The Chronicle: Fall Sports Preview 2023

Is it the time? Millers’

Also inside ...

New head coach Frank Geske – with two state title rings in his career – sees a bright future for Springfield High football.

THURSTON PLEASANT HILL COTTAGE GROVE CRESWELL

Thurston remains top dog in the Midwestern League with five straight league titles. Head coach Justin Starck lost 16 seniors from the 2022 squad.

New head coach Steve Turner, who brings championship pedigree, looks to turn around a Lions program that’s fallen hard since winning state in 2017.

The Bulldogs hope this is the year they break a postseason drought that dates back to 2011. A new QB has head coach Scott Worsham optimistic.

The Billies enter the second season under head coach Jeremiah Heacock . Pleasant Hill is looking to sustain take another step with its defense.

SPRINGFIELD

WELCOME

Chronicle sports reporter

Pierre Weil reflects on his first year covering high school sports, and why he's excited about this coming season.

A new head coach with a championship pedigree has Millers fans optimistic. So does the return of seniors Nate Williams and Connor Dye.

THURSTON

The Colts find themselves in a rare position – underrated. Coach Justin Starck has plenty of returning talent, and a competitive QB battle.

WHERE THEY PLAY

Addresses and a map for area football stadiuims – home and away. An easy-to-follow guide you'll keep all year.

COTTAGE GROVE

The Lions have a new head coach following a winless season in 2022. Establishing a new culture is part of the process.

CRESWELL

The Bulldogs lost two longtime standouts and must rebuild. Head coach Scott Worsham is “looking for a big year from QB Darien Dewey.

PLEASANT HILL

It's Year Two for coach Jeremiah Heacock and he has several returning all-league players and a stout defense.

THANK YOU ‘PRESENTING SPONSORS’

■ Prime Time Sports Bar & Grill

■ HuddleUp.org and Olsson Industrial Electric

These local organizations are committed to hyper-local, community journalism.

WRITERS

Pierre Weil

Ron Hartman

Steve Mims

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Williams

Pierre Weil

EDITORS

Erin

Tierney-Heggenstaller

Amanda Lurey

Ron Hartman

SALES & MARKETING

Rachael Landi

AD DESIGN

Nakul Patel

SOCIAL / VIDEO

Garrett Hyink

Spencer Erspamer

CONTIRIBUTORS

Paolo Kalainoff

Dana Ufford

BOB WILLIAMS, PHOTOGRAPHER

Cottage Grove native and veteran professional photographer Bob Williams is no stranger to Chronicle readers – or just about anyone who follows the local photo scene.

For the Part I cover photo, Bob visited Springfield High's practice last week – almost coaxing a smile from new head coach Frank Geske – as he surveyed the Silke Field atmosphere.

On the Part II cover, Pleasant Hill volleyball players Cheyenne Green and Claire Crawford posed for portraits showing their serious sides. He also got them to smile.

Bob Williams Photographer

Serving high school sports fans, with a little help from my friends

One year ago at this time I was exhausted after putting together a fall sports preview section that spread across five pages in the weekly newspaper.

A month into being a professional journalist and covering Cottage Grove, Creswell, Pleasant Hill, Springfield, and Thurston for the first time, five pages was a big challenge – and accomplishment.

Twelve months later, with the help of an incredible team here, we’ve released a 32-page special section previewing all of the fall sports for our five coverage schools – every boys and girls team.

First off, thanks must be made to the incredible team around me.

I'm no dummy, so I'll start with my boss Noel Nash, the owner of The Chronicle. Having a boss who is just as passionate about high school sports coverage is truly incredible, and none of this happens without him being as passionate as he is.

Our sales director Rachael Landi and her team of interns helped sell business owners on our goal, allowing us to get as much content as our hearts desired into the section. The interns also helped with capsules and social media campaigns.

If you haven't seen the videos created by Garrett Hyink and Spencer Erspamer, see them on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ron Hartman and Steve Mims helped immensely on the storytelling side. In all, there are 10 stories in this section, and they each contributed great stories.

A huge, huge thanks to our award-winning photographer Bob Williams. Thanks must also go to all of the coaches, athletes, athletic directors, and athletic administrators who helped with the content. Putting together a special section as robust as this is a team effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the team that helped put this together.

The final thanks goes to you, our readers. We heard from so many people throughout last year about how they missed high school sports coverage in the area, and how thankful they were for our coverage.

This special section will serve as a guide all season – especially the super-helpful “Where They Play” pages. Whether you have a family member or friend on a team, are an alumni of the school, or are just a fan, this special section will be relevant and hope-

fully enjoyable for all of you. Speaking of relevant content, it’s important to know that this special section is only the beginning. Last year we were doing more high school sports coverage than most other papers in the state. This year, we’re expanding on that coverage.

The High School Sports Zone is an imp ortant project for me, not just because it’s my job. High school sports matter for a lot of people, and we promise to bring you as much hyper-local sports coverage as we can this year.

Reporting by the numbers

“The Chronicle” is committed to covering the thousands of student-athletes, coaches, fans, volunteers, boosters, and administrators at our five local high schools. Pierre Weil makes that happen. A quick look at his stats from 2022-23:

■ 71 stories on high school sports

■ 16 different boys and girls sports covered

■ 5 different varsity high school athletic programs

■ 2 team state championships (Springfield girls basketball, Thurston baseball)

■ 56 all-state performers

HYPER-LOCAL, ONE-OF-A-KIND COVERAGE

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ZONE

Pierre Weil Sports reporter

BOB WILLIAMS / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Chronicle sports reporter Pierre Weil interviewing Pleasant Hill's Cheyenne Green for the Fall Sports Preview section.

TEAM PHOTO PROVIDED BY TYE ALLEN / TWA PHOTOGRAPHY

SPRINGFIELD MILLERS

■ Head coach: Frank Geske, 1st year, 248-124 overall

■ 2022 season: 6-4, ranked #10, lost in 1st round to #7 Silverton

■ School colors: Blue and White

■ Boosters: shsboosters.net

Schedule

Sept. 1 at Ridgeview (non-league) 7 p.m.

(By car: 123 miles, 2 hrs 21 min)

Sept. 8 vs. Marist (non-league) 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Crater 7 p.m.

(By car: 161 miles, 2 hrs 33 min)

Sept. 22 vs. South Eugene 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 vs. Thurston 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Churchill 7 p.m.

(By car: 9 miles, 18 min)

Oct. 13 vs. Willamette 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at North Eugene 7 p.m.

(By car: 8 miles, 13 min)

Oct. 27 vs. Eagle Point (Senior Night) 7 p.m.

Returning starters

■ 36 varsity players: 7 on offense and 6 on defense.

Top returners

■ Nate Williams, senior, OT/DT, 6-foot-3, 280 lbs., #77: Coach says: “Physical player with a very high ceiling.”

■ Connor Dye, senior, RB, 5-foot-9, 165 lbs., #21, 2022 honorable mention all-state RB: Coach: “A true ‘player’ ... loves the game.”

■ Caeleb Kasperek , senior, QB/LB, 6-foot3, 215 lbs., #12, all-conference, 2022 QB stats: 1,636 yards, 18 TDs

Notable newcomer

■ Sam Keen, senior, OL/DL, 6-foot-3, 285 lbs., #76, 2022 1st-team all-state OL: Coach: “Outstanding leader. Transferred from Marist.”

Other players to note

■ Jackson Babbitt, senior, 6-foot, WR/DB, 2022 honorable mention all-state DB Coach: “Good speed, great smarts and ‘want to’.”

■ Zack Sherman, senior, 6-foot-1, WR/DB, P/K. Coach: “Big skill set; our slash player”

■ Isaiah Navarete, senior, 6-foot-2, LB. Coach: “Packs a mean punch and has great hands.”

■ Cody Henshen, senior, 6-foot-3, OL/DL. Returning starter.

■ Ryan Lucart, senior, 5-foot-10, OL/DL. Returning starter.

■ Jayden Kittrell, senior, 6-foot-2, TE/LB. Returning starter.

■ Jaevon Spencer, junior, 6-foot-1, WR/DB. Coach: “Will start one or two ways.”

■ Alex King, senior, 5-foot-8, WR/DB. Coach: “Will start.”

Team strengths

■ Selflessness

■ Work ethic

■ Attitude

Top opponents

■ Thurston: Sept. 29 (home)

■ Ridgeview: Sept. 1 (away)

■ Carter: Sept. 15 (away)

■ Homecoming/Senior Night: Oct. 27 vs. Eagle Point

Pierre's take

■ The Millers became the talk of the state when they hired head coach Frank Geske this summer. Geske is one of the most successful coaches in the state over the past 35 years, winning two state championship rings in his career. Coupled with Springfield’s stacked class of 2024 and a home game against rival Thurston, it wouldn’t be suprising if SHS grabs the Midwestern League title for the first time since 2014.

– Pierre Weil

Getting it right is top priority for new coach, upbeat Millers

BY PIERRE WEIL PIERRE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

SPRINGFIELD – Have you heard the news? The Springfield Millers football team is the talk of the town. There’s good reason for the buzz. Springfield lost only 10 seniors –a small number for a team of almost 50 players – from last year’s team that went 5-2 in league and made the postseason for the first time since 2015.

Part of the excitement was the offseason arrival of Frank Geske as the new head coach. Geske has the 15th-most wins (248) of any Oregon high school football coach, and won state championships at Marist (2009) and Tigard (’03).

After being let go by Marist earlier this year, Geske took over at Springfield, and he’s liked what he’s seen so far.

“The little things that I thought were over their head last week, they’re getting,” Geske said. “Which means we can install new stuff, or just wax the floor again next week and build up those little layers that are gonna make us really good.”

Geske, however, is only part of the reason Springfield is drawing more attention this year. The other part is the talent on the roster, both old and new.

When Geske was hired at Springfield, one of his star players at Marist decided to make the move as well. Sam Keen, listed at 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, is one of the top lineman in the state. He earned 1st-team all-state offensive line and 2nd-team defensive line last season at Marist.

“This is my home,” Keen said. “I belong in Springfield. I’m a Springfield kid, I moved here from North Carolina and was welcomed in eighth grade.

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“When I was at Marist something just felt off, and when coach Geske was fired that gave me the light to switch. All the talent that’s here too, all the people here, they’re my people,” he said.

Having Keen make the move with him has helped Geske install his culture and identity at Springfield.

“Sam is an incredible leader, through how he acts and the way he plays,” Geske said. “He’s showing what real work is, not just going through the motions to be able to put the uniform on. Sam has been an unbelievable leader.”

Keen’s leadership has shown

through in many ways, including how he’s helped make fellow lineman Nate Williams – listed as 6-foot-4, 280 pounds – better. Geske said that with the help of Keen, Williams has potential to be the team’s best player.

“He’s made Nate better. In fact, I told the team the other day it ain’t gonna be long before Nate is our best player because of Sam’s influence on him,” Geske said.

Keen joins a slew of talented returning upperclassmen, including star running back Connor Dye. As a junior last season, Dye ran for 766 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry as the feature back.

“He’s unbelievable. That kid has no speed other than full out. He can’t go half speed, it’s not possible,” Geske said. “And he’s affecting (wide receiver/defensive back) Jaevon (Spencer). Everybody’s getting into the part where they’re coaching each other.”

The Millers also return senior quarterback Caeleb Kasperek, one of Class 5A’s top returning quarterbacks. Kasperek threw for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

If Kasperek continues to improve under the new offensive system, Geske likes where the team can go.

“He’s way better than he was in June, See MILLERS – 15

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PIERRE WEIL / CHRONICLE PHOTO Springfi eld quarterback Caeleb Kasperek throws a pass in the team scrimmage. Kasperek is one of Springfield's top returners after throwing for 1,636 yards in 2022.

PIERRE WEIL / CHRONICLE PHOTO Springfi eld running back Connor Dye breaks away for a touchdown in a team scrimmage. Head coach Frank Geske said Dye “has no speed other than full out.”

TEAM PHOTO PROVIDED BY THURSTON HIGH SCHOOL (TYE ALLEN / TWA PHOTOGRAPHY)

THURSTON COLTS

■ Head coach: Justin Starck, 21st year, 132-78 overall

■ School colors: Red and Black

■ 2022 season: 9-3, ranked #4, won league, lost in semifinals to #1 Summit

■ State championships: 2 (2018, ’19)

■ Boosters: N/A

Schedule

Sept. 1 at Wilsonville (non-league)

Thurston eager to protect its throne

BY PIERRE WEIL PIERRE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

(By car: 168 miles, 2 hrs 36 min)

Sept. 29 at Springfield

(By car: 5.7 miles, 10 min)

Oct. 6 vs. Eagle Point

Oct. 13 vs. South Eugene

Oct. 20 at Willamette

(By car: 15.7 miles, 19 min)

Oct. 27 at Churchill

(By car: 13.8 miles, 22 min)

■ Total returners (5 on offense; 3 on defense)

Top returners

■ Luke Newell, senior, TE, 6-foot-3, 200 lbs., #88, 2022

1st Team All-State

■ Walker Bonar, senior, WR, 6-foot-2, 180 lbs., #16, 2022 Honorable Mention All-State

■ Noah Blair, junior, QB, 6-foot-2, 175 lbs., #9, 2022 1560 yards 22 TDs 4 INTs

Top opponents

■ Wilsonville: Sept. 1 ( away)

■ Summit: Sept. 8 (home)

■ Springfield: Sept. 29 (away)

Pierre’s take

■ After making it to the semifinals last year, Thurston has to revamp quickly once again after losing 16 seniors. Somehow, coach Justin Starck and the Colts always find a way though as they are on a streak of five straight league titles, including dominance last season. Last year’s team went undefeated in league play, winning those seven games by a combined 191 points. So while rival Springfield has got all the offseason headlines, Thurston is still top dog in the Midwestern League until someone else proves a worthy successor.

– Pierre Weil

SPRINGFIELD – The Thurston Colts football team is coming off another successful year after making it to the semifinals and losing to eventual champion Summit. That marks five straight years of outstanding play, with two state championships (2018 and ’19), another final (’21), and five Midwestern League championships.

“I thought we did really well. We got to the semis, and in most years that’s like a season for the ages,” Starck said. “When I got here in 1996 they had just gotten to the semis in ’95. And that was the farthest the team had ever gone. That was like a Hall of Fame team.”

Starck’s been at the program so long he understands how difficult making it into the top four is. That’s why he’s eager to give last year’s team their flowers.

“It took us what, 12 or 13 years finally, in 2008 we went to the state championship game and lost. So if you put it in perspective, a team goes to the state semis? That's a phenomenal accomplishment,” Starck said. “In time you begin to realize that and so that was a special, special group of kids. And they accomplished a lot. It’s not fair to compare where they finished to the three teams that preceded them.”

Fair or not, expectations will continue to be high for the Colts program. That’s what happens when a team is consistently at the top. Sustaining success takes a lot of different things. In high school sports,

it usua lly means replacing talent with younger, up-and-coming players.

That’s one of things Starck does best. Luke Newell is an example. The senior tight end/defensive lineman had no varsity experience before last season.

“I was really nervous. I didn’t have any varsity experience, and neither did our starting quarterback. He was a sophomore, so it’s not like he could play JV,” Newell said. “I knew that we worked hard at FS, which is Forever Strong, our summertime training. We really were able to come together as a team.”

Newell ended his junior campaign with 417 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, good enough to earn 1st-team all-state honors. The quarterback he referenced is Noah Blair, now a junior, who threw for 1,560 yards and 22 touchdowns with only four interceptions.

So while Thurston lost 16 seniors from last year’s team, including seven all-state players, their recent track record shows that someone else will step up this year. The big question won’t be talent, but confidence.

“I’ve liked the energy, and I’ve liked that youthful enthusiasm. What I really, really want to see is for them to develop confidence. We just have some young guys that haven’t developed that confidence yet,” Starck said. “They were playing freshman football last year. So they’re not confident walking out there on the varsity field and feeling like they’re gonna go out there and shine.”

