WesternWA notebook: State's leading rusher is ... a first-time starting fullback

For much of his career, Onalaska junior Ethan Thayer has played tight end and along both lines — until being moved to the offensive backfield full-time this fall

In five games, Onalaska first-year starting fullback Ethan Thayer has rushed for a state-leading 1,159 yards and 13 touchdowns. (Ridley Hudson / The Chronicle)

Ethan Thayer’s well-rounded teenager profile is expanding quickly.

Thayer is a “Knowledge Bowl” academic-nugget team member at Onalaska High School. He plays drums in the school’s concert band. And he is a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track and field — the last, of which, is the sport he won a WIAA Class 2B championship in last spring in the boys discus.

But now, Thayer has joined the hallowed fraternity of standout fullbacks to flourish in the Loggers’ vaunted triple-option offense.

After last week’s 316-yard, five-touchdown performance against Morton-White Pass, Thayer has moved into the No. 1 spot among all rushers in Washington with 1,159 yards and 13 touchdowns.