Prep Football 2022 by Rosebud Media

LEANONME PREP FOOTBALL 2022 SouthsuccessMedford’sstartswithseniorsAndrewWalkerandDeaconEdgar.Page2 Friday, September 2, 2022 North Medford has star power for big year. Page 4 ScheduleAFreeExam 541-770-1176 WestOrthodonticsisproudtosupportROGUEvalley Braces|Invisalign|LifetimeRetainers|Paymentsaslowas$189amonth www.westortho.com|1475EastMcAndrewsRoad,Medford,OR97504 CallustodayorscantheQRcode

“I thought what was encouraging for me is our kids kept fighting the whole year and didn’t lose faith,” said South Medford head coach Bill Singler. “We actually played some of our best football at the end of year.”

SEE SOUTH, 6 “I think with the seniors we have and the experience they have, coupled with the sophomores who played a lot last year that are juniors this year and a year stronger in the weight room, I think we’ll be a lot more competitive and have a chance to win more games.”

“I think with the seniors we have and the experience they have,” he added, “coupled with the sophomores who played a lot last year that are juniors this year and a year stronger in the weight room, I think we’ll be a lot more competitive and have a chance to win more games. But our schedule picking up the Salem teams is no slouch. It’s a very tough conference from top to bottom.”

OFFENSE (5): Quarterback Deacon Edgar (5-11, 180, sr.), receiver Andrew Walker (6-1, 175, sr.), tight end Ty Henry (6-4, 165, sr.), center Anthony DelPizzo (5-11, 250, jr.), lineman Li Moala (5-10, 230, jr.). DEFENSE (6): Cornerback Andrew Walker, cornerback Josh Phillips (6-2, 180, sr.), linebacker Isaack Valdez (6-0, 170, sr.), linebacker Dylan Espinosa (6-1, 205, sr.), lineman Gabe Staszak (6-6, 215, jr.), lineman Li Moala. OTHER NOTABLES Lineman Spencer King (6-3, 200, sr.), lineman/linebacker Diego Rios (5-11, 205, sr.), lineman Hunter Hernandez-Cline (5-11, 210, sr.), lineman Makani Manuwai (6-0, 250, jr.), lineman Logan Crocker (6-1, 260, jr.), lineman Diego Luna (5-11, 235, jr.), lineman Remy Rodriguez (5-10, 205, sr.), lineman Hayden Hull (5-10, 240, sr.), lineman Noah Humphrey (5-8, 190, sr.), linebacker Gio Livingston (6-1, 200, jr.), running back/safety Ryder Scheid (5-10, 175, jr.), running back/linebacker J.T. Dalton (6-0, 195, so.), running back/linebacker Jacob Dalton (6-1, 205, so.), running back/safety Will Greenwood (5-8, 165, sr.), cornerback/receiver Jacob Forrette (6-1, 175, sr.), tight end/linebacker Tanner Tuggle (6-2, 180, jr.), receiver/safety Gannen Jones (5-11, 160, jr.), safety/running back Austin Hofeling (5-10, 160, jr.), lineman Jayden Solis (5-11, 275, jr.), linebacker/tight end Alex Varner (61, 190, jr.), running back/defensive back Cooper Mitchell (6-0, 175, jr.), quarterback Colby Schwartz (6-1, 175, jr.), kicker Landon DuFour (5-7, 140, so.). 2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Beaverton, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DEL NORTE, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MCNARY, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at South Salem, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPRAGUE, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Sheldon, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Grants Pass, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSEBURG, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NORTH MEDFORD, 7 p.m.

QUOTABLE By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

Playing one of the toughest schedules in Class 6A football with mostly underclassmen on the field likely kept South Medford from compiling many victories lastWhilefall. the 2022 schedule isn’t much easier, the Panthers hope that being another year older and more experienced in the challenges they expect to face will translate into more wins for a team coming off a third-place finish in the Southwest Conference.

Panthers poised to turn promise into more victories in 2022

Singler

South vies to take next step

2 | Friday, September 2, 2022 | TABLE OF CONTENTS South/Central Football Conference South Medford 2 Conference Roundup 3 North Medford 4 Grants Pass 5 Midwestern League Crater 9 Eagle Point 10 League Roundup 11 Big Sky Conference Ashland 12 Conference Roundup 13 Far West League Cascade Christian 14 St. Mary’s 15 Phoenix 16 League Roundup 21 2A District 3 Rogue River 22 Conference Roundup 25 1A District 1 - South (8 Man) Prospect / Butte Falls 23 Miscellaneous Coaches Polls 26 Past Champions 26 Season Schedule 27 Cover Photo Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune Design By Danny Penza Sports Contacts Sports: 541-776-4480 Email: sports@rosebudmedia.com Kris Henry: khenry@rosebudmedia.com541-776-4488, Danny Penza: dpenza@rosebudmedia.com541-776-4469, Warren Blenkush: wblenkush@rosebudmedia.com541-776-4492, Web: mailtribune.com/sports

HEAD COACH Bill Singler

In a preseason coaches’ poll, South Medford finds itself fifth in the 10-team special district that includes the SWC and the Salem-area schools left to fend for themselves following the formation of a Bend-area 5A conference.

With five returning starters on offense — led by seniors Deacon Edgar and Andrew Walker — and six returning starters on a defense that saw several others who are back see significant time a year ago, the Panthers aren’t expected to see the top or the bottom of the newly formed South/ Central Football Conference this fall.

PANTHERS (25th year, 144101) Jason Bauer (assistant head coach/running backs), Chris Parnell (defensive coordinator/defensive backs), Damian Jackson (offensive line), Mike Tejada (linebackers), Jack Singler (JV head coach/quarterbacks), Tony Akpan (defensive linemen), Matt Boudreaux (receivers/defensive backs), Freddie Taulani (linebackers), Sean Johnston (freshman head coach), Dave Alonzo (freshman), Mike Johnston (freshman), Logan Emonds (freshman), Joey Martinez (freshman), Skyler Gosson (freshman). 2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 2-2 (third, SWC). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 2-8. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Fifth. 2021 RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McNary 35 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bend 41 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lake Oswego 41 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lakeridge 30 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheldon 54 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grants Pass 19 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roseburg 35 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Westview 42 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .North Medford 34 State Playoffs 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summit 21 RETURNING STARTERS

South Medford head coach Bill Singler

GENERAL ASSISTANTS:INFORMATION

SOUTH MEDFORD OPPONENTS 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“He actually hasn’t gotten a lot of looks on the offensive side of the ball,” said Line of the 6-3, 225-pound Oregon commit, “but he’s a stud, they might switch him to tight end next year because he can really move and has great hands.”

Tanner Thomas (left tackle), Carl Har ward (center) and Ryan Yakovich (right tackle) return on the offensive line, and the defensive line expects to be plenty stout with Josh Merriman, Will Haver land and Sam Kline also returning. Leighton anchors the linebacker corps with returning inside backers Joey Rubino and David Manstrom, with sophomore Mana Tuioti also in the mix for a squad that has enough depth to limit much two-way action on defense. West Salem West Salem is as much about potential than anything this year, with the Titans not returning a single starter on offense and only three on defense for 18th year head coach Shawn Stanley. West Salem has been a top-10 caliber program for years under Stanley’s guidance, and it’s not as if the cupboard is empty as the Titans look for reserves and JV standouts to take the reins this season.

Roseburg Roseburg took the league by storm one year ago and with SWC defensive player of the year Tiger Black anchoring this year’s squad, the Indians certainly have everyone’s attention this fall. Black (6-3, 270) was a first-team allstate defensive lineman last year and one of the state’s most disruptive forces on that side of the ball. He will be joined by senior center James Coleman, another first-team all-SWC pick, and senior Kyler Mills (6-2, 270) in setting the tone on the line.

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 3

The Irish are rarely an overlooked commodity but the target is that much sharper for sixth-year head coach Josh Line, whose team also was the offseason recipient of what became the state’s No. 1 recruit in defensive lineman/tight end Teitum Tuioti when his father, Tony, took over as the Ducks’ defensive line coach. Unsurprisingly, Sheldon is favored to edge West Salem this fall for the inaugural South/Central Football Conference title in a preseason coaches’ poll that saw the Irish gain six of the 10 first-place votes.

“We’re a team that people want to beat and we get that,” said Line, “and our kids know that and we prepare that way. But when you want to be a good program or a great program, that comes with the ter ritory. We’re not afraid of that and we expect to get everyone’s best game, and that’s usually what happens. That’s OK, that’s what you want. That prepares you for the playoffs and the tough contests you have coming down the pike.”

Sophomore QB Kaden Martirano (6-2, 195) has already impressed Stanley and doesn’t expect to waver in guiding what will be a fast and athletic crew that will utilize Burrow in the backfield and on the perimeter, where Slack and senior Caeleb Hensley will also be featured.

Returning to guide the offense is three-year starter Brock Thomas, who passed for nearly 2,000 yards and ran for about 1,400 more with one more TD passing (19) than rushing (18). “He fits in with some of the best that Sheldon’s produced, and that’s saying something,” said Line of the 6-foot, 175-pound dual-threat QB. Grafton Robinson averaged 5.7 yards per carry and, besides getting stronger, has worked hard to increase his vision and attack inside and outside the tackles. He’s also a strong receiving threat out of the backfield as one of 24 seniors. The perimeter targets are ample in Luke Leighton, who led the SWC in receiving last year at 614 yards and seven TDs on 39 catches, Zach McEwen (37 catches, 472 yards, seven TDs) and Isaac Peters (24.8 yards per catch). Cade Welch provides versatility, and Tuioti’s presence adds a new dimension.

Senior-heavy

Roman Burrow (5-10, 185) was a firstteam all-conference cornerback a year ago and will be joined by fellow seniors in lineman Ty Amawattana (6-2, 250) and defensive backs Tommy Slack (6-1, 170) and Jameson Lowery (6-3, 175) in providing a veteran influence. Stanley labels junior defensive back Ugochukwu Odoemelam (6-2, 180) as “one of the best we have had,” and the Titans got a big boost with the transfer from McNary of first-team all-conference receiver/ linebacker Braiden Copeland (6-2, 200). Running back/linebacker Jimmy Lathen (6-4, 215) will be another one to watch for the Titans on both sides of the ball.

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

Irish gains the early nod Sheldon edges West Salem as favorite in new South/ Central Football Conference SEE SOUTH/CENTRAL, 8 Supporting Medford Sports Since 1967! www.shermsmarkets.com supportersProud of the SchoolsMedfordSportsPrograms. GrEaT JoB AtHlEtEs!!!! LOCALLYOWNED ANDOPERATED

A large senior class with returning starters just about everywhere you look bodes well for any football program but when it’s Sheldon High School, those facts just hit different.

North

Dan

Another big boost comes from the return of a few of the state’s top players at the 6A level in offensive linemen David Fuiava and Terrell Kim and brothers Ty Pugliano (running back) and AJ Pugliano (tight end). At 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, the senior Fuiava holds things down at right guard while the junior Kim stands 6-3 and 320 pounds and is a force at left guard. Both were first-team all-conference selections a year ago and also have the versatility to play at tackle or center if the need arises.

Black Tornado boasts key linemen, Pugliano brothers to lead the charge

Michael

Quarterback Caiden Lacey is back at North Medford after playing his junior season at Eagle Point, earning first-team all-Midwestern League honors in 2021. ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 1-3 (fourth, SWC). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 4-5. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Third. 2021 RESULTS NORTH MEDFORD OPPONENTS 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . West Linn 49 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sherwood 21 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Liberty 27 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bend 21 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roseburg 38 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sheldon 37 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grants Pass 7 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .South Medford 40 State Playoffs 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .McNary

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Will

BLACK TORNADO HEAD COACH Nathan Chin (second year, 4-5) GENERALASSISTANTS:INFORMATION Doug Elam (co-offensive coordinator/ receivers), Jim Bosworth (defensive coordinator/defensive backs), Johnny Vaigafa (offensive line), Masi Tunoa (defensive line), Mike Olson (receivers), Nate Becksted (running backs), Dave Pettersen (linebackers), Dan Fredericksen (JV head coach/defensive backs), Salade (JV defensive coordinator/defensive backs), Smalley (freshman head coach), Holmes (freshman), Healy (freshman). 37 RETURNING STARTERS

With plenty of firepower but maybe not the target it carried into last season, North Medford will look to navigate a smoother campaign and hopefully stir things up in the 2022 title chase.

“You

“You can establish a toughness up front with guys like that coming back,” said Chin, “and I think that’s a huge piece is that toughness that we can establish up front. I really feel like that is going to be, and is, our staple.“They kind of set the tone for us, along with Ty,” added Chin, who will take over play-calling duties this season. “His really tough, quiet mentality that he has is extremely impressive. I think that’s really where we get a lot of what we need from that standpoint. Then you add a dynamic with AJ that’s able to do so much for you. With a little bit of stretching the field vertically you’re able to really make people defend the two parts of your game.”

Ty Pugliano AJ Pugliano Kim Fuiava

Top-tier talent has North thinking big

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Oct. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at

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North was picked third behind Sheldon and West Salem in the South/ Central Football Conference preseason coaches’ poll. “The familiarity is the big key,” Chin said of the difference from his first season to this one, “just that familiarity the kids have with me and I have with the kids. That’s been a huge boost, as well as having a full offseason with them.”

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A year ago, the Black Tornado used some fourth-quarter heroics to produce a 3-1 start — with each victory decided by a touchdown or less — but couldn’t quite get over the hump thereafter for the program’s first losing season since 2018.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSEBURG, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SHELDON, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at McNary, 7

Now in the second year under head coach Nathan Chin, the plan is to put the pedal to the metal from the get-go and maintain that momentum for another playoff push.

4 | Friday, September 2, 2022 |

9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OFFENSE (7): Right guard David Fuiava (6-2, 300, sr.), left guard Terrell Kim (6-3, 320, jr.), left tackle Connor Trinca (6-0, 240, jr.), running back Ty Pugliano (5-10, 185, sr.), tight end AJ Pugliano (6-4, 220, jr.), receiver Connor Cesaro (6-2, 185, jr.), receiver Alexander “Diggy” Angulo (5-6, 170, sr.). DEFENSE (4): Linebacker Kilohana Wailehua (5-11, 180, sr.), linebacker Jeremiah Robbins (5-10, 190, jr.), linebacker AJ Pugliano, safety Ty Pugliano.

OTHER NOTABLES Quarterback Caiden Lacey (6-2, 190, sr.), safety/ receiver Ty Carpenter (6-3, 185, sr.), tight end/defensive lineman Kellen Thomey (6-1, 215, sr.), receiver/ defensive back Isaac Chavez (6-0, 155, sr.), receiver/ defensive back Isaiah Chavez (6-0, 155, sr.), lineman Robbie Caster (6-2, 235, sr.), lineman Cody Carlson (6-1, 225, jr.), lineman Janson Thompson (5-9, 220, jr.), lineman Max Aukusitino (6-1, 290, so.), lineman Trey Kennedy-Coleman (6-2, 240, so.), linebacker/ tight end Joey Newberg (6-1, 175, jr.), linebacker/ running back Cameron Nix (6-0, 190 so.), cornerback/ receiver Matt Griepsma (6-0, 180, sr.), kicker JT Knobloch-Scott (6-0, 185, sr.). 2022 SCHEDULE Sept. WEST LINN, 7 p.m. Sept. . at Bend, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 West Salem, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 NORTH SALEM, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 .at Grants Pass, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 p.m. South Medford, 7 p.m. Chin SEE NORTH, 7 can establish a toughness up front with guys like that coming back and I think that’s a huge piece is that toughness that we can establish up front. I really feel like that is going to be, and is, our staple. They kind of set the tone for us, along with Ty (Pugliano).” Medford head coach Nathan Chin on the Black Tornado’s linemen

Tre

| Friday, September 2, 2022 | 5 CAVEMEN HEAD COACH Brad Page (first year) GENERAL ASSISTANTS:INFORMATION Scott Wakefield (defensive coordinator/ linebackers), Wes Cox (offensive line), Jameson Davis (defensive line), John Tunick (receivers), Chris Martinez (quarterbacks), David Zauher (defensive backs), Nate Scott (JV head coach/running backs), Tyler Amaral (linemen), Josh Merritt (JV defensive coordinator), Tanner Marval (freshman head coach), Brian Richard (freshman), Ben Davis (freshman), Brandon Montez (freshman), Chad Guthrie (freshman). 2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 0-4 (fifth, SWC). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 1-8. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Tenth. 2021 RESULTS GRANTS PASS OPPONENTS 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bend 27 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . West Salem 42 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McNary 41 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shasta 20 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roseburg 56 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Medford 31 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beaverton 36 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .North Medford 51 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheldon 38

RETURNING

2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Shasta (CA), 7 p.m. Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALDERA, 7 p.m. Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at South Salem, 3 p.m. Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WEST SALEM, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NORTH MEDFORD, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at North Salem, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOUTH MEDFORD, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Sheldon, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Roseburg, 7 p.m.

Get on the

“I think a lot of what I’ve seen on film,” said Page, “I don’t think the record reflected how good our team is and was (last year). Our senior and junior classes are full of talent. We don’t have a ton of depth necessarily, but that’s pretty standard once you start getting to those high classes where less and less kids are playing.”

DEFENSE (6): Lineman Parker Jarvis, lineman JT Davis (6-3, 190, sr.), cornerback Jackson Tunick, linebacker Troy Osborne, defensive back Raiden Takahashi (5-11, 165, sr.), cornerback Malachi Kinyon (5-8, 151, sr.). OTHER NOTABLES Receiver/defensive back Aiden Dietz (6-4, 175, sr.), receiver/linebacker Niko Madamba (5-9, 155, sr.), running back/linebacker Gage Blay (5-11, 180, jr.), tight end/ linebacker Luke Morgan (6-4, 185, jr.), lineman Connor Johnston (6-2, 200, so.), receiver/defensive back Hayden Kiser (6-0, 150, so.), running back/linebacker Pete Amatoi (6-0, 205, jr.), receiver/defensive back Cole Carnes (62, 175, jr.), linebacker/fullback Bruxton Leair (5-10, 167, jr.), linebacker/running back Grifﬁn Davis (5-9, 157, jr.).

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

New-look Cavemen may seem familiar

STARTERS OFFENSE (7): Quarterback Jace Blanchard (6-1, 160, sr.), running back Trevor Reeves (5-10, 190, sr.), receiver Jackson Tunick (6-0, 170, sr.), lineman Parker Jarvis (6-4, 290, sr.), lineman Kain Robinson (6-3, 255, sr.), lineman David Hang (5-11, 215, sr.), receiver Troy Osborne (6-3, 182, jr.).

