Conference Roundup

Mazama bids to build on title streak

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

By Kris Henry

Mail Tribune

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 “If we stay senior fullback Trevor Anderson healthy and and junior quarwe continue to improve, we terback Tyson Van Gastel — and five on defense should win the return to the fold conference and and anchor a very make a run in the playoffs.” physical attack for the Vikings. The 5-footMazama head 10, 195-pound coach Vic Lease Anderson was a first-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 Monteith (6-1, 205) and a sturdy offense line led by Brendon Solus and Zach Atmadinata.

Lease also expects big things from playmaking seniors Tyler Aguiar and

THE OREGONIAN/OREGONLIVE

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

Treyce Horton.

At 6-5 and 285 pounds, senior Keegan McDonald sets the tone for a stifling defense.

Henley

Shaw Stork was the Skyline Conference offensive player of the year in 2021 and the 6-2, 185-pound senior quarterback has a breakout weapon in senior receiver Owen Cheyne and an experienced 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 confident 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.

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 Josh Lemmons.

Seniors 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 Mitchell 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.

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 Lucas Folau (6-2, 215) help bolster what could develop into another dominant defense.

Niblett and sophomore Ashton Thorton (5-11, 175) are vying to take over at QB, and how quickly and confidently one of them can take the reins of Marshfield’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.

Junior QB Cole Hansen (6-1, 180) has put in a lot of time in the offseason 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).