Prep Football 2018

Friday, August 31, 2018

Bill Singler and South Medford reload after the best season in program history.

PREP FOOTBALL

2018

PAGE 4

page

Turner After guiding two schools to state titles while compiling more than 100 victories, ex-North Medford defensive coordinator Steve Turner returns as the head coach of the Black Tornado.

PAGE 2

BUILDING SUPPLIES AND TRUSSES

FRIENDLY HOMETOWN SERVICE SINCE 1949 MF-00093669

• Lumber • Decking • Fencing

• Roofing • Siding • Windows

• Doors • Hardware • Delivery

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU!

515 West 5th Street, Phoenix | 541-535-1533 | www.nortonlumber.com

2 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

TORNADO GLANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Southwest Conference North Medford................................. 2 South Medford................................. 4 Grants Pass...................................... 6 Conference Roundup...................... 8 Midwestern League Ashland.......................................... 10 Eagle Point..................................... 12 Crater............................................. 13 League Roundup............................ 15 Skyline Conference Phoenix........................................... 18 Conference Roundup.................... 20 3A District 2 Cascade Christian......................... 22 St. Mary’s....................................... 23 District Roundup........................... 25 2A District 5 Rogue River.................................... 27 1A District 2 Butte Falls/CLAC............................ 28 Prospect......................................... 29 Miscellaneous Broadcasts..................................... 16 Coaches Polls................................ 30 Past Champions............................ 30 Season Schedule........................... 31 Cover Photo Jamie Lusch / Mail Tribune Sports Contacts Sports: 541-776-4480 Tim Trower: 541-776-4479 Kris Henry: 541-776-4488 Joe Zavala: 541-776-4469 Frank Silow: 541-776-4480 Warren Blenkush: 541-776-4492 Email: sports@rosebudmedia.com Website: www.mailtribune.com

MT FILE PHOTO

North Medford senior Eli Spence, second-team all-Southwest Conference on both sides of the ball last season, will key the Black Tornado ground game.

North Medford turns the page With new coach Turner, Tornado gets fresh start

By Kris Henry

ARE YOU LISTENING?

No Monday morning quarterbacking here with

GAME ON! Just smart previews and analysis on Jackson County prep sports with sports reporter Kris Henry.

For more podcasts please visit

mailtribune.com

Mail Tribune

Steve Turner has deep ties to North Medford’s football program but, with all due respect, he couldn’t care less about last year’s three-win campaign by the Black Tornado.

“I told the kids I don’t want to hear anything about how they felt about their teammates or anything that happened last year,” said the first-year North Medford head coach. “I don’t really care who started last year or any of that. We started over fresh, it’s a clean slate for everyone.”

That spirit has been well-received by North Medford

players and created an open competition that Turner hopes will bode well by the time the Black Tornado is finally able to take the field for 2018.

It’s been a slow and steady process for Turner and company, with several new staff members coming into the fold and a host of holdovers trying to implement a new system that has served Turner well since his days as North Medford’s defensive coordinator from 1988-97.

In 18 years since as a head coach, Turner has amassed a 106-77 record and guided Mountain View to the Class 5A title in 2011 and Cascade to the SEE NORTH MEDFORD, 9

HEAD COACH Steve Turner (first year; 18th overall, 106-77).

Turner guided Class 5A Mountain View to its only state championship in 2011 and 4A Cascade to its second title in 2015, and helped secure a state title (1993) as defensive coordinator at North Medford from Turner 1988-97.

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Josh Dykes (defensive line/strength coordinator), Jacob Palaniuk (defensive coordinator), Jim Figoni (running backs), Curtis Stout (receivers), Jim Bosworth (secondary), Dan Frederickson (secondary), Johnny Vaigafa (offensive line), Alvin Thornton (running backs), Tyler Baird (quarterbacks/JV head coach), Greg Bryant (freshman), Phillip Lopez (freshman), Dave Delgado (defensive line).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 3-3 (fourth, SWC).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 3-7.

PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Fourth.

2017 RESULTS North Medford Opponents 21 Fortuna (Calif.) 34 39 Shasta (Calif.) 69 27 South Eugene 8 7 Sheldon 35 6 South Medford 55 30 Roseburg 27, OT 14 Grants Pass 34 20 McNary 40 45 Willamette 19 State Playoffs 7 Jesuit 65 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (3): Running back Eli Spence (6-5, 217, sr.), center Tony Bench (5-9, 205, sr.), place-kicker Tucker Houck (5-11, 160, sr.).

DEFENSE (5): Linebacker Thomas Bates (6-0, 195, sr.), defensive back Anthony Taylor (5-7, 151, sr.), linebacker Owen Grafton (5-10, 165, jr.), end Eli Spence, tackle Tony Bench.