Part of being confident is having

leaders who install that belief. But after the departure of longtime leader and tone-setter Vaun Halstead, there’s a gap in the system.

“The leadership and toughness is toughest to replace. We don’t know who takes on the Vaun Halstead role of that tough guy. We saw it yesterday; I don’t ever want to see our kids fight at all, but I don’t mind seeing them get feisty sometimes,” Starck said. “We were practicing yesterday, and I didn’t see feistiness. We need to see that.”

Starck needs to see it quickly too. Thurston opens the season Sept. 1 at Wilsonville, the state runner-up, before hosting defending champion Summit in week two.

“There’s two ways to look at that. You want it to be a reality check for those kids and help them understand the level that we’re gonna have to play at to compete for a state championship,” Starck said. “That’s what you want. But you just cross your fingers that your kids show up and compete.”

Last year’s team showed that fight. After falling behind early to Wilsonville in week one, Thurston clawed back and forced overtime. While the Colts lost, the fight set the tone for much of the season.

“The fight that we saw in the Wilsonville game was a good sign. Those are the types of things we’re looking for this year. How do we compete with really good teams? Do we shy away? Are we nervous?” Starck said. “What I want to see is them embrace that competition and relish an opportunity to go up to

See COLTS – 11

2022 FILE PHOTO

Thurston quarterback Noah Blair throws a pass against Summit in last year's state semifinal game. Blair, a junior, threw for 1,560 yards and 22 touchdowns last year. Thurston looks to replace 16 seniors - includuing 7 all-state players - from last season.

dbits

: Creswell @ Warrenton

s, 3hrs, 24 min

p: Thurston @ Springfield miles, 10 min

Away Venues

THURSTON AWAY GAMES

Wilsonville High School - Date: 09/01

Stadium: Randall Stadium,

6800 SW Wilsonville Rd, Wilsonville

From Thurston: 97.9 miles,

1 hr 27 min

Crater High School - Date: 09/22

Stadium: 4410 Rogue Valley Hwy, Central Point

From Thurston: 168 miles, 2hrs 36 min

Springfield High School - Date: 09/29

Stadium: Silke Field, 849 N 10th St, Springfield

From Thurston: 5.7 miles, 10 min

Willamette High School - Date: 10/20

Stadium: Wolverines Field, 1525 Echo Hollow Rd

From Thurston: 15.7 miles, 20 min

Churchill High School - Date: 10/27

Stadium: Floyd Halvorsen Field, Churchill Sports Park, 2200 Bailey Hill Rd, Eugene

From Thurston: 13.8 miles, 22 min

PLEASANT HILL AWAY GAMES

Salem Academy High - Date: 09/08

Stadium: 942 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301

From Pleasant Hill: 74.3 miles, 1 hr 8 min

La Pine High School - Date: 10/06

Stadium: 51633 Coach Rd, La Pine

From Pleasant Hill: 97.6 miles, 1 hr 48 min

Creswell High School - Date: 10/20

Stadium: Markley Field, 33390 Nieblock Ln, Creswell

From Pleasant Hill: 10.9 miles, 17 min

Siuslaw High School - Date: 10/27

Stadium: Hans Peterson Memorial field, 2975 Oak St, Florence

From Pleasant Hill: 79.2 miles, 1 hr 32 min

CRESWELL AWAY GAMES

Warrenton High School - Date: 09/15

Stadium: 1700 S Main Ave, Warrenton

From Creswell: 201.4 miles, 3hr 24 min

Elmira High School - Date: 09/22

Stadium: 24936 Fir Grove Ln, Elmira

From Creswell: 32.4 miles, 42 min

Siuslaw High School - Date: 09/29

Stadium: Hans Peterson Memorial field, 2975 Oak St, Florence

From Creswell: 80 miles, 1 hr 34 min

Harrisburg High School - Date: 10/13

Stadium: 400 S 9th St, Harrisburg

From Creswell: 32.8 miles, 36 min

SPRINGFIELD AWAY GAMES

Ridgeview High School - Date: 09/01

Stadium: 4555 SW Elkhorn Ave, Redmond

From Springfield: 123 miles, 2 hrs 21 min

Crater High School - Date: 09/15

Stadium: 4410 Rogue Valley Hwy, Central Point

From Springfield: 160 miles, 2 hrs 31 min

Churchill High School - Date: 10/06

Stadium: Halvorsen Field, Churchill Sports Park, Eugene

From Springfield: 9 miles, 19 min

North Eugene High School - Date: 10/20

Stadium: 200 Silver Ln, Eugene From Springfield: 8 miles, 14 min

COTTAGE GROVE AWAY GAMES

Pleasant Hill High School - Date: 09/01

Stadium: 84455 N Enterprise Rd, Pleasant Hill

From Cottage Grove: 21 3 miles, 25 min

Cascade High School - Date: 09/29

Stadium: Federico, Field, 10226 Marion Rd SE, Turner

From Cottage Grove: 78 3 miles, 1 hr 17 min

Stayton High School - Date: 10/12

Stadium: 757 W Locust St, Stayton

From Cottage Grove: 82 1 miles, 1 hr 23 min

Junction City High School - Date: 10/20

Stadium: 1135 W 6th Ave, Junction City

From Cottage Grove: 38 9 miles, 45 min

Turner busy setting a new tone for Lions

BY PIERRE WEIL PIERRE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

COTTAGE GROVE –

It hasn’t been easy for the Cottage Grove Lions football program recently. Since going undefeated and winning the state title in 2017 Cottage Grove has struggled. The Lions are 1-26 in the last four seasons, and enter this season on a 14-game losing streak.

That’s where new head coach Steve Turner comes in. The 68-year-old Turner takes over at Cottage Grove with a 121-89 record in 21 seasons as a head coach, including leading Mountain View to a Class 5A title in 2011 and Cascade to a Class

“We really haven't talked about season goals. It's cliche, but we're gonna take care of ourselves day-to-day and week-to-week.”

4A championship in 2015.

Turner’s been away from the game the last two seasons though, living on a ranch in Cottage Grove. Turner said he “just loves coaching,” and got the itch to come back to the game. The tim ing and location worked out perfectly at CGHS.

“I missed the game. I missed being around the energy of the kids. I had some physical issues that

I had to get through, and moved to Cottage Grove two years ago so we've been living here,” he said. “I was just going to volunteer, and then the job opened up and one thing led to another.”

Turner found the right opening and is back as a high school head coach. Now he has to fi nd answers for the struggling program. One of the biggest questions: who will play quarterback.

Last season both Brayden Crump and Nathin Lemon started under center. Crump graduated and Lemon won’t play this season after suffering an injury in the final g ame of last year.

David Culbert, the JV quarterback last year, is running cross country this season.

That means whoever starts this season will have no high school football experience at quarterback, and Tur ner said the coaches are, “still trying to put guys in place and see what these kids can do.”

The good news for the Lions is that Turner has experience running the I-formation, meaning

Cottage Grove will have a fullback and an opportunity to rely on the run game.

The other good news: Cottage Grove’s non-league schedule. The Lions open the season at Pleasant Hill

and versus Elmira, two Class 3A opponents who won three and four games last year, respectively. They also end the season against

PIERRE WEIL / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Cottage Grove's o ensive lineman and coaches pose for a picture before the team's Blue and Gold scrimmage on Aug. 18. The Lions look to have a bounceback season after going 0-9 in 2022.

– Steve Turner, coach

PIERRE WEIL / CHRONICLE PHOTO Head coach Steve Turner talks to his o ensive lineman during Cottage Grove's Blue and Gold scrimmage on Aug. 18. Turner takes over at CGHS with a 121-89 overall record in 21 seasons. See LIONS – 11

COTTAGE GROVE LIONS

■ Head coach: Steve Turner, 1st year, 121-89 overall

■ 2022 season: 0-9, ranked #32, missed playoffs

■ State championships: 1 (2017)

■ School colors: Dark Blue and Gold

■ Website: cglionsfootball.com

Top returners

■ Gavin Grogan, junior, QB, #3

■ Clayton Dewitt, junior, RB/DE, #24

■ Alec Ellingsworth, senior, DB/WR, #11

Top opponents

■ Oct. 06: vs. Marist

■ Oct. 12: at Stayton

■ Oct. 20: at Junction City

Pierre’s take

■ New head coach Steve Turner takes over a program that is 7-30 since winning the state title in 2017, including a winless season last year. Turner is also the third coach in five years for CGHS. While the Lions will likely struggle in league play, a new head coach and an easier non-league schedule could lead to victories this year. Either way, this season is about Turner putting his stamp on the program.

– Pierre Weil

LIONS continued from 10

Hidden Valley, who the Lions lost to 28-26 in the last game of last season.

Despite all of the obvious onfield hurdles, Turner is focused on setting the tone.

“You got to get the kids and the parents to believe what we’re doing is good for them. Oftentimes, you get so wrapped into teaching football that you're not teaching the other things that go on to make kids successful,”

Turner said. “We’re also teaching accountability, responsibility, teamwork. If you teach those things along with the skills, that constitutes success.”

Turner said he’s liked what he’s seen from the

COLTS continued from 7

Wilsonville and play there.”

team so far, and there’s still more work to be done to fix the root of the issue.

“They’re enthusiastic and they’re open to new things. That’s always important. The real issue (in the football program) is the culture. That’s a word that’s used a lot now in football and athletics. But it’s all those things I listed, being accountable, being responsible, being a good teammate, learning to commit,”

Turner said. “In the last four years, t hat’s gone away. And that’s why the program has slowly dipped. We need to teach those things back to the kids.”

So while people can talk

Newell will need to be one of the returners who shows the newcomers what it means to fight. Starck called Newell the team’s most vocal leader, but said he needs others to be more vocal as well. Newell said the seniors are up to the task.

“We’re just really together, we all trust each other. Even though again, it’s pretty nerve-racking for the younger guys,” Newell said. “It just means the leaders, me and some of the seniors, are gonna have to lead a lot this year.”

Also on the slate this season is an away game at cross-town rival Springfield on Sept. 29. It’s been all Thurston the last seven matchups, but rumblings around town say this year might be different.

“I don’t think about it a lot, but it’s impossible to miss. They’re very proud of where they are right now, and I think they’re excited to have coach Geske,” Starck said. “Their players are excited about their prospects, and they’re letting everyone know.”

Starck said the team is well aware of what Springfield is putting down. But until someone takes it from them, the crown remains at The Farm.

“We are defi nitely hearing about it a lot, whether it’s the media or just chit-chat across town, we know that they’re coming, and we know that they’re there and they’ve made it known,” Starck said. “They’ve put the sword in the ground, so to speak, and they put the challenge out there. So we’re aware of them.”

If Thurston wants to stay on the throne, it will need solid play from a slew of positions on offense. Along with Blair – who was still in a battle for the top QB spot after one week of fall practice – and Newell, Thurston returns a few other skill-position players.

Walker Bonar was Thurston’s top pass catcher last season, and will expect to be so again once he returns from a collarbone injury. Ethan Burkhead was moved to running back, and Starck said he’s “the

about the program’s recent record on the field, Turner will be working on the foundation. He’s too focused on the kids who show up every day to work to worry about what’s going on with the team’s opponents.

“We really haven't talked about season goals. It's cliche, but we're gonna take care of ourselves day-to-day and week-to-week,” Turner said. “We can't really worry about what our opponents are going to do. We just got to do what we do, take care of ourselves, and go from week to week. It'd be ridiculous for us to be thinking about our second opponent right now or even our first opponent. We have to take care of ourselves.”

most dynamic player we have with the ball in his hands, in terms of being able to finish.” Senior Lombel Doreen will help as a lockdown corner and wide receiver.

The biggest key is the offensive line.

“It’s the most important thing. Our ’19 and ’20 offensive lines, specifically. Those were two of the strongest offensive lines we’ve had in school history, and you could tell,” Starck said. “We are a dominant team when we’ve got great offensive line play.”

The offensive line returns Micah Hanna, honorable mention all-state last year, and Brando Lopez, but will have three new starters along the front five.

“We’re not where we were. But we have the same coach and he knows how to get it out of them. He’s going to keep working with them and keep striving for improvement,” Starck said. “The most important thing is offensive line play. If I had to choose between having explosive playmakers and skill players versus having a dominant offensive line, I take the line every day of the week because it’s a helpless feeling when those guys can’t get it done.”

So while Thurston has a few more questions than answers heading into the season, it’d be foolish to count them out.

“I want to really just come together as a team,” Newell said. “Win or lose, I just want to be with my team and I just want to really be a family. I want us to just compete no matter what the score is.”

2022 FILE PHOTO Thurston’s Lombel Doreen returns a punt for the Colts. Head coach Justin Starck said Doreen's speed in space will be key this year.

Bulldogs looking for Dewey to continue strong QB legacy

BY RON HARTMAN RON@CHRONICLE1909.COM

CRESWELL – As they enter into a new football season, the Creswell Bulldogs are using their own version of the Dewey Decimal System.

Let’s call this one Dewey 2.0.

One steady tradition throughout coach Scott Worsham’s tenure has been outstanding play at the quarterback position.

For the last three seasons Connor Hanson, an all-league performer in both football and basketball, used his breakaway speed to frustrate opposing defenses.

Before that, Dalton Dewey was a two-year starter at quarterback. He was a masterful decision-maker while running an option-style offense. He started at wide receiver as a sophomore.

There was a good reason why Dalton didn’t play QB as a sophomore. That was Colton White’s senior year.

“He’s probably the best passing quarterback we’ve had in the last 10 years,” Worsham said of White, who set school records for most completions in a game (27), most yards in a game (264) and yards in a season (1,238).

Now, the Bulldogs turn to Dalton‘s little

brother, junior Darien Dewey, to carry the torch. Worsham says he has no doubts about Darien being ready.

“We’ve had the luxury of having some good quarterbacks here. Dalton was an exceptional player and Connor followed him up nicely,” Worsham said. “Darien is the most committed guy here. He’s missed one day since May 30. He wants more, it’s almost like, ‘Why are we stopping now?’ He’s always hungry for more.

“We always had confidence in him last year if Connor needed a break. He’s not as big of a runner as Connor or Dalton, but I think he’ll be a better passer, he has a good sense of what to do and he's got good football savvy. We’ve got a lot of confidence in him.”

The attitude of the entire team makes Worsham believe this could be the season in which the Bulldogs finally break their playoff drought. Creswell last went to the postseason in 2011.

“It’s the most committed group I’ve had, and it’s fun to be a part of that,” he said. “They want it. They work hard, they understand that’s what it takes.”

While the Bulldogs will have one of their

See BULLDOGS – 13

TEAM PHOTO BY PIERRE WEIL / THE CHRONICLE

CRESWELL BULLDOGS

■ Head coach: Scott Worsham, 7th year, 18-31 overall

■ 2022 season: 5-4, ranked #18, missed playoffs

■ School colors: Red and white

■ Boosters: creswellhsboosters.org

Top returners

■ Tyler Bowers, senior, WR/S, #1, 2022 1st Team All-League WR/Ret, 19 REC, 339 YDS, 3 TD,

■ Cayden Cox , senior, OL/ DL, #71, 2022 1st Team All-League OL/DL

■ Jaydon Warthen, senior, WR/DB, #5, 2022 11 REC, 139 YD, 1 TD

Notable newcomer

■ Darien Dewey, junior, QB. Worsham says: “Looking for a big year out of Dewey. He has a great arm, great football savvy and is our most committed guy.”

Returning starters: 5 on offense; 5 on defense

Team strengths

■ Speed

■ In great shape

■ Hard workers

Top opponents

■ Sept. 08: vs. Santiam

Christian

■ Sept. 29: at Siuslaw

■ Oct. 06: Homecoming vs. Sisters

■ Oct. 20: Senior night vs. Pleasant Hill

Pierre’s take

■ Creswell enters the season looking to replace the majority of its impact players from last year.

BULLDOGS continued from 12

most balanced offenses in several seasons, they will look to establish the run, with Victor Giffi n as the lead back and Tyler Bowers in the slot. Jaydon Warthen – who’s a little banged up entering the season –is also a key member of the offense, while Asher Parsons and Chase Green also could factor into that rotation.