“I think these guys have a lot of experience and they have some football IQ, which makes it easier for us to coach them obviously,” said Page. “They’re very hungry to compete and to win. I think they’ve kind of got a sour taste in their mouth, and rightfully so. I think they feel like they kind of underperformed last season and they’re hungry to prove themselves.”TheCavemen are coming off a 1-8 campaign that saw them go winless in the SWC but return the bulk of their roster that took the field in 2021, including all-conference players Trevor Reeves, Jackson Tunick and Parker Jarvis.

First-year Grants Pass coach Page hopes returners can spark playo push “I don’t think the record reﬂected how good our team is and was (last year). Our senior and junior classes are full of talent.” Grants Pass ﬁrst-year head coach Brad Page Foundation at foundation.roguecc.edu. partnership with the RCC Foundation, the Morris Family Foundation is making it easier for rural students in Jackson County to high quality career-technical education. path

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Page

SEE GRANTS PASS, 6 Can we pay your college tuition? Don’t see your school or program on the list? The RCC

GRANTS PASS — Six months into his return to Grants Pass High and it all still seems surreal for first-year head coach Brad Page. A 2009 graduate and former offensive lineman for the Cavemen, Page said he’s not sure when it will sink in that he’ll be making his first run as a head coach for his hometown“Sometimesprogram.it’s just weird, like, I went to school here and had so many great memories here, it’s pretty surreal still this whole time,” said Page, who was hired in February after most recently serving as the director of football operations and quality control coach at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire.“It’sawesome,” he added of being back in GP. “It’s been busy — it’s a lot to run a football program — but it’s a good thing, it’s fun. We’ve got a good staff and I love the players and we have good community support, so I’m just excited to actually get into the season and play and focus on actual football.”Thatfocus will be on trying to build the Cavemen back up to a conference title contender, something that has been a bit of a struggle in recent years with no more than two league wins in any of the last four seasons. Grants Pass last won a conference title in 2014, and the goal for this season is to be in the top half of the league to secure an automatic state playoff berth.

to a great career! Students graduating or earning a GED® from one of these high schools may qualify for up to a tuition-only scholarship at Rogue Community College: •Crater High School •Rogue River High School •Butte Falls High School •Phoenix High School •Prospect Charter High School •Eagle Point High School Qualifying RCC CTE programs:* Automotive, Diesel, Early Childhood Education, Electronics, Emergency Services, Fire Science, High Technology Studies, Industrial Welding, Manufacturing/Engineering Technology, Massage Therapy, Paramedicine, Basic Health Care, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician https://foundation.roguecc.edu/morris-family-foundation Contact Pam Murphy PMurphy@roguecc.edu.at *List is partial, please foundation.roguecc.eduvisitfor a full list.

Often with a new coach comes a new approach to the offensive and defensive schemes, but Page said he isn’t out to reinvent the wheel, just hopefully give his players the tools they need to propel it a little better.

GRANTS PASS From Page 5

SOUTH From Page 2 6 | Friday, September 2, 2022|

Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541776-4488, khenry@rosebudmedia.com or via Twitter @Kris_Henry

Defense has been a particular empha sis after South struggled in that area for most of last season, but linebackers Isaack Valdez, Espinosa and Gio Liv ingston all gained valuable experience last year while defensive tackles Logan Crocker (6-1, 260) and Moala and defensive end Gabe Staszak (6-6, 215) had highlight moments of their own. “We know that we have to improve on defense,” said Singler. “We can’t give up 35 points per game like we did last year. Offensively we can help them out by keeping the ball more for longer drives, or if they’re not longer drives, we’re scoring points. We have to improve on the 20 points per game that we averaged last year.” The additions of the Dalton twins, who pack a punch at around 6-0 and 200 pounds apiece, and Tuggle to the defensive lineup should allow South to carry promising physicality into each week and improve on the 415 yards allowed per game in 2021.

South Medford’s Gabe Staszak, seen here making a tackle against Roseburg last season, returns to help lead a Panthers defensive line that gained valuable experience in 2021.

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

center Anthony DelPizzo (5-11, 250).

The return of junior Makani Manu wai (6-0, 250) after a one-year absence also gives South a boost, along with the playing time gained last year by seniors Spencer King (6-3, 200) and Diego Rios (5-11, 205) and juniors Diego Luna (5-11, 235) and Jayden Solis (5-11, 275).

Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, Twitterrosebudmedia.comkhenry@orvia@Kris_Henry

“We’ve got a ton of linemen, which for me is very pleasing,” said Singler. “You can’t play football without line men, and our JV and our varsity line corps is very solid. We’ve got good numbers and hopefully can rotate guys in a little bit and keep guys fresh.”

“I think we have a good culture we’re building here and the guys are buying into that,” said Page, who was a senior when GP snapped Sheldon’s eight-year, 57-game confer ence win streak. “I want us to be a tough team and a team that plays with class, I think those kinds of intangibles are important. How much players want to step up and lead will be what makes us go from an average to a great team.”

Phillips Henry

Henry collected 114 yards and two TDs on eight receptions in 2021, while Phillips (six catches, 91 yards, one TD) is primed for a big season after a reserve role last year due to defensive duties.Singler is also high on a host of running backs at his disposal in junior Ryder Scheid, soph omores J.T. Dalton and Jacob Dalton and seniors Dylan Espinosa and WIll Greenwood. The hope is the Panthers will be able to improve on their 4.2 yards per carry from a year ago and allow for more play-calling options to keep the defense off balance. All of it, however, will stem from a sturdy approach on the offensive line that will be spearheaded by all-con ference guard Li Moala (5-10, 230) and

Edgar enters his third season as South’s starting quarterback and will be tasked with turning athletic promise into on-field dominance and consistency. A dual-threat QB, Edgar passed for 1,517 yards and ran for nearly 400 more during his second season of 2021 last fall. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder passed for 11 touchdowns and ran for five, finishing with a 53% completion percentage with seven interceptions as an honorable mention all-SWC pick. “He’s been through the battles but he’s got to play a little bit more con sistently every game,” noted Singler, who expects to turn the QB loose a little more this year. “Hopefully with the game experience he’s had the last two years he’ll feel a heckuva lot more comfortable doing it.” The good news for Edgar and company is that South returns a host of capable receivers, some up-and-coming running backs and a bevy of linemen who anticipate being able to hold firm even more this season. “We have some pieces surrounding (Edgar) with a good receiver corps top to bottom,” said Singler, “and our run ning backs don’t have a lot of experience but I think they’ve got some ability.” Walker headlines the bunch, with the state-champion sprinter coming off a junior campaign that saw him earn firstteam all-SWC honors on both sides of the football. The 6-1, 175-pounder ran 10.61 seconds in winning the 6A title in the 100-meter dash and 21.33 to claim the 200 Walkercrown.wasSouth’s leading receiver a year ago with 26 catches for 630 yards and three TDs — ranking second in the SWC — and the Panthers expect to mix up their looks with him to combat steady atten tion by the honestHelpingdefense.keepteamswillbefellowoutside receiver Josh Phillips (6-2, 180) and tight end Ty Henry (6-4, 165), both seniors, as well as juniors Tanner Tuggle (6-2, 180) and Gannen Jones (5-11, 160).

An offensive lineman for GP back when the bulk of the offense — a successful one at that — was run Criss Bowen left and then Criss Bowen right, Page has that element close to his heart despite being part of some “air raid” attacks as a col lege and high school assistant (Chaparral High in Scottsdale, Arizona).“Iliketo use the whole field but I think that we need to get back to some of those roots with running because I think that’s what made GP so special was our ability to run the ball back in the day,” said Page. “That’s definitely going to be a focus, but I don’t want to be heavy one way or the other. I want to be as balanced as possible and force the defense to use the whole field. I think the way it’s designed, and as long as we’re doing it correctly and can stay healthy, our offense can be really explosive that way.”Reeves definitely gives GP a good place to start, with the 5-11, 170-pounder playing a big role down the stretch last season to finish with 579 yards and seven touchdowns on 103 carries.“When I watched the film I was really impressed by Trevor Reeves,” said Page. “He’s such a hard runner, and it’s all been confirmed as I’ve seen him in person. He’s just all in with everything we’re doing. He’s the first one installing things on Hudl and leading our team. If he stays healthy, he’s going to have a great season.” Tunick was the third-lead ing receiver in the SWC with 563 yards and three TDs on 44 catches and expects to be a top target again for senior quarter back Jace Blanchard, who took some lumps in his first year as a starter but has already made a good impression on his new coach.Blanchard completed 139 of 257 passes (54%) for 1,450 yards with six TDs against 10 interceptions.“JaceBlanchard has been really awesome,” said Page. “His mechanics have improved a lot and he’s understanding our concepts and reads and progressions. He’s been such a great leader and impressive this summer.” “I give him a lot of credit,” the coach added of Blanchard. “He’s learning a whole new offense and he’s embraced it and jumped right in and is excited and wants more. He doesn’t just know his position, he knows every position on the field, and that’s what’s really important. He has a strong desire to be great.” The front-line blocking of returning senior linemen like Jarvis, who sets a formidable tone at 6-3 and 300 pounds, and Kain Robinson (6-2, 242) and senior tight end JT Davis will help with that road-grader mentality near and dear to Page’sSeniorsheart.Aiden Dietz and Malachi Kinyon and junior Luke Morgan offer perime ter options, with junior Troy Osborne also expected to make a big impact this year after recently committing to play baseball at Sacramento State. A strong defensive line crew, led by Jarvis, Robin son and Davis, will be taken advantage of as GP utilizes a 4-3 scheme. Niko Madamba, Bruxton Leair, Griffin Davis, Osborne and Gage Blay (also slated as backup RB) pace the linebacker corps, with Raiden Takahashi at safety comple menting the speedy Tunick, Dietz and Kinyon.

Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541776-4488, khenry@rosebudmedia.com or via Twitter @Kris_Henry ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

NORTH From Page 4 ANDY

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“We’re not going to be in a lot of tradi tional tight end sets where the tight end will be connected to the line of scrim mage and have a hand in the dirt,” said Musser. “They’ll be more flexed out or playing as wings, but they’re long, athletic kids and that’s exciting to me.” Junior receiver Jackson Tunick (6-0, 165) may well be the most dynamic player for the Cavemen and leads a core group of outside targets for Blanchard that includes converted QB Troy Osborne (6-3, 182) and Jayce Jordan (6-2,Defensively,170). the Cavemen plan to move from their traditional 4-2 align ment to a 4-3 look that, although schematically similar, will add another linebacker and give GP more size to help stop running attacks. Senior Braeden Lesina (6-0, 203) started every game in the spring and returns as the team’s second-leading tackler at middle linebacker. Musser calls Lesina an “old-school Mike line backer who can fit tackle to tackle in the box” and is “tougher than nails.” “He kind of sets the tone defensively with his toughness and his intelli gence,” said Musser. Osborne and senior Bug Galli (6-0, 201) complement at linebacker, along with North Valley senior transfer Chase Comyford (6-1, 185). Up front, GP has considerable size on the line in junior Parker Jarvis (6-3, 300) and senior Tholo Vainuku-John son (6-0, 233).

The Cavemen haven’t missed the playoffs since 2009 and suffered only two losses in the spring, both in heartbreak fashion to North Medford (27-20) and South Medford (56-55 3OT).

I’m not saying that we’re going to throw the ball 50 times per game, we’re just going to line up in that kind of look. They’ve always had a sprinkle of it in the past here so it won’t be com pletelyWhatnew.”alsowon’t be new is the focus of the aerial attack: Dyer (6-5, 200) and AJ Pug liano (6-4, 220), who offer matchup nightmares due to their size and agility. Dyer had 16 catches for 264 yards and three TDs to be North’s leading receiver in the spring, while AJ Pugliano burst on the scene with 14 catches for 215 yards and one TD to rank a close third. “Bryce and AJ, those guys are going to get heavy targets,” said Chin. “They’re going to definitely be heavy load-car riers for us. We’re going to try to get them the ball in space and let them do stuff with the Defensively,ball.”senior Brandon Domin guez (6-2, 250) returns to lead an odd-front set that will take advantage of North’s depth at the line of scrim mage. The linebacker corps is equally deep, with Wailehua joined by AJ Pugliano and junior Hudson Greisen (6-1, 185) in leading the charge. Dyer, a safety, will get new help in the secondary but Chin is excited by a host of options at his disposal. Have a story idea? Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, khenry@ rosebudmedia.com or www.twitter. com/Kris_Henry

“We obviously have to be disciplined and do the things we do,” said Chin of a push toward the top-third of the South/Central Football Conference, “but I feel like we have a group of guys that can do it.”

NORTH From Page 2

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 7 Ty Pugliano (5-10, 185) ranked fourth among Southwest Conference runners last season and will again be the focal point of the Black Tornado attack. Last year, he ran for 967 yards and nine touchdowns on 139 carries and show cased his versatility with 11 catches for 131Theyards.elder Pugliano has the strength to run inside the tackles but also the shiftiness to hit cutback lanes and take it the distance in earning first-team allSWC“Ty’shonors.sucha good, hard-working kid and has an ability to do anything you need him to do,” added Chin. “He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can pass protect and he’s obviously a good ball carrier. When you have a run ning back like that, that has a dynamic ability about him, you can really do a lot of stuff with him — and you trust him to do all that stuff.” As the state’s top tight end recruit for the Class of 2024, the 6-4, 220-pound AJ Pugliano saw his season derailed by a shoulder injury midway through the campaign but still managed to record 21 catches for 368 yards and three scores and finish among the top-10 SWC receivers.Withastellar blend of power and ath leticism, AJ Pugliano can be a matchup problem for any opposing defense. He already holds Pac-12 Con ference offers from Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona and Washington State. “AJ runs a lot better than most people give him credit for,” said Chin. “He’s tough and he’s strong and can make something happen in a lot of ways.”Senior Alexander Angulo — known as Diggy to his coaches and teammates — and junior Connor Cesaro provide steady complements in the passing game, which this year will be guided by senior quarterback Caiden Lacey. After playing last season for Eagle Point, where he passed for 1,318 yards, Lacey transferred back to North Medford, where he played his first two years of high school. With the Eagles, Lacey completed 62% of his passes (111-for-179) with 12 TDs and eight interceptions to become a first-team all-Midwestern League pick. “He’s been solid,” said Chin of Lacey. “The one thing about him is he is a quar terback and he takes pride in being a quarterback so his work ethic is built around that. Throughout the last half year getting to know each other has been really big for both of us.” “He throws the ball fairly well and accurately,” he added, “and so there’s no doubt about it, he’s going to be able to take advantage of who he has around him.”Angulo was an all-conference pick after showing his own offensive ver satility at slot receiver with 189 yards rushing on 28 carries to go with nine catches for 45 yards. Cesaro made a splash in his debut season on the outside with 16 catches for 177 yards and one TD.North will look to juniors Cody Carlson and Janson Thompson, senior Robbie Caster and sophomore Max Aukusitino to help bolster the offensive line, with several of those same faces needed to pitch in on defense with senior Kellen Thomey on the edge after the Black Tornado grad uated its entire front unit from a yearWhereago.North expects to have a stronghold is at linebacker and safety, where the Pugliano brothers, Kilohana Wailehua, Jeremiah Robbins, Angulo, Joey Newberg and Cameron Nix stand to be in the mix for a sturdy corps in the middle.

Ty Pugliano (5-10, 185) was the JV’s leading rusher and boasts quick feet with a hard-charging approach to each carry, while fellow junior Kilohana Wailehua (5-11, 180) is equally adept at helping North move the chains. Ty Pugliano ran four times for 56 yards in a season-ending rout of Sheldon, 48-16. “They’re good, physical runners,” said Chin. “They’re athletic and they run well. They’re not the same back obviously as Devin, they don’t have that downhill, but both of them are strong runners.” Each expects to get a good amount of carries, with junior Alex Angulo (5-6, 170) comple menting as a change-of-pace slot receiver who can move into the backfield, but it may not be in the same vein that Turner’s troops carried the ball in recent years.“We’re going to be more of a spread offense,” said Chin. “Obviously that’s kind of my take on football so we’ll be a little bit more in that fashion.

GRANTS PASS From Page 4 ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

Kim has been especially impressive with his ability to move well for his size, leading Chin to consider moving him in from tackle to center due to his athleticism. If that weren’t enough, the line of candidates to fill in includes sophomore Connor Trinca (6-0, 240) and seniors Adam Burkett (6-2, 220), Kyler Steel (5-11, 270), Conner McDougall (5-9, 220) and O’Shea Miller (6-5, 255). “We almost have two full groups to go after things with our linemen,” said Chin. That group will be tasked with giving time for senior quarterback Mason Warren to find the likes of Dyer and Pugliano on the perimeter. Warren served mostly in the Black Tor nado secondary this past spring but was also the backup QB so there’s plenty of familiarity with the position. “He carries himself well back there and he does a pretty good job,” said Chin. “He poses a multiple-option game because he’s not just a thrower. He’s a fairly athletic kid that moves well and he likes the physical side of football, for sure.” After graduating one of the state’s leading rushers in Devin Bradd, who averaged 27 carries and 173 yards per game in the spring, the Black Tornado will feature more of a committee approach this fall.

SantacruzFuiavaKimJohnson

The secondary took a hit when senior safety Aidan Becksted suffered a broken leg at summer camp but senior Ty Car penter and Cesaro each boast game experience and twins Isaiah Chavez and Isaac Chavez will join Matt Griepsma as seniorCascadecornerbacks.Christian senior transfer JT Knobloch-Scott gives North a solid addition at kicker after an all-confer ence run with the Challengers.

carries the ball during a practice last month. 2268

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North Medford running back Ty Pugliano Ashland Street, Ashland Oregon

North Medford senior Alexander Angulo will provide the Black Tornado with a steady set of hands at receiver this season.

The three-star Colorado State-bound Rodriguez (6-2, 205) likely moves to outside linebacker this year, where he will be joined by returning senior starter Barik Hill (5-10, 180) on the second tier to complement senior defensive line men Cole Steketee (6-2, 250), who also was an all-league center on offense, and GavinSeniorNguyen.WilHassoun (6-0, 190) takes over at quarterback for a fairly young group for 11th year Sprague coach Jay Minyard.

North Salem After advancing to the Class 5A state quarterfinals last year and earning its first playoff win in 17 seasons, North Salem will bring its wing-T offense — led by star junior quarterback TC Manum aleuna and junior running back Josiah Davis — and a host of returning starters on both sides of the ball to the 6A level. In his 15th season at North Salem, head coach Jeff Flood benefits from three-year starters in Manumaleuna and linebackers Jerrik Wangler and Imyas Aguilar as the standard-bearers. Davis (6-1, 225), a three-star pros pect, ran for about 1,300 yards and scored 20 rushing TDs in only seven games played last year after battling a hamstring injury, and Manumaleuna has grown to 6-2 and 215 pounds and already holds several Division I offers.

Senior Tini Tinitali led the 6A level with 78 catches for just over 1,000 yards and seven TDs last year but will get plenty of help in the four-receiver system from second-leading receiver Esteban Mendez, Jaxon Watson and Jefferson transfer Zach Wusstig, who earned 2A all-state honors and may be the fastest player on the team.