OTHER NOTABLES Lineman Kika Stone (5-9, 285, sr.), lineman Jullian Stone (5-7, 224, sr.), running back/linebacker Dallin England (5-9, 174, sr.), lineman Juan Velazquez (5-9, 187, sr.), running back/linebacker Tommy Hamilton (5-9, 172, sr.), receiver/ linebacker Jett Carpenter (6-3, 191, jr.), receiver/linebacker Devyn Grafton (5-11, 168, jr.), running back/defensive back Josh Baptiste (5-7, 154, jr.), quarterback/defensive back Brennan Stults (6-2, 173, jr.), quarterback/defensive back Conner Gradwell (5-11, 192, sr.), quarterback/defensive back Jacob Peterson (6-1, 172, sr.), quarterback/defensive back Colby Neron (6-0, 161, so.), receiver/defensive back Jacob Sousa (5-11, 158, sr.), running back/defensive back Zach Ryall (5-8, 144, jr.), running back/linebacker Travis Ebert (5-8, 173, jr.), receiver/defensive back Nic Samudio (5-9, 142, jr.), lineman Matt Smith (6-1, 189, jr.), lineman Jacob Bermudez (5-7, 189, jr.), lineman/linebacker Dane Stewart (5-9, 206, jr.), lineman Parker Landon (6-2, 280, jr.), lineman Joe Biddle (6-1, 175, jr.), lineman Levi Griffin (6-2, 310, so.), lineman Romello Tialavea (6-5, 285, sr.), lineman Joe Baures (6-1, 196, jr.), receiver/ defensive back Cole Zoller (5-9, 151, jr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 at McNary, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 JEFFERSON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 BEND, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Mt. View, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 SHELDON, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Grants Pass, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Roseburg, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 ALOHA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at South Medford, 7 p.m.

Prep Football | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 3

Bruce Roberts

Lisa Norvell

Rhonda Lewis

Mary Lou Gross

Camilla Cassity

John Wieczorek

Pokii Roberts

Shelly Cox

Annette Pugh

Anna Houppermans

Victoria Sheadel

Gretski Lieberman

John Steinbergs

Helen Whitcomb

Zan Nix

Tracy Peddicord

Evan Archerd

Julie Downey

5 N. Main St.

On the Plaza

Ashland

541-482-1040

MF-00093597

Ashland... Gateway... Grizzlies...

Traditions in Excellence

4 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

PANTHERS GLANCE

MT FILE PHOTO

South Medford’s Terrence Butler (45) averaged nearly 10 yards per carry for the state runner-up Panthers last season.

New faces abound, but South has same approach Panthers, last year’s 6A runners-up, aim for their third straight SWC crown

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

Special seasons like the one enjoyed by South Medford last year in its journey to the Class 6A state championship game are rare.

As such, this year’s Panthers aren’t out to repeat their run to the state final. Instead, South Medford aims to remain competitive on the 6A landscape and hopes to secure a third straight Southwest Conference crown.

It’s an outlook that has always been preached by Panthers head coach Bill Singler since he took over in 1998, and being the state runner-up from a year ago doesn’t change that.

“We haven’t even talked about 2017,” said Singler leading into the 2018 campaign. “Every year you have a new cast of characters and you move on. That’s kind of the fun thing about high school football, you can’t recruit to replace kids you lost. You’ve got to coach them up and structure your offense and defense around the players you have.”

And suffice it to say, this year’s cast doesn’t carry the same

pedigree as the prior one. The Panthers return only one starter on offense in senior receiver Trent DeBoer and two startCampbell ers on defense in senior linebacker Cole Boster and senior safety Jace Campbell.

“We have goals but we’re C. Boster very inexperienced as far as varsity returners and guys who have had playing time,” said Singler.

“But we have a DeBoer bunch of kids that know how to compete and they’ve learned how to do that through the program and win. We have 21 seniors so it’s their time to come out and be the leaders and show what they’ve got.”

In reality, the cupboard is far from bare at South Medford.

That’s good, since no one is likely to give the Panthers any slack when they line up against them after what South Medford accomplished last year.

“We’ll have a target on our back, which is good, we need to play with an edge,” said Singler.

“We’ve got to be ready to take everybody’s best each week.”

Running back Terrence Butler and quarterback Giovanni Bottero, both seniors, expect to anchor the Panthers on offense.

Each faces big shoes to fill in the departed Jaylin Parnell and Robbie Patterson, respectively.

In a reserve role last year, Butler still managed to run for 621 yards on only 64 carries, scoring 11 touchdowns and averaging 9.7 yards per carry en route to second-team all-SWC acclaim. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Butler has breakaway speed and no qualms about vying for the tough yards up the middle. He will be complemented by junior Mason DeVries (5-9, 180), who averaged 7.3 yards per carry and scored twice in limited action last year.

“Both kids give us the element SEE SOUTH MEDFORD, 9

HEAD COACH Bill Singler (21st year, 126-84).

South Medford has advanced to the state playoffs in 15 of the last 16 years and moved beyond the quarterfinals for the first time in school history last year, finishing as the Class 6A runner-up.