Dewey will have plenty of options to throw to, as well, including Bowers, Parsons, Green, Warthen, Trenton Booher and Colton Kaiser, a transfer from Pleasant Hill.

Worsham said he’s never had this kind of size up front. Seniors Tayson Hunter (6-6, 325), Caden Cox (6-3, 275) and Bryson Walker (6-6, 300) anchor a line that should be able to push some people around.

“They’re more athletic than you think they are, too,” Worsham said. “They ought to be able to open some holes and give the quarterback some time. We’re trying to get these guys in shape and thinking about running an uptempo offense this year.”

Creswell lost some key seniors from last year. Along with Hanson, the Bulldogs lost Jack Nguyen – a terrific three-way player, as he was a star running back, defensive back and kicker – as well

as Mason Scovil and Juan Beltran, who was a tackling machine.

“Connor was a great athlete for us. He and Jack and Juan, we had a great sen ior class,” Worsham said. “But this team really has the eye of the tiger, they realize they can make the playoffs if they play up to their capabilities.”

There’s also a sense of excitement about the new accommodations at

Markley Field. After partnering with Beynon – the industry leader for installing new turf fields and track surfaces since 1974, including the installation of Hayward Field, which hosted the 2022 World Athletics Championships –Creswell will unveil its new field, new lights and new press box when it opens its season on Friday, Sept. 1 against Taft.

“It’s state of the art, best in the country, we’ve been eager to get out there and see how it feels,” Worsham said. “But we’ll be ready for our first game on Sept. 1.”

2022 FILE PHOTO

Creswell Tyler Bowers (1) makes a play during last year's game against Pleasant Hill. Bowers, a senior, will play slot reciever for the Bulldogs this season.

“This team really has the eye of the tiger ...” — Scott Worsham, coach

Heacock has Billies moving right on schedule in Year Two

BY STEVE MIMS THE CHRONICLE

PLEASANT HILL – Jeremiah

Heacock’s fi rst season as head coach at Pleasant Hill football began with three straight wins before the Billies finished 3-6. With four returning starters on both sides of the ball, Heacock sees the potential for more staying power in his second year on the job.

“Hopefully we can stay healthy and maintain our competitiveness throughout the season,” Heacock said. “It is a good league with some good matchups for us. If we can stay healthy and competitive, I think we can improve from last year.”

The Billies opened last season with nonconference wins at Cottage Grove and Salem Aca demy before defeating Harrisburg 20-14 to begin Mountain Valley Conference play. Pleasant Hill fi nished sixth in the conference at 1-5.

After scoring 71 points in its three wins, Pleasant Hill totaled 39 points in six losses.

“We have two all-league players returning and a solid senior group with a junior group coming on,” Heacock said. “I think they are doing a good job, we are trying

“We are trying to establish a new culture and they are all buying in.”

Jeremiah Heacock, coach

to establish a new culture and they are all buying in.”

Heacock was the longtime defensive coordinator for Justin Starck at Thurston before he arrived at Pleasant Hill.

“I want physicality on defense and I am seeing some of that,” he said during the first week of fall camp.

Junior Kaden Howes and sophomore Jacob Neely both earned all-conference honors at defensive back last year. They also star at wide receiver on offense.

“They bring some experience and route running at receiver,” Heacock said. “On defense, they have coverage skills and recognition skills. They are coachable and work hard.”

The rest of the spots on offense are up for grabs including the offensive line, where Heacock is building depth. Four or five quarterbacks are battling for the starting job while a handful of players could form a committee at running back.

“We want to have a multiple formation, dynamic offense,” Heacock said.

Heacock had more opportunities to work with his players during the offseason heading into his second season.

“We had more buy-in, more opportunities for 7-on-7s and workouts,” he said.

Pleasant Hill opens the season at the Sutherlin Jamboree on Aug. 25 before beginning the regular season at home on Sept. 1 against Cottage Grove, which it defeated 26-0 last season.

The Billies also visit Salem Academy in nonleague play before beginning conference play at home against Harrisburg on Sept. 15.

The game against the Eagles begins a stretch of four out of five games at home before finishing up at Creswell and Siuslaw.

Heacock

2022 FILE PHOTO Pleasant Hill's Matthew Dutton makes a throw against Creswell. The Billies need to fi nd Dutton's replacement under center for 2023.

TEAM PHOTO BY TYE ALLEN / TWA PHOTOGRAPHY

PLEASANT HILL BILLIES

■ Head coach: Jeremiah Heacock, 2nd year, 3-6 overall

■ 2022 season: 3-6, ranked #24, missed playoffs

■ School colors: Navy Blue and Gold

■ Boosters: pleasanthillboosters.com/

Schedule

Sept. 1 vs. Cottage Grove (non-league) 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 at Salem Academy (non-league) 8 p.m.

(By car: 74.3 miles, 1 hour, 7 minutes)

Sept. 15 vs. Harrisburg 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 vs. North Marion (non-league) 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 vs. Elmira 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at La Pine 7 p.m.

(By car: 97.6 miles, 1 hour, 52 minutes)

Oct. 13 vs. Sisters (Senior Night) 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Creswell 7 p.m.

(By car: 10.9 miles, 17 minutes)

Oct. 27 at Siuslaw

(By car: 79.2 miles, 1 hour, 32 minutes)

Top returners

7 p.m.

■ Braedon Hazel, senior, ’22 2nd Team All-League LB

■ Jacob Neely, sophomore, ’22 2nd Team All-League DB

■ Kaden Howes, junior, ’22 Honorable Mention All-League DB

Top opponents

■ La Pine: Oct. 6 (away)

■ Suislaw: Oct. 27 (away)

■ Creswell: Oct. 20 (away)

Pierre’s take

■ Head coach Jeremiah Heacock should be looking for a jump in his program in year two. The 3-6 season last year helped set the foundation as the Billies didn’t win a game the year before Heacock arrived. The defense should be solid with some all-league returners, but the offense will need to revamp after struggling to score much once league play started in 2022.

– Pierre Weil

MILLERS continued from 5

way better now than he was last week, and he’s gonna be better in three weeks. I’m excited to see what we look like by about game three,” Geske said.

Geske noted Kasperek’s improvement has also come in embracing the freedom of the West Coast-style offense.

“He understands in any pocket of plays, he’s got freedom. And he did it today. Whether he goes backside, or Connor goes backside, either one of them can carry to the point of attack,” he said. “So we call the blocking scheme, but he can call the other deal, and he’s loving that.”

With all that talent, it’s easy to see why Springfield’s got all eyes on them. When a team gets a lot of attention though, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important.

“They’ve been soldiers about working past all the accolades that are thrown their way. And not just riding on that and ending up being 7-3 just because they’re one year older one year better,” Geske said. “The football smarts thing is getting better too, and that is the absolute biggest key. Every time we can get that football IQ up a point or two we become better.”

As the team becomes better, the expectations get higher. The Millers aren’t ones to shy away from the pressure though.

“The floor is playoffs, and the ceiling is state in my opinion. State is what I want, it’s what I trans-

ferred for,” Keen said. “Hopefully I’ll have a good senior season, and I want to bring these people with me. That’s been my goal since I transferred.”

While playoffs and state are the postseason goals, the team has some regular season goals too.

“Beat Marist, beat Thurston, win league. Those are the main goals for the regular season,” Keen said.

Keen’s coach couldn’t agree more.

“I think Sam’s dead right. I think if we knock off Marist and we knock off Thurston, we should be thinking about a league title,” Geske said.

As with many things in life, there’s more to the story with those regular-season goals. In his 35 years as a high school head coach, Geske has 248 wins. The way Springfield’s schedule shook out, the Millers’ first home game is week two, against Marist. Meaning Geske could hit a special milestone against his old school.

“Too many people over at Marist are saying, ‘You know, coach, Marist is really special this year.’ I had to start keeping track of it, because everybody over here was asking,” Geske said. “They keep saying it’s going to be my 250th win, which is assuming we beat Ridgeview. But this place thinks that game is a big deal, so I’m not going to discount that.”

Some coaches shy away from calling out other teams

or programs. Geske speaks respectfully about Marist and rival Thurston, but he’s not afraid to lean into the importance of those games. Denying that those are big games would be futile, and Geske knows it.

This season, Springfield gets Thurston at home as the Millers are looking to take down the Colts for the first time since 2015.

“I told them, I’m not even going to say that T-word from across town. I don’t even say the T-word school from across town, and they love that,” Geske said. “It’s a big deal. We’re gonna wear blue for home games, but we’re wearing black for them because they love their black uniforms, so we’ll make that real special.”

It won’t be easy to

upset Thurston and take the league crown from them. After all, the Colts have won five straight Midwestern League titles.

While on-field success is undeniably important –Geske left Franklin, Tigard, and Marist as each school’s all-time leader in wins –there are other ways of measuring success. Geske knows how to build up contenders. How does he plan on making Springfield a success story?

“Draining every drop out of them. Draining every single drop. Attitude and effort is everything to me, regardless of talent. If I see a bunch of hungry eyes,and they’re exhausted, I know I’ve got it right,” Geske said. “That’s really the deal for me. And it always has been.”

The Billies got o to a fast start last season, and look to sustain that early season success this year. Coach Jeremiah Heacock enters his second season as head coach with four starters each returning on o ense and defense.

PIERRE WEIL / CHRONICLE PHOTO

New head coach Frank Geske runs the team scrimmage on Aug. 19. Geske takes over at Springfield with a 248-124 overall record.

BOB WILLIAMS / CHRONICLE PHOTO Springfi eld stars Sam Keen (left) and Caeleb Kasperek pose together. Keen, a lineman, transferred from Marist this season. Kasperek looks to build on a solid junior campaign.

2023 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

THE BILLIES MEAN BUSINESS

BOYS SOCCER

MORE VOLLEYBALL GIRLS SOCCER CROSS COUNTRY

Rivals CRESWELL and PLEASANT HILL have 3A title contenders. THURSTON looks to build on a playoff appearance.

The COTTAGE GROVE girls return all of their runners from a team that took 7th at state, best in program history.

SPRINGFIELD must replace key seniors from postseason squads. PLEASANT HILL returns 11 upperclassmen.

THURSTON is poised to have a good year after losing only two seniors. COTTAGE GROVE welcomes a new coach.

SECTION B I PART II of II

CONTENTS

DYNAMIC DUO

Pleasant Hill volleyball has its sights set on a run through the postseason – and Cheyenne Green and Claire Crawford hope to lead the way.

BULLDOGS RELY ON VETS

Creswell has long dominated the local 3A volleyball scene. They have veteran players this year to help them reach the postseason again.

PAGES 22-23

BOYS SOCCER

The Thurston Colts see an opportunity to make a splash in conference play. Just ask their coach.

GIRLS SOCCER

Springfield has a new coach, and realistic goals as the program goes through a rebuilding phase.

PAGES 26-27

CROSS-COUNTRY

The Lions are loaded – and the boys and girls teams expect a historic season for the programs.

30-31

BY THE NUMBERS

Yes, there is more football!

PAGES 28-29

SBL TOP 200

The best football players in the state from 1-200.

Preseason polls, conference standings, air quality guidelines, and more stats & information.

PAGE 32

THANK YOU ‘PRESENTING SPONSORS’

■ Prime Time Sports Bar & Grill

■ HuddleUp.org and Olsson Industrial Electric

These local organizations are committed to hyper-local, community journalism.

Want to help The Chronicle cover high school sports? Ask your coach if you can send in stats and info for your school or team.

See the “Top 200 Names to Know” – including No. Joey Olsen of Lakridge – on pages 31-31. Nine area players made the list, led by OL/DL Sam Keen at Springfield High.

ANATOMY OF A SLAM

Pleasant Hill setter Claire Crawford and hitter Cheyenne Green practice their signature play on a recent day at the school gym.

DYNAMIC DUO

BY PIERRE WEIL PIERRE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

PLEASANT HILL – Last season the Pleasant Hill volleyball team started league play 2-2. They then rattled off 14-straight wins, finishing second in the Mountain Valley Conference and grabbing the No. 2 seed in the postseason.

That team had many contributors, but was led by sophomore stars Cheyenne Green and Claire Crawford. Now Green and Crawford are juniors, and the Billies performance last year put them on everyone’s radar coming into this season.

“People are now afraid of us instead of us being afraid of them. I think just being one of the upper dogs coming into this year is awesome,” Green said. “We want to win league. We want to beat Creswell and Sisters both times. It’s been building up to this, and I think we're finally at the point where we're a good team.”

Pleasant Hill was definitely on the map going into the postseason last year, earning a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed. Unfortunately the Billies faced a league opponent in No. 15 Siuslaw and fell in an epic five-setter.

“I think that we just had a bad game. We knew that we could beat them, because we had before.

I think that makes it even more motivating,” Crawford said. “We want to get further now. Our goal is to get further in state because we know we can. I just think it's a lot more motivating because we

know we can do it.”

Pleasant Hill had beaten Siuslaw three times before that playoff matchup. But like Crawford said, they’re using it as fuel this season.

“There's a lot of motivation in the sense that we didn't meet our goals necessarily. We had realistic goals for ourselves, and we were a little bit shy of them,” said Pleasant Hill head coach Jessica

Crawford, mother of Claire. “We don't look back at last season as a disappointment whatsoever. That said, we also have incentive for this season. We learned a bit, and I think we're ready to compete and show that we've matured, and that we're ready to battle.”

Getting ready to go to battle with Green and Crawford leading the way makes things a little bit easier. Green has the secondmost kills of any returning volleyball player in the state with 479 last season, while Crawford is one of 11 returning players with over 700 assists last year.

And that was all as sophomores. Now as juniors, the duo have even more experience together, making them tougher for opponents to deal with.

“It’s just the amount of time we have put in together, and we’ve bonded over that. She knows, if we're out of system, ‘Oh, I have Cheyenne, and she's probably going to get it over the net for me,’” Green said. “She knows how high to set me, the tempo, and the speed to set me. We don't even necessarily have to communicate with our words.”

Even while being interviewed separately, their answers to the question of what makes them a great duo were the same.

PHOTOS BY BOB WILLIAMS / THE CHRONICLE

Claire Crawford, left, and Cheyenne Green pose together in Pleasant Hill High School's gym. The dynamic duo of juniors return after an impressive sophomore season that saw both earn all-state honors. With added success comes added pressure though, which the Billies say they're ready for.

BILLIES continued from 19

“We just know each other. We're really good friends also, and I think knowing more about your teammate makes it a lot easier to work together,” Crawford said. “We flow well because we know each other more. I know what to expect of her. Like if she's in a certain place, I know where she's gonna go next.”

Being on the same page is vital in any sport. But so are the skillsets they bring on the court with them.

“They're a tough duo. They both work very hard, they’re both athletic, and they both are competitive. When you have those types of attributes together, and you're able to get in rhythm, it allows them to be incredibly consistent,” Coach Crawford said.

While both players’ games complement each other, so too do their leadership styles.

“They lead in completely different ways, which is very interesting. And it tailors to their personality, which is great. Claire tends to lead more by example, while Cheyenne is outgoing, she's going to create excitement,” Coach Crawford said. “It’s nice to see them blossoming, and then they're also learning from each other how to lead in other ways, which is really great.”

Crawford and Green’s blossoming leadership stemmed from necessity last season. As sophomores the pair were team

captains, all while trying to figure out how to maximize their individual play.

“They had the opportunity last year; they had some weight on them that they had to carry and be the go-to’s. And that was while they're still growing, they had to be the leaders as they're still learning how to be effective,”

Coach Crawford said. “This year it seems more natural, you can tell that they're proactively reaching out to their teammates. They're planning the team events, and it's just becoming more second nature.”

With their dynamic duo leading the way, there’s no ceiling for this Pleasant Hill team. But in order to reach their goals they’ll have to compete in one of the toughest leagues in the state. Sisters was the No. 1 seed in last year’s playoffs and returns the reigning Class 3A Player of the Year. Then there’s rival Creswell, and the same Siuslaw team that ended Pleasant Hill’s season.