The Vikings will have to develop an almost entirely new cast of linemen but they are loaded at the skill positions, with senior Erick Gonzalez (6-0, 165) joined by senior Chris Harsen and junior Pierce Walker as receiving threats while the backfield is fortified by standout juniors in Wangler, Micah Richter and sprint champion DeMari Thompson. In all, North Salem returns eight start ers on offense and seven on defense to create a confident transition from 5A.

Friday, September 2, 2022| Cayden Eckel finished third in SWC rushing last year at about 1,000 yards with 13 TDs in the regular season. With good vision and shifty moves, combined with Roseburg’s strength in the trenches, the 5-7 junior will play a prominent role.

Sprague You name it and Drew Rodriguez pro vided it last year for Sprague, earning first-team all-conference honors as a receiver, safety and kick returner to go with a second-team nod at punter.

Senior QB Daschel Smith lays the foundation for an explosive offense after passing for about 2,500 yards and 18 TDs last season and running for 10 more scores in leading his team to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. In South Salem’s no-huddle Air Raid scheme, which looks to put teams on its heels with a play every 15 seconds or so, Smith also has the luxury of returning seven receivers who caught multiple passes last year.

SOUTH/CENTRAL From Page 3

Ruberto sets the tone at middle linebacker for a defense that has been completely revamped to a 4-3 system this fall, with Ben Allen at strongside linebacker.McNary’s most electric force may be in junior Gage Smedema (6-0, 145), who will see time at quarterback, receiver andJakecornerback.Allenwillbe one of the Celtics’ main ball-carriers, while Dyer is a shifty threat at slot receiver and senior Jackson Alt (6-0, 192) is also in the mix at quarterback. South Salem If any team is capable of stirring up the conference picture this year, it’s the Saxons.“Wehave as good of a group as we’ve had in a while,” said Scott Dufault, in his 22nd season. “We played a lot of young kids last year and took our lumps at times but we’ve got quite a few kids coming back.”

McNary Head coach Connor Astley moves from offensive coordinator to the top spot and inherits a group that will be looking to integrate a host of new faces in with some key veteran returners.

Hatimu Letisi, Trevor Goldman, Tyler Takemoto and Levi Willhite anchor a group in the trenches that Dufault feels can go South12-deep.Salemalso expects to benefit from a schedule that doesn’t include Sheldon and North Medford, and won’t have the Saxons traveling further south than Roseburg.

8 |

Seniors Hunter Ruberto (5-8, 185) and Jacob Hurst (6-5, 220) are joined by juniors Jesse Dyer (5-8, 150) and Jake Allen (5-11, 190) as returning starters on both sides of the ball, while junior Ben Allen (6-0, 190) also started at linebacker.

Hill will gain a lion’s share of the carries at running back — with senior Casen Col lins (6-0, 205) at fullback — after limited need last year backing up Riley Davis, who moved to Texas in the offseason.

Sophomore Owen Bentea and junior Camden Hartsell are leading figures to take over for last year’s SWC offensive player of the year in Colton Marsters at quarterback.Roseburgchurned out nine wins last year, which equaled the amount gained over the previous four seasons, and will look to build on that momentum despite graduating most of its starting lineup.

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 9

OFFENSE (5): Quarterback Shane Wood (6-2, 195, jr.), tackle Justin Brehm (6-0, 250, jr.), guard Reagan Gowen (6-0, 210, so.), tight end Kayden Gardner (6-2, 215, jr.), receiver Andrew Schatz (6-0, 170, sr.). DEFENSE (7): Safety Aidan Chenoweth (5-10, 165, sr.), safety Scott Price (6-2, 175, sr.), linebacker Kayden Gardner, defensive end Luke Higginson (6-3, 195, sr.), defensive tackle Justin Brehm, defensive end Mike Sherrill (6-1, 195, sr.), linebacker Tony Dowens (5-11, 170, sr.).

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

COMETS COACH Brown year, 10-6)

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Comets look to open things up more on o ense to complement stout defense

The Comets do have the task of replacing two all-state players in Lasater and lineman Jimmy Jordahl, who was a first-team pick on both sides of the Brownball.says Crater is likely starting three sophomores and a pair of juniors up front on the offensive line — a unit that he hopes can come together quickly.Justtwo of those were starters last season, tackle Justin Brehm and guard Reagan Gowen. “It’s not going to be their physical ability that’s going to prevent them from blocking people up front,” said Brown of the Comets’ offensive line. “It’s going to be their understanding of all of our calls and checks that we make in our pass protections and our run game. And it’s whether we’re working as a cohesive unit because we only have two returning starters.” That is mainly because Brown envi sions the Comets spreading things out a lot more than they did a year ago. “This year, we’re different,” said

GENERAL ASSISTANTS:INFORMATION

RETURNING STARTERS

2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 6-1 (second, MWL). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 6-4. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Second. 2021

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By Danny Penza Mail Tribune

CENTRAL POINT — During his first two seasons as Crater head coach, Berk Brown has seen both a senior-laiden squad and one of relative inexperience come through Dutch Meyer Field. Come 2022, Brown is searching for some sort of happy medium. “It’s kind of funny to say this, but we’re young again,” quipped Brown. “It’s almost not fair to say, but we have 15 seniors who have provided a great deal of leadership throughout our offseason and are great guys who show up every day.” Even with a bevy of seniors to replace from the 2021 abbreviated spring season, Brown led the Comets to a 6-4 overall record, a second-place finish in the Midwestern League and another appearance in the Class 5A state playoffs. The Comets did things their own unique way last season — relying on a bruising running game cen tered around senior running back Caden Lasater while holding opponents to an average of 13.8 points per game, second only to MWL champ and 5A finalist Thurston.

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RESULTS CRATER OPPONENTS 31 North Bend 0 14................................... Mazma 42 15................................. Churchill 13 28.................................Springﬁeld 6 28................................ Willamette 7 0................................... Thurston 9 3................................... Summit 24 45................................... Ashland 0 State Playoffs 11.............................. North Salem 27

Friday’s trip to North Bend will be the first of an opening stretch where Crater will play three of its first four games away from Central Point. “We’re going to learn how gritty they are, how tough we can become as a team,” Brown said of his team’s opening month. “We’re going to go 3 ½ hours to the coast and then come home against a tough Henley team who’s going to be one of the top teams at the 4A level. Then we have to go on the road two weeks in a row on a trip to Springfield, so we’re going to find out how good and how tough we are really, really quick.”

Crater aims for more balance

Berk

As the Comets enter the 2022 season, Brown is very much hoping that his young squad can benefit from all of the success they had a year ago.

Vinny Gay (assistant head coach/special teams), David Douglas (receivers), Bryce Peila (defensive backs/JV defensive coordinator), Brad Eaton (offensive line), Beau Canﬁeld (defensive line/JV head coach), JR Godley (running backs/JV offensive coordinator), Crayton Gillespie (linemen), Folger Few (freshman head coach), Devyn Grady (freshman offensive coordinator), David deVilleneuve (freshman defensive coordinator), Jimmy Hausauer (freshman).

“We’re going to learn how gritty they are, how tough we can become as a team. We’re going to go 3 ½ hours to the coast and then come home against a tough Henley team who’s going to be one of the top teams at the 4A level. Then we have to go on the road two weeks in a row on a trip to Springﬁeld, so we’re going to ﬁnd out how good and how tough we are really, really quick.” Crater head coach Berk Brown on his team’s opening month of the season SEE CRATER, 17

Crater quarterback Shane Wood takes over under center full time for a Comets offense that wants to have more of a presence through the air in 2022.

Running back Andrew Kelly (5-10, 180, sr.), receiver Spencer Bramucci (5-9, 155, sr.), center Gio Gonzales (5-10, 225, so.), guard Jakobi Cole (6-0, 240, so.), tackle Caleb Canﬁeld (6-1, 190, jr.). 2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 at North Bend, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 HENLEY, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Springﬁeld, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Thurston, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 NORTH EUGENE, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 Willamette, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 POINT, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Churchill, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 SOUTH EUGENE, 7 p.m. Brown

Brown, who will call the plays on both offense and defense this season. “We’re a lot more mature than last year and I think we have more athletic ability so that we can spread the ball around to all six eligible wide receivers.” That young offensive line will be looking to keep junior quarterback Shane Wood upright and give him time to throw as the Comets want to not be as dependent on the run game. Just as he was coming into the 2021 season, Wood will be the Comets’ starter under center. Wood had an up and down season as a sophomore, with Brown going to receiver-turned-quar terback Javon Smith early in 2021 before Wood returned as starter toward the tail end of the regular season.

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withingofimportanceveryaemotionalreplacingPointathisJohnsonbummer.”entersfourthseasonthehelminEaglewiththetaskoftheteam’sleaderfromyearago,buthemuchknowstheayearagotheEaglesrecordtheirfirstseasonarecordof.500

Eagle Point head coach Erik Johnson PHOTO BY DENISE BARATTA Eagle Point senior running back David Brown will be looked upon to carry the load in the run game for the Eagles this season.

Eagles hope to reach new heights

Eagle Point looks to build o its promising near-playo run in 2021

“We’re feeling really good. We’re lacking some returners, but you can hardly tell and we’re bringing up some solid guys that spent some solid time on JV last year and we’ve been excited about them the last couple of years now. We’re not real deep, but our ﬁrst group is pretty solid.”

SEE EAGLE POINT, 18Locations in Oregon and Northern California• WWW.GORAYS.COM Quality, Local Products Grab-and-Go Deli Local Wines Fresh Hand-Cut,ProduceHigh Quality Meats Unique Specialty Items Our Employee Owners welcome you to come shop for all your grocery needs.

EAGLE POINT — Coming out of the 2021 season, Eagle Point head coach Erik Johnson was able to say without hesitation that his Eagles made a whole lot of Thereprogress.wasjust one thing missing. “We were one spot out of the playoffs and I just wish we had that experience of going to the play offs,” said Johnson. “It’s been a while for Eagle Point and having that under our belt, so that’s one thing that was a or better since 2018. The Eagles went 4-4 overall and 4-3 in the Midwestern League last year, with three of those losses coming by seven points or less. It’s those kinds of close calls that has Johnson thinking his program is on the right track after going through a fair amount of struggles during the abbre viated spring season 18 months ago. “We’re feeling really good,” said Johnson. “We’re lacking some returners, but you can hardly tell and we’re bringing up some solid guys that spent some solid time on JV last year and we’ve been excited about them the last couple of years now. We’re not real deep, but our first group is pretty solid.”Oneof the returners that the Eagles have back in the fold is senior running back David Brown, who had a break out 2021 season as a junior. With 2021 leading rusher Isaiah Hill graduated, the 6-foot Brown will very much be the focal point for an Eagles offense that makes it no secret that they want to establish the run. Brown averaged close to 4.5 yards per carry last season, finishing with 272 yards and a pair of touchdowns. “We’re going to lean on him a lot,” said Johnson of Brown. “We like to run the ball and he’s got three years under his belt. He’s somebody that has shown confidence over the summer in our team camp. He’s really what a senior should feel like having all of that experience, so we’re excited for him and our offensive line is excited, too.” The quarterback handing the ball off to Brown and the rest of the Eagles’ group of backs will be different. With last season’s starter Caiden Lacey — a first-team all-Midwestern League selection — transferring back to North Medford for his senior season, junior Bryton Livingston takes over behind center.

10 | Friday, September 2, 2022| EAGLES HEAD COACH Erik Johnson (fourth year, 7-16) GENERAL ASSISTANTS:INFORMATION Tyson Wolfe (defensive coordinator), Joe Meerten (defensive line), Nate Helwig (linebackers), Rick O’Callahan (running backs), Rob Cowden (receivers), Josh Graves (offensive line), Robert Slayton (JV head coach/offensive coordinator), Chance Metcalf (JV defensive coordinator), Logan Cardwell (JV defensive backs/receivers). 2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 4-3 (fourth, MWL). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 4-4. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Fourth. 2021 RESULTS EAGLE POINT OPPONENTS 28 Churchill 35 24................................... Springﬁeld 7 13................................... Willamette 6 20.................................... Mazama 21 21.................................... Thurston 42 10..................................... Crater 17 56......................................Ashland 6 41................................... North Bend 6 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (4): Running back David Brown (6-1, 170, sr.), running back/receiver Wyatt Graves (6-2, 180, sr.), running back Kaden Huff (5-10, 160, jr.), tackle Garrett Matthews (6-6, 300, jr.). DEFENSE (6): Tackle Nathan Cordova (6-2, 270, sr.), end Hayden Weaver (6-4, 215, jr.), end Emilio Ayala (6-3, 210, sr.), linebacker Wyatt Graves, defensive back Aden Quintero (5-8, 140, sr.), defensive back Dawson Foulon (6-4, 175, sr.). OTHER NOTABLES Quarterback Bryton Livingston (6-0, 175, jr.), running back Hugo Perezchica (5-11, 220, jr.), receiver Alex Meadows (6-2, 180, jr.), linebacker Josh Bayne (6-1, 165, sr.), kicker Jeremiah Cordle (6-0, 145, jr.). 2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 ........................... ASHLAND, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Mazama, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 CHURCHILL, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at North Eugene, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 ....................... WILLAMETTE, 7 p.m. Oct. 6 ........................... THURSTON, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Crater, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at South Eugene, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 SPRINGFIELD, 7 p.m.

LivingstonGraves

Johnson By Danny Penza Mail Tribune

Head coach Rick Raish dubs senior QB Devon Anderson (6-1, 175) “one of the most naturally gifted athletes I’ve coached in 24 years” and “elec tric on the Andersonfield.”passed for nearly 1,100 yards, ran for about 500 more and combined for 15 offen sive touchdowns. He was also a defensive leader as an honorable mention all-state cornerback.

Halstead highlights young but promising Colts contigent

Senior Vaun Halstead high lights Thurston’s attack as a first-team all-state linebacker and an all-conference running back. The 6-foot, 205-pounder is a state champion wrestler and brings an aggressive and physi cal presence to every situation. “Vaun is so physically imposing,” said Starck. “He can just dominate a game. We have to turn him down in prac tice just so kids don’t get hurt.” Due to a team need, and the confidence Starck has in a pair of sophomores, senior Darien Witham — a 5-11, 180-pound all-state safety — will move over to running back to help provide a steady complement to Halstead. Kyle Miller (5-9, 140) and Noah Blair (6-0, 160) are the aforementioned QB options, with Miller shining as an accu rate passer and some varsity experience while Blair isn’t far off the pace and potentially moreWalkerathletic.Bonar and Ethan Burkhead give the Colts speedy, big-play ability at receiver, with junior Luke Newell looking to follow the footsteps of older brother Jacob as a game-breaker on both sides of the ball. Blake Talley stands as the next formidable force in what has been a steady succession of dominant linemen at Thurston.

After playing in the Class 5A state championship in each of the last three seasons — win ning twice — Thurston will need to get several newcomers up to speed quickly in order to continue that string. Despite only two returning starters on each side of the ball, the consensus is the Colts have a good chance of doing just that as they look to reload under 20th-year head coach Justin“WeStarck.stillhave a lot of great kids and I’m very excited about the group we have, very excited,” said Starck. The rest of the Midwest ern League may be a little less excited, mind you, as Thur ston was again the unanimous favorite in the preseason coaches’ poll. It’s a distinction the Colts have become accus tomed to in recent years.

“We definitely anticipate the target and we know that we’ll get everyone’s best game,” said Starck. “Teams definitely get excited to play us, and it’s an honor to have earned that right. We look forward to it. I know there are some teams that are extremely well-coached and have a ton of up-and-coming talent that are going to be a lot to deal with in our league, but we’re excited for it.”

Brycen Bechtel saw some carries last year but will take on a bigger role in the backfield as a senior running behind an offensive line spurred by seniors Adam Bloom and Elliott Bloom.

Springﬁeld Springfield has scored more than one touchdown in only one of its last 14 games — and none last year — but fourth-year head coach Miles Haley is hopeful a bevy of returning varsity experience will pay dividends for a group that hasn’t had a winning season since 2015. Junior QB Caeleb Kasperek (6-2, 210) seized control of the offense late in the season and will rely on senior receiv ers Dwayne Fotta and Julian Gomez, junior running backs Connor Dye and Jackson Babbitt and junior receiver Zack Sher man to help move the chains. Haley sees overall team speed as a strength this season, with senior Diego Medina (6-0, 265) and juniors Nate Williams (6-4, 275) and Cody Hensehn (6-3, 225) supplying a steady push in the trenches. South Eugene After a two-year absence due to low numbers, South Eugene will revive its football program in a second run with Chad Kes sler, who coached the Axe from 2010-12.Thegoal this season will be to create excitement about the program within the community and take the first steps toward a lasting rebuild for a program that enjoyed promising cam paigns in the early-to-mid 2000s.“The kids are working hard and the future is super bright,” said Kessler, “we just need to build our 40-some odd roster to a 60-some odd roster with different levels of play for the kids so we can separate them out.” Aidan Gillis is one of three seniors but the only one to have played football for the Axe so his leadership has been key thus far. Sophomore QB Jackson Christian and junior soccer convert Ronan Schmidt (RB/ LB) have proven to be quick learners and are good athletes, with speedy juniors Brian Fad ness (RB/LB) and Landon Lea (RB/DB) expected to be leading playmakers.FreshmanAustin Fore, junior Zevariah Moses and sopho more Mack Mulford have been the leading figures among the linemen. Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, Twitterrosebudmedia.comkhenry@orvia@Kris_Henry

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At 6-4, 345 pounds, Talley is joined by fellow seniors Kaleb Miller (5-11, 240) and Brian Dally (6-3, 275) in creating a strong foothold in the trenches.

Churchill Kirk Miller inherits a team undergoing a bit of an over haul due to graduation but with plenty of promise to compete for the head coach who returns to the sidelines for the first time in five years. Tyler Mikel takes over at QB and sought out his new coach as soon as possible to help acclimate to Miller’s spread no-huddle offense. Tight end Pete Pennington was an all-con ference pick a year ago and offers a nice target at 6-5, 215.

The offensive skill players beyond Anderson are limited in terms of varsity experience but Diego Gonzales (6-3, 285) returns to bolster a line that includes Tyler McAlpine and JackSeniorBrinkhous.linebacker Hyrum Weiss led North Eugene in sacks and lends a high motor to his team’s blitz-heavy scheme that includes linebacker Tyree Osirus.Senior Cooper Olney and newcomers like Kelin Knut son, Demetrius Cartwright and Dennis Jackson will be tasked with fortifying the receiver/ defensive back corps.

Thurston, which has made the last three Class 5A state title games, is again the pick to win the Midwestern League.