GENERAL INFORMATION Singler ASSISTANTS: Jason Bauer (assistant head coach/running backs/defensive line), Chris Parnell (defensive coordinator/linebackers), Damian Jackson (offensive line), Chad Cota (defensive backs), Dan Woodward (quarterbacks/JV head coach), Matt Retzlaff (receivers/defensive backs), Mike Tejada (linebackers), Noah Berman (strength/conditioning), Sean Johnston (freshman head coach), Dave Alonzo (freshman), Mike Johnston (freshman), Foley Wheeler (freshman), Logan Emonds (freshman).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 6-0 (first, SWC).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 12-2.

PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Second.

2017 RESULTS South Medford Opponents 35 Wilsonville 7 14 West Linn 21 56 Willamette 7 28 South Salem 21 55 North Medford 6 40 Grants Pass 21 51 Roseburg 0 31 Sheldon 14 56 South Eugene 12 State Playoffs 63 Gresham 0 42 Lincoln 14 28 West Salem 14 49 Lake Oswego 27 30 Clackamas 31 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (1): Receiver Trent DeBoer (5-11, 165, sr.).

DEFENSE (2): Linebacker Cole Boster (5-10, 215, sr.), strong safety Jace Campbell (6-0, 195, sr.).

OTHER NOTABLES Running back/linebacker Terrence Butler (5-10, 185, sr.), receiver/defensive back Austin Boster (5-8, 150, jr.), quarterback Giovanni Bottero (6-1, 190, sr.), quarterback Zac Ankeny (6-0, 160, jr.), running back/linebacker Mason DeVries (5-9, 180, jr.), running back/linebacker Jamal Parnell (5-8, 155, jr.), receiver/defensive back Trevor Marthoski (5-10, 165, sr.), receiver/defensive back Trevor Narlock (6-0, 170, sr.), receiver/defensive back Adam Nanez (5-6, 145, sr.), receiver/defensive back Spencer Fowler (5-6, 150, jr.), lineman Ramiro Cabrera (5-8, 170, sr.), lineman Fernando Alvarez (6-0, 225, sr.), lineman Jake Ramsay (6-3, 245, sr.), lineman Jacob Hermant (5-11, 225, jr.), lineman Jack Stanley (6-1, 215, jr.), lineman Sam WIllis (6-3, 230, sr.), running back/lineman Justin Josephson (5-11, 170, jr.), lineman/ linebacker Jaxin Kinler (5-10, 195, sr.), tight end/linebacker Jayven Butler (6-0, 185, sr.), lineman Jagger Burrill (6-0, 190, jr.), tight end/linebacker James Duane (6-2, 195, jr.), receiver/defensive back Matt Phillips (6-3, 175, sr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 CENTENNIAL, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Canby, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 MCMINNVILLE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at McNary, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 5 ROSEBURG, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 SHELDON, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Grants Pass, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 NORTH MEDFORD, 7 p.m.

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 5

Put us on your

Be sure to come out October 26 to the Black and Blue Tailgate Party ~ Sponsored by SHERM’S!

Supporting Medford Sports Since 1967!

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

www.shermsmarkets.com

HOME team Julie Zupan Zupan, Oregon Broker (Lic. #: 201219788) Devin Zupan, Oregon Broker (Lic. #: 201205370)

MF-00093663

Julie: 541.890.0661 | Devin: 541.930.0557

One-on-One Customer Service Quality Products Everyday Low Pricing Huge Selections

64 YEARS

OF SERVICE

Proud to Support High School Football

Do It Yourself and Save!

MEDFORD: 2902 North Pacific Highway (541) 773-7577 GRANTS PASS: 1001 Rogue River Highway (541) 476-6638 Monday-Friday 8:00-7:00 • Saturday 8:00-5:30 • Sunday 9:00-4:30 GroverElectric.com Filename: 403 Publication: Mail Tribune - HS Football

Windermere Van Vleet & Associates Office lic.:780100604

6 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

CAVEMEN GLANCE

SCOTT STODDARD / GRANTS PASS DAILY COURIER

Senior Blain Hobbs (7) started at quarterback for two years for Grants Pass. This season, he gives the Cavemen a weapon on the outside as a halfback and slot receiver.

Grants Pass features a fresh look up front Cavemen eye playoffs despite going to a new QB and revamped line

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

GRANTS PASS — During the recent return to prominence for the Grants Pass football program, a key factor has been a steady group of seasoned offensive linemen with the size and strength to set the tone on most Friday nights.

This year, however, the Cavemen will insert five brand new faces into the starting lineup for a spread offensive scheme that requires a steady push to occupy defenders.

But instead of worrying about the front-line inexperience, GP head coach John Musser finds himself fairly optimistic entering the season after the group’s solid showing during summer scrimmages.

“Four of the five kids last year were two-year starters so we’re pretty baby-faced up front,” said Musser.

After a methodical spring in which the GP coaches were patient as the group slowly got up to speed, Musser said his offensive line proved to be a bright spot when it came time to go full speed.

Leading that charge has been right tackle Joe Johnson (6-foot, 215 pounds), right guard Andrew Prulhiere (6-0, 300), center Cadin Barker (5-9, 246), left guard Logan Vinyard (6-0, 260) and left tackle Peter Osipovich (6-0, 235). Of that group, only Johnson saw some starting varsity action last year, and that meant him moving from tight end to center.