None of that is scaring the Billies though.

“We have this competitiveness, and willingness to put our hearts and our energy into building each other up,” Green said. “We’re gonna try our absolute hardest and do what we always do, which is be scrappy and be excited on the court for others.”

Pleasant Hill lost only four

seniors from last year’s team, giving this season some extra continuity, but also extra pressure.

“We have a similar team to what we had last year, so we already know each other really well,” Crawford said. “But I think it does affect our expectations a bit. I think more people actually look at us and are like, ‘Yeah, they can beat us,’ which means we have to play better.”

BOB WILLIAMS / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Pleasant Hill's Cheyenne Green leaps up to spike the ball during practice. Green, a junior, had 479 kills last year. Pleasant Hill head coach Jessica Crawford, right, talks to stars Cheyenne Green (10) and Claire Crawford (12) last season. The Billies took the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

2022 FILE PHOTO

VOLLEY BALL

A team-by-team look at our area schools.

COTTAGE GROVE LIONS

■ Head coach: Abby Ladd, 4th year, 27-29 overall

■ 2022 season: 4-18, ranked #23, lost in play-in game to #12 Philomath

Bulldogs relying on seniors to reach state playo goals

10/19 @ Elmira, 6:30 p.m.

Top returners

■ Lizabelle Osborn, senior, 2022

3rd-team all-state

■ Ashelyn Sharkey, senior, 2022 league defensive player of the year

■ Kimberlee Kelsey, senior, 2022

2nd-team all-league

Top opponents

■ Pleasant Hill: Sept. 7 (away), Oct. 3 (hone)

■ Sisters: Sept. 18 (away), Oct. 11 (home)

■ Santiam Christian: Sept. 12 (away)

PLEASANT HILL BILLIES

■ Head coach: Jessica Crawford, 6th year, 41-44 overall

■ 2022 season: 19-3, ranked #2, lost in

round to #15 Siuslaw

BY STEVE MIMS THE CHRONICLE

CRESWELL – Anna Baltrusch thinks she has a state-title contender on her hands, and she’ll have a better gauge after the first few matches of the year.

The longtime Creswell volleyball coach returns seven seniors, including three who earned all-conference honors last year, while adding three talented freshmen.

“I am excited for the future, but I am excited for this year,” Baltrusch said. “If they do what they have shown that they can do at times, we can beat anybody.”

Creswell placed third in the Mountain Valley Conference last year before reaching the Class 3A state tournament. Outside hitter Lizabelle Osborn, libero Ashelyn Sharkey, and setter Kimberlee Kelsey all return as seniors after earning all-conference honors last season.

vs. Junction City, 7 p.m.

10/14 Tournament @ Marshfield High

10/17 @ Marist Catholic, 6:30 p.m.

Notable newcomer

■ Jocelynn Joseph, freshman, 5-foot-11, #13

Top opponents

■ Marshfield: Sept. 19 (away), Oct. 5 (home)

■ Marist: Sept. 28 (home), Oct. 17 (away)

■ Creswell: Aug. 29 (home)

CRESWELL BULLDOGS

■ Head coach: Anna Baltrusch, 31st year, 549-207 overall

■ 2022 season: 18-8, ranked #7, finished 7/8th at state tournament

Schedule 8/26 Tournament @ Cascade Christian, 9 a.m.

Non-league @ Cottage Gr., 6:30 p.m.

@ Monroe,

■ State championships: 1 (1974) Schedule 8/24 Non-league vs. Springfld., 6:45

Middle blocker Kyla Ellis is a three-year starter while right side Hope Ukolov and middle blocker Lexie Smith also return as seniors. Leaghanna Sharp, a competitive Tae Kwon Do champion, moves up to varsity this year.

“The thing with our senior leadership is that it is not just one of them, they lead as a group,” Baltrusch said. “They play all different positions.”

Junior Sydney Brink returns to varsity while Piper Hanson, Emma Cross, and Anna Davis made the roster as freshmen. Hanson, who is Baltrusch’s granddaughter, is ranked as one of the top freshmen in the state.

“She’s not going to leave the court,” Baltusch said.

Creswell went 18-8 last year, including a 9-3 conference record to finish behind Sisters and Pleasant Hill.

Top returners

■ Cheyenne Green, junior, 2022

all-state

■ Claire Crawford, junior, 2022 3rd Team All-State

Top opponents

■ Creswell: Sept. 7 (home), Oct. 3 (away)

■ Sisters: Sept. 14 (home), Oct. 19 (away)

■ Valley Catholic: Sept. 8 (away)

SPRINGFIELD MILLERS

■ Head coach: Keri Green, 4th year, 7-43 overall

■ 2022 season: 4-17, ranked #27, missed playoffs

See VOLLEYBALL – 22

“In our league, Sisters is really good and Pleasant Hill is really good so we will have strong competition,” Baltrusch said. “That

“The thing with our senior leadership is that it is not just one of them, they lead as a group.”

will not let us get lackadaisical when we get to league games.”

The challenging schedule started right away as the Bulldogs opened the season against defending PacWest Conference champion Santiam Christian in the Cascade Christian tournament on Saturday, Aug. 26. Pleasant Hill, Vale, Westside Christian and St. Mary’s were among the other top teams in the field.

“It’s going to be a tell-all type of tournament to begin the season,” Baltrusch said. “We are getting into the fire from the get-go.”

The Bulldogs warmed up for the season by attending a 24-team camp in Bend, facing teams including Sisters, Bend, Churchill, Marist, and Pleasant Hill.

“We played a lot of big teams, we beat some of them and lost to some, but we beat everyone we played at least once,” Baltrusch said. “There were some really good teams there so I was impressed with what we were able to do there. We have to keep them together as a team. These kids can go as far as they want to go, it was exciting to watch them at camp. They struggled and had some rough days, then turned around and became All-Stars too. They know why they struggled and how to get out of those situations. When we are not communicating, we struggle, and when we communicate well, we are hard to beat.

I am excited about this year.”

Creswell opens league play at home against Harrisburg on Sept. 5 before a tough four-game road trip that includes visits to Pleasant Hill, Santiam Christian, and Sisters.

– Anna Baltrusch, coach

2022 FILE PHOTO

Coach Anna Baltrusch, facing the team, talks during last year's quarterfinal match. Baltrusch believes this year's team, which returns three all-conference players, has a chance to contend.

Creswell's Lizabelle Osborn reaches for a ball during last year's first round playoff match. Osborn is one of Creswell's three returning allconference athletes.

VOLLEYBALL continued from 21

Schedule 8/24 Non-league @ Pleasant Hill, 6:45 p.m.

Tournament @ Central HS, TBD

vs. Corvallis, 6:45 p.m.

9/19 @ Churchill, 6:45 p.m.

9/23 Tournament @ Marist, TBD

9/26 vs. Thurston, 6:45 p.m. 10/5 @ North Eugene, 6:45 p.m.

Tournament @ Pleasant Hill, TBD

@ Thurston, 6:45 p.m.

10/21 @ Eagle Point, 2:15 p.m.

10/21 @ Crater, 5 p.m.

Top returners

■ Julissa Henderson, junior, #7, middle blocker, 75 kills, 63 blocks (12th overall for OSAA’s top blockers); missed four games. Coach says: “Julissa brings a court presence to the net that cannot be spoken about enough. She is unstoppable when it comes to helping us be a defensive threat.”

■ Danaeja Romero-Ah Sam, senior, #12, right side/setter, 2022 honorable mention all-league, 143 digs, 53 kills, and 77 assists for 2022. Coach: “Danaeja sets the tone for our offense and defense as a six-rotation player. In our 2022 season she hit right side when she was in the front row and set when she was in the back row. Her energy and determination are something that cannot be matched.”

■ Emily Waddell, senior, #3, setter, 153 assists, 181 digs for the 2022 season. Coach: “Emily shared time with our other senior setter Danaeja, but helps create offensive opportunities for our hitters. Emily is what it means to be a calm-andcontrolled teammate while keeping us in-system.”

■ Roster: 13 varsity players and 4 returning starters

Team strengths

■ Defense-orientated team!

■ Large group of upperclassmen setting the stage for program improvement.

Top opponents

■ Crater: Sept. 16 (home), Oct. 21 (away)

■ Thurston: Sept. 26 (home), Oct. 19 (away)

■ North Eugene: Sept. 12 (home), Oct. 5 (away)

■ Homecoming/senior night game: Oct. 13 vs. Churchill

THURSTON COLTS

■ Head coach: David Natt , 4th year, 33-21 overall

■ 2022 season: 13-9, ranked #10, lost in 1st round to #7 West Albany Schedule

8/25 Tournament @ Mt.View HS, TBD

8/29 Non-league @ McKay, 4 p.m. 8/31 Non-league @ Lakeridge, 6:30 p.m.

Non-league vs. N. Salem, 6:45 p.m.

vs. Churchill,

p.m.

Non-league vs. Ridgeview, 6:45 p.m. 9/16 vs. Crater, 2:15 p.m. 9/16 vs. Eagle Point, 5 p.m. 9/19 @ North Eugene, 6:45 p.m.

GIRLS SOCCER

A team-by-team look at our area schools.

COTTAGE GROVE LIONS

■ Head coach: Kalli Schwehr, 2nd year, 2-11-0 overall

■ 2022 season: 2-11-0, ranked #29, missed playoffs

Schedule

9/23 Tournament @ Marshfield, TBD

9/26 @ Springfield, 6:45 p.m.

10/3 @ Ashland, 6:45 p.m.

10/4 @ Churchill, 6:45 p.m.

10/10 Non-league vs. Willamette, 6:45 p.m.

10/12 vs. North Eugene, 6:45 p.m.

10/19 vs. Springfield, 6:45 p.m.

10/21 @ Crater, 2:15 p.m.

10/21 @ Eagle Point, 5 p.m.

Top returners

■ Bailey Tovey, senior, 2022 2nd-team all-league

■ Scout Martin, senior, 2022 2nd-team all-league

■ Emily Buller, senior, 2022 honorable mention all-league

Top opponents

■ Sheldon: Aug. 25 at Mountain View Invitational

■ Crater: Sept. 16 (home), Oct. 21 (away)

■ North Eugene: Sept. 19 (away), Oct. 12 (home)

Pierre’s take

■ One of the most exciting volleyball league’s across the state this year will be the Mountain Valley Conference. The three-team race between defending league champs Sisters, Pleasant Hill, and Creswell will provide plenty of competitive drama throughout the year. Sisters returns the Class 3A player of the year in Gracie Vohs, but the Billies took down Sisters in one match last year and almost grabbed the league crown in the process. It’s never a good idea to count out the Bulldogs though, who return three of their top athletes that should all be hungry after a quarterfinal exit last season.

– Pierre Weil, The Chronicle

Top returners

■ Summer Lebow, senior, #15, defender, 2022 2nd-team all-league. Coach says: “Top defender that anchors teams back line.”

■ Emmerson Bickford, sophomore, #30, midfielder. Coach: “Improved player who can support team on offense and defense.”

■ Rylan Leach, junior, #1, defender/ midfielder. Coach: “Versatile player who can take care of multiple positions.”

Notable newcomer

■ Autumn Leach, freshman. Coach: “New to the program and has shown lots of promise as a freshman.”

Team strengths

■ Unity

■ Communication

■ Hard work

Top opponents

■ Marist: Oct. 2 (home), Oct. 18 (away)

■ Marshfield: Sept. 20 (away), Oct. 9 (home)

■ North Bend: Sept. 25 (home), Oct. 11 (away)

CRESWELL BULLDOGS

■ Head coach: Dan Smathers, 5th year, 8-38-4 overall

■ 2022 season: 5-9-1, ranked #25, missed playoffs

9/14 vs. Pleasant Hill, 4:30 p.m.

@ La Pine, 4:30 p.m.

@ Elmira, 4:30 p.m.

@ Santiam Christian, 6 p.m.

@ Sisters, 4 p.m.

@ Siuslaw, 6:30 p.m.

@ Central Linn, 4:30

@ Pleasant Hill, 6 p.m.

vs. La Pine, 4:30 p.m.

vs. Elmira, 4:30 p.m.

vs. Santiam Christian,

Top returners

■ Dakota Carson, senior, 2022 1st Team All-League

■ Tailey Carson, senior, 2022 t-lead in goals on team

■ Chloe Halgren, senior, 2022 2nd Team All-League

■ Paige Gwaltney, senior, 2022 one of team’s top defenders

Notable newcomers

■ Mila Nguyen and Jordan Lee, freshman

Returning starters: 7

Team strengths

■ Experience

■ Desire

■ Cohesion

Top opponents

■ Sisters: Sept. 5 (home), Sept. 28 (away)

■ Pleasant Hill: Sept. 14 (home), Oct. 10 (away)

■ Central Linn: Sept. 12 (home), Oct. 5 (away)

■ Senior Night: Oct. 19 vs. Santiam Christian

PLEASANT HILL BILLIES

■ Head coach: Chris Hammond, 3rd year, 21-5-3 overall

■ 2022 season: 10-2-3, ranked #10, lost in 2nd round of playoffs to #7 Riverdale

Schedule

8/29 Non-league vs. North Bend, 6 p.m. 9/5 League @ La Pine, 4:30 p.m.

vs. Sisters, 6 p.m.

vs. Santiam Christian, 5 p.m.

@ Creswell,

2022 FILE PHOTO

Springfi eld's Juju Henderson spikes the ball during a match last season. Head coach Keri Green said Henderson, a junior, is one of Springfield's key returners this year.

Hinojosa finding style as Millers regroup

BY PIERRE WEIL PIERRE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

SPRINGFIELD - There’s a new face at the top of the Springfield girls soccer team. Alyssa Hinojosa takes over the program after being an assistant coach on last year’s squad. Last year wasn’t just Hinojosa’s first year of assisting Springfield, it was her first year of any coaching experience.

“It was good because I got to do more of the tactical stuff, and the technical stuff. I got to help out a little bit with the lineup and where girls would probably look best, but it was more of a support role,” Hinojosa said. “That was my first year with the team, and with any program, so it was a huge learning thing for me. So it was good that I did take that back seat capacity, because it helped me so much for this year.”

Hinojosa , a University of Oregon soccer player from 201619, takes over a team that went 9-6-1 last ye ar and earned the No. 6 seed in the playoffs. But they also lost 10 seniors from that team, five of whom earned all-league honors.

“It’s gonna be tough to replace the experience. You have that many seniors playing, that was like a whole starting lineup,” Hinojosa said. “We have young people coming who haven’t played varsity, and a lot of our team doesn’t play club sports.”

Those 10 seniors weren’t the

10/19 League @ Elmira, 4:30 p.m.

Top returners

only ones who graduated. So too did former head coach Cliff Schutte, who left the program after seven years. After coaching the successful group of seniors, Hinojosa said Schutte felt it was the right time to step away as well.

That left the door open for Hinojosa, who was nervous about taking the job.

“It was hard, because I didn’t think I could in the first place. But I see a lot of girls here who look just like me, who come from backgrounds just like me, and there was a need for a position to be filled,” Hinojosa said. “I share a lot of the same similarities as them growing up, so it would be out of character for me to say no to an opportunity like this.”

So Hinojosa took the job, and after a short amount of time, she feels she made the right decision.

“I learned more about myself now that I’m done with college sports,” Hinojosa said. I had a great career at Oregon, and all I ever did growing up, since I was like three years old, was soccer. So they’re helping me recognize and find out who I am.

“Entering a head coach role, I want them to have the experience that I didn't have, or things that I thought I was missing at some points in my coaching. I think they’ve, in th is one week so far, done more for me than I think I’ll do for them this whole season.”

Hinojosa admitted it’s a rebuilding year after losing almost the entire starting lineup from last season. That said, she’s excited to see who steps up.

