard that as you know structure that definitely keeps me walking in a straight line you know wanting to make them proud and doing what they say.”
This story was originally published on Wingspan on October 24, 2025.