Thurston returns as MWL favorite

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 11

The Lancers also get a boost from the return to the program of senior running back/line backer Noa Allison, and Miller is high on the potential in the secondary and at receiver for junior Brady Bidwell and soph omore Aaron Bidwell. Damon Brooks returns at defensive end, with Isaiah Meashintubby providing a strong presence inside. Willamette Junior inside linebacker Travis Grantom is the only all-conference returner and one of only a handful with varsity experience for a Willamette team undergoing a vast overhaul due to graduations. Grantom (6-1, 190) was a defensive lineman last year but will move a step back to anchor a defense that expects to see senior Kenna Kunihisa (5-10, 155) guide the secondary at safety and Sheldon trans fer Cyrus Pasi (6-0, 265) hold down the defensive line. Seniors Shawn Butler and Ryan Mobley provide veteran leadership in the trenches with junior Vincent Hutchins, while Pierce Bratland should play a key role as he takes over in the backfield and also at linebacker withSeniorGrantom.Ryan Prescott and junior Blake Thornton have been in a tight battle to guide the Wolverines’ ball-control spread offense at quarterback, and bas ketball senior turnouts Myles Brooks and Shamond O’Roy provide speed on the perimeter. North Eugene The reward for reaching the state playoffs for the first time in 28 years? If you’re North Eugene it’s a return to the 5A level and a chance to build on the Highlanders’ most success ful season in six years.

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

SEE ASHLAND, 18

Publication:MailFilename:639 Tribune - HS Football Do It Yourself and Save!

RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (9): Receiver Caden Negra (6-3, 175, jr.), tackle Ray Hart (6-0, 180, sr.), guard Kekoa Kaho’okaulana (6-2, 230, so.), center Alan Helsel (5-10, 200, sr.), guard Jack Bauer (6-0, 215, sr.), tackle Talon Hernandez (6-3, 190, jr.), running back Gavin White (5-9, 170, jr.), quarterback Jojo Harrower (6-3, 175, so.), receiver Crosby Lehnerz (6-4, 160, jr.). DEFENSE (5): Linebacker Jacob Ortega (6-1, 220, so.), end Ray Hart, tackle Jack Bauer, safety Noah Schrader (5-9, 170, jr.), cornerback Crosby Lehnerz. OTHER NOTABLES Tight end/linebacker Marcelo Saturen (6-2, 195, jr.), lineman Dutch Linerud (6-3, 175, so.), receiver/tight end/ linebacker Wilson Wildman (6-1, 170, sr.). 2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 at Eagle Point, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at North Eugene, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 HENLEY, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 HIDDEN VALLEY, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 ......................... at Mazama, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 ......................... MARSHFIELD, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 ....................... at Sweet Home, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 ........................ at North Bend, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 KLAMATH UNION, 7 p.m.

Lehnerz

12 | Friday, September 2, 2022| GRIZZLIES HEAD COACH Beau Lehnerz (sixth year, 1522) GENERAL ASSISTANTS:INFORMATION Scott Chadick (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Eric Sullivan (special teams/ linebackers/running backs), Bubba Rylance (line men), Austin Brower (linemen), Tim Hernandez (receivers/defensive backs), Greg White (offensive quality control). 2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 0-7 (eighth, MWL). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 0-8. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Fifth. 2021 RESULTS ASHLAND OPPONENTS 14 Henley 35 6................................... North Bend 27 0 Churchill 32 0 Springﬁeld 2 (forfeit) 14 Willamette 20 6................................... Eagle Point 56 6 Thurston 44 0 Crater 45

By Danny Penza Mail Tribune

ASHLAND — Ashland head coach Beau Lehnerz entered the 2021 season knowing full well that his young Griz zlies would likely take their lumps. Twelve months later, he’s approach ing 2022 as the chance for his still-young squad to take a step forward. And if they do so, it will come in a new league at a level that Lehnerz and the rest of his coaching staff believe is more appropriate for their current situation. “It’s been a weird two years to say the least,” said Lehnerz. “It’s just been kind of the declining enrollment overall and just the kids playing football, so the competitor in me sees the tradition of where we already were, but the reality is that our numbers are dwindling and (Class) 4A is a good fit for us.” Even though the Grizzlies went 0-8 a year ago, Lehnerz was able to identify pieces to build around going into 2022 andAndbeyond.justlike the last time Ashland came off a tough season with few vic tories after going 2-7 in 2017, a lot of those names are players that are still underclassmen.TheGrizzlies are also hoping that their move down from 5A to the newlook Big Sky Conference will result in more success as compared to the sometimes gauntlet-like schedule of the Midwestern League. With Phoenix also moving down a level from 4A to 3A, Ashland steps into their neighbor to the north’s spot in the Big Sky. The drop won’t guarantee Ash land more wins right off the bat, Lehnerz notes, as they have joined a league that also consists of last season’s 4A state champion in Marshfield and postseason regulars in Mazama and Henley.

Ashland embraces new 4A landscape Grizzlies return bevy of skill players eager to snap winless streak

Harrower.Harrower appeared in three games — starting two of them — before things quickly changed when he suffered a season-ending concussion in Ashland’s Week 3 loss to Churchill. “He’s always had the athletic ability, so the thing we’ve talked about over the years has been how you go from being a good quarterback with physical tal ents to becoming great,” said Lehnerz. “It’s also so hard to remember he’s only a sophomore and he only played 1 ½ varsity games last year, so he doesn’t have a ton of the high school experience under his belt at all. Really, this is going to be his rookie year and we’re going to see what he can do, see what he’s capa ble of and manage the expectations.” His top target, 6-foot-3 Caden Negra, is still just a junior and is coming off a season where he earned second-team all-MWL recognition — one of the few sophomores to be included on the list. Negra combines his big frame with topend speed, which was on display last May when he helped Ashland capture the 4x400 relay title at the 5A track and field state championships.

Ironically, the Grizzlies will face former Midwestern League foes in the first two weeks of the season, opening the year on the road Friday night against Eagle Point and then heading up I-5 to North“TheEugene.kidsare excited for the change of scenery,” said Lehnerz. “Some of them are like, ‘Oh, we’re going to dominate,’ but we have to show them that Mazama won it two years ago, Marshfield won it last year, Hidden Valley won it in 3A a few years ago — granted, some of those kids have moved on, but those are win ning“It’sprograms.goingto be a super tough league and it’s going to be a fight for those three playoff spots.” Ashland graduated just seven seniors from last season’s team, and have virtu ally all of their top skill position players back.Unlike a year ago when there were a few options at quarterback, there is no question who is leading the Grizzlies under center in 2022: sophomore Jojo

PHOTO BY DENISE BARATTA Ashland receiver Caden Negra, seen here throwing the ball during warm-ups, was an all-Midwestern League selection last season as a sophomore.

Vikings enter Big Sky Conference as the preseason favorite over Henley, Marshﬁeld

Mazama junior quarterback Tyson Van Gastel and the Vikings are the preseason favorite to win the Big Sky Conference this season.

“If we wehealthystayandcontinue to improve, we should win the conference and make a run in the playoffs.”

Marshﬁeld Marshfield was a 4A buzzsaw a year ago but only a handful of returning starters leave the Pirates as a bit of a mystery, with capable new faces filling pivotal roles for sixth-year head coach JoshSeniorsLemmons.Luke Parry (5-11, 185) and Gilbert Hernandez (6-2, 250) highlight the returners on the offensive line, while senior linemen Toby Johnston (6-0, 200) and Sebastian Gabriel-Kutsch (5-11, 220) and senior linebacker Mitch ell George (5-11, 185) anchor a defense that allowed about 13 points last year and expects to be just as tough with good size and depth in the trenches.

It’s been nine years since Mazama last found itself on top of the conference standings, and the Vikings aren’t in a hurry to end that streak just yet. It may be a new league for Vic Lease’s squad but the expectations remain the same, with Mazama tabbed as the newly formed Big Sky Conference favorites in a preseason coaches’ poll. “If we stay healthy and we continue to improve,” said Lease, “we should win the conference and make a run in the playoffs.”Mazama advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals a year ago, bookending a 9-3 campaign with a second loss to eventual state champion Marshfield — which joins Henley as the Vikings’ top competition for a Big Sky title. Six starters on offense — led by senior fullback Trevor Anderson and junior quar terback Tyson Van Gastel — and five on defense return to the fold and anchor a very physical attack for the aAnderson10,TheVikings.5-foot-195-poundwasfirst-team all-Skyline Conference selection a year ago after rushing for over 700 yards and 11 touchdowns in Mazama’s flexbone triple option scheme. Anderson was also an all-state inside linebacker after helping lead the Vikings in tackles and tackles for loss. “He is one of the best running backs and linebackers in the state,” said Lease. “Don’t let his size fool you. He plays bigger than he is.” A second-year starter, Van Gastel (6-3, 210) has earned praise from his coach that the junior is “one of the best QBs I have had running our offense.” A dual-threat option, Van Gastel has the ability to run over or throw through the defense and will get plenty of help from returning halfback Brody Hubble (5-10, 180), tight end Brendon Mon teith (6-1, 205) and a sturdy offense line led by Brendon Solus and Zach Atmadinata.Leasealso expects big things from playmaking seniors Tyler Aguiar and Treyce Horton. At 6-5 and 285 pounds, senior Keegan McDonald sets the tone for a stifling defense.

Junior QB Cole Hansen (6-1, 180) has put in a lot of time in the offsea son to hone his skills and has an almost entirely intact offensive line to work behind in seniors Kamren Theis (6-1, 270) and Neal Walter (6-2, 240) and juniors Joshio Stevens (6-2, 235) and Jake Perry (6-2, 265).

Henley Shaw Stork was the Skyline Confer ence offensive player of the year in 2021 and the 6-2, 185-pound senior quarter back has a breakout weapon in senior receiver Owen Cheyne and an experi enced offensive line to operate around for his third season as a starter. Stork accounted for 29 TDs last year and about 2,000 yards in total offense. He’s been adept at using his athleticism to make plays and is growing more con fident as a passer. Cheyne (6-3, 175) was an all-conference receiver, defensive back, placekicker and punter last year as one of the most athletic Hornets. Junior running back Logan Whitlock (5-9, 175) and junior receiver Chris Janney (6-0, 170) will be tasked with taking advantage when teams begin to focus too much on Stork and Cheyne.

Henley boasts a bevy of veteran linemen in Owen Northcutt, Braeden Morris, Nate Tappan, Juan Manzo and Emiliano Ortiz-Banderas.

Lucas Folau (6-2, 215) help bolster what could develop into another dominant defense.Niblett and sophomore Ashton Thor ton (5-11, 175) are vying to take over at QB, and how quickly and confidently one of them can take the reins of Marsh field’s offense will be pivotal. North Bend North Bend took some lumps last year but will look to use that experience to its advantage, with a host of players returning on both sides of the ball who are hungry to return the Bulldogs to their winning ways under 12th-year head coach Gary Prince.

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

BIG SKY, 19

Senior Kavan Robinson (6-0, 215) will be a key cog at linebacker and running back after transferring from North Bend, while junior Canyon Niblett, senior Drake Rogers and sophomore

Mazama head coach Vic Lease SEE

THE OREGONIAN/OREGONLIVE

Mazama bids to build on title streak

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 13

CHALLENGERS HEAD COACH Jon Gettman (13th year, 110-28)

Challengers made the semifinals two other times. “There’s nothing really where you can look back and say, man, we really blew our opportunity here or there,” he said. “You look back, and we got a lot of kids a lot of experience, so we come back this year with nine returners on offense and defense, a junior class of 10 kids and a senior class of 10 kids. Those kids know theAsprogram.”withlast year, the interior lines figure to be Cascade Christian’s strength. Four of five offensive linemen return, led by seniors Liam Benade (6-foot-2, 245 pounds) and Matthew Moses (6-2, 320). They were first-team all-league selections on offense and defense, respectively.

Veteran Challengers loaded for bear Cascade Christian buoyed by huge group of returners in expanded league

While the final record wasn’t as spar kly as past seasons and the end of the road, a 28-23 loss to Siuslaw in the quarterfinals, came earlier than the Challengers are accustomed to, they weren’t things Gett man inappearances,minatedtheseasons.markChristianHe’slamented.guidedCascadetoa110-28overadozenFourtimescampaignsculintitlegameresultingtwochampionships.The

Almasy Benade Moses Nering

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE Cascade Christian senior quarterback Keith Reed threw for nearly 1,600 yards during his first season as the Challengers’ signal-caller last season.

“They’re really strong. Again, that’s going to be the foundation of what we do, using their physicality and experience. Those four have been starting since their sophomore years. It’s fun to see the change and difference in conﬁdence they have entering their senior year.” Cascade Christian head coach Jon Gettman on his team’s linemenSEE CASCADE, 19

14 | Friday, September 2, 2022|

By Tim Trower for the Mail Tribune

Cascade Christian has dominated conference play for years, but this season, in the wake of realignment across the Oregon football land scape, the Challengers will have an uncommonly large number of league opponents coming after them. Fortunately, Cascade Christian has an uncommonly large number of players returning from its state quarterfinal squad of Thirteenth-year2021. head coach Jon Gettman brings back nine of 11 starters on each side of the ball, setting his team up for a serious run at not only the championship of the swollen Far West League, but the whole of Class 3A. “I can’t think of a group of kids where we’ve had this many returning starters,” said Gettman, noting that the Challengers welcomed back a large contingent in 2017, the last time they won“Butstate.itwasn’t nine on both sides of the ball,” he added, “so it’s a good thing.”TheFar West League, or Special District 3, has ballooned to 10 football teams and includes in-city rival St. Mary’s and nearby Phoenix, formerly of the Class 4A Skyline Conference. North Valley, another Skyline school, is also in the FWL. Every regular season game will be a league contest. Last year, Cascade Christian played only three league games and filled out its remaining slate with a bru tally difficult collection of nonleague opponents.TheChallengers went 5-4 overall –with all of the setbacks coming against state finalists – and were 2-1 in league. Their FWL loss was to South Umpqua, 28-26, and was only the second defeat in Cascade Christian’s past 42 league games.Theother losses were twice by a total of nine points to a Siuslaw team that beat South Umpqua for the 3A crown, and 41-16 to Marist, the 4A runner-up. There are pros and cons to a robust league, said Gettman. “We enjoy playing out of league,” he said. “It just gives you some different matchups that you wouldn’t otherwise get. For us, we’ve always enjoyed those types of situations, but we’ve done it before (played a healthy league schedule). Obviously, you’ve got to get ready to go from the beginning. “It comes down to, it’s football. It’s a good opportunity, you still get nine games in.”

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GENERALASSISTANTS:INFORMATIONMike Schaan (defensive coordinator/linemen), Jeff Olson (linebackers), Sam Carpenter (defensive backs), Joe Hagler (running backs), Matt Hagert (receivers), Andy Scaglione (JV head (quarterbacks),backs/receivers),coach/defensiveSteveFurstRyanSample(JV assistant/receivers), Darren Turituri (linemen/JV defense), Marty Maurer (tight ends), Jim Lockwood (running backs/linebackers), Tony McDougal (linebackers). 2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 2-1 (second, FWL). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 5-4. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: First. 2021 RESULTS CASCADE CHRISTIAN OPPONENTS at La Pine ............................ canceled 44................................ Yreka (CA) 0 16................................... Marist 41 34 Siuslaw 38 35 St. Mary’s 7 28 Springﬁeld 0 26 South Umpqua 28 68 Sutherlin 6 State Playoffs 40.............................. Junction City 30 23.................................. Siuslaw 28 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (9): Receiver Tyler Almasy (5-8, 170, sr.), guard/tackle Liam Benade (6-2, 245, sr.), guard Matthew Moses (6-2, 320, sr.), center Daniel Nering (6-3, 250, sr.), quarterback Keith Reed (6-3, 185, sr.), receiver/running back Brody Sample (5-10, 170, sr.), tackle Jaxon Turituri (6-4, 215, sr.), running back Triston Wallace (6-0, 195, sr.), receiver Peyton Maurer (6-3, 170, jr.). DEFENSE (9): End Liam Benade, nose tackle Matthew Moses, end Jaxon Turituri, safety Tyler Almasy, cornerback Brody Sample, linebacker Triston Wallace, linebacker Cole Shields (6-1, 210, sr.), safety Kameron Rague (6-2, 180, so.), linebacker Brendon Vanwart (510, 170, jr.). OTHER NOTABLES Linebacker Bryson Jackson (6-2, 160, sr.), receiver/ defensive back Kristofer Fralich (5-11, 165, jr.), receiver/lineman/linebacker Mason Hoffman (6-2, 180, jr.), receiver Kellan Kleker (6-0, 140, jr.), lineman Jack Knips (6-3, 185, jr.), quarterback/linebacker Ashton Moody (5-11, 165, jr.), receiver/defensive back Dylan Westlake (5-8, 135, jr.), receiver/defensive back Luke Wilson (5-6, 130, jr.), lineman Zack Cook (5-7, 245, so.). 2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 ........................ DOUGLAS, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 ....................... SUTHERLIN, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Brookings-Harbor, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 COQUILLE, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at North Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 PHOENIX, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Lakeview, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at St. Mary’s, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 SOUTH UMPQUA, 7 p.m. Gettman

Senior Tyson Delplanche, a running back and first-team all-league cornerback, came to the rescue. “We approached him,” said Young, “and he’s a kid who is a relentless competitor and has embraced it from Day 1 and has really worked hard. He had a chance to do some 7-on-7 and a little scrimmage work in our camp this summer, and he did some really good things.”Delplanche has plenty of help as he grows into the role. St. Mary’s features eight returning starters on offense, including a host of physical linemen, and is preparing for a run at the Class 3A state playoffs after narrowly missing out last season. Three of the expanded Far West League’s 10 teams qualify for the 16-team playoff bracket. The Crusaders went 5-4 overall in 2021 but 0-3 in the FWL. Two of the league setbacks were to powerhouses Cascade Christian and South Umpqua. The third was a forfeit to Siuslaw because of St. Mary’s injury depleted roster. “That was a game I felt would have been a good, competitive game,” said Young. “We win that and we’re in the playoffs.“Iseeus being in a similar situation. I think we have the ability to be com petitive, but we’re going to have to stay healthy. That’s really the biggest thing. With the number of kids we have who have played as much football as they have, we have a very decent amount of experience. Can we do this for nine weeks, and hopefully longer, staying healthy and ready to go?” Nearly every position is manned by a two-way starter, meaning depth will again be an Achilles’ heel as the Crusad ers take on the robust FWL schedule. Every game will be in league.

A funny thing happened to St. Mary’s on the way to the 2022 football season. The Crusaders found themselves without someone to man the rather crucial position of quarterback. “It’s a little bit of unknown territory,” said coach Jamie Young, who is enter ing his 13th season. “We had a situation where we found we didn’t have anybody coming back with experience.”