“We have girls that are gonna do great this year, people who are

■ Tressa Geyer, senior, #16, forward, 2022 2nd-team all-league. Coach says: “Led the teams in goals scored for the last two seasons. Nickname is ‘Shep’ ... Co-captain.”

■ Dakota Hyland, senior, #18, mid-fileder/winger, 2022 honorable mention all-league, State 400-meter champion. Coach: “Leader on and off the pitch. The glue of the team.”

■ Isabel “Izzy” Anderson, senior, #13, defender, third year starting at left defensive back. Coach: “The foundation of the defense. Is tough as nails. Team nickname is ‘Bone crusher.’ ”

■ Isabael Hammond-Mendez and Ashlynn Johnson, sophomores. Coach: “Joined the team this year, will contribute heavily and could play multiple positions across the pitch.”

■ Roster: 18 varsity players and 8 returning starters

Team strengths

■ Seniors on the roster

■ Experience: Team who knows what it takes to win

Top opponents

■ Sisters: Sept. 7 (home), Oct. 3 (away)

Coach Alyssa Hinojosa on Elidia Cervantes-Carlos

going to step up,” she said. “When big roles open up, you’re curious who’s going to step up to the plate. So we have some girls that I think will do great for us this year.”

Two of those girls are returning impact players from last year.

Junior Elidia Cervantes-Carlos returns after making first teamall league last year.

“Last year, she was a very great player, and she’s gonna run our midfield,” Hinojosa said. “She’s just a very technical player that

■ Central Linn: Sept. 21 (home), Oct. 17 (away)

■ Santiam Christian: Sept. 12 (home), Oct. 5 (away)

■ Homecoming/senior night game: Oct. 12 vs. Siuslaw 4:30pm

SPRINGFIELD MILLERS

Head coach: Alyssa Hinojosa, 1st year 2022 season: 9-6-1, ranked #6, lost in 1st round to La Salle Prep Schedule

8/25 Non-league vs. Ridgeview, 4 p.m.

8/29 Non-league @ West Albany, 7 p.m.

8/31 Non-league vs. Silverton, 4 p.m.

Top opponents

you rarely see. I don’t know if anybody else in our conference has someone like her.”

Senior Lydia Stewart returns as well. Hinojosa said Stewart is an athlete that is willing to outwork everyone else, and Hinojosa said of Stewart: “She’ll be a great leader because she’ll lead by example.”

Replacing 10 seniors and an experienced head coach means there will be a learning curve this season for everyone involved. It’s

■ Cresent Valley: Sept. 5 (away)

■ Marist: Sept. 7 (away)

■ Thurston: Oct. 10 (home)

THURSTON COLTS

■ Head coach: Benton Canaga, 6th year, 37-25-9 overall

■ 2022 season: 13-3-0, ranked #2, lost in QF’s to #7 Wilsonville

■ State championships: 1 (2012)

Schedule

why Hinojosa set a realistic goal – achieving a .500 record.

One thing the team’s already has going for them though is their togetherness.

“We have so many different classes on this team. The freshmen haven’t started school yet, and they automatically have 15 other best friends. So that’s been cool, that camaraderie, that friendship building already, and it’s only been two weeks,” Hinojosa said.

■ Gabriella Montes, junior, 2022 2nd Team All-League

Notable newcomer

■ Zoe Dilts, freshman midfielder

Team strengths

■ Speed

■ Defense

■ Team chemistry

Top opponents

■ Caldera: Sept. 1 (away)

■ Crescent Valley: Sept. 23 (home)

■ West Salem: Sept. 15 (away)

9/5

@ Crescent Valley, 7 p.m. 9/7

@ Marist,

@ Corvallis,

9/23 Non-league vs. Crescent Vall., 1 p.m.

10/4 Non-league @ Canby, 7:30 p.m.

10/10 @ Springfield, 4 p.m.

10/14 @ Eagle Point, 3 p.m.

10/17 vs. North Eugene, 4 p.m.

10/21 @ Ashland, 1 p.m.

10/24 vs. Churchill, 4 p.m.

10/28 vs. Crater, 1 p.m.

Pierre’s take

Top returner

■ Elidia Cervantes-Carlos, junior, 2022

Top returners

■ Macy Taylor, junior, 2022 2nd-team all-league

■ Replacing key seniors is the name of the game for our area girls soccer teams. Thurston lost six senior starters, including Midwestern League player of the year Abby Fitzpatrick Alyssa Hinojosa takes over at Springfield, a team that lost 10 seniors, including 1st-team all-leaguer Tamerra Cervantes-Carlos. Over at Pleasant Hill, the Billies lost all four captains after a 10-2-3 season that ended in the second round of the playoffs.

– Pierre Weil, The Chronicle

GIRLS SOCCER continued from 22

Hinojosa

PIERRE WEIL / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Elidia Cervantes-Carlos takes a shot during a recent practice. Cervantes Carlos returns as Springfield's top player after earning 1st-team all-league last season.

“She’s just a very technical player that you rarely see. I don’t know if anybody else in our conference has someone like her.”

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BOYS SOCCER

A team-by-team look at our area schools.

COTTAGE GROVE LIONS

Head coach: Jaime Urenda, 1st year

2022 season: 6-6-3, ranked #18, lost in play-in to #12 Phoenix State championships: 1 (2008)

Schedule

8/30 Non-league @ Thurston, 4 p.m.

9/5 Non-league vs. Philomath, 6 p.m.

9/7 Non-league vs. Stayton, 6 p.m.

9/9 Non-league @ Cascade, 4 p.m.

9/13 Non-league vs. Klamath Union, 6 p.m.

9/18 Non-league @ Creswell, 4:30 p.m.

9/20 @ Marshfield, 7 p.m.

9/25 vs. North Bend, 7 p.m.

9/28 @ Junction City, 7 p.m.

10/2 vs. Marist Catholic, 6 p.m.

10/9 vs. Marshfield, 6 p.m.

10/11 @ North Bend, 4 p.m.

10/16 vs. Junction City, 5 p.m.

10/18 @ Marist Catholic, 6:30 p.m.

Top returners

■ Tristyn Burnes, junior, 2022 1st Team

All-League

■ Rogelio Soto-Cruz , junior, 2022 2nd Team All-League

■ Emmanuel Rea, sophomore, 2022 Honorable Mention All-League

Top opponents

■ Stayton: Sept. 7 (home)

■ Philomath: Sept. 5 (home)

■ Marist: Oct. 2 (home), Oct. 18 (away)

CRESWELL BULLDOGS

Head coach: Brandi Whittenborn, 7th year, 38-31-13 overall

2022 season: 5-5-3, ranked #34, missed playoffs

Schedule

8/29 Non-league vs. Western Christian / Amity, 5 p.m.

8/31 Non-league @ Sutherlin, 6 p.m.

9/7 Non-league @ South Umpqua, 4:30 p.m.

9/18 Non-league vs. Cottage Grove, 4:30 p.m.

9/ 21 vs. Pleasant Hill, 6 p.m.

9/25 @ Central Linn, 4:30 p.m.

9/28 vs. East Linn Chr. Acad., 4:30 p.m.

10/3 vs. Siuslaw / Mapleton, 4:30 p.m.

10/5 vs. Santiam Christian, 4:30 p.m.

10/10 @ La Pine, 4:30 p.m.

10/12 @ Crosshill Chr. / Jefferson, 4:30 p.m.

10/17 vs. Elmira, 4:30 p.m.

10/19 @ Sisters, 6 p.m.

Top returners

■ Jeffrey Jones, senior, 2022 2nd Team

All-League

Colts set lofty goals with veteran-laden team, Vega

BY RON HARTMAN RON@CHRONICLE1909.COM

SPRINGFIELD – It would be one of the understatements of the year to say that Thurston boys soccer coach Jake Bonnett is glowing with optimism about the upcoming season.

The first game at home against Cottage Grove was weeks away when he spoke with The Chronicle, but Bonnett was wishing the season was already underway.

■ Lyosha Mitchell, junior, 2022 Honorable M ention All-League

Top opponents

■ Central Linn: Sept. 25 (away)

■ Sisters: Oct. 19 at Sisters (away)

■ Pleasant Hill: Sept. 21 (home)

PLEASANT

HILL BILLIES

Head coach: Ryota Sugitsni, 6th year, 43-16-10 overall 2022 season: 8-5-1, ranked #19, lost in 1st round of playoffs to #14 Valley Catholic

Schedule

8/31 Non-league vs. Delphian / Willamina, 4 p.m.

9/2 Non-league vs. De La Salle NC, 1 p.m.

9/7 Non-league vs. Taft, 4:30 p.m.

9/12 Non-league @ Westside Chr., 4:30 p.m.

9/19 Non-league @ Dayton, 4:30 p.m. 9/21 @ Creswell, 6 p.m.

vs. East Linn Chr. Acad., 6:30 p.m.

vs. Siuslaw / Mapleton, 6:30

vs. Santiam Christian, 4:30

@ La Pine, 4:30 p.m.

vs. Crosshill Chr. / Jefferson, 6:30

@ Elmira, 6 p.m.

10/17 @ Sisters, 6 p.m.

10/19 @ Central Linn, 6 p.m.

Top returners

■ Hunter Allen, senior, 2022 2nd-team all-league GK

■ Cameron Hansen, senior, 2022 honorable mention all-league

Top opponents

■ Delphian: Aug. 31 (home)

■ Westside Christian: Sept. 12 (away)

■ Sisters: Oct. 17 (away)

SPRINGFIELD MILLERS

Head coach: Juan Gonzales, 3rd year,

18-12-2 overall

2022 season: 10-6-1, ranked #10, lost in quarterfinals to #2 McKay

Schedule

“We only lost two seniors, and they were great players, so I’m returning virtually every single varsity player. And most of my JV team is coming back,” said Bonnett, beginning his second season as head coach.

“Everyone’s been training hard this offseason. Some people can look at our record from last season (4-8-2) and say that we struggled. I’m super proud of the work we did, and I’m super proud of the fact that we put together some wins in games that were really tough. We came back and got some draws that maybe people were surprised with. There were a couple of setbacks, but we’ve done so much to progress since then.

“I don’t think anybody else in the state only graduated two players. To have so many returning players is an absolute blessing for us, and I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people this year,” he said.

Bonnett says he’s trying to change the culture at Thurston, because the Colts haven’t had much success in soccer.

“I love working with everyone here; I man the front desk,” he said. “I’m fairly new to the area, and being able to have a job on the staff where I can keep an eye on my players, this is the best job I’ve ever had. And I get to be a role model to my players full-time.

“The best part is I get to be that role model every single day, and I get to do grade checks on my guys. I’ll walk by them in the hallway and say, ‘Hey, I see that math grade has been dropping, what can we do to make that better?’ and having that opportunity to set up study halls when some kids are struggling, I can bring in teachers who

will join the study halls, and our teachers are so generous with their time. I get to hang out with these teachers and kids, and building those relationships has been invaluable to our program.

“I’m in charge of attendance, so I get to make sure that all of my players are coming to school and going to class. If guys skip school, they don’t play. They have to walk past me to go to class. We’re student-athletes; if you can’t take care of the student part, then I won’t allow you to take care of the athlete part.”

Bonnett has some athletes who check all the boxes.

“Carlos Vega, I can’t say enough good stuff about him, he’s a fantastic player and a great role model,” the coach said of his returning senior captain. “Whenever he shows up, he gives every single guy in the program a high-five. That’s the kind of leadership we’re looking for.”

Then there’s senior goalkeeper Carter Brooks.

“Carter has shown so much growth in

See COLTS – 27

8/25

vs. West Albany, 4 p.m.

@ Ridgeview, 4:30 p.m. 8/29

vs. Silverton, 6 p.m.

vs. Crescent Valley, 6

9/7 Non-league vs. Marist Catholic, 6 p.m.

9/14 Non-league vs. Corvallis, 6 p.m. 9/26

@ Churchill, 6 p.m.

Thurston head coach Jake Bonnett lost only two players from last year’s team.

2022 FILE PHOTO Thurston coach Jake Bonnett said his team has been training hard through the summer.

COLTS continued from 26 the last year, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player improve so much in such a small amount of time,” said Bonnett, who lives in Eugene with his wife, Amy, and their two rescue dogs.

He was quick to add that there was strong competition at virtually every position.

“We have that classic next-man-up mentality now,” Bonnett added. “Some of the freshmen who’ve come in and some of the sophomores who had big roles last year are pushing the experienced players to be ‘the guy’.”

Bonnett, who was an assistant for one season at Sheldon before coming to Thurston, graduated from Crescent Valley High School in 2006, then suffered knee injuries so severe that it affected his ability to walk. He wound up being an assistant coach at his old high school for the next six years.

Now, he says he feels like he couldn’t have landed in a better spot.

Not only because his Colts have so many returning players, but some of the other teams in the league have questions

to answer. For instance, perennial power Springfield lost seven seniors, including all four captains. Pleasant Hill said goodbye to Adrian Arellano, the leading scorer in Oregon history.

“Our league is in a unique position –three of seven teams make the playoffs,” Bonnett said. “It’s an interesting dynamic. Nobody wants to lose, but we’re not going to risk an injury during an early-season non-league game.

“I’m not afraid of any team we play this year. I’m excited. I told the guys our primary goal is to make it to the playoffs, our secondary goal is to win the league title. I want to put a banner up in our gym.

“Who’s the team to beat? Springfield has had a ton of success. Ashland, I have a ton of respect for. But the team to beat is the next one I play – I have the memory of a goldfish, I’m looking ahead to the next game on the schedule.

“I’m just excited. We’re actually trying to move a game up a day just so we can start earlier.”

■ “I’m not afraid of any team we play this year. I’m excited.”

■ “I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people this year.”

■ “I told the guys our primary goal is to make it to the playoffs, our secondary goal is to win the league title. I want to put a banner up in our gym. ”

■ “We’re student-athletes; if you can’t take care of the student part, then I won’t allow you to take care of the athlete part.”

BOYS SOCCER continued from 26

Top returners

■ Cesar Hernandez , senior, 2022 honorable mention all-league

■ Clayton Winters, senior, 2022 honorable mention all-league

Top opponents

■ West Albany: Aug. 29 (home)

■ Crater: Oct. 21 (away)

■ Thurston: Oct. 10 (home)

THURSTON COLTS

Head coach: Jake Bonnett, 2nd year, 4-8-2 overall 2022 season: 4-8-2, ranked #26, missed playoffs

Schedule

■ Crescent Valley: Sept. 23 (away)

■ Crater: Oct. 28 (home)

Pierre’s take

■ Springfield and Pleasant Hill were the only two teams that made the postseason last year, but both need to replace key seniors who graduated. The Millers lost seven seniors and all four captains, and the Billies lost four seniors, including Oregon’s all-time scorer in Adrian Arellano. Thurston lost only two seniors Creswell looks to make the playoffs for the first time in five years, and Cottage Grove welcomes former Lion Jaime Urenda to the head coaching role.

– Pierre Weil, The Chronicle

Top returners

■ Carlos Vega, senior, 2022 2nd-team all-league

■ Carter Brooks, senior, goalkeeper

Top opponents

■ Springfield: Oct. 10 (away)

■ Former Billies star Adrian Arellano , above, scored his 85th career goal – the all-time Oregon state record – on Oct. 10, 2022 vs. Central Linn. It came on a 50-yard shot. McMinnville’s Frankie Lopez (200306) and Corvallis’ Edgar Monroy (2016-19) are tied at 2nd.

■ Arellano scored 40 goals as a junior. That is No. 3 on the state’s all-time single-season list behind Brookings-Harbor’s Luke Beamon (44 in ’18) and Catlin Gabe’s Felipe Rueda Duran (41 in ’21).