With that boost in confidence from the summer, the Cavemen fully believe they have what it takes to compete for one of the top spots in the Southwest Conference this fall as they strive for a sixth straight winning season.

“I think we have a chance to compete for one of those top spots,” said Musser, “but we’ve got to stay healthy.”

Lacking overall depth, the Cavemen will have more twoway players this season than in

years past, but the talent certainly is there to contend for their first conference title since 2014.

To maximize the team’s capabilities, Musser made the move to insert junior Chase Coyle into the starting quarterback position and will have two-year starting QB Blain Hobbs transition to the perimeter as a halfback/slot receiver for his senior season.

Coyle (6-2, 195) is a strongarmed QB with more ability to push the ball downfield, while the shifty Hobbs (5-8, 160) has been as elusive as any in the backfield and now gets a chance to show what he has in open territory.

“With Chase, his arm strength and accuracy is the big thing,” said Musser. “The way we’re built this year, I think most of our strength lies in our receivers. His ability to stretch the field vertically and horizontally is going to be huge.”

“And for Blain, when he can get the ball out in space and not have to get to that space by virtue of running through people, it’s been a big deal for us,” adds the SEE GRANTS PASS, 8

HEAD COACH John Musser (11th year, 58-48).

Grants Pass has enjoyed winning seasons since 2013 but has only made it past the second round of the state playoffs once (2014) in that span.

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Matt Kennedy (offensive Musser coordinator/quarterbacks), John Tunick (defensive coordinator/defensive backs), Bub Marval (offensive line), Brian Richard (defensive line), Kyle Swanson (running backs), Tyler York (receivers), John Valadez (defensive backs/JV head coach), Jonah Musser (receivers), Robbie Zaina (JV), Nate Scott (JV), Stacy Morgan (freshman head coach), Jenner Yriarte (freshman), Jake Leair (freshman).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 4-2 (third, SWC).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 6-4.

PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Third.

2017 RESULTS Grants Pass Opponents 45 Century 34 42 Aloha 28 30 Roseburg 7 33 Willamette 31 27 Sprague 54 21 South Medford 40 34 North Medford 14 31 South Eugene 0 20 Sheldon 62 State Playoffs 20 McNary 22 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (3): Halfback Blain Hobbs (5-8, 140, sr.), receiver Korbin Lopez (6-2, 165, sr.), center Joe Johnson (6-0, 215, sr.).

DEFENSE (5): Linebacker Jacob Hancock (5-11, 212, sr.), lineman Corbin Anderson (6-0, 210, sr.), linebacker Blake Sellers (5-11, 167, sr.), defensive back Randy Clark (5-11, 161, sr.), defensive back Korbin Lopez.

OTHER NOTABLES Quarterback Chase Coyle (6-2, 204, jr.), running back/ cornerback Jaren Emptage (5-11, 180, sr.), receiver/defensive back Joel Valadez (5-10, 152, jr.), lineman Warren Stark (5-11, 218, sr.), lineman Peter Osipovich (6-0, 235, jr.), lineman Cadin Barker (5-9, 246, jr.), lineman Andrew Prulhiere (6-0, 300, so.), lineman Logan Vinyard (6-0, 260, so.), running back/linebacker Jake Henricks (5-10, 175, jr.), fullback/lineman Derek Seals (5-10, 185, sr.), receiver/ linebacker J.J. Watts (6-0, 173, jr.), receiver/defensive back Orion Martin (6-0, 160, sr.), receiver/linebacker Scott Kelley (5-11, 177, sr.), receiver/linebacker Cody Amaral (5-10, 145, jr.), receiver/defensive back Andrew Medley (5-7, 153, jr.), lineman Aiden Kendall (6-2, 215, jr.), running back/ linebacker Kristian Tucker (5-10, 176, sr.), running back/linebacker Kolby Bautista (5-7, 140, sr.), receiver/defensive back Cameron Decker (6-0, 166, jr.), receiver/defensive back Devik Chiang (6-1, 170, so.), receiver/defensive back Anthony Maravilla (6-1, 164, jr.), placekicker/punter Christian Pendleton (5-9, 192, sr.), lineman Aaron Weagel (5-10, 261, jr.), lineman Luke Cochrane (6-1, 222, jr.), lineman Tyson Dixon (6-4, 207, jr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 OREGON CITY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7; at Summit, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Mt. View, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 SOUTHRIDGE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Roseburg, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 NORTH MEDFORD, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 WESTVIEW, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 SOUTH MEDFORD, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Sheldon, 7 p.m.

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 7

SUPPORTING YOUR TEAM AT HOME AND ON THE ROAD. Our values aren’t just something we talk about, they’re something we act on. That’s why we support the boys and girls of our community by sponsoring high school athletics. It’s a great way for them to grow and learn the same sense of hard work and integrity that make our town, and Les Schwab, strong.