By Tim Trower for the Mail Tribune

St. Mary’s senior Tyson Delplanche has made the move from running back to quarterback this season. Delplanche was a first-team all-Far West League selection at cornerback last season. “He’s a kid who is a relentless competitor and has embraced it from Day 1 and has really worked hard. He had a chance to do some 7-on-7 and a little scrimmage work in our camp this summer, and he did some really good things.”

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 15

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

St. Mary’s head coach Jamie Young on new quarterback Tyson Delplanche SEE ST. MARY’S, 20

St. Mary’s calls on a new signal-caller Crusaders have high hopes as Delplanche shifts from running back to quarterback

Phoenix strives to be competitive at new level

DEFENSE (10): End Jair Ramirez, tackle Eric Rangel, nose tackle Omar Mendoza-Cortez, end Charles Butcher, cornerback J.J. Jimenez, free safety Jackson Selden, linebacker Hayden Hicks (5-10, 220, jr.), linebacker Derek Corder (5-10, 210, so.), cornerback Julian Montez (6-2, 185, so.), strong safety Jackson Shilts (5-10, 160, jr.).

PHOENIX — The 2021 football season had barely finished when Phoenix coach Mike Robinson knew what he wanted to do with it: Put it behind him as quickly asThepossible.Pirates, facing ongoing chal lenges from the Almeda Fire that devastated the town in September 2020, found themselves woefully outmatched at nearly every turn, and the win-loss record reflected it.

SEE PHOENIX,

Phoenix went 0-8 overall and 0-5 in the Skyline Conference. It was shut out twice, scored only one touchdown in each of three other games and was outscored by an average of 48-10.

The district is still using the McKin ney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to help bus in kids who have been dis placed, he said.

Pirates join Class 3A Far West League on heels of recent challenges

Offensive tackle Diego Vaca (6-0, 250, so.), linebacker Shane Gordon (6-1, 170, so.), tight end Sidney McQueen (6-3, 215, so.), running back/strong safety Luke Jennings (5-10, 205, fr.), running back/defensive back Cody Martin (6-0, 185, fr.). 2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 .................. SOUTH UMPQUA, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 ........................ at Coquille, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 ..................... at St. Mary’s, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 DOUGLAS, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 BROOKINGS-HARBOR, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Cascade Christian, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 SUTHERLIN, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 LAKEVIEW, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at North Valley, 7 p.m. Robinson

Among the ramifications of the past couple years has been a move to a lower classification for football.

By Tim Trower for the Mail Tribune

16 | Friday, September 2, 2022| PIRATES HEAD COACH Mike Robinson (second year, 0-8) GENERALASSISTANTS:INFORMATION Tim Seeley (assistant head coach/defensive coordinator), Ernest Johnston (quarterbacks/ linebackers), Mark Garcia (linemen), Jack Cosgrove (JV head coach/receivers/defensive backs). 2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 0-5 (sixth, Skyline). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 0-8. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Tenth. 2021 RESULTS PHOENIX OPPONENTS 6 Sutherlin 46 0 Stayton 49 30 Elmira 36 0 Hidden Valley 45 6.................................... Henley 49 20............................ Klamath Union 56 6.................................. Mazama 68 12.............................. North Valley 35 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (9): Quarterback Hunter Everhart (6-2, 180, sr.), fullback Charles Butcher (6-0, 255, sr.), running back Jair Ramirez (5-10, 220, sr.), receiver Jackson Selden (5-11, 185, sr.), receiver J.J. Jimenez (510, 185, jr.), tackle Aaron Clark (6-1, 240, sr.), guard Omar Mendoza-Cortez (5-11, 250, sr.), center Cory Cunningham (6-0, 300, sr.), guard Eric Rangel (5-11, 230, sr.).

The Pirates will play in the Far West League this year, a 10-team loop of Class 3A teams that includes state playoff favorites Cascade Christian and South Umpqua as well as former Skyline mate North Valley, which moved to 3A for all “Wesports.justwant to be competitive,” said Robinson, a former Southern Oregon University fullback who dabbled in the Arena Football League before a knee injury ended his playing career.

“The biggest thing we need from our quarterback is ball control and being a leader at that position. His strength is his arm. He’s got a really good, strong arm. He’s been able to read and become more decisive in that position.”

“For the most part,” said Robinson, in his second year, “we tried hard to be competitive, but we were just out manned and outbodied and outgunned at many positions last year. The major ity of our team had a lot of freshmen playing, and sophomores.”

PHOTOS BY DENISE BARATTA

Phoenix receiver Jackson Selden, right, and the Pirates hope a move down to Class 3A will result in better results.

OTHER NOTABLES

“We’ve had a lot of setbacks with natural disasters that have kind of dec imated the population,” he said. “We had to drop down to another level so we could be more competitive. Throughout the summer, our kids have been coming steady, and we’ve had scrimmages against some of these other schools. They (Pirate players) have shown to have grit and to fight pretty hard.” “Our goal,” he added, “is to be .500 this year, if not better, in conference play.”Asfor the lasting impact of the fire on the community, particularly the stu dent population, it’s been “huge, huge,” he“It’ssaid. just housing, and affordable housing, and people being able to move back into the area,” said Robinson, who works as a medical social worker in Jackson and Josephine counties with AccentCare Asante Home Health.

Phoenix head coach on quarterback Hunter Everhart20

| Friday, September 2, 2022 | 17

Kelly is part of a skill position group that Brown hopes is able to open the Comets’ offense up much more than what things were like in 2021.

Wood’s top two targets are a pair of senior receivers, Scott Price and Andrew Schatz, and junior tight end Kayden Gardner. Price, who finished second in the triple jump at the 5A track and field state championships in May, is the speedster of the bunch, running a 5.6 40-yard dash, according to Brown. Schatz, coming off his first year in the program, is one of five returning starters on offense for the Comets.

Crater’s Luke Higginson (14) will be one of the many targets Comets quarterback Shane Wood will be throwing to this season.

“I think those guys can stretch the field,” said Brown, “and it’s going to be about our ability to protect Shane and get those guys the ball that will allow us to open up the offense a little bit more than we were able to last year.” Gardner was a second-team all-MWL selection last season and is described by Brown as “probably our best offensive weapon.” He will also be a much bigger target than he was a year ago, growing 2 inches to 6-foot-2 and adding 25 pounds to reach 240. “He’s a big tight end who’s got the softest hands on the team,” said Brown. “He’s also a physical blocker, so we’re looking to build some things around him and move him around a little bit so people have to guess where he’s going to line up.” It’s the amount of options Brown has at his disposal on offense that has him so optimistic about what the Comets can develop into. “Trying to develop an offense where we can utilize all six of those skill players is a unique challenge,” said Brown. “It’s an exciting challenge honestly. We’re not going to just line up and try to beat you up like we did last year. We’re going to use all 53 and 100 yards and stress defenses out with motions, shifts and try to keep people on their heels as much as we can.” Defensively, the Comets return seven starters, including safeties Aidan Chenoweth and Price. Linebacker Tony Dowens, a senior, was a second-team allMWL pick last season and will anchor a front seven that has all but two starters — Lasater and Jordahl — “Defensively,back. we bring a lot of guys back,” said Brown. “I’m excited about our defense.” Reach reporter Danny Penza at 541-776-4469 or dpenza@ rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @penzatopaper.

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

“Shane has just gained a ton of experience,” said Brown, “and I’ve spent a lot of time with him now calling the offense and he’s got a better understanding of defenses because I’ve got a defensive background and I can tell him what defenses are trying to accomplish based on what defenses they are running.” Taking over as the Comets’ starting running back will be senior Andrew Kelly, who has been a jack-of-all-trades for Crater during his first three years in the program.

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CRATER From Page 9

Now a junior, Wood has been pushed by sophomore Ben Higginson — who could be a Wildcat option in certain situations — and shown to be much more of a natural leader.

Livingston was in line for playing time at quarterback last season, only to see an elbow injury over the summer cost him much of his sophomore campaign. Healthy again, Livingston — who also saw playing time at QB as a freshman during the spring 2021 season — is the guy in the spotlight again for the Eagles. “He’s a good one and we have all the confidence in him,” said Johnson of the 5-foot-11, 160-pound Livingston. “His arm strength has grown and matured and he’s a very, very smart quarterback. His biggest strength is probably his anticipation and just knowing the game of football. He’s probably one of the smartest quarterbacks I’ve coached.”

Senior Wyatt Graves, who caught 20 passes last season, is set to be Living ston’s top target, while Johnson is also high on 6-2 junior Alex Meadows. Running backs Hugo Perezchica and Kaden Huff will also get carries this season.“Multiple guys can do different things,” said Johnson. “Somebody like Wyatt Graves is going to touch the ball in a lot of ways. Same with Kaden, Hugo, other guys. We’re going to be able to get those guys (the ball). That’s what’s exciting about the offensive side.”While Johnson admits that there’s “a couple of spots that are still up in the air” on the offensive line, he is confi dent with the options he does have who will be stepping into bigger roles. Junior tackle Garrett Matthews, who stands 6-5 and 300 pounds, is the Eagles’ lone returner up front on offense.“They have some experience, and it’s some experience with some athletes,” said Johnson of the offensive line. “They can move really well and have good size. They’re very coachable, so it’s very exciting with that group. If you have that, you can do a lot of different things behind it. We’re coming together quiteEaglewell.”Point’s defense limited oppo nents to 214.6 yards and 17.5 points per game last season. Three of the six returning starters on defense are along the defensive line, with Johnson knowing full well that his team will try and set the tone in the trenches.“Ithink we’re going to have a pretty solid defensive line and we’re going to lean on those guys,” said Johnson. The graduation of Hill — who was also a first-team all-MWL pick at line backer — means the Eagles will try to take another step forward without their biggest leader on both sides of the ball last“Someone’sseason. gotta step up and that’s just kinda how things work,” said Johnson of filling the leadership void. ”You can’t just point a finger and say, “Hey, you’re a leader.’ Someone’s gotta step up and take that role. I think there’s a few guys this summer who have — I think Wyatt Graves has, David himself has, Dawson Foulon has shown some leadership. They’re going to lead their own way. Isaiah was real verbal, but some guys aren’t — and that’s fine.” Reach reporter Danny Penza at 541776-4469 or dpenza@rosebudmedia. com. Follow him on Twitter @penztopaper.

PHOTO BY DENISE BARATTA Eagle Point offensive lineman Garrett Matthews will help power the Eagles in the trenches again this season.

EAGLE POINT From Page 10

With the desire to make a good first impression in their new league, there’s also a matter of the Grizzlies simply trying not to get too far ahead of“There’sthemselves.part of me thinking this could be a big year,” said Lehnerz, “but then there’s also part of me that says we’ve been in this situation a little bit and I don’t want to put too much on the kids, I don’t want them to put too much on themselves. We’re in a process and these sopho more guys who are now juniors are thinking big-time, but it’s a big step going from where we were last year to this year. “We’re in a new league, so we want to be competitive, we want to execute in all three phases and we just need to understand there will be ups and downs and how we deal with it is probably going to be the biggest determinant on our season.” Reach reporter Danny Penza at 541-776-4469 or dpenza@ rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @penzatopaper.

18 | Friday, September 2, 2022|

“He is super athletic and he has relied on his athleticism for a lot of stuff,” said Lehnerz. “He’s not only fast but also super tough, so he’s not afraid to go across the middle and mix it up. We just have to find dif ferent ways to get him the ball.”

ASHLAND

Junior Gavin White and sophomore Jacob Ortega will handle most of the load at run ning back for the Grizzlies. Kekoa Kaho’okaulana, a 6-2, 230-pound sophomore, was an all-MWL honorable mention pick at guard as a freshman. He will lead an offensive line that has four returning starters, with the other three — tackle Ray Hart, center Alan Helsel and guard Jack Bauer — being seniors. The Grizzlies’ other projected starter on the offensive line, junior tackle Talon Hernandez, returns after suf fering a season-ending injury in Week 1 last year.

“We need to find our rhythm and really find our identity,” said Lehnerz. “We have a lot of guys we want to get the ball to and unfortunately there’s only one ball, but I think it’s on us to be creative with a little bit of smoke and mirrors. We want to make sure we’re not one-di mensional — we have a passing threat and that’s great, but we have a great O-line, we have a couple of good running backs and those things can work off eachTheother.”Grizzlies return five starters on defense as Lehnerz looks to a group of players who will see bigger roles this season compared to 2021. It isn’t about a lack of athlet icism, Lehnerz said, but more to do with players continuing to pick up the scheme and then executing it.

From Page 12

PHOTO BY DENISE BARATTA Ashland offensive lineman Kekoa Kaho’okaulana, left, was an all-Midwestern League honorable mention selection last season.

Fellow junior Crosby Leh nerz (6-4, 160) offers the Grizzlies another big target with good hands on the other side of their up-tempo offense, while junior tight end Marcelo Saturen (6-2, 195) is somebody who has had a great summer and will be a threat over the middle, according to Lehnerz.

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Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541776-4488, khenry@rosebudmedia.com or via Twitter @Kris_Henry

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE Cascade Christian’s Kameron Rague is one of the many playmakers the Challengers have back as they look to win the Far West League title this season.

CASCADE From Page Wallace14Sample

The Challengers begin the season with two home games. They don’t meet defending league champion South Umpqua until the regular season finale.

Hidden Valley Graduation hit Mike Fanger’s pro gram hard but all that has done is create opportunities for others to step up and lead the charge in his second year. “We’re fairly inexperienced,” said Fanger. “I think where we start out hopefully won’t be where we finish as far as improvement. We’re joking with the kids that whatever grade you’re in, you need to grow up about halfway through the season and go to the next grade because we’ve got a lot of young kids playing. It’s good and it’s exciting but we also know there’s going to be some growing pains.”

Prince is also excited about an athletic receiver corps that is led by juniors Sam Mickelson (6-3, 210) and Jason Padgett (6-4, 190) and senior David Roberts (6-1, 170). An inability to finish off drives and turnover issues have been preseason focuses for the Bulldogs to shore up and allow for more competitive showings in 2022.

Klamath Union Overall depth is a concern but Klamath Union features some solid first-line athletes, led by returning senior line men Hayden Smith (6-3, 295) and Indrani Espinoza (6-0, 210) and senior receiver Tony Ortiz (6-2, 185).

Senior center Ayden Kanott (6-1, 230), a second-team all-Skyline pick, is the lone returner on the offensive line and will look to pave the way for returning first-team all-league senior running back Daniel Iwamizu (5-10, 185), who will be the driving force for the“He’sMustangs.definitely going to be our work horse,” said Fanger. “We’ve got to figure out different ways to get the ball in his hands; he’s an explosive athlete.”

Tim Trower is a freelance writer. To comment on this article, write to sports@rosebudmedia.com.

“If you can win at the line of scrim mage,” said Gettman, “that makes a world of difference. Defensively, it could be a very strong group up front that we’re looking to build from.”

“That’s what we were able to do toward the end of last year,” said Gett man, “and it really helped them perform better.”Linemen Benade, Moses and Turituri, along with linebackers Wallace, Shields and Brendon Vanwart, will form a stiff front wall for opponents. Almasy and Rague will key the secondary.

Jett Johnson (5-10, 175) and Liam Garrett (5-9, 165) give the Pelicans some pop in the backfield, while Ortiz is flanked on the perimeter by Javan Zumwalt, who missed last season but returns to provide another athletic option.Lamar Cuellar (5-10, 185) and Wayce Saluskin (5-11, 190) have been in a battle at quarterback, something that 13th-year head coach Tom Smith hasn’t experienced within the program in about a decade. Both expect to play in the season opener.

Sophomore Austyn Klinger (5-9, 150) shifts from receiver to QB to take advan tage of his athleticism and fill a void.

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 19 Center Daniel Nering (6-3, 250) and tackle Jaxon Turituri fortify the offensive“They’refront. really strong,” said Gett man. “Again, that’s going to be the foundation of what we do, using their physicality and expe rience. Those four have been starting since their sophomore years. It’s fun to see the change and dif ference in confidence they have entering their senior year.” Most of the skill players they paved the way for last season will again benefit from their 1,5852021,debutKeithSeniorwork.quarterbackReedmadehisasastarterinthrowingforyardsand15 touchdowns with five interceptions. He also contributed with his legs, sharing the team lead with 10 rushing scores.Oneof Reed’s best performances came in the first meeting against eventual champion Siuslaw, when he completed 20 of 29 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns with one inter ception. He also ran for a team-high 58 yards.“Keith is great,” said Gettman. “He desires to understand the game. He’s always asking questions, and he meets with me on Thursday mornings. He started it: ‘Hey, coach, can I meet with you?’ So he has that experience and that desire to grow and get better.” Reed has the arm to get the ball down field, and there awaiting his launches will be returning receivers Tyler Almasy and Peyton Maurer. Almasy led Cascade Christian last season with 538 receiving yards on 34 catches, including fourLeadingtouchdowns.rusher Triston Wallace returns. He ran for 661 yards, includ ing 16 times for 114 yards and a score in the season-ending loss to Siuslaw.

Brody Sample was a dual threat carrying and catching the ball and returns in that role, while Cole Shields and Kameron Rague, returning starters on defense, will regularly factor into the ground attack.Therotation will keep the players fresher on both sides of the ball.

Tim Trower is a freelance writer. To comment on this article, write to sports@rosebudmedia.com. Clark Everhart Ramirez Vaca

ST. MARY’S From Page 15 ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 at Sutherlin, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at North Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 PHOENIX, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Lakeview, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 SOUTH UMPQUA, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 ................. at Douglas, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 ....... BROOKINGS-HARBOR, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 ....... CASCADE CHRISTIAN, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 ................ at Coquille, 7 p.m. Young “I’m excited about the league,” said Young. “It cer tainly puts the emphasis on league play. There’s not a lot of room for error there, but we’re all dealing with the same thing. You can’t play your way into league, we just get started.” They’ll do so with Delp lanche at the helm. Last season, he led the Crusaders in passes defended, including two interceptions. Now he’s on the other end of the aerial game.Young doesn’t plan signif icant changes to the offense, and he believes Delplanche’s experience at other positions will help him acclimate. “He’s also spent some time at slot receiver,” said Young, “so he’s kind of done it all for us. We recognize we’re asking a lot of him, but he’s the type of kid that will jump in there. “We’ve had some good quarterbacks, and even with those kids, we’ve tried to be pretty balanced. I wouldn’t say we’re not going to throw the ball at all. We have tal ented receivers, so I think we’ll try to stay as balanced as we Juniorcan.”wide receiver TJ Flowers was the FWL firstteam kick returner last season and is dangerous with the ball. Senior receiver Jaden Foster returns after being sidelined most of last year with an injury.Senior tight end and wing Heemir Patel provides another outlet for Delplanche. “He has had an outstand ing offseason and just really worked hard,” said Young. “He runs good routes and has very good hands. He is going to be a very big part of our offense.”Indiana Olson will handle the bulk of the rushing chores. A tough, durable runner, the junior prefers a north-south approach.“Heis very decisive,” said Young. “He’s a kid who doesn’t have a lot of carries forUplosses.”front, Kyan Hidde leads a unit that helped the Crusaders average 156 rushing yards and 24 points per game last year. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Hidde, a senior guard, was an FWL first-team choice. His returning line mates are center Ethan Cano, guard AJ Borovansky and tackle Ty Kronenberger, all seniors. The same players will be on a defense that includes return ing end Rex Smith and safeties Spencer and Bradley Patten. “We really did do some good things last year,” said Young. “I thought we competed well with a group of kids that rarely left the field. We just really need to stay healthy. We have a good-sized senior group and a group with a lot of experi ence. We’re hoping that puts us in a position to compete for one of those playoff spots.”