Quote board: Coach Jake Bonnett on the record

CROSS COUNTRY

COTTAGE GROVE LIONS

Head coach: Ricky Knutson, 3rd year Team history: Boys 15 total state appearances, girls 4

2022 season: Boys 1st in league, 8th at state; girls 2nd in league, 7th at state

Schedule

8/26 JC Rust Buster @ Upward Landscape

9/2 Ultimook Race, @ Hydrangea Ranch

9/9 Stayton XC Invitational, Stayton Middle School

9/14 Country Fair Classic @ Fairgrounds

9/23 NW Classic 2023 @ Lane CC

9/30 Woahink Lake XC Invitational @ East Woahink Lake, Honeyman State Park

10/7 Paul Mariman Invitational @ Philomath HS

10/14 The CG Bramble Scramble (Solar Eclipse Edition) @ Cottage Grove HS

10/19 Harrisburg Gatorade Challenge @ Harrisburg HS

10/26 4A-4 Sky-Em League Championships @ Lane CC

Top returners

■ Carter Bengtson, junior, PR 16:22.4, 2022 3rd place in league, 6th at state

■ Allison Palluck , junior, PR 21:08.4, 2022 7th place in league, 23rd at state

■ Roster: Expecting 25-30 (18 returning)

Boys (impact runners)

■ David Culbert , sophomore. Coach says: “(He) joins the team for the first time after a strong showing on the track as a freshman with a 9:50 3k.”

■ Easton Hutchins, junior, Frank Garcia, sophomore, Jackson Gifford, sophomore, and Lucas O’Hara, sophomore. Coach: “(They) have been putting in the miles this summer and will be part of the scoring core this fall.”

Girls (other top returners)

■ Bella Keating, junior, has a PR of 21:17 and finished 29th at state.

■ Ella Cardwell, sophomore. Coach: “(She) had an enormous breakthrough on the track in the spring and has been putting in the miles this summer. She is ready for some big performances this fall.”

■ Jordynn Owens, sophomore, and Zoey Knutson, sophomore, also return for the girls.

Notable newcomers

■ Maddison France, junior, was new to CGHS mid year last year and was a state qualifier in the 3000m last spring. She has a PR of 21:26 and was 32nd last year at state for Henley.

■ Hailey Fergason, freshman, was a standout last year at Lincoln Middle school and will have an immediate scoring impact on the team.

Boys team strengths

■ With Carter Bengtson leading the way the boys have a low stick for the team score. The group has put in a lot of miles this summer and many guys are ready for some big breakthroughs. For a team that is only returning one runner from last season they are going to surprise some folks. The boys hope to contend for a state qualifying spot, and possibly a league title. If they are able to qualify again this fall it would be the first time the boys team has gone to state three years in a row since 1959. If the boys are able to pack runners two through five together then a state trophy is not out of the question.

Boys team areas for improvement

■ Most of the guys are going to be new to varsity level competition, so gaining experience racing at that level will be an important first step. It is a young team, but their off season training will make up for the lack of experience.

Girls team strengths

■ All but one of the girls have experienced racing at the state meet, so that is an advantage. Of the top teams in the state the CG girls expect to have one of the smallest time gaps between the first and fifth runners. A strong summer of training has also helped with confidence that they can race with anyone. The girls team is looking to qualify in back to back seasons for the first time in school history. This team is also chasing the first girls cross country district title for CGHS and looking to fight for a first ever cross country state trophy for the girls program.

Girls team areas for improvement

■ Finding the balance between running as a pack, but also having the courage to make a break when the opportunity presents itself.

Ready to roar: Lions chasing history for boys, girls teams

BY PIERRE WEIL PIERRE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

COTTAGE GROVE – The Cottage Grove Lions cross-country teams – boys and girls – said they hope to make this a historic season.

If the boys team is able to qualify for the state meet, it would be the fi rst time the boys team has gone to state three years in a row since 1959.

The girls team is attempting to qualify in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history, and has a chance to grab the first state trophy – given to the top four teams – in program history.

“During track season some of those girls made some huge leaps, so that was encouraging. They put in so much work this summer, and we added Maddison France, who transferred mid-year last year and was a state qualifier in the 3000,” coach Ricky Knutson said, noting that the Lions would have taken fourth place at state had France run for them last year. “They’re excited, and they work really well together.”

Last season the girls team came in second at the league meet and seventh at state, led by a group that Knutson said was right on schedule.

“For the girls it felt like a natural progression. They were third the year before and most of the girls came back last year,” Knutson said. “It was a nice bit of experience for those girls. And a seventhplace finish (at state), that’s second-best in school history.”

Along with the addition of France, the girls program returns top runners Allison Palluck, 7th place in league and 23rd at state, and Bella Keating, 29th at state. The really fun part for Knutson, the girls program is still ascending.

“None of them are seniors either. And next year I think there are four girls coming into the middle school that are going to be fighting for spots, too. So it’s a fun time for the girls program,” he said.

While the girls team returns all their important runners, it’s almost the exact opposite on the boys side. Junior Carter

Bengtson, 6th place at state last year, is the only runner from last year’s top seven that is back.

It won’t be easy replacing six runners from a team that won league and came in eighth at state, but last year’s team actually faced a similar challenge.

“On the boys side it was exciting because four of the guys from the previous year (2021) didn’t come out, so there was a little bit of unknown. For the boys to gel and put in the work and come out as district champions, that was really cool for them,” Knutson said.

Knutson clearly doesn’t believe this

2022 FILE PHOTO

From left: Zoey Knutson, Allison Palluck, Bella Keating, Jordynn Owens, Ella Cardwell. All five athletes return from last year’s Cottage Grove girls cross country team, which took seventh place at state - best in program history.

2022 FILE PHOTO Cottage Grove’s Carter Bengtson comes down the final stretch in a meet at Lane Community College last year. As a sophomore, Bengston finished third in the Sky-Em League and sixth at state. Bengston is the only returner from last year’s boys team that won league.

A team-by-team look at our area schools.

is a rebuilding year as the expectations haven’t changed for the boys program.

“The expectations are high. I’ve been trying to convey to these guys how much potential they have, and they’re buying in. They ran all summer, and some of those guys made some really big jumps from winter to spring,” Knutson said.

“The big question will be getting that varsity

experience and hopefully we can develop that over the course of the season. But they’ve been working out all summer. I’ve never seen a group like this so

CRESWELL BULLDOGS

■ Head coach: Jonathan Ferguson, 6th year

■ 2022 season: Boys and girls did not place in league

Schedule

8/30 Creswell Opening 3K @ Creswell HS

9/6 Umpqua Opener @ Stewart Park, Roseburg

9/14 Country Fair Classic @ Country Fair

Grounds

9/19 2nd Annual Warrior Run, North Douglas HS

9/21 Glide Invitational, Glide HS

9/23 Northwest Classic 2023, Lane CC

9/29 Willamette Golden Hour 5K, Meadow

View Middle School

10/14 The CG Bramble Scramble (Solar Eclipse Edition), @ Cottage Grove HS

10/19 Harrisburg Gatorade Challenge, @ Harrisburg HS

10/26 3A/2A/1A SD-4 XC District

■ Returning athletes: Boys: 6, Girls: 1

Top returners

■ Vedder Anderson, junior, PR 18:30.0, 2022 8th in league

■ Ellie Epperson, junior, PR 21:00.8, 2022 11th in league

SPRINGFIELD MILLERS

■ Head coach: James March, 9th year

■ 2022 season: Boys 3rd in league, 9th at state; girls 5th in league

Schedule

9/2 Marist Invite @ Marist Catholic

9/9 Ash Creek XC Festival @ Western Oregon University Ash Creek Preserve

9/23 Northwest Classic 2023 Lane CC

9/30 Nike Portland XC @ Clackamas

Community College

10/7 The Harrier Classic @ Bryant Park

10/18 Umpqua Invite @ Stewart Park

dedicated.”

A dedicated group that gets necessary experience is a scary sight for any team looking to challenge the boys at the league meet later this season. While it’s a tough league to compete in, it’s best not to underestimate a hungry lion.

“Most people aren’t expecting us to be very tough after replacing six guys, but we’re gonna surprise some people,” Knutson said.

Championships, Valley of the Rogue State Park

Top returners

■ Carson Williamson, senior, PR 18:45.0, 2022 14th in league

■ Kylie Leonard, sophomore, PR 22:28.7, 2022 24th in league

PLEASANT HILL BILLIES

■ Head coach: Beth Sprague, 13th year

■ 2022 season: Boys 5th in league; girls

3rd in league, 10th at state

Schedule

8/30 Creswell Opening 3K @ Creswell HS

9/9 Stayton XC Invitational @ Stayton

Middle School

9/13 Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational, @ Silver Falls State Park

9/14 Country Fair Classic @ Country Fair

Grounds

9/22 Champs Invite, @ Cheadle Lake Park

9/30 Woahink Lake XC Invitational @ East Woahink Lake, Honeyman State Park

10/7 Paul Mariman Invitational @ Philomath HS

10/14 The CG Bramble Scramble (Solar Eclipse Edition) @ Cottage Grove HS

10/18 Umpqua Invite, @ Stewart Park

10/19 Harrisburg Gatorade Challenge @ Harrisburg HS

10/26 3A/2A/1A SD-4 XC District Championships, Valley of the Rogue State Park

10/25 Midwestern League Championships @ TBD

Top returners

■ Owen Fuller, senior, PR 16:37.8, 2022

9th in league

■ Carrie Babcock , senior, PR 20:45.4, 2022 10th in league

THURSTON COLTS

■ Head coach: Devin Vanscoy, 3rd year

■ Team history: 16 team state appearances for boys and 12 for girls

■ Last state appearance: 2021 for girls. ’09 for boys.

■ 2022 season: Boys 6th in league; girls 6th in league

Schedule

9/2 Ultimook Race @ Hydrangea Ranch

9/9 Saxon Invite @ Bush Park

9/23 Northwest Classic 2023, Lane CC

9/30 Woahink Lake XC Invitational @ East Woahink Lake, Honeyman State Park

10/7 The Harrier Classic @ Bryant Park

10/18 Umpqua Invite @ Stewart Park

10/25 Midwestern League Champ. @ TBD

Boys top returners

■ Nate Glazier, senior, PR 17:13, 2022 No. 1 runner every meet for THS. Coach says: “Coming off a strong track season where he qualified for state in the 4x400 and 800 meters.”

■ Carson Buergey, sophomore, PR 17:17, 2022 15th in league, Consistently No. 2 runner for THS as a freshman. Posted one of the fastest 1500, 800 and 3000 freshman times in the entire state during track season.

Girls top returners

■ Gracie Buergey, junior, PR 27:28, 2022 No. 7 runner for THS. Coach: “She has improved more than anyone, and is a completely different runner now. Ran a 23:20 5k in a non school 5k race this summer.”

■ Evie Woodward, sophomore, PR 25:14, 2022 4th runner for THS. Coach: “She improved a lot in track this year, has been running over the summer, and should make huge improvements in the 2023 season.”

Team strengths

■ Close-knit group

■ Boys have solid 1-2 punch

■ Hardworking – Pierre Weil, The Chronicle

CROSS-COUNTRY continued from 28

2022 FILE PHOTO

Cottage Grove's Allison Palluck competes in a meet last season. Palluck, a junior, is Cottage Grove's top returner on the girls side. Palluck ran a 21:08 personal record last year and came in 23rd at the state championship meet.

“Most people aren’t expecting us to be very tough after replacing six guys, but we’re gonna surprise some people.”

– Ricky Knutson, coach

200 NAMES TO KNOW

NUMBERS 1-100

This list compiled by ScorebookLive.com/Oregon, including veteran high school reporter Renè Ferrán. These are not meant to be player rankings, or even a list of the 200 best players, but, rather, just a list of 200 names to know entering the 2023 season.

1. WR/DB Joey Olsen, Lakeridge, senior

■ Finished with 32 catches for 578 yards and 9 TDs and earning 6A all-state 2nd-team. Is the state’s No. 1 recruit according to On3.

2. OL/DL Devin Brooks, Clackamas, senior ■ Brooks was a 6A all-state 1st-team selection. Committed to the University of Oregon.

3. WR/DB Jayden Fortier, Tualatin, senior

■ Had a breakthrough junior season in which he earned all-Three Rivers League 2nd-team recognition at receiver (39 catches for 513 yards).

4. WR/DB Wiley Donnerberg, West Linn, senior

■ Wiley caught 41 passes for 599 yards and 5 TDs last season in making the 6A all-state HM.

5. QB Cru Newman, Central Catholic, senior

■ Made all-state 2nd team after compiling 3,191 yards of total offense and accounting for 37 TDs.

6. TE/DE AJ Pugliano, North Medford, senior

■ Made 6A all-state 2nd team at DE (28 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, six sacks) and TE (29 catches for 404 yards).

7. TE/DE Baron Naone, West Linn, junior

■ Naone has blown up on the recruiting circuit over the summer, developing into the state’s No. 1 recruit on 247Sports’ class of 2024 list.

8. WR/DB Zhaiel Smith, Central Catholic, junior

■ Made the 6A all-state HM after catching 35 passes for 759 yards and 12 TDs.

9. DB Elias Johnson, Jesuit, senior

■ Made the all-Metro League 2nd team.

10. OL/DL Terrell Kim, North Medford, senior

■ Made the all-South Central Football Conference 2nd team at guard.

11. RB/LB Mana Tuioti, Sheldon, junior

■ Made the 6A all-state HM at linebacker and finishing with 66 tackles.

12. WR/DB Jace Burton, Jesuit, senior

■ Made 6A all-state HM as a sophomore and the 1st team last fall.

13. WR/DB/KR AJ Noland, Tualatin, senior

■ All-state 1st-team as a KR and 2nd-team safety (41 tackles), as well as a 6A all-state HM WR (36 catches for 609 yards and 10 TDs).

14. WR/DB Brayden Boe, Mountainside, junior

■ 1st-team all-Metro League at WR (18 catches for 365 yards).

15. RB/LB/PR Lonnie Burt, Jesuit, senior

■ Made 6A all-state HM on defense last season. Rushed for 330 yards and 7 TDs and averaged 10.4 yards per punt return.

16. RB/LB Ansu Sanoe, Lakeridge, sophomore

■ Ran for a team-high 561 yards and 7 TDs on 76 carries and caught 24 passes for 155 yards.

17. OL Liam Cassidy, Jesuit, senior

■ 2nd-team all-Metro League selection last fall.

18. TE/LB Brysen Kachel, West Albany, senior

■ Kachel has been a 5A all-state selection on both sides of the ball each of the past two seasons.

19. QB Nick Sakys, West Linn, senior ■ Enters camp as the No. 1 signal-caller in a taut battle with junior Baird Gilroy.

20. OL/DL Jace Eveland, Redmond, junior

■ Earned 5A all-state 1st-team recognition at Putnam.

21. RB/DB Timmy Mitchell, Central Catholic, senior

■ No. 20 on 247Sports’ class of 2024 state rankings.

22. RB/DB JACKSON BABBITT, SPRINGFIELD, SENIOR

■ Babbitt transferred late last summer from Sheldon and made an immediate splash with the Millers, ending the season on the 5A all-state HM in the secondary (22 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries).

23. OL/DL Matix Carpenter, Central Catholic, senior

■ Carpenter made the 6A all-state HM at center and on the defensive line.

24. WR/DB/KR Rasean Jones, Baker, sophomore

■ Jones was a 1st-team all-Greater Oregon selection at three positions.

25. RB/DB Sam Stephens, Summit, senior

■ Rushed for 1,515 yards and 19 TDs en route to earning 1st-team all-state.

26. QB/DB Avirey Durdahl, Nelson, junior

■ Threw for 1,616 yards while completing 61.8% of his passes (110 of 178) with 18 TDs.

27. QB Nolan Keeney, Tualatin, junior ■ Keeney looks to improve on his sophomore numbers (81 of 147, 948 yards, 8 TDs).

28. WR/DB D’Marieon Gates, Central Catholic, junior ■ Gates finished as a 1st-team all-PIL receiver and 2nd-team DB.

29. QB/DB Rocco McClave, Crescent Valley, senior ■ Broke state records for passing yards (654) and TDs (10) in a game in the Raiders’ 79-71 loss to Dallas.

30. OL Trent Ferguson, West Salem, senior

■ Committed to the University of Oregon in April.