ROGUE VALLEY LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTERS ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Medford • 3 Locations 2095 Commerce Drive • 541-779-5055 500 Matt Loop • 541-779-3180 701 N Central Ave • 541-772-5744 Grants Pass • 2 Locations 1694 Nw 6Th St • 541-479-2671 320 Union Ave • 541-955-5200 Ashland 2308 Ashland St • 541-482-4181 www.LesSchwab.com

8 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

Sheldon reclaims role as favorite Austin Lasby (6-2, 330).

Senior Matthew Burgess (5-11, 195) moves into the backfield and will handle the bulk of the load at running back with breakaway speed, while senior Jack Folsom (5-11, 175) is another prime receiver option with good speed. Senior Madden Salisbury (6-3, 320) will help anchor the line.

By Kris Henry Mail Tribune

In the early stages of the Southwest Conference, Sheldon had a stranglehold on the top spot, winning six of the first seven titles.

In the years since, however, the league has caught up to the Irish as North Medford (2013), Grants Pass (2014) and South Medford (2016, 2017) have each taken turns on top.

Sheldon’s last championship came in 2015, but with Division I talents Michael Johnson Jr. and Patrick Herbert prepared for their senior seasons, the league’s coaches believe this may be the year the Irish climb back on top.

In a poll of SWC coaches, Sheldon received three first-place votes and totaled 15 points to edge two-time defending champion South Medford for the favorite’s role. The Panthers received the other two first-place votes and had 14 points.

Grants Pass was picked third with 10 points, followed by North Medford (six) and Roseburg (five).

“It just kind of comes with the territory,” said second-year Sheldon head coach Josh Line of the No. 1 target. “We don’t really think about it much, we just go one week at a time and one game at a time like everybody else.”

“We want to win the league title, that’s our goal every year,” he added.

“We were wanting to do that last year and we faced a team (South Medford) that just outplayed us. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to compete for the league title this year.”

With Johnson back in the fold for his second turn at quarterback before joining Penn State, where the elite recruit recently committed, and the Oregon-bound Herbert returning as a first-team all-SWC pick on both sides of the ball, Sheldon definitely has something to build upon for 2018.

Johnson (6-4, 205) passed for more than 1,100 yards and 21 TDs during the regular season last year and ran

GRANTS PASS From Page 6

11th-year head coach.

A lot of offensive production will also rest on the capable, albeit injury-prone, legs of senior tailback Jaren Emptage (6-0, 187). Emptage boasts incredible speed and game-breaking ability, but he was lost for the season last year due to a torn hamstring during warmups for the

Roseburg Third-year head coach Dave Heuberger has Roseburg’s program numbers up to 92 from 64 two years ago and, after throwing a handful of players to the wolves last year out of necessity, has good competition for playing time throughout the lineup with a host of multisport athletes.

Roseburg failed to make the playoffs for the third straight year in 2017, but Heuberger believes things are looking up after starting nine sophomores at one point last year.

Senior Collin Warmouth returns at quarterback and is also an all-SWC free safety, while senior linebacker Zack Mandera will not only anchor the defense as a returning first-teamer but will also see time in the backfield to complement junior Doran Gillespie. Gillespie was the conference’s fifth-leading ground gainer a year ago with 623 yards to go with seven touchdowns.

Senior Thomas Ruth is a returning BRIAN DAVIES / EUGENE REGISTER-GUARD all-SWC pick and will help pave the way in the trenches with two-way junior Sheldon head coach Josh Line watches quarterback Michael Johnson Jr. during a practice at the lineman Hunter Blix school. Johnson is one of the top players in the nation and has committed to Penn State.

Defensively, linebackers Ethan for 704 yards and 10 scores as one into this season is how do we get an Stoner and Colin Rietmann will be key of the nation’s top dual-threat QBs. offensive line around the athletes and factors for a team that expects to build He’s worked hard in the offseason on the speed that we have and get the ball throughout the season. his mechanics and pocket presence to downfield to create that opportunity to “There’s a big gap of where we’ll start complement his incredible athleticism. potentially make the big plays or mount and where we want to be,” said HeuHerbert (6-5, 235) was Johnson’s the drives we’re going to need to mount berger, “and we just want to continue favorite target last year at tight end, against good competition.” to narrow that gap.” catching 29 passes for 420 yards and Furthering Sheldon’s push will be senior Zach Folsom (5-10, 185), who Reach reporter Kris Henry at 541-776nine scores in the regular season.

“Michael and Pat give us that over was a first-team all-SWC tailback but 4488, khenry@rosebudmedia.com, the top athleticism and strength,” said is moving to the slot to make even better www.facebook.com/krishenryMT or Line. “But for us the concern going use of his skills, and all-SWC lineman www.twitter.com/Kris_Henry season opener and tore his other hamstring during the track season.

“He’s as explosive of a kid we’ve had in a long time if he can stay healthy,” said Musser.

Junior Jake Henricks (5-11, 173) was the featured running back on JV last year and provides a nice downhill complement with his ability to see the hole, put a foot down and head north.