PHOENIX From Page 16

Corder and junior Hayden Hicks are returning linebackers, while defensive linemen back are ends Ramirez and Butcher, tackle Rangel and nose tackle Mendoza-Cortez.Phoenixgetsamajor test in its first game, at home against South Umpqua.

Tim Trower is a freelance writer. To comment on this article, write to sports@rosebudmedia.com.

20 | Friday, September 2, 2022| CRUSADERS HEAD COACH Jamie Young (13th year, 55-51) INFORMATIONGENERALASSISTANTS: Josh Aldrich (offensive coordinator), Joe backs),cialTannyThomas(linemen),KronenbergerStephen(linemen),Flowers(spe-teams/runningColeEldred (receivers/defensive backs), Ben Young (running backs/defensive backs). 2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 0-3 (fourth, FWL). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 5-4. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Seventh. 2021 RESULTS ST. MARY’S OPPONENTS 20 North Valley 21 21....................... Illinois Valley 6 20...................... Pleasant Hill 14 43........................ Harrisburg 14 6 South Umpqua 55 7 Cascade Christian 35 35 Elmira 32 0 Sutherlin (forfeit) 2 41 Douglas 0 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (9): Receiver TJ Flowers (6-1, 170, jr.), receiver Jaden Foster (6-2, 175, sr.), quarterback Tyson Delplanche (5-10, 165, sr.), running back Indiana Olson (6-0, 170, jr.), center Ethan Cano (5-10, 180, sr.), guard Kyan Hidde (6-2, 245, sr.), guard AJ Borovansky (5-11, 235, sr.), tackle Ty Kronenberger (6-0, 255, sr.), tight end Heemir Patel (6-2, 210, sr.). DEFENSE (11): Cornerback TJ Flowers, cornerback Tyson Delplanche, linebacker Indiana Olson, strong safety Ethan Cano, linebacker Kyan Hidde, tackle AJ Borovansky, nose guard Ty Kronenberger, end Heemir Patel, end Rex Smith (6-3, 220, jr.), safety Bradley Patten (6-0, 170, so.), safety Spencer Patten (5-10, 170, sr.). OTHER NOTABLES Safety Jaden Foster, kicker Noah Friesen (6-0, 165, sr.), offensive guard/linebacker Mason Jun (6-0, 185, jr.).

The Lancers were state runners-up last season.“Like I said,” said Robinson, “we just want to be competitive and kind of get the spark back, not only for the kids at the school, but the community as well.”

St. Mary’s senior Heemir Patel returns at tight end this season for the Crusaders. However, said Robinson, many fam ilies were forced to transfer to other new areas, and some students needed to work to help their families, imped ing their availability for practice and games.“We’re just hopeful that as housing has increased, we can get our student population back to where it needs to be,” he said. A byproduct of playing a slew of youngsters last season is that Phoenix returns nearly all of its starters. There are nine back on offense, 10 on defense. They engaged in scrimmages with St. Mary’s and North Valley this summer, allowing an opportunity to learn and jell in Robinson’s system following a couple years stunted by the fire and COVID-19.Thelinewill be a strength on offense, with four seniors lead ing the way in tackle Aaron Clark (6-foot1, 240 pounds), guards Omar Mendoza-Cor tez (5-11, 250) and Eric Rangel (5-11, 230) and center Cory Cunningham (6-0, passing.betweenainson,summer,”workingcal“They’re300).physiandthey’vebeentogetherallsaidRobwhowantsbalancedattackrushingandSeniorJairRamirezwillbethefeaturedrunning back, and senior Hunter Everhart is back at quarterback.“Thebiggest thing we need from our quarterback is ball control and being a leader at that position,” said Robin son. “His strength is his arm. He’s got a really good, strong arm. He’s been able to read and become more decisive in that position.”Senior Charles Butcher, a 255-pound fullback, adds force to the backfield, while sophomore Derek Corder and junior Jackson Shilts are expected to get carries, along with freshmen Luke Jennings and Cody Martin. The backfield depth will allow Robinson to “spread the ball around and try to keep kids healthy,” he said. Senior Jackson Selden and junior J.J. Jimenez return at wide receiver. Defensively, safeties Selden and Shilts are the lone returning Pirates who were on the all-league team last year, each earning honorable mention. Cornerbacks Jimenez and sophomore Julian Montez fill out the secondary. Selden led the team in tackles from his free safety position a year ago. “It’s just his motor,” Robinson said of the team captain. “The kid is all over the field. He is not afraid of contact.”

South Umpqua eyes another FWL title All-state stars Dobeck, Johnson allow Lancers to give Challengers and company a big test SEE FWL, 24

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 21

PHOTO BY LARRY STAUTH JR. South Umpqua senior Tanner Dobeck (33), seen here against Cascade Christian last season, was named the Class 3A defensive lineman of the year in 2021. “I believe we have a lot of players who know our system and played last year and can hit the ground running, which is important with nine league games.”

South Umpqua head coach Steve Stebbins

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Only a play here or there kept South Umpqua from a 3A state title last year in the Lancers’ first appearance in the cham pionship game since 1981, and you can bet they’ll be chomping at the bit for another chance in 2022.Given the talent the Lanc ers have returning this year, a repeat showing isn’t that far out of the question — and a good reason why South Umpqua was neck-andneck with Cascade Christian in a preseason coaches’ poll for the expanded Far West League.TheChallengers gained the edge over the Lancers by virtue of four more first-place votes, but South Umpqua did beat Cascade last year, 28-26, en route to the league crown. The Lancers return last year’s 3A defensive line man of the year in senior Tanner Dobeck, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound terror off the edge, and first-team all-state quar terback Jace Johnson (6-2, 175), who was spectacular in spearheading a prolific runpass option offense. Head coach Steve Steb bins, in his 10th year, said he’s excited about his team’s returning talent, as well as a large junior class that saw many players see game action last year but maybe didn’t start.“Ibelieve we have a lot of players who know our system and played last year and can hit the ground running, which is important with nine league games,” said Stebbins.

OFFENSE (5): Halfback Said McWillie ( 5-9, 175 , sr.), fullback/quarterback Perrin Nelson (5-10, 190, sr.), guard Christian Moody (6-1, 240, sr.), tight end Josiah Dearinger (6-0, 185, sr.), receiver/quarterback Weston Foor (6-0, 170, sr.). DEFENSE (4): Safety Said McWillie, linebacker Perrin Nelson, tackle Christian Moody, linebacker Josiah Dearinger, safety Weston Foor, linebacker Jacob Stockman (511, 175, so.). OTHER NOTABLES Offensive guard/defense tackle Brian Billard (6-2, 200, fr.), offensive guard/defensive tackle Noah Kuykendall-Keaton (5-11, 245, fr.), quarterback/receiver Jay Morton (6-2, 175, jr.), quarterback/receiver Dustin Morton (5-9, 145, fr.), offensive/defensive lineman Harlin Perry (6-0, 190, fr.). 2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 at Waldport, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Monroe, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 .............. REEDSPORT, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 ............... at Oakland, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 .. at North Douglas/Yoncalla, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 GOLD BEACH, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 GLIDE, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 BANDON, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Illinois Valley, 7 p.m. Sturdevant

By Don Hunt for the Mail Tribune

The state’s Class 2A schools have opted for a nine-man format this fall for the first time. The change should help schools with smaller enrollments remain competitive.Thenew config uration removes two offensive linemen, meaning that five players will be on the line of scrimmage instead of seven. A four-man backfield will stay intact. “The nice thing about it is, you don’t have to change your (offensive) forma tions or the routes your receivers run,” said Sturdevant. “But you will have to change your run-blocking schemes and pass“Theprotections.fielddimensions are the same but you’re taking two players off the field (on offense and defense), and so it’s going to be more of a speed game. And that works well for us because we’ve got a lot of fast kids.” None faster than McWillie, who ran a sizzling 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash earlier this year. He was second-team all-conference last season. Sturdevant runs a spread offense and plans to get McWillie in open space and one-on-one matchups. “He doesn’t need a lot of daylight,” said Sturdevant. “Just give him a crease and he’s off and running. But Said is strong, too. He can get you the tough yards.”Nelson, who has trimmed down from 230 pounds to 175 this season, also will shoulder some of the rushing load but his greatest value might be as a lead blocker for McWillie. Nelson could also see time at quarterback and has been sharing snaps with speedy senior Weston Foor, who also excels at receiver and defensive back. Senior Christian Moody is the Chief tains’ top lineman (6-1, 240) and among a whopping 19 freshmen in uniform this season two of them — Brian Billard (6-2, 200) and Noah Kuykendall-Keaton (5-11, 245) — could join Moody in the starting lineup along the offensive front.Other Chiefs to monitor include tight end/linebacker Josiah Dear inger and sophomore Jacob Stockman, a running back/quarterback/ linebacker.

JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE

22 | Friday, September 2, 2022| CHIEFTAINS HEAD COACH Aaron Sturdevant (second year, 3-5).

Rogue River’s Christian Moody, from left, Said McWillie and Perrin Nelson will be key cogs in the Chieftains’ attack this season.

Chiefs set sights on elusive state playo berth Foor

2021

INFORMATIONGENERALASSISTANTS:Andrew Hebrew (linemen), Derek fensive(quarterbacks/de-ers),(receivers/lineback-NelsonMaxJavernickbacks). LEAGUE RECORD: 1-5 (sixth, Dist. 4). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 3-5. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Fourth. ROGUE RIVER OPPONENTS 62 Oakridge 14 6 Bandon 51 6 Reedsport 45 48 Illinois Valley 26 8.......................... Lakeview 30 8........................... Coquille 60 48........................ Harrisburg 14 0............................. Glide 39 RETURNING STARTERS

ROGUE RIVER — The Rogue River High weight room was packed with football players an hour before daily doubles began on a mid-August afternoon. Sweat dripped off muscle-bound Chieftains as they pushed, pulled and lifted impressive stacks of iron, adding a little more strength with each com pleted“Seedrill.that,” said senior running back Said McWillie, pointing to a sheet on the wall that read, “bench press 225, squatThose400.”arethe number of pounds that McWillie wants to hoist in the bench press and squat rack this fall. He’s already there in the latter and within a few pounds in the former. Not bad for a 5-foot-8, 165-pounder. The team lifting sessions, which occur throughout the summer, are but one of the building blocks that head coach Aaron Sturdevant put into place since signing on as the Chieftains head coach a little over a year ago. There are no secrets and no short cuts to success, Sturdevant tells his players, and it remains to be seen just how far Rogue River — which has few winning sea sons in the past 40 years and hasn’t advanced to the state playoffs in 20 years — has progressed in Year 2 of the Sturdevant regime. The Chief tains went 3-5 a year ago. But the optimism surrounding the team is palpable. “He (Sturdevant) came in and changed the work ethic and the cul ture, and you can really see it paying off now,” said senior fullback/linebacker Perrin Nelson. “We’ve got a different mindset this year. We’ve worked too hard in the offseason to fail. “Our No. 1 goal is to make the play offs. It’s been long enough.” To qualify for the postseason, Rogue River will need to finish among the top three in the newly formed Class 2A District 3 league. Oakland, Gold Beach, Bandon and the Chiefs are expected to fight it out for the league title and the postseason berths.

SEE ROGUE RIVER, 25 Dearinger

ChristianMoore

By Don Hunt for the Mail Tribune

New Rogue River head coach Aaron Sturdevant talks to his team during a recent practice.

Prospect/Butte Falls head coach Scott Thompson

Rogue River charts new course with Sturdevant

Coquille expects to be the heavy favorite to win Class 2A District 4 title SEE DISTRICT 4, MF-00140989 1756 Ashland St. • Ashland 541-482-1921 • Reinholdtins.com Good luck this season!! Greg White QB Class of 1986 Danial White QB Class of 2014 Gavin White RB Class of 2024 Once a alwaysGrizza

ROGUE RIVER — As a high school football standout at Ashland High in the late 1980s, Aaron Sturdevant saw firsthand what it took to build a champion. Playing for legendary coach Jim Nagel, who led the Grizzlies to 16 state playoff appearances, three state titles and five state-title appearances between 1985 and 2000, Sturdevant, an all-state guard and linebacker, observed the blueprint: old-fashioned hard work, discipline, highly-organized practices, goal-setting for every player, a commitment to the weight room and building a family-like atmosphere among the players and coaches. “I was fortunate to be a part of a highly successful, well-run program,” said Sturdevant, who took over as head coach at Rogue River High this year. “My plan is to come in and establish those same routines and protocols.” There are similarities between the Ashland teams of yore and the current Chieftains. The Grizzlies lacked a winning tradition prior to Nagel’s arrival in 1983 and the school was among the smallest in the state compared to other schools in its classification. Ditto for Rogue River, which has secured only three state playoff berths in school history and none since 2002. The Grizzlies became the Little Engine that could. Can the Chieftains? Less than a week into fall practices, Sturdevant’s influence was already apparent.“I’velearned more in four days than I did all of last year,” said Ethan Devish, a 5-foot-8, 200-pound senior lineman. “The practices are way more organized. We’re hopping from station to station. The coaches are going into a lot of depth in terms of fundamentals. There’s no standing around.” Devish said he also noticed a positive connection with the coaches.

“I’lltotal.tell

SEE PROSPECT, 25 | Friday, CHIEFTAINS HEAD COACH Aaron Sturdevant (ﬁrst year) GENERAL ASSISTANTS:INFORMATION Shawn Smith (running backs/defensive backs), Jack Cosgrove (receivers/ defensive coordinator), Wayne Nelson (defensive backs), Derek Nelson (quarterbacks/ linebackers), Andrew Gifford (defensive line). 2020-21 OVERALL RECORD: 0-2. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Tied for ﬁfth. 2019 RESULTS ROGUE RIVER OPPONENTS 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lakeview 8 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Culver 19 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brookings-Harbor 42 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .La Pine 34 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lakeview 21 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glide 13 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Illinois Valley 26 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lost River 24 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reedsport 20 2020-21 RESULTS ROGUE RIVER OPPONENTS 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bandon 68 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glide 47

2021 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BONANZA, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OAKRIDGE, 7 p.m. Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BANDON, 7 p.m. Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Reedsport, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ILLINOIS VALLEY, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAKEVIEW, 7 p.m. Oct. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Coquille, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HARRISBURG, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Glide, 7 p.m.

“They’re trying to build our confidence and they’re stressing the importance of bonding as a team,” he said. “It’s a fun atmosphere.” Sturdevant, a gregarious man who serves as the school’s athletic director, knows that revitalizing a football program is a step-by-step process. He has only 24 players in uniform, although 10 juniors and 10 seniors lend maturity and physical strength to the squad. Leading the way is quarterback Charlie Smith, a 5-9, 175-pound senior who’s been a part-time starter the past two seasons. Smith also figures to be one of the Chieftains’ top defenders at outside linebacker.

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 23 PROSPECT / BUTTE FALLS HEAD COACH Scott Thompson (second year, 3-5) GENERAL ASSISTANTS:INFORMATION Shawn Myers (defensive coordinator), Joby Sandoval (Butte Falls head coach/Prospect assistant coach). 2021 LEAGUE RECORD: 3-5 (ninth, 1A District 3 6-man). 2021 OVERALL RECORD: 3-5. 2021 RESULTS PROSPECT OPPONENTS 6...................................... Powers 39 32 North Douglas 68 72 Gilchrist 25 41 North Lake 20 6 Riddle 12 0 Elkton 25 35 Yoncalla 34 0.............................. Eddyville Charter 54 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (3): Center Chayce Kusel (6-0, 200, jr.), running back/receiver/quarterback Dylan Christian (5-7, 145, jr.), fullback Kaydence Moore (6-3, 195, sr.).

PROSPECT — Prospect head coach Scott Thompson is a football historian, particularly of the eight-man style of theHegame.literally helped write the book on it — a paperback that goes deep into the history of the small-school style of play. But because of last year’s collection of circumstances, including Prospect’s late-summer adjustment in playing styles from eight- to six-man foot ball, Thompson, in his first year at the helm, and the Cougars may not have lived up to their full potential despite a considerable improvement in their win you, I might throw the ball three times a year,” Thompson joked. “With six-man we threw the ball quite a bit while with eight-man, we’ll rely more heavily on the run.” Not only did the change in playing style and scheme present unique challenges last season, but due to fewer students coming out to play football for both Prospect and Butte Falls after nei ther team had played in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions, the once rural Oregon rivals joined forces to form a co-op in order to field a full team. Although the player turnout was fewer than in previous seasons, Thomp son and the Cougars finished with a 3-5 record in 2021, which was an improvement upon Prospect’s 1-22 record that spanned 2017 to 2019. Butte Falls also co-opped with Crater Lake Charter Academy in 2018 and 2019 when they combined to go 9-8.

With all of the “can’t teach” quali ties Christian brings, one of his most valuable intangibles is the leadership he provides as well as his maturity and mindfulness to keep the young players on the team focused on the right things off the field as well as leading by exam ple with his play. “I’ve always looked at sports as closing the gate to the wrong groups of people, and the smokers and everything else,” said Christian. “Me being a leader on the team and knowing all these freshmen, I hope to help them make the right choices and help them throughout their time here playing ball.”

OFFENSE (7): Quarterback Charlie Smith (5-9, 175, sr.), lineman Josia Dearinger (5-10, 200, jr.), lineman/ fullback Perrin Nelson (5-10, 190, jr.), lineman Theo Long (6-1, 190, sr.), lineman Joshua Watson (6-1, 230, sr.), lineman Ethan Devish (5-8, 200, jr.),receiver Alleric Cosgrove (6-1, 175, sr.).

DEFENSE (3): Linebacker Chayce Kusel, safety Dylan Christian, linebacker Kaydence Moore. OTHER NOTABLES Offensive end Jake White (5-11, 160, jr.), quarterback/linebacker Justin Maletic (5-7, 150, fr.), fullback/ linebacker Eli Arriola (5-8, 175, so.), guard/nose tackle Ethan Goettel (6-1, 290, fr.), guard/defensive end Amos Jackson (5-8, 210, so.), guard/linebacker Coda Williams (5-9, 185, fr.), safety/offensive end Aadon Asbill (5-7, 140, so.), defensive end Wylee Reno (6-0, 165, so.), running back/safety Jordon Trotter (5-2, 125, so.), tight end/ safety Nathan Cox (5-1, 110, fr.), tight end/defensive end Byaden Dahling (5-9, 130, fr.), running back/linebacker Michael Larson (5-6, 135, fr.), running back/linebacker Gage Hamann (5-9, 140, fr.), lineman Zach Crawford (5-5, 125, fr.), tight end/defensive end Vinny Cordaway (5-8, 120, fr.), center/nose guard Tyler Qualls (5-5, 170, fr.), lineman Mark Cruse (5-8, 165, fr.).

