League Roundup

South Umpqua eyes another FWL title

All-state stars Dobeck, Johnson allow Lancers to give Challengers and company a big test

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 championship game since 1981, and you can bet they’ll be chomping at the bit for another chance in 2022.

Given the talent the Lancers 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.

The Challengers 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

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.

year’s 3A defensive lineman of the year in senior Tanner Dobeck, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound terror off the edge, and first-team all-state quarterback Jace Johnson (6-2, 175), who was spectacular in spearheading a prolific runpass option offense.

“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

Head coach Steve Stebbins, 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.

“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,” said Stebbins.

SEE FWL, 24