Three-year starter Korbin Lopez, a 6-3, 175-pound standout who was a

second-team all-SWC pick in 2017, will be a featured playmaker at receiver and be flanked on the opposite edge by senior Randy Clark. In the slot opposite Hobbs will be junior Joel Valadez, with junior J.J. Watts supplying some added size (6-0, 178) as a security blanket from the tight end position.

Defensively, the Cavemen will be led by a stable of linebackers led by all-SWC seniors Jacob Hancock (5-11, 210) and Blake Sellers (5-11, 180) with

Johnson and Henricks.

The line is developing and will rely on all-SWC senior end Corbin Anderson (6-1, 210) and senior nose guard Warren Stark (6-0, 243). The secondary is in good hands with returners Clark and Valadez at cornerback and Lopez at free safety.

Reach reporter Kris Henry at 541-7764488, khenry@rosebudmedia.com, www.facebook.com/krishenryMT or www.twitter.com/Kris_Henry

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 9

NORTH MEDFORD From Page 2

4A crown in 2015.

“It’s that process where you’ve got to teach the coaches before the coaches can teach the players,” said Turner, “but the coaches have been really, really receptive. We’re getting along great and it’s been fun in that respect, it’s been really fun.”

“Our playbook is really, really small right now,” he added. “Blocking and tackling is what we’re really concentrating on now. In the first game we play you’ll see a semblance of what we do. We’re not a smashmouth team and we’re not a spread team; I consider us a pro-style offense. Not that we’re as good as the New England Patriots, but New England does a lot of stuff and we will, too. We’re not going to play 11 guys, we’ll group our kids.”

One player likely to stand out from the crowd is senior standout Eli Spence, who has served as a 6-foot-5, 217pound utility knife the past two years.

Spence played tight end, receiver and tailback last year but will call the backfield home this time around to boost his team’s Southwest Conference hopes.

“We require a little bit different running style out of our tailbacks, it’s more of a downhill deal,” said Turner. “He’s

SOUTH MEDFORD From Page 4

like because they’re multi-dimensional backs,” said Singler. “They can catch the ball out of the backfield, they can block and they can run so they do the stuff we like them to do. They’re good downhill runners inside the tackles, which keeps the defenses concerned about that element that we have, and can also get outside a little bit.”

Bottero saw far less action as Patterson’s backup, completing only 1 of 3 passes for 10 yards with one interception, but the 6-1, 190-pounder has worked to make the most of his opportunity to start. Junior Zac Ankeny is also vying for the No. 1 spot, although he missed most of the spring and summer workouts while playing baseball and will enter the season behind Bottero.

“I would feel a lot differently going into this year with all the inexperience we have if we had quarterbacks that were questionable,” said Singler, “but I think our kids are fine. Both kids are very capable and good students of the game and can throw the football.”

DeBoer was part of a deep receiver corps last year and had 11 catches for 113 yards and one TD. He’ll be flanked on the opposite edge by a potential breakout candidate in junior Austin Boster,

so bloody fast he has a tendency to want to get outside, but he’s a strong, big, fast kid so to me he’s the ideal tailback.”

Last year, Spence was the SWC’s second-leading receiver with 633 yards and five touchdowns on 33 receptions.

He was moved to the backfield at the end of the regular season and averaged 10.2 yards per carry, finishing with 307 yards and two scores on 30 carries.

Spence was also a leading figure on the defense at linebacker and defensive end, and played special teams to complete his versatile performance.

He also served as one of the team’s key emotional leaders, be it on the field or on the sidelines.

For his efforts, Spence was a second-team all-SWC selection on both sides of the ball.

“He’s a fiery guy and he is a competitor,” said Turner, “but he’s not the only guy we can hand the ball off to.”

In Turner’s ground-based system, several ball carriers will be needed and North Medford is fortunate to have several quality options behind Spence in senior Tommy Hamilton, who missed last season due to injury, and junior tailbacks Josh Baptiste and Zach Ryall. In the fullback role will be seniors Thomas Bates and Dallin England and junior Travis Ebert.

The Black Tornado will feature an I-formation, but Turner said it’s not who is a track standout and showed flashes of his playmaking abilities as a kick returner last season.

Adding to the receiver corps will be the return of seniors Trevor Marthoski and Trevor Narlock, with quick slot receivers Adam Nanez and Spencer Fowler also providing potent options.

South’s biggest question mark heading into the season may be up front, where a lot of experience, strength and toughness was lost. Spearheading the line will be seniors Ramiro Cabrera (center), Cole Boster (guard), Fernando Alvarez (guard), Jake Ramsay (tackle) and junior Jacob Hermant (tackle), with junior transfer Jack Stanley from Roseville, California, also in the mix.

The strength of the defense stands to be a linebacker corps that is in good hands with all-SWC returner Cole Boster and senior Jaxin Kinler on the inside with help from senior Jayven Butler and junior Jagger Burrill. On the outside, juniors James Duane and Jamal Parnell have shown a knack for getting to the football.