Sturdevant

Junior Demetrius McWillie could blossom into Rogue River’s top running back, while senior Alleric Cosgrove could emerge as one of the top receivers in District 4. Sophomore receiver Ousten Ellis and junior tight end/fullback Sam Haag have also shown good potential as pass catchers. Coquille Coquille is a heavy favorite to win not only the District 4 title but also make a run at a state title. Running back/linebacker Gunner Yates headlines a veteran squad that went 4-1 in the spring, losing only to 4A Douglas. Yates, the son of former Reds Devils and Southern Oregon University standout Griff Yates, rumbled for more than 1,000 yards in the abbreviated spring season.

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

2022 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 at Cove, 4 p.m. Sept. 15 at Perrydale, 12 p.m. Sept. 23 at Mohawk, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 ............... at Crosspoint Christian, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 ............................ BONANZA, 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Camas Valley, 1 p.m. Oct. 21 CHILOQUIN, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 ..........................LOST RIVER, 7 p.m.

“We’re back to eight-man and the kids are a little more comfortable now. I know eight-man and my coaches know it better, too, and we’ll be able to scheme better.”

Now that the Cougars will be back to their traditional eight-man style this season, Thompson, who is also a longtime Butte Falls resident, hopes that he, his players’ and coaches’ familiarity with eight-man football will get the most out of this season and will bring the co-op squad added success on the gridiron moving forward.“We’re back to eight-man and the kids are a little more comfortable now,” said Thompson, who co-wrote Oregon 8-Man Football His tory (1960-2020) with Jay Phillips. “I know eight-man and my coaches know it better, too, and we’ll be able to scheme better. This might surprise you but coaching six-man last year was the first time I’d ever seen a six-man game (in person). I look back on it and if I knew what the heck I was doing and made an adjustment here and there, we would have probably been in theThissemifinals.”seasonwill present its own set of challenges as the young team currently rosters nine freshmen, four sopho mores, three juniors and just one senior. Thompson consistently makes it a point to impart his wisdom of the history of eight-man football to his players, as well as give his experience of the storied successful seasons of the past for both schools, Prospect and Butte Falls, where he was an assistant coach from 2003-2011 and again in 2013.His aim is to instill the winning mindset and belief into his players that helped make both schools two-time 1A stateOnechampionships.playerThompson has made an impression on is junior Dylan Christian, who will not only be a focal point of the offense but looked to as a leader on the team.“(Christian) asked me ear lier how we’re going to go from six- to eight-man,” said Thompson. “One of the things I do here is talk about history a lot because they’ve never seen the very good Prospect teams. But they’re Prospectthere.”hasbeen to eight state championships. It won its title game debut in 1967 and was co-champions with Cove in 1982, the last time the Cougars earned a spot in the big game. Butte Falls has been to three champi onships and winners of its last two in 1973 and Christian,1986.the versatile, all-purpose back who will be featured at running back, receiver and even quarterback in some of Thompson’s offensive packages, particularly the power-I and split-T“Christianformations.ispretty fast,” said Thompson. “When we get him out in space, he’s gonna do some damage. He’s also a great defensive player, tack les well and covers well.”

RETURNING STARTERS

DEFENSE (7): Linebacker Smith, linebacker Nelson, lineman Dearinger, lineman Long, lineman Watson, lineman Devish, defensive back Cosgrove. OTHER NOTABLES Lineman Christian Moody (5-11, 230, jr.), quarterback Gavin Dabrowski (5-11, 145, so.), receiver Ousten Ellis (6-0, 180, so.), running back/defensive back Alex Aguilera (sr.), lineman Logan Basharel (jr.), receiver/defensive back Josh Brown (sr.), tight end/linebacker Dylan Ferry (sr.), receiver/defensive back Weston Foor (jr.), running back/linebacker Nolan Giovannetti (so.), receiver/defensive back James Jones (sr.), running back/defensive back Said McWillie (jr.), receiver/defensive back Levi Rolfe (so.).

Thompson By Warren Blenkush Mail Tribune

Prospect primed for return to 8-man

“He’s an incredibly athletic kid with a strong arm,” said Sturdevant of Smith, who the coach thinks will be a perfect fit for the spread offense that he’s installed. Other Chieftains to watch include Devish, a quick, versatile lineman who’s capable of playing center and guard, and fellow linemen Perrin Nelson, Josiah Dearinger, Joshua Watson, Theo Long and Christian Moody. Nelson is also penciled in for duty at fullback and will flank Smith at linebacker.

Co-op squad with Butte Falls will be work in progress with only one senior

Sophomore Waylon Messerle and senior Hayden GeDeros will be the running back/linebackers to watch for Coquille, with senior Hunter Layton as a key contributor in the secondary (second-team all-state) and at receiver.Sophomore Gage Martinez takes over the QB duties and classmate Thomas Ferren expects to make an impact with his speed in the backfield. Sutherlin Sutherlin will be starting an abundance of underclassmen this fall so the Bulldogs will rely on seniors Waylon McKnight, Ely Palm and Maddox Griggs and junior returner Gunnar Bowles to steady the ship for head coach Josh Gary.Palm returns at quarterback, while McKnight will be a key offensive contributor in the wing-T attack from his wingback position after moving from receiver. Sophomores Tauj Flora and Ty Terry join Palm in the backfield as newcomers with an athletic upside and plenty of burst, but the offense expects to flow through McKnight, who was an honorable mention allstate in 2021.

FWL From Page 21 LOOKING FOR MORE NEWS? Stay up to date with online content Photo galleries, videos, additional content, and more. www.mailtribune.com Fosteringtheloveofplayforallages!

Tom Riley, the 2A defensive lineman of the year, and juniors Riley Jones and Andrew Matlock steady the ship in the trenches for David Thomason’s wing-T offense and are disruptors on the defensive side.

Friday, September 2, 2022 |

North Valley takes a young roster into the season but valuable two-way starters in lineman Hayden Shallenberger, running back/linebackers Leo Freedman and Chris Currier, tight end/ defensive lineman Brady Huff. Freedman and Currier are threeyear starters on defense and will handle a bulk of the carries on offense, with junior fullback Wyatt Holly also expected to set the tone for a wing-T offense that will be guided by first-year starting QB Bryson Teal, a junior who led the JV last year and can be explosive with his athleticism.

Huff is a physical option when the Knights do go to the air and the returning all-conference pick, along with Currier and Freedman, will gain help from sophomore Carson Smith. Head coach Neil DeForrest sees good potential in linemen Seth Gallego and Ethen Blendell, with Eli Niemen-Bailey and John Erkeneff expected to gain time in the backfield. Douglas Branson Willis at running back/linebacker lends valuable senior leadership to a Douglas squad that went winless a year ago but believes it has “improved a ton” over the offseason for head coach Nick Garcia, who took over on an interim basis last year before earning the official title afterwards. Quarterback John Ausdemore is new to the system but has worked hard to dial in the Trojans’ spread offense, which aims to be balanced with a bevy of skill players to call upon. Preston Wierichs on the line and Sage Baker at linebacker expect to be key figures this season for a group bound to pressure opponents and force turnovers.

The Bulldogs don’t take to the air often but sophomores Trenten Westrom and Kaleb Filipi will be called upon to help keep teams honest on play-action efforts from Palm, who will look to pass more this season.

A shortage of players led Brookings-Harbor to cancel the early portion of its season last year but the Bruins are back under fourth-year head coach Shaun Bavaro and the three games they did get in during 2021 should help carryover into positiveSeniorresults.running back/linebacker Kallen Christensen (6-0, 175) is the team’s unquestioned leader on both sides of the ball, and junior receivers Gavin Conduracki and Brenden Landers have potential to produce if senior QB Kyle Burger is given time by a young group of Juniorlinemen.Colton Hill is joined by sophomores Cameryn Brown, Michael Varitek and Zoelyn Collins and senior Ethan Knauss in the frontline group. Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541776-4488, khenry@rosebudmedia.com or via Twitter @Kris_Henry

Senior Isaac Real (5-9, 140) was a first-team all-state defensive back in 2021 and is joined by returning lineman Timathy Ferch (6-3, 230), linebacker Matthew Burnett (6-0, 200) and defensive back Louden Cole (5-7, 135) in keeping opponents in check. Burnett led the team in tackles during the playoffs after missing part of the season with a concussion, and will move back to his natural running back position after playing a year ago at offensive guard.Senior tight end Isaac Simpson (5-11, 160) and guard Konner Lussier (5-11, 175) also return to provide stability to the offense, while nose guards Alex Heze (5-9, 235) and Tyler Dobeck (6-1, 315) should provide strong barriers on the interior defensive line. Lakeview After reaching the Class 2A semifinals a year ago, head coach Ryan Moss knows the challenges only get larger when you bump up a classification but experienced QB Benny Alves and a strong returning crew in the trenches should ease the transition.Alves(6-2, 160) passed for around 800 yards and 11 touchdowns during the regular season and ran for three more last year. Moss calls his junior signal-caller “Mr. Consistent.”

Senior Hunter Greer (6-3, 295) was an all-state lineman on both sides last year and is complemented by standout returners Wyatt Julian, Jayden Schulte and Adrian LinebackerStubbs.depth will be a strength with Brandon Markus returning to join Schulte and Stubbs, and Markus also expects to take over in the backfield.Thereceiver/secondary corps features Brayson Granger and Nick Maita, with Julian Cimity back on the defensive line. Coquille Coquille won’t get a chance to defend the 2A title won a year ago in a 10-1 campaign but the Red Devils do have an opportunity to shake up the 3A ranks with a punishing style ofSeniorplay.

Griggs and Bowles anchor the offensive line at guard and center, respectively, and Gary feels confident about his group up front despite being a little untested at the other spots.

Brookings-Harbor

North Valley With only five seniors on the roster,

24 |

ROGUE RIVER From Page 22

Gold Beach With all but one starter intact from 2021 and loaded at the skill positions, Gold Beach has its sights set on the league title under third-year coach ChrisTheHiggins.Panthers need to replace quar terback Trenton Storns, the one starter who graduated, but Landyn Miller is ready to step in. The 5-10, 180-pound senior, who has bench-pressed 300 pounds, ran for 800 yards and seven touchdowns last season while earning first-team all-league honors at half back. He also threw for three scores. Juniors Jake Westerman (5-10, 175) and Tanner Wright (5-10, 170) could form the best 1-2 receiver punch in District 3, and senior tight end Chase Sprinkle (5-11, 190) is no slouch. Anchoring the defense will be junior Nelson Wilstead (6-1, 200), a first-team all-league linebacker last season. Hig gins calls Wilstead “our fastest kid and probably our best all-around athlete.” He’ll also play running back on offense. Junior Korben Storns (6-4, 270) headlines the offensive and defensive lines. Bandon Historically successful Bandon hired its fifth head coach in six seasons in June when Dustin Carmack took over theDespiteprogram.all the coaching changes, the Tigers never forgot how to win, advancing to the state playoffs in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, and posting a 4-1 record during the shortened COVID-19 season in Carmack2020.is taking on his first head-coaching assignment after nine seasons as an assistant, but he’s a stick ler for details and seems up for the task. He inherits a Tiger group that gradu ated 13 seniors from 2021 but will have roughly 30 players in uniform. Speed monopolizes the lineup. “We’ve got a lot of kids in the 4.7 to 4.9 range,” said Carmack, referring to 40-yard dash times.Theswiftest Tiger is Connor Devine, a 5-9, 175-pound senior running back/ safety who started both ways a year ago.

linebacker Kaydence Moore. The squad’s lone senior will provide the kind of size and physicality at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds that would give most teams an edge. “He will be the most physical kid on the team,” said Thompson of Moore. “He plays downhill both ways. Whoever runs the ball inside against Kaydence is going to know who he is in a Openinghurry.”running lanes for Christian and Moore will be junior center Chayce Kusel as well as sophomore guard Amos Jackson.“Kusel up front, he’s huge and he blocks well for us,” said Thompson. “Amos (Jackson) also anchors the line and they both do really well.”Also helping solidify the offensive line and protect freshman quarterback Justin Maletic will be freshman guards Coda Williams and Ethan Goettle. At 6-feet and 290 pounds, Goettle could come out of the gates and make

end. With his yet-to-be tapped strength, Goettle could make an immediate impact playing nose tackle. Asbill will join Christian in the secondary at safety.“Ithink we’ll improve on our wins,” said Thompson. “If we can get everybody going in the right direction, we’ll be all right.” Reach reporter Warren Blenkush at 541-776-4492 comwblenkush@rosebudmedia.or

“We think all that time we spent in the weight room will pay off,” said Sturdevant. “Our team strength is night and day above what it was last year.” Oakland With five players returning who gained all-conference recognition last season, and a veteran coach with a win ning resume, the Oakers might be the team to beat in District 3 — and the pre season coaches’ poll reflects that ideal.

Senior lineman Will Parnell (6-3, 285) hasn’t played since middle school due to injuries but joins Parnell, Cozart (6-1, 215), Hunter Shamir (5-11, 260), Robert Davis (5-10, 175) and Dallas Fishbaugher (5-10, 165) to give the Oakers a nice blend of size and finesse along the offensiveJuniorsline.Jacob Chenoweth and Brayden Webb and sophomore Silas Arscott lend depth to Oakland’s riches at running back.

If Rogue River is indeed a threat to make the playoffs, it will need to be much stronger across the board against the better teams. In their five losses last season, the Chieftains got pushed around, losing by an average score of 47-7.

Running the show at quarterback will be senior Will Panagakis (5-11, 175). He’ll switch to end on defense. Bandon’s other top senior is Dylan Kamph (6-0, 205), who will line up at guard on offense and end on defense. “He’s a farm boy who bucks hay,” notes Carmack of Kamph. “We’ve got a lot of those.” North Douglas-Yoncalla Bitter rivals for decades, North Doug las and Yoncalla have joined forces this season to form one team. J.J. Mast of North Douglas and Matt Bragg of Yoncalla will serve as co-head coaches. They have split up school colors on their new uniforms (using the cardinal of North Douglas and the gold of Yoncalla), they’ve combined the nicknames of North Douglas’ Warriors and Yon calla’s Eagles to form the War Eagles and the school’s towns will host two games“We’veeach.made this as neutral as we can,” said Mast. How will they fare on the field? Perhaps quite nicely, as the War Eagles could be the biggest team in District 3. Tight end/ defensive end Ray Gerrard (6-4, 230, sr.), running back/linebacker Ashton Hardy (6-2, 220, sr.), receiver/safety Noah Leary (6-5, 215, sr.) and center Gino Mar tinez-Gray (6-0, 250, sr.) all tip the scales at well over 200 pounds. Gerrard was the defensive player of the year last season in 1A District 3. Caden Reigard (5-9, 150) will be the War Eagles’ starting quarterback. He held the position as a sophomore in 2021 for North Douglas. Glide Glide could be in a rebuilding season after graduating seven seniors from 2021, but the Wildcats possess three of the league’s best players in tight end/linebacker Coby Pope (6-3, 190, sr.), guard/defensive end Brock Bar ron-Perreira (6-4, 230, jr.), and senior quarterback/running back/receiver Dyland Damewood (6-1, 180, sr.), a three-year starter whose speed makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.

Pope, who coach Daryl Watkins calls “our coach on the field,” was first-team all-league and second-team all-state a year ago. Illinois Valley Ced Walker takes over the Illinois Valley head coaching reins and will attempt to resurrect a program that has fallen on hard times in recent years. The Cougars, 1-7 a year ago, always seem to boast numerous outstanding athletes, and this season is no excep tion. Their top headliner is junior Daniel Polk, a speedy receiver and defensive back who’s known for making acrobatic catches.“Ifthe ball’s in the air and he’s close to it, it’s his,” said Walker, noting that the 6-0, 165-pound Polk “can jump straight up and dunk a basketball.” If opponents double-team Polk, the Cougars won’t hesitate to target junior wideout Zach Dugas (5-10, 165) and sophomore tight end Kaiden Green (6-1, 220), who bring their own quality credentials to the gridiron. Dugas’ main assets are his disci plined route-running and soft hands, said Walker, while Green “is an impact player by virtue of his athleticism and size.”Leading the way up front will be senior road grader Riley Denlinger (6-3, 310). Reedsport Reedsport graduated seven seniors from last season’s squad that went 3-5, and returns only four starters. But one of them, quarterback Gabe Foster, should keep the Braves competitive. The 6-3, 190-pound senior has a good arm and isn’t afraid to tuck the ball and run. He rushed for nearly 300 yards in a 16-0 victory over Illinois Valley last season on a muddy field in Cave Junction. Senior center/guard Micah Hill (6-3, 195), sophomore guard/tight end Jordan Thompson (5-10, 230), sophomore receiver/defensive end Miles Morgan (5-10, 150), junior receiver/tight end Grady Sevits and senior running back Tristin Corrie (5-10, 155) also return for the Braves.

PROSPECT From Page 23

“I’m hoping to help put Prospect back on the map but it’s been quite a few years since we’ve gone to state,” he added. “Hopefully me and all these younger players can help bring that back into reach.”Oneof the players that will try to help bring the Cou gars back to a high level will be senior fullback and middle

“We love power football,” nods Lane, who has guided Oakland to 11 state play off appearances, including a state title run in 2012. “This year we may throw a little more because Cole (Collins) is a very gifted athlete, but we live and die by running the football.”

an immediate impact. “Once he realizes his strength, he’s gonna be an animal,” said Thompson of Goettle.Prospect’s other offensive targets will include offensive ends Jake White (junior) and Aadon Asbill JacksonwillArriola,theWhitetian,Defensively,(sophomore).Moore,ChrisKusel(linebacker)and(defensiveend)willleadchargefortheCougars.MaleticandWilliamsalsoplaylinebackerandwillplaydefensive

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 25

Quarterback/defensive back Cole Col lins, running back/defensive back Cade Olds, receiver/defensive back James Baimbridge, offensive guard/defensive end Tucker Cozart and running back Gabe Williamson all earned all-confer ence honors for the Oakers last season. Olds, a 5-9, 190-pound senior who ran for 617 yards and five touchdowns last season, and Collins, a 5-7, 165pound senior who added 363 yards, appear primed for big seasons under 13th-year coach Ben Lane, who doesn’t hide the fact that Oakland prefers to pound the pigskin.