31. OL/DL SAM KEEN, SPRINGFIELD, SENIOR

■ Keen was a standout interior lineman at Marist Catholic last season, earning 4A all-state 1st-team recognition on the OL and 2nd-team honors at DT. He followed former coach Frank Geske to Springfield and enters the season ranked No. 34 by 247Sports among the state’s class of 2024 recruits.

32. OL/DL Stephen del Giudice, West Linn, senior ■ 6A all-state HM OT and helped Lions win a state championship.

33. WR/LB Clay Martineau, Oregon City, senior

■ Caught a team-high 39 passes for 488 yards and 4 TDs as a receiver. HM all-Three Rivers

League at LB with 63 tackles.

34. RB/DB Tyler Konold, Canby, senior

■ Had 1,023 yards on 94 carries and was 5A all-state HM.

35. RB/DB CONNOR DYE, SPRINGFIELD, SENIOR

■ Dye helped lead the Millers’ resurgence last fall, finishing third in the Midwestern League with 963 rushing yards. He ran for 12 TDs and earned 5A all-state HM.

36. QB/DB Kallen Gutridge, Wilsonville, senior

■ Made 5A all-state 2nd team and threw for 1,992 yards on 113-of-229 passing with 30 TDs.

37. TE/LB Gus Donnerberg, West Linn, senior

■ All-state HM TE had 26 catches for 447 yards.

38. OL/LB Tobia Tagliabue, Lake Oswego, senior

■ Had 40 tackles and earned 6A all-state HM.

39. WR/DB Jaylan Moore, Sherwood, senior

■ Made all-Pacific Conference 1st team.

40. WR/DB Hunter Haines, West Linn, senior

■ Received 6A all-state HM at safety with 41 tackles, 5 pass breakups and 2 interceptions.

41. RB/DB Cade Gehlen, Central Catholic, senior

■ 6A all-state HM at safety (48 tackles) and caught 13 passes for 151 yards and 3 TDs.

42. RB/LB Keaten Fried, Sherwood, senior

■ Earned Pacific Conference defensive POTY and 2nd-team 6A all-state.

43. OL/DL Jake Normoyle, West Linn, junior

■ Al-state HM and is No. 3 on 247Sports’ Oregon class of 2025 list.

44. OL/DL Kainoa Hayes, Central Catholic, junior

■ All-Mt. Hood Conference 2nd team on the DL with 38 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.

45. TE Charlie Crowell, Summit, senior

■ Caught 23 passes for 366 yards and 5 TDs (15.9 yards per catch) and made the all-Intermountain 2nd team at TE.

46. OL/DL Hatimu Letisi, South Salem, senior

■ 6A all-state HM after making 56 tackles, six sacks and two fumble recoveries.

47. RB/DL Houstyn Lee-Perry, Liberty, senior

■ Pacific Conference co-defensive lineman of the year and 6A all-state HM.

48. WR/DB Eddie Freauff, Crook County, senior

■ 4A all-state HM mention in the secondary (55 tackles, four interceptions).

49. OL/DL Ryder Jones, Tualatin, senior

■ 6A all-state HM at offensive guard and all-Three Rivers League HM on the DL.

50. OL/DL Hunter Harding, West Linn, senior

■ 2nd-team 6A all-state and helped the Lions win the state championship.

51. WR/DB Kenen Elder, Tualatin, senior

■ 25 catches for 476 yards and two TDs. 41 tackles on defense.

52. RB/DB Kameron Rague, South Medford, junior

■ The 3A offensive POTY, finishing with 1,329 yards and 20 TDs.

53. TE/LB Dexter Foster, Central Catholic, senior

■ 1st-team all-PIL honors at linebacker.

54. QB Alex Ingalls, Mountainside, senior

■ Completed 60.9% of his passes (92 of 151) for more than 1,000 yards and 14 TDs.

55. QB TC Manumaleuna II, North Salem, senior

■ Threw for 1,607 yards and 15 TDs in leading his team to the 2022 Columbia Cup final.

56. WR/DB Roman Martin, Tigard, senior

■ 2nd-team all-Three Rivers League honors at cornerback.

57. WR/DB Tyler Creswick, Nelson, senior

■ 5A all-state HM at receiver (36 catches for 528 yards).

58. OL/DL Michael Urias, Sheldon, senior

■ All-state HM guard who helped the Irish reach the 2022 OSAA

6A championship game.

59. WR/DB Andre Miller, Nelson, senior

■ All-conference 1st team in the secondary with 28 tackles.

60. OL/DL Will Haverland, Sheldon, senior

■ 247Sports’ No. 22 recruit in the state’s class of 2024.

61. WR/DB Luke Womack, Lakeridge, senior

■ All-Mt. Hood Conference 2nd team at receiver (21 catches for 303 yards).

62. QB/DB Liam Davis, Lake Oswego, junior

■ Threw for 1,287 yards (92 of 152) and 11 TDs.

63. RB/LB Warren Haatia, Scappoose, senior

■ Finished 2nd in the state in sacks with 12.

64. OL/DL Xavier Orozco, Silverton, senior

■ Mid-Willamette defensive lineman of the year and 1st-team 5A all-state.

65. WR Landon Kelsey, Central Catholic, junior

■ 247Sports’ No. 4 prospect in Oregon’s class of 2025.

66. QB/WR/DB/KR/PR Mark Wiepert, Wilsonville, junior

■ 5A all-state HM mention at safety.

67. TE/DL Tyson Hunt, Tualatin, senior

■ Al-Three Rivers League HM at tight end (six catches for 131 yards) and defensive end (38 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks).

68. TE/DE LUKE NEWELL, THURSTON, SENIOR

■ The younger brother of University of Akron sophomore Jacob Newell will join him playing on Saturdays in the fall of 2024, but in the meantime, the 1st-team 5A all-state tight end looks to build upon a junior season in which he caught 16 passes for 417 yards (26.1 per catch) and seven TDs.

69. TE/LB Hayden George, Lebanon, senior ■ 5A all-state HM tight end caught 12 passes for 242 yards and four TDs and rushed for 308 yards and five TDs.

70. WR/DB Justice Anthony, McKay, senior ■ As a junior, Anthony finished second in 5A in receiving yards (1,027 on 58 catches; 10 for TDs) and earned 2nd-team all-state honors.

71. OL/DL Dylan Howell, Barlow, senior ■ 1st-team all-Mt. Hood Conference selection.

72. QB/DB Connor Crum, Mountain View, senior ■ Earned 5A all-state HM for his work in the secondary and directing the offense as a 2nd-team all-Intermountain Conference signal-caller, completing 140 of 237 passes (59.1%) for 1,565 yards and 20 TDs.

73. QB/DB Tyson Van Gastel, Mazama, senior ■ 4A all-state HM at quarterback (1,107 yards of total offense, 28 combined TDs) and defensive back (34 tackles, two pass breakups, interception).

74. K/P/WR/DB Gage Hurych, West Linn, senior ■ Hurych is one of the best placekickers the state has produced in several years, earning SBLive Oregon all-state 1st-team honors and taking on punting, receiving and corner-

back duties for the state champion Lions.

75. OL/DL Ridge Huot, West Linn, senior

■ The 6-2, 275-pounder earned 6A all-state HM for the state champions.

76. WR/DB/PR Matthew JonahEleweke, Tualatin, senior ■ Jonah-Eleweke was one of the top receivers in Western Canada last year, making 28 catches for 544 yards and eight TDs.

77. QB/DB Max Nowlin, Scappoose, junior

■ Earned all-state HM at quarterback, throwing for 1,901 yards and 22 TDs and completing nearly 65% of his passes (191 for 295).

78. WR/DB Marcus Post, Lakeridge, sophomore

■ All-Three Rivers League HM safety had 58 tackles and broke up six passes.

79. OL/DL Zac Stascausky, Central Catholic, junior ■ 2nd-team all-Mt. Hood Conference as a sophomore. He is No. 3 in the most recent Prep RedZone state class of 2025 rankings.

80. QB/DB Kasen Covert, Sherwood, senior ■ Earned 1st-team all-Pacific Conference honors, completing 53% of his passes (58 of 109) for 884 yards and 12 TDs (three interceptions).

81. OL/DL Ryder Swanson, Oregon City, senior ■ Swanson was a two-way all-Three Rivers League secondteam selection as a junior, anchoring the offensive front at guard and making 51 tackles (7½ for loss), five sacks and three forced fumbles a DE.

82. OL/DL Zach Davis, Central Catholic, junior ■ Made the all-Mt. Hood Conference HM on the offensive line and at linebacker last season, when he made 43 tackles (including a team-high eight for loss) and 3½ sacks.

83. OL/DL Junior Lualaupeaalu, Sherwood, junior ■ Lualaupeaalu cracked the Bowmen starting offensive line as a freshman and solidified his status as one of the state’s top up-and-coming tackles last fall, when he received all-Pacific Conference second-team honors.

84. WR/DB Luey Campos, Crescent Valley, senior ■ Campos led 5A in receiving yards last season with 54 catches for 1,100 yards and 15 TDs, garnering second-team all-state recognition.

85. OL/DL Makani Manuwai, South Medford, senior ■ Unlike his linemate along the Panthers front, Manuwai got the attention of South Central Football Conference coaches, making the all-league first team and 6A HM as a junior defensive tackle, finishing with 43 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.

86. TE/LB Noah Holub, Valley Catholic, senior ■ Holub last year was a 1st-team all-league selection at linebacker and 2nd-team pick at TE, then headed on the camp circuit and drew plenty of attention with his 6-foot-6, 190-pound frame.

87. TE/DL Gabe Staszak, South Medford, senior ■ Somehow, Staszak didn’t make any of the South Central Football Conference all-league teams at defensive end last season despite ranking among the 6A leaders in tackles for loss (13) and sacks (five) and finishing with 45 tackles despite missing two games while in concussion protocol. He recently committed to the University of Idaho.

88. RB/LB Jeremiah Robbins, North Medford, senior ■ Made the all-South Central Football Conference first team at

linebacker after finishing with 88 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and a sack.

89. RB Dontrell Betts, Roosevelt, junior ■ Betts finished eighth in 6A last fall with 868 yards on 145 carries, scoring seven TDs en route to earning all-PIL 1st-team recognition.

90. RB/LB Jake White, Seaside, junior ■ White was the engine that powered the Seagulls offense last season, rushing for 1,243 yards (No. 3 in 4A) and 18 TDs in earning all-state HM. He made 38 tackles (five for loss) as a defensive back.

91. QB/DB Kaden Hale, Forest Grove, senior ■ Hale finished among 5A passing leaders last fall, throwing for 1,771 yards and 18 TDs with 10 interceptions, completing 60% of his passes (144 of 240) and receiving all-Northwest Oregon Conference 2nd-team honors.

92. WR/DB Eli Johnson, South Salem, senior ■ State’s No. 23 recruit in the class of 2024 according to 247Sports is ready to take on a bigger role after catching 14 passes for 187 yards and two TDs as a junior.

93. WR/DB Caden McDonald, West Linn, senior ■ McDonald is one of many Lions who played backup roles or starred on JV last season; he should be a breakthrough star in the secondary this fall. He ranks No. 45 on the 247Sports Oregon class of 2024 recruiting list.

94. OL/DL Nathan Neveau, Pendleton, senior ■ Neveau was a standout on both lines for the Buckaroos last season, making the 4A all-state HM on offense and defense and helping Pendleton reach the state quarterfinals.

95. WR/DB Cohen Mulick, Silverton, senior ■ Mulick was a two-way 5A all-state selection last season, making the second team in the secondary and receiving honorable mention at receiver, where he caught 38 passes for 649 yards and five TDs.

96. QB/DB Trevor O’Leary, Glencoe, senior ■ O’Leary finally got his chance to run the Crimson Tide offense full-time last fall, making the all-Pacific Conference 2nd team while finishing with 1,475 yards of total offense and accounting for 11 TDs.

97. QB/DB Athan Palmateer, South Salem, senior ■ Palmateer transferred from crosstown rival Sprague in the offseason after completing 79 of 140 passes (56.4%) for 1,032 yards and 11 TDs in his first year as a starter.

98. RB Cayden Eckel, Roseburg, senior ■ Eckel, a 1,000-yard rusher as a sophomore, got caught up in the wash of Roseburg’s first winless season since 1939, finishing last year with 402 yards and three TDs and making the all-league second team.

99. RB/DB Tanner Steinbach, Liberty, senior ■ Steinbach received 6A all-state HM as a free safety last fall, making 50 tackles and an interception, and he was part of the running back rotation, earning all-Pacific Conference HM with 496 rushing yards and five TDs.

100. TE/DB Conor Croteau, Lake Oswego, senior ■ Made the all-Three Rivers League HM at tight end. He should take on a bigger role in the offense this season after drawing significant attention on the recruiting trail — he is No. 47 on 247Sports’ class of 2024 state rankings.

200 NAMES TO KNOW

NUMBERS 101-200

101. WR/DB Blake Hurley, Sunset, senior

■ Hurley made all-Metro League 2nd team in the secondary with 61 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

102. TE/DL Nolan Dikeman, Newberg, senior

■ Dikeman had 57 tackles as a 1st-team pick on the defensive line.

103. OL/DL Mitch Mahlum, Liberty, senior

■ Mahlum was 1st-team all-conference and 6A all-state HM as a tackle.

104. QB/DB NOAH BLAIR, THURSTON, JUNIOR

■ Across town from Kasperek, Blair seized the starting job as a sophomore and made all-Midwestern League 2nd team, completing more than 72% of his passes for 1,560 yards and 22 touchdowns.

105. QB/LB CAELEB KASPEREK, SPRINGFIELD, SENIOR

■ Kasperek took over the full-time starting quarterback job for the Millers last season and finished No. 11 in 5A with 1,622 passing yards and 18 touchdowns against 5 interceptions, completing 99 of 170 passes.

106. DL Lusiano Lopez, Lake Oswego, junior

■ Lopez made all-state HM at defensive tackle with 35 tackles.

107. QB Jacob Hutchinson, Jesuit, senior

■ Hutchinson completed almost 61% of his passes (81 of 133) for 1,315 yards, 15 TDs and 5 INTs.

108. TE/LB/P Kayle Pisano, Clackamas, senior

■ Pisano made all-Mt. Hood Conference 2nd team at linebacker (45 tackles, 3 sacks) and punter.

109. WR/DB/K/P Benito Jennings, Pendleton, senior

■ Jennings last season was a 2nd-team all-Intermountain Conference selection at receiver.

110. RB/LB Zavier Russell, Lake Oswego, senior

■ Russell entered the running back rotation in Week 3 and finished with 241 yards and 2 TDs on 52 carries.

111. QB/LB/K/P Cruz Veliz, Woodburn, junior

■ Veliz made all-Tri-Valley team at four positions last season.

112. OL/DL Connor Trinca, North Medford, senior

■ Trinca made 6A all-state HM and was 1st-team all-district.

113. RB/DB Jamahl Wilson, North Salem, senior

■ Wilson rushed for 1,464 yards and 18 TDs at McKay.

114. WR/DB/KR James Bauman, Lake Oswego, senior

■ Bauman finished 11th in 5A with 559 receiving yards on 30 catches.

115. QB/DB Elijah Traeger, Kennedy, senior

■ Traeger was PacWest offensive

POTY and 3A all-state 2nd-team

■ Killian received second-team all-state on offense and finished with 48 tackles and 5 sacks on defense.

131. WR/DB/KR DeShawn Gilliam, South Albany, senior

■ Gilliam made 1st team all-league on defense with 35 tackles

132. WR/DB/PR Brooks Haueter, Vale, senior

■ Made the 3A all-state first team with 84 tackles and 5 INTs.

1,992 yards and 31 TDs in earning 2A co-offensive player of the year.

148. QB/DB Chase McAuliffe, Lost River, senior

■ McAuliffe earned 1st-team all-state recognition at QB (799 passing yards, 12 TDs) and HM in the secondary.

149. TE/DB Noah Bjornstedt, Colton, senior

■ Galindo was a 2nd-team 4A all-state selection last fall.