On the defensive line, the Panthers will look for all-SWC senior Sam Willis to help provide a push with junior Justin Josephson, Alvarez and Hermant.

The secondary is filled with speedy athletes like DeBoer, Austin Boster, Campbell, Marthoski, Nanez and senior Matt Phillips.

improbable to see three running backs in the backfield to control the ball and wear down opponents.

“What I would love to do is have a 10- or 12-play drive and score a touchdown,” said Turner. “I’m not that spread offensive philosophy where we need to score on every play. If we do hit a 70-yard run, I’m not going to argue with it, but if you can impose your will on people, the other offense is standing on the sideline. I’m a selfish guy, I like having the ball.”

Furthering that process will be a deep corps of offensive linemen, led by allSWC senior Tony Bench (5-10, 239).

The Black Tornado has been working in about a dozen offensive linemen through practice, mixing and matching to create experience in all spots and with all teammates. Turner said he’ll likely rotate in “seven to 10 guys” to keep everyone fresh.

The biggest open competition likely has been at quarterback, where Turner has been impressed at times by the quartet of seniors Conner Gradwell and Jacob Peterson, junior Brennan Stults and sophomore Colby Neron. Gradwell was the varsity backup in 2017, while Peterson and Stults were part of a trio that split time at the JV level. Neron got all the snaps on the freshman squad.

“They’re all four competing and you’ve got to coin-flip it on who’s

doing well on one day or who’s doing well another day,” said Turner.

Gradwell suffered an MCL sprain in a scrimmage and wasn’t expected to return to action until the days leading up to the season opener. That will leave the starting duties for Stults in the interim, with Neron getting full reps at the JV level. Peterson will serve as the backup early on and, depending on results, the position could remain fluid until SWC play starts in Week 5.

Seniors Anthony Taylor and Jacob Sousa and juniors Devyn Grafton, Owen Grafton, Nic Samudio and Jett Carpenter will spearhead an inexperienced receiver corps.

The addition of wrestling turnouts Andres Ramirez and Cole Zoller should give the defense a boost, with North’s stable of linebackers leading the charge thanks to the experience of Spence, Bates, Carpenter and Owen Grafton from a year ago, along with Hamilton and junior Dane Stewart.

“I think we can match up with the spread people,” said Turner, “and if people want to pound the ball at us, bring it on. That’s how we practice every day so it’s not like you’re going to run over us.”

Reach reporter Kris Henry at 541-7764488, khenry@rosebudmedia.com, www.facebook.com/krishenryMT or www.twitter.com/Kris_Henry

A�Y�S S�P�O�T� T�E A�H�E�E�, C�A�H�S A�D P�R�N�S� W�S�I�G Y�U A�L A H� A�T�Y A�D S�C�E� S�U� S� A� O�!

w w w.a m y s.c o m

10

| Friday, August 31, 2018 |

Prep Football 2018

Grizzlies shoot for a turnaround Ashland will rely on speed as it strives to rebound from 2-7 year

By Danny Penza Ashland Daily Tidings

ASHLAND — After finishing his first season as Ashland High’s head football coach with a 2-7 record, it wasn’t backto-the-drawing-board mode for Beau Lehnerz.

Instead, as he prepared for year No. 2, it was more subtle changes.

Both in terms of what the Grizzlies do on the field, and also simply how they approach the 2018 season.

He can already see the differences, too.

“I just feel like it’s way different,” he said. “The kids, we demanded that they show that they’re committed through workouts and community service and other things. The attitude and the buy-in alone is

better right now, so that’s kind of what we’re riding.”

Whether the concentration on the Grizzlies’ buy-in results in wins in the new-look Midwestern League remains to be seen.

But the changes that Lehnerz and his coaching staff have made will be looked upon for immediate results.

“We went over things and thought, what are things we can continue doing that we liked; some things we need to make changes to and make it comfortable for us,” Lehnerz said. “I feel like the change has been to do what suits us. …

We tailored things to our skill set and what we’re capable of doing, but our biggest thing was getting ahold of the kids and saying, ‘Hey, it’s a new season, we’ve been together for our second season now and I feel like there’s more of a buy-in than we were able to get last year.”

When it comes to tailoring

things to his team’s talent on offense, it starts with the right arm of quarterback Rieger Sayre.

The 2017 season was supposed to be one in which Sayre, now a junior, got plenty of reps on the JV level with then-senior Cade Swenson being the starter on varsity.

But an opening-week shoulder injury to Swenson forced Sayre into emergency duty.

He ended up playing in eight games, completing 59 percent of his passes, throwing for 947 yards and nine touchdowns.

“That was kinda like learning on the run,” Lehnerz said. “We took our lumps, he took a lot of lumps but got a lot of valuable experience. This year, he’s been getting stronger, working on arm strength, but also learning how to have poise.”

Sayre has a solid yet young group of targets to throw to as well, led by the outside receiver SEE ASHLAND, 16

MT FILE PHOTO

Senior lineman Myles Montgomery (52) will again be a key figure on both sides of the ball for Ashland.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

OUR LOCAL

GO ATHLETES.