26 | Friday, September 2, 2022| COACHES POLLS SOUTH/CENTRALCONFERENCEFOOTBALL TEAM PTS 1. Sheldon .......................... 78 2. West Salem 75 3. North Medford 60 4. Roseburg ......................... 49 5. South Medford 38 6. McNary .......................... 37 7. South Salem 36 8. Sprague 34 9. North Salem ...................... 29 10. Grants Pass 14 FIRST-PLACE VOTES: Sheldon 6, West Salem 3, North Medford 1. MIDWESTERN LEAGUE TEAM PTS 1. Thurston 49 2. Crater ........................... 39 3. Churchill 35 4. Eagle Point 27 5. Willamette ....................... 26 6. North Eugene 20 7. Springfield ....................... 19 8. South Eugene 9 FIRST-PLACE VOTES: Thurston 7, Crater 1. BIG SKY CONFERENCE TEAM PTS 1. Mazama 35 T2. Henley 29 T2. Marshfield....................... 29 4. North Bend 17 5. Ashland .......................... 15 6. Hidden Valley 13 7. Klamath Union 9 FIRST-PLACE VOTES: Mazama 5, Henley 1, Marshfield 1. FAR WEST LEAGUE TEAM PTS 1. Cascade Christian 79 2. South Umpqua .................... 75 3. Lakeview 59 4. Coquille 52 5. Sutherlin 49 6. North Valley 41 7. St. Mary’s ........................ 30 8. Douglas 24 9. Brookings-Harbor 22 10. Phoenix 19 FIRST-PLACE VOTES: Cascade Christian 7, South Umpqua 3. 2A DISTRICT 3 TEAM PTS 1. Oakland .......................... 45 2. Gold Beach 40 3. Bandon .......................... 39 4. Rogue River 29 5. North Douglas 24 6. Glide ............................ 21 7. Illinois Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 8. Reedsport ........................ 12 FIRST-PLACE VOTES: Oakland 4, Gold Beach 2, Bandon 2. PAST CHAMPIONS 6A SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE 2021 — Sheldon (4-0) 2020 — COVID-19 limited spring season 2019 — Sheldon (4-0) 2018 — Sheldon (4-0) 2017 — South Medford (6-0) 2016 — South Medford (6-0) 2015 — Sheldon (6-0) 2014 — Grants Pass (7-0) 2013 — North Medford (7-0) 2012 — Sheldon (7-0) 2011 — Sheldon (7-0) 2010 — Sheldon (7-0) 2009 — Sheldon (5-0) 2008 — South Medford (5-0) 2007 — Sheldon (5-0) 2006 — Sheldon (5-0) 5A MIDWESTERN LEAGUE 2021 — Thurston (7-0) 2020 — COVID-19 limited spring season 2019 — Crater (5-0 South), Thurston (5-0 North) 2018 — Churchill (5-0) 2017 — Churchill (7-0) 2016 — Ashland (6-1) 2015 — Crater (5-0) 2014 — Springfield (5-0) 2013 — Ashland (6-0) 2012 — Marist (7-0) 2011 — Marist (7-0) 5A SOUTHERN OREGON HYBRID 2010 — Ashland (1-0) 5A SOUTHERN SKY CONFERENCE 2009 — Crater (4-0) 2008 — Crater (3-1), Klamath Union (3-1), Ashland2007(3-1)— Ashland (4-0) 2006 — Crater (4-0) SOUTHERN OREGON CONFERENCE 2005 — North Medford (5-1), Roseburg (5-1) 2004 — South Medford (6-0) 2003 — North Medford (6-0) 2002 — South Medford (7-0) 2001 — Roseburg (7-0) 2000 — North Medford (7-0) 1999 — Roseburg (7-0) 1998 — Ashland (7-0) 1997 — Ashland (8-0) 1996 — Roseburg (8-0) 1995 — Roseburg (8-0) 1994 — Grants Pass (8-0) 1993 — Ashland (8-0) 1992 — Ashland (8-0) 1991 — South Medford (7-1), Ashland (7-1) 1990 — Roseburg (8-0) 1989 — Ashland (8-0) 1988 — South Medford (9-0) 1987 — Ashland (9-0) 1986 — South Medford (8-1) 1985 — Medford (7-1), Crater (7-1), Roseburg (7-1) 1984 — Medford (7-1) 1983 — Medford (8-0) 1982 — Medford (8-0) 1981 — Roseburg (8-0) 1980 — Medford (8-0) 1979 — Medford (8-0) 1978 — Medford (5-0) 1977 — Medford (5-0) 1976 — Klamath Union (4-1), Grants Pass (4-1) 1975 — Klamath Union (4-1), Grants Pass (4-1) 1974 — Medford (5-0) 1973 — Medford (5-0) 1972 — Grants Pass (5-0) 1971 — Grants Pass (4-0-1), Medford (4-0-1) 1970 — Medford (4-0-1) SKYLINE CONFERENCE 2021 — Mazama (5-0) 2020 — COVID-19 limited spring season 2019 — Mazama (4-0) 2018 — Mazama (4-0) 2017 — Mazama (4-1), Phoenix (4-1), Henley (4-1) 2016 — Mazama (5-0) 2015 — Mazama (5-0) 2014 — Mazama (5-0) 2013 — Klamath Union (4-1), Henley (4-1) 2012 — North Valley (5-0) 2011 — Klamath Union (5-0) 2010 — Mazama (5-0) 2009 — Phoenix (4-0) 2008 — North Valley (4-0) 2007 — Illinois Valley (5-0) 2006 — Hidden Valley (4-1), Henley (4-1) 2005 — Phoenix (6-0) 2004 — North Valley (5-1) 2003 — Mazama (5-1) 2002 — Mazama (6-0) 2001 — North Valley (6-0) 2000 — Henley (7-0) 1999 — Henley (7-0) 1998 — Hidden Valley (7-0) 1997 — Hidden Valley (7-0) 1996 — South Umpqua (7-0) 1995 — Henley (7-0) 1994 — Henley (7-0) 1993 — Phoenix (5-0) 1992 — North Valley (7-1) 1991 — Henley (8-0) 1990 — Henley (7-0) 1989 — South Umpqua (6-1), Phoenix (6-1) 1988 — Henley (6-0) 1987 — North Valley (6-0) 1986 — Henley (6-0) 1985 — Phoenix (6-1), North Valley (6-1) 1984 — North Valley (7-0) 1983 — Henley (7-0) 1982 — Henley (7-0) 1981 — Henley (5-0) 1980 — Phoenix (5-0) 1979 — Phoenix (4-0) 1978 — Phoenix (6-0) 1977 — Lakeview (7-0) 1976 — South Umpqua (9-0) 1975 — South Umpqua (9-0) 1974 — Phoenix (9-0) 1973 — Phoenix (9-0) 1972 — South Umpqua (6-1) 1971 — Phoenix (7-0) 1970 — Lakeview (7-0) CLASS 3A DISTRICT 2 2021 — South Umpqua (3-0) 2020 — COVID-19 limited spring season 2019 — Hidden Valley (5-0) 2018 — Cascade Christian (5-0) 3A SOUTHERN CASCADE LEAGUE 2017 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2016 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2015 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2014 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 3A SOUTHERN CASCADE HYBRID 2013 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2012 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2011 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2010 — Cascade Christian (4-0) 3A SUNSET LEAGUE 2009 — Cascade Christian (7-0) 2008 — Gold Beach (7-0) 2007 — Gold Beach (6-0) 2A SOUTHERN CASCADE LEAGUE 2009 — Lost River (4-0) 2008 — Lakeview (4-0) 2007 — Lakeview (4-0) 2006 — Bonanza (5-0) 2005 — Cascade Christian (7-0) 2004 — Lost River (7-0) 2003 — Bonanza (6-0) 2002 — Lost River (5-0) 2001 — Lost River 2000 — Lost River (5-0) 1999 — Lost River (5-0) 1998 — Lost River (5-0) 1997 — Lost River (3-0) BIG FIR LEAGUE 1997 — Glendale (5-1) 1996 — Glendale (6-0) 1995 — Yoncalla (6-0) 1994 — Yoncalla (6-0) 1993 — Yoncalla (5-0) 1992 — Glendale (5-0) 1991 — Glendale (5-0) 1990 — Yoncalla (5-0) 1989 — Riddle (4-0) 1988 — Riddle (3-1), Yoncalla (3-1) 1987 — Glendale (4-1), Yoncalla (4-1) 1986 — Glendale (4-1), St. Mary’s (4-1) 1985 — Yoncalla (4-1), Riddle (4-1), Oakland (4-1)1984 — Yoncalla (5-0) 1983 — Yoncalla (5-0) 1982 — St. Mary’s (5-0) 1981 — St. Mary’s (5-0) 1980 — St. Mary’s (6-0) 1979 — St. Mary’s (6-0) 1978 — St. Mary’s (6-0) 1977 — St. Mary’s (6-0) 1976 — St. Mary’s (6-0) 1975 — St. Mary’s (5-0) 1974 — Elkton (7-0) 1973 — St. Mary’s (6-1) TRI VALLEY LEAGUE 1972 — St. Mary’s (5-0) 1971 — Elkton (7-0) 1970 — St. Mary’s (5-0) CLASS 2A DISTRICT 5 2021 — Lakeview (6-0) 2020 — COVID-19 limited spring season 2019 — Glide (3-1), Lost River (3-1) 2018 — Lakeview (4-0) CLASS 1A DISTRICT 2 2021 — Powers (7-0, 6-man) 2020 — COVID-19 limited spring season 2019 — Hosanna Christian (5-0 East), Camas Valley (5-0 West) 2018 — Hosanna Christian (5-0 East), Camas Valley (5-0 West) MOUNTAIN VALLEY LEAGUE 2017 — Camas Valley (5-0) 2016 — Hosanna Christian (4-0) 2015 — Hosanna Christian (5-0) 2014 — Camas Valley (5-0) 2013 — Camas Valley (8-0) 2012 — Camas Valley (8-0) 2011 — Camas Valley (7-0) 2010 — Triad (8-0) 2009 — Triad (8-0) 2008 — Butte Falls (8-0) 2007 — Butte Falls (8-0) 2006 — Days Creek (8-0) SKYLINE A LEAGUE 2005 — Days Creek (8-0) 2004 — Gilchrist (6-1), Powers (6-1) 2003 — Powers (6-0) 2002 — Mapleton (9-0) 2001 — Powers 2000 — Powers (6-0) 1999 — Days Creek (7-0) 1998 — Powers (7-0) 1997 — Powers (7-0) 1996 — Powers (7-0) 1995 — Powers (6-1), Days Creek (6-1) 1994 — Powers (7-0) 1993 — Butte Falls (7-1), Elkton (7-1) 1992 — Camas Valley (8-0) 1991 — Camas Valley (7-0) 1990 — Butte Falls (6-0) 1989 — Camas Valley (6-0) 1988 — Paisley (6-0) 1987 — Butte Falls (6-0) 1986 — Butte Falls (6-0) 1985 — Prospect (5-0) 1984 — Prospect (5-0) 1983 — Prospect (4-1) 1982 — Prospect (6-0) 1981 — Prospect (6-0) 1980 — Camas Valley (6-0) 1979 — Prospect (6-0) 1978 — Elkton (6-0) 1977 — Prospect (5-1) 1976 — Prospect (5-0) 1975 — Prospect (5-0) 1974 — Prospect (4-1) 1973 — Butte Falls (4-0) 1972 — Prospect (4-0) 1971 — Butte Falls (7-0-1) 1970 — Butte Falls (8-0) Your Complete Car Care Center! 1024 S. 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SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL North Medford at Grants Pass Sprague at South Medford Sheldon at Roseburg North Salem at McNary South Salem at West Salem

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL South Salem at Liberty (Wash.) Sept. 8

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL Sheldon at North Medford South Medford at Grants Pass South Salem at Roseburg McNary at West Salem MIDWESTERN Eagle Point at Crater North Eugene at Churchill Thurston at South Eugene Springﬁeld at Willamette BIG SKY Ashland at Sweet Home North Bend at Hidden Valley Henley at Marshﬁeld Mazama at Klamath Union FAR WEST LEAGUE Cascade Christian at Lakeview Brookings-Harbor at St. Mary’s Sutherlin at Phoenix Coquille at South Umpqua Douglas at North Valley 2A DISTRICT 3 Glide at Rogue River 1A DISTRICT 1 Prospect/Butte Falls at Camas Valley Oct. 20

FAR WEST LEAGUE Cascade Christian at North Valley South Umpqua at St. Mary’s Brookings-Harbor at Phoenix Sutherlin at Coquille Lakeview at Douglas 2A DISTRICT 3 Rogue River at North Douglas/Yoncalla

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL North Medford at Bend Del Norte (Calif.) at South Medford Caldera at Grants Pass Roseburg at Nelson North Salem at David Douglas Sunset at South Salem Beaverton at Sprague Lake Oswego at West Salem MIDWESTERN Henley at Crater Eagle Point at Mazama Ashland at North Eugene Mountain View at Churchill Cleveland at South Eugene Springﬁeld at Marist Catholic Thurston at Summit North Bend at Willamette BIG SKY Ashland at North Eugene Newport at Hidden Valley Burns at Klamath Union Marshﬁeld at Cascade Eagle Point at Mazama North Bend at Willamette FAR WEST LEAGUE Sutherlin at Cascade Christian St. Mary’s at North Valley Phoenix at Coquille Douglas at South Umpqua

2A DISTRICT 3 Bandon/Paciﬁc at Rogue River 1A DISTRICT 1 Chiloquin at Prospect/Butte Falls Oct. 27

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL North Medford at South Medford Grants Pass at Roseburg McNary at Sprague South Salem at North Salem

1A DISTRICT 1 Prospect/Butte Falls at Crosspoint Christian Oct. 6 MIDWESTERN Thurston at Eagle Point Oct. 7

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL North Salem at Sprague Oct. 14

SEASON SCHEDULE

2A DISTRICT 3 Rogue River at Monroe Sept. 10

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL Sheldon at West Salem Oct. 28

1A DISTRICT 1 Prospect/Butte Falls at Perrydale Sept. 16

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL North Medford at West Salem McNary at South Medford Roseburg at North Salem Sprague at Sheldon MIDWESTERN Crater at Springﬁeld Churchill at Eagle Point Thurston at North Eugene South Eugene at Willamette BIG SKY Henley at Ashland Hidden Valley at Klamath Union North Bend at Marshﬁeld Marist Catholic at Mazama FAR WEST LEAGUE Cascade Christian at Brookings-Harbor Phoenix at St. Mary’s Coquille at North Valley Sutherlin at Douglas Lakeview at South Umpqua

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL Tualatin at McNary FAR WEST LEAGUE Lakeview at Brookings-Harbor Sept. 15

EagleCraterMIDWESTERNatChurchillPointatSouth Eugene North Eugene at Springﬁeld Willamette at Thurston BIG SKY Ashland at North Bend Hidden Valley at Marshﬁeld Mazama at Henley Klamath Union at Philomath FAR WEST LEAGUE Cascade Christian at St. Mary’s Lakeview at Phoenix North Valley at Brookings-Harbor Douglas at Coquille South Umpqua at Sutherlin

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL North Salem at North Medford South Medford at South Salem West Salem at Grants Pass Roseburg at Sprague Sheldon at McNary MIDWESTERN Crater at Thurston Eagle Point at North Eugene Willamette at Churchill Springﬁeld at South Eugene BIG SKY Hidden Valley at Ashland Cascade at Henley Marshﬁeld at Klamath Union Mazama at North Bend FAR WEST LEAGUE Coquille at Cascade Christian St. Mary’s at Lakeview Douglas at Brookings-HarborPhoenixat Sutherlin North Valley at South Umpqua

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL North Medford at McNary Roseburg at South Medford Grants Pass at Sheldon Sprague at South Salem

West Linn at North Medford South Medford at Beaverton Grants Pass at Shasta (Calif.) Roseburg at Mountainside Glencoe at Sheldon McNary at Lakeridge Sprague at Liberty West Salem at Sherwood MIDWESTERN Crater at North Bend Ashland at Eagle Point Churchill at Marist Catholic North Eugene at Hidden Valley Ridgeview at Springfield Wilsonville at Thurston Willamette at Crescent Valley BIG SKY Ashland at Eagle Point North Eugene at Hidden Valley Henley at Seaside Tillamook at Marshfield Marshfield Estacada FAR WEST LEAGUE Douglas at Cascade Christian St. Mary’s at Sutherlin South Umpqua at Phoenix Coquille at Brookings-Harbor North Valley at Lakeview 2A DISTRICT 3 Rogue River at Waldport Sept. 3

2A DISTRICT 3 Rogue River at Illinois Valley 1A DISTRICT 1 Lost River at Prospect/Butte Falls

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL Grants Pass at South Salem Sept. 23

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL

Sept. 2

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL Sheldon at West Linn Sept. 9

2A DISTRICT 3 Reedsport at Rogue River Sept. 17

|Friday, September 2, 2022 | 27

MIDWESTERN North Eugene at Crater Willamette at Eagle Point Churchill at South Eugene Springﬁeld at Thurston BIG SKY Ashland at Mazama Henley at Hidden Valley Klamath Union at North Bend Junction City at Marshﬁeld

MIDWESTERN South Eugene at Crater Springﬁeld at Eagle Point Churchill at Thurston Willamette at North Eugene BIG SKY Klamath Union at Ashland Cottage Grove at Hidden Valley North Bend at Henley Marshﬁeld at v FAR WEST LEAGUE South Umpqua at Cascade Christian St. Mary’s at Coquille Phoenix at North LakeviewBrookings-HarborValleyatDouglasatSutherlin

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL West Salem at North Salem Oct. 21

2A DISTRICT 3 Rogue River at Oakland 1A DISTRICT 1 Prospect/Butte Falls at Mohawk Sept. 30

SOUTH/CENTRAL FOOTBALL Roseburg at North Medford South Medford at Sheldon Grants Pass at North Salem Sheldon at Roseburg McNary at South Salem West Salem at Sprague MIDWESTERN Crater at Willamette Churchill at Springﬁeld South Eugene at North Eugene BIG SKY Marshﬁeld at Ashland Hidden Valley at Mazama Klamath Union at Henley North Bend at Stayton FAR WEST LEAGUE Phoenix at Cascade Christian St. Mary’s at Douglas South Umpqua at Brookings-Harbor North Valley at Sutherlin 2A DISTRICT 3 Gold Beach at Rogue River 1A DISTRICT 1 Bonanza at Prospect/Butte Falls Oct. 8 FAR WEST LEAGUE Coquille at Lakeview Oct. 13

28 | Friday, September 2, 2022 |

Prep Football 2022

Articles inside

Season Schedule

Conference Roundup

League Roundup

Rogue River

Phoenix

St. Mary’s

Ashland

Crater

League Roundup

Conference Roundup

Eagle Point

Grants Pass

Cascade Christian