166. RB/DB Jake Feist, Tigard, senior

■ Feist was an all-Three Rivers League HM pick last season who ran for close to 250 yards as a backup.

167. OL/DL Jonathan Berrien, Mountainside, senior

183. RB/LB Jacob Logan, South Umpqua, senior

■ Logan was a 2nd-team 3A all-state selection on both sides.

184. TE/DL Mazon Langford, Weston-McEwen, senior

■ Langford made all-state 1st team, finishing with 102 tackles.

185. RB/DB Ryder Scheid, South Medford, senior

QB, throwing for 997 yards and 18 TDs.

116. RB/DB Gavin White, Ashland, senior

■ White last season led Ashland in rushing (513 yards) and receiving (35 catches for 457 yards).

117. QB/DB Kane Sullivan, McMinnville, junior

■ Sullivan completed 56% of his passes (66-of-117) for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns.

118. WR/DB WALKER BONAR, THURSTON, SENIOR ■ Bonar took over as the Colts’ No. 1 WR last fall, catching 55 passes for 618 yards and 8 TDs and earning 5A all-state honorable mention.

119. WR/DB Pierce Walker, North Salem, senior ■ Walker was among the Vikings’ leading receivers last season (18 catches for 349 yards and 3 TDs).

120. OL/DL Noah Julison, Nelson, senior ■ Julison made all-Mt. Hood Conference first team and 6A all-state HM.

121. OL/LB Aiden Hazen, Marist Catholic, senior ■ Finished 7th in 4A with 88 tackles (five for loss) and made all-state 1st team.

122. RB/LB Alex Hager, Sandy, senior ■ Hager led the Pioneers with 57 tackles last year and earned firstteam all-Mt. Hood Conference recognition.

123. TE/LB Preston Doran, Hillsboro, senior ■ Had a team-high 82 tackles and earned 1st-team all-NW Oregon Conference at linebacker.

124. WR/DB Evan Morris, Sherwood, senior ■ Morris made first-team all-conference.

125. QB/DB Landon Mitchell, Heppner, senior ■ Mitchell earned 1st-team 2A all-state honors after finishing with 43 tackles and 4 INTs.

126. QB/DB/K Tanner Hoskins, Tillamook, senior ■ Hoskins earned 4A all-state HM at QB after throwing for 1,588 yards and 13 TDs on 108-of-195 passing.

127. RB/LB J’Sean McIver, Jefferson, senior ■ McIver won the PIL rushing title last fall, gaining 912 yards on 82 carries.

128. RB/LB Logan Whitlock, Henley, senior ■ Whitlock won the 4A rushing title last season for the Hornets, finishing with 1,626 yards and 26 TDs.

129. WR/LB Brandon Thornton, Willamette, senior ■ Thornton last year finished 10th in 5A with 36 catches for 592 yards and 7 TDs, earning 1st-team all-Mid-Willamette.

130. OL/DL Austin Berry Killian, Tillamook, senior

133. RB/LB Zach Smith, Dayton, senior

■ Smith led the team with 1,582 yards and 22 TDs on 168 carries and earned 1st-team all-state honors.

134. OL/DL Izzy Jantes, Seaside, senior

■ Jantes was 4A all-state HM.

135. QB/DB Sawyer Teeney, Silverton, junior

■ Teeney threw for 1,666 yards and 15 TDs.

136. K/P Kadyn Butcher, Jesuit, senior

■ Butcher earned 2nd-team all-Metro after going 52-for-58 on PATs and 4-of-6 on FGs.

137. RB/LB John Lemmons, Marshfield, senior

■ The 4A all-state HM RB rushed for 925 yards and 10 TDs on 166 carries.

138. RB/LB Emmett Togni, Lincoln, senior

■ Made the 2022 all-PIL first team at RB, rushing for a team-high 321 yards and 4 touchdowns on 44 carries.

139. TE/LB Owen Hunt, Nelson, senior

■ Hunt was a second-team all-Mt. Hood Conference junior LB for the Hawks, sharing the 6A lead with 4 forced fumbles.

140. TE/DL Jackson Hersch, Mountain View, senior

■ 5A all-state HM DL and all-league TE.

141. OL/DL Cade Cunningham, Heppner, senior

■ Cunningham led Heppner in tackles (88), tackles for loss (11) and sacks (four).

142. RB/LB Preston Echeverria, Hillsboro, senior

■ Echeverria was among the 5A leaders in tackles for loss (11) and forced fumbles (three) last season.

143. OL/DL Antonio Aguilar, Milwaukie, junior

■ Aguilar earned 4A all-state HM after a season in which he had 67 tackles (12½ for loss) and 11½ sacks.

144. RB/LB Wyatt Wessel, Lebanon, senior

■ Wessel last season received 5A all-state HM at LB, where he made 43 tackles.

145. WR/DB/PR LOMBEL DOREEN, THURSTON, SENIOR

■ Doreen was an all-around standout for the Colts, making 5A all-state honorable mention at DB (23 tackles, two pass breakups) and catching 9 passes for 132 yards and averaging 8.6 yards per punt return.

146. OL/DL Boone Standley, Nelson, senior

■ Standley was an all-Mt. Hood Conference performer on both sides of the ball last year.

147. RB/DB JaMar Thurman, Lowell, junior

■ Thurman last season ran for

■ Scored 16 regular-season TDs, earning Tri-River offensive POTY and 1st-team 2A all-state at TE.

150. OL/LB Deakon Looney, La Pine, senior

■ Looney goes to La Pine after earning 1st-team all-Intermountain Conference on the OL at Mt. View.

151. QB Kyrin Fuimaono, McKay, senior

■ Fuimaono finished 5th in 5A in passing yards last season, throwing for 1,885 yards and 14 TDs.

152. TE/LB Troy Osborne, Grants Pass, senior

■ Osborne was a 2nd-team all-district pick at TE as a junior.

153. RB/LB Jerrik Wangler, North Salem, senior

■ Wangler was a 2nd-team all-district selection at LB last fall, and ran for 643 yards and 11 TDs.

154. WR/DB Bo Dickson, West Linn, senior

■ Received all-Three Rivers HM as a backup safety.

155. WR/DB Peyton Maurer, Cascade Christian, senior

■ Maurer caught 32 passes for 634 yards and 6 TDs last year for the 3A state champions.

156. TE/LB Luke Morgan, Grants Pass, senior

■ Morgan received 2nd-team all-district recognition.

157. TE/DE Gabe Tammad, Sandy, senior

■ Tammad was 2nd-team all-Mt. Hood Conference.

158. QB Ben Schneider, Oregon City, junior

■ Schneider completed almost 63% of his passes (151-of-240) for 1,543 yards, 13 TDs.

159. WR/DB Jack Foley, Mountain View, junior

■ Foley caught a team-high 19 passes for 238 yards and 3 TDs in ’22 and earned 2nd-team all-Intermountain Conference.

160. RB/DB Connor Dunlea, Lost River, senior

■ Dunlea had a junior campaign in which he made 100 tackles and intercepted 15 passes.

161. QB/DB/K Drew Nees, Sunset, senior

■ Nees earned all-Metro League at two positions for the Apollos, making the 2nd team at QB and HM at PK.

162. RB/DB Dez Valencia, Beaverton, senior

■ Valencia earned 2nd-team all-Metro at running back, finishing with 258 yards and 3 TDs.

163. OL/DL Malcolm I’aulualo, Hood River Valley, senior

■ I’aulualo was a two-way standout on the Eagles, making 5A all-state HM.

164. WR/DB Tyler Ackerman, McMinnville, senior

■ Pacific Conference all-conference 1st team safety.

165. OL/DL Armando Galindo, Mazama, senior

■ Berrien made double-digit tackles for loss for the Mavericks.

168. OL/DL Patrick Wooley, Liberty, senior

■ Wooley made all-Pacific HM on both lines, making 23 tackles at defensive tackle.

169. OL/DL Mitchell Fouse, South Albany, senior

■ Fouse made 5A all-state HM at guard.

170. RB/LB Coen Egner, Oakland, junior

■ Finished with a team-high 28½ tackles for loss and 15½ sacks.

171. OL/DL Ken Lopez, Tillamook, senior

■ Earned 1st-team all-Cowapa at guard and 2nd-team 4A all-state.

172. WR/DB/KR Sentori Martino, Barlow, senior

■ Martino made all-conference 2nd team in the secondary and HM at WR and KR.

173. C/DT Ash Blomstrom, Toledo, senior

■ The 1st-team 2A all-state offensive tackle was his district’s 2022 lineman of the year.

174. OL/DL Emiliano Ortiz, Henley, senior

■ Received all-state HM at offensive guard and had 23 tackles at defensive tackle.

175. WR/LB Ethan Wedel, Century, senior

■ Wedel made all-Pacific first team at linebacker, leading Century with 11 tackles for loss among his 69 tackles.

176. WR/DB/P Nicco Simonetti, Tigard, senior ■ Simonetti made all-Three Rivers League at three positions as a junior – WR, DB and P.

177. RB/DB Karsten Sande, Cascade, senior ■ Sande had 67 tackles and earning 4A all-state HM.

178. WR/DB Max Wallace, Franklin, senior

■ Wallace ranked among the 6A leaders in receiving yards, finishing with 618 on 39 catches.

179. DB Ugochukwu Odoemelam, West Salem, senior ■ Odoemelam is ranked No. 37 in the latest 247Sports Class of 2024 recruiting rankings.

180. OL/DL Steven Ward, Dallas, senior ■ Ward led the Mid-Willamette Conference with 16 tackles for loss last season, making 5A all-state HM.

181. K Connor Calvert, Mountain View, senior ■ An HM 5A all-state kicker for the Cougars last fall, when he made 32-of-34 PATs and 6-of-9 field goals.

182. OL MICAH HANNA, THURSTON, SENIOR

■ Hanna received 5A all-state honorable mention as an interior offensive lineman, helping the Colts average almost 300 yards per game and reach the state semifinals.

■ Scheid made all-league 2nd team, gaining 375 yards on 80 carries.

186. QB/LB Easton Berry, Weston-McEwen, junior

■ Earned 1st-team all-state honors at QB, throwing for 1,523 yards and 15 TDs and rushing for 11 scores.

187. WR/DB Kheller Larson, Wilsonville, senior

■ Larson received 5A all-state HM last season in the secondary (38 tackles, seven pass breakups).

188. K Marco Torres, Sandy, junior

■ Torres kicked a 51-yard field goal in the Pioneers’ victory over Clackamas last year – a big reason he made 1st-team all-Mt. Hood Conference.

189. DL Benson Deibele, Grant, senior

■ Deibele last season was a 1st-team all-PIL selection on the defensive line, where he had 47 tackles and 3 sacks.

190. OL/DL Cort Waggoner, Siuslaw, senior

■ Waggoner was a two-way 3A all-state selection for the Vikings last fall on the OL and DL.

191. QB Will Reid, Franklin, senior

■ Reid led the PIL in passing yards as a junior, throwing for 1,531 yards and 11 TDs.

192. WR DeMari Thompson, North Salem, senior ■ Thompson ran for 448 yards and 4 TDs as a junior.

193. K Calvin Evans, Tualatin, junior ■ Evans was a 2nd-team all-Three Rivers selection last season, going 29-for-33 on PATs and making 5 FGs.

194. OL/DL Adrian Machic, Sunset, junior ■ The 2nd-team all-Metro League selection helped anchor an Apollos line.

195. TE/LB Kale Hubert, Stayton, junior ■ Hubert was 4A all-state HM with 80 tackles and 2 INTs.

196. TE/DE Brayden Welch, Oregon City, senior ■ Welch received all-Three Rivers HM at defensive end, making 41 tackles (7½ for loss) and 3½ sacks.

197. OL/DL John Stone, Tigard, senior ■ Ston earned HM all-league at tackle.

198. WR/DB/KR Danny Wideman, West Linn, junior ■ Wideman was a 2nd-team all-Three Rivers League KR. After getting limited action at safety and receiver (two catches, two rushes), he’ll feature more heavily this fall.

199. QB Kaden Martirano, West Salem, junior ■ 55-of-109 for 771 yards and 4 TDs before getting hurt

200. OL/DL Luke Bigsby, Banks, junior ■ A two-way 3A all-state HM lineman, Bigsby made 44 tackles.

BOYS SOCCER

CLASS 6A

1. Jesuit (12) 152

2. Lincoln (1) 105

3. Lakeridge (2) 87

4. Westview 75

5. Aloha 59

6. Central Catholic 50

7. Grant 45

8. South Eugene 42

8. McMinnville 33

10. Ida B. Wells 32

Others receiving votes: Lake Oswego 25; Gresham 22; West Linn 21; Mountainside 15

Note: First-place votes in parentheses.

CLASS 5A

1. McKay (6) 101

2. Summit (4) 95

3. La Salle Prep (1) 92

4. Woodburn 65

5. West Albany (1) 58

6. Corvallis 45

BY THE

7. Wilsonville 38

8. Bend 35

9. Crescent Valley 20

10. Centennial 18

Others receiving votes: Parkrose

17; Ashland 13; South Albany 12; Ridgeview 11

CLASS 4A

1. Ontario (6) 93

2. Stayton (3) 87

3. Henley (1) 47

3. North Marion 47

5. Philomath 44

6. Hidden Valley 39

7. Phoenix 33

8. Madras 27

9. Estacada 17

10. Newport / Waldport 15

Others receiving votes: Cottage Grove 14; Scappoose 12; Molalla High 10

CLASSES 3A/2A/1A

1. Catlin Gabel (4) 132

2. McLoughlin (3) 127

3. Oregon Episcopal (6) 126

4. Riverdale 69

5. Riverside 67

6. St. Mary’s (Medford) (1) 64

7. Dayton 44

8. Westside Christian (1) 43

9. Delphian / Willamina 34

10. Sisters 21

Others receiving votes: Valley Catholic 20; De La Salle North Catholic 16; Blanchet Catholic 15

GIRLS SOCCER

CLASS 6A

1. Jesuit (13) 138

2. West Linn (1) 86

3. Sunset 82

4. Lake Oswego 70

5. Grant 59

6. Sherwood 52

6. Tualatin 52

8. Lincoln 29

9. Lakeridge 28

10. Beaverton (1) 27

Others receiving votes: Forest Grove 25; Sheldon 21; Tigard 21;

ASSOCIATION (OSAA)

Oregon City 20; Cleveland 17; Barlow 15

CLASS 5A

1. Wilsonville (4) 88

2. Caldera (6) 67

3. Summit 59

4. Crescent Valley 53

5. Thurston 48

6. La Salle Prep (1) 43

7. N. Eugene / Triangle Lake 38

8. Putnam 27

9. Woodburn 24

10. Ashland 22

Others receiving votes: Silverton 21; Redmond / Culver 20; Corvallis 15

CLASS 4A

1. Marist Catholic (10) 125

2. Gladstone (2) 95

3. Scappoose 88

4. Hidden Valley (1) 86

5. North Marion 81

6. Newport (1) 68

7. Philomath 67

8. La Grande 39

9. North Bend 20

10. Henley 18

Others receiving votes: Klamath Union 14; Seaside 13

CLASSES 3A/2A/1A

1. Catlin Gabel (7) 177

2. Valley Catholic (11) 148

DID YOU KNOW?

New NFHS 2023-24

volleyball rule

4-1-7:

■ Allows small, secured stud or post jewelry to be worn above the chin.

■ Rationale: Maintains consistency with current trends of other NFHS and volleyball rules codes.

3. Amity (1) 100

4. North Valley 79

5. Sutherlin 61

6. Oregon Episcopal 59

7. Sisters 53

8. Riverdale 51

9. Corbett 40

10. St. Mary’s (Medford) 31

Others receiving votes: Pleasant Hill 26; Yamhill-Carlton 25

The rule continues to prohibit all jewelry below the chin in addition to string and commemorative bracelets and other body jewelry. The rule also prohibits the use of tape to cover jewelry with the continued exception for religious and medical-alert medals.