GRIZZLIES!

Justin Donovan Broker, GRI • CELL 541-890-6673 Michaela Donovan Broker, GRI • CELL 541-840-8000

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 11

HEAD COACH Beau Lehnerz (second year, 2-7).

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Antione Perry (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Eric Sullivan (special Lehnerz teams coordinator/ linebackers/tight ends), Bubby Rylance (offensive line/defensive line), Scott Chadwick (quarterbacks/ wide receivers/defensive backs), Johnnie Hines (wide receivers/defensive backs), Greg Lemhouse (running backs/defensive line), Jerry Brown (offensive line/defensive line), Justin Robinson (linebackers/ running backs), Monte Georgianna (wide receivers/defensive backs).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 1-6 (seventh, MWL).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 2-7.

PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Fourth.

2017 RESULTS Ashland Opponents 12 Klamath Union 2 0 Summit 46 14 Churchill 58 22 Marist 55 21 Springfield 14 27 Eagle Point 34 14 Crater 45 14 Thurston 39 21 North Eugene 24

RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (5): Wide receiver Gabe Ekwall (6-2, 185, jr.), quarterback Rieger Sayre (6-0, 170, jr.), lineman Vinny Pippa (5-9, 220, jr.), lineman Myles Montgomery (6-0, 220, sr.), running back DaMario Watson (5-9, 180, jr.).

DEFENSE (5): Outside linebacker Austin Harris (5-10, 170, jr.), inside linebacker Myles Montgomery, inside linebacker Finn Hayes (6-1, 210, jr.), defensive back DaMario Watson, defensive back Gabe Ekwall.

OTHER NOTABLES Offensive lineman/defensive lineman Aaron Cox (6-0, 220, sr.), defensive back/ wide receiver Nate Carter (6-3, 165, so.), defensive back/quarterback Hayden Ellis (6-3, 170, so.), defensive back/wide receiver Eriq Rodriguez (5-7, 125, so.), defensive back/wide receiver Nolan Rinefort (5-11, 175, jr.), outside linebacker/ wide receiver Nagali Jackson (5-10, 175, jr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 WILLAMETTE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Springfield, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 RIDGEVIEW, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Churchill, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Eagle Point, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 CRATER, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 NORTH EUGENE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at South Eugene, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 League Playoff, TBA

Once a Grizz always a

! ! z z i r G Greg White QB Class of 1986

Danial White QB Class of 2014

Good luck this season!!

MF-00093670

GRIZZLIES GLANCE

1756 Ashland St. • Ashland

541-482-1921• Reinholdtins.com

Go Grizz!!!

The Paul Volz Farmers Insurance Agency is a proud sponsor of Grizzly Football. Whether you need help with Auto, Home, Business, or Life Insurance, contact Paul for a no-obligation quote.

450 Siskiyou Blvd Ste. 5, Ashland

541-482-8463 Follow the Grizzly football season at www.AshlandFootballClub.com

12

| Friday, August 31, 2018 |

Prep Football 2018

Healthy Eagle Point looks to bounce back

By Don Hunt for the Mail Tribune

EAGLE POINT — The city of Eagle Point nearly needed an extra health care center last September when a slew of Eagle Point High football players suffered serious injuries before the Eagles had played an official game.

Four starters went down with season-ending injuries in the span of two plays during a jamboree, and nine starters were on the sidelines for several weeks a short time later.

“What could go wrong did go wrong — it was Murphy’s Law for our football team,” said coach Seth Womack.

Womack thought his team had the talent last year to match the 2016 squad that went 7-3 and advanced to the state playoffs. But with so many big guns silenced, the Eagles limped to a 3-6 record.

Most of the players who were injured are back, and healthy, and they’re eager to take the field in Eagle Point’s season-opener against Klamath Union.

“If we can stay healthy we feel like we’re a quality playoff team,” said Womack. “We

Gainey

Jacobson

Barlowe

had a great summer.”

The offseason included a June trip to a team camp at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. Womack said the Eagles more than held their own against quality teams, such as Skyview High of Vancouver, Washington, and Bethel High of Spanaway, Washington.

“One of the (Spanaway) players noticed how physical we were and said it had been awhile since another team had beaten up on them like we did,” he said. “It’s camp football and no one is scheming, but we came out of there being a lot more confident football team.”

The Eagles have the size and the physical prowess to rough up a lot of opponents.

Offensive guard Andrew Barlowe and tackle SEE EAGLE POINT, 16

EAGLES GLANCE HEAD COACH Seth Womack (sixth year, 17-30).

After advancing to the state playoffs two years ago, Womack Eagle Point’s hopes of a repeat were derailed last season by a spate of injuries.

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Vinny Gay (offensive line), Josh Fagan (defensive coordinator/defensive backs), Shaun Murgel (inside linebackers), Nathan Helwig (outside linebackers) Jason Deemer (defensive line), Bruce Lemmerman (wide receivers), Chili Swopes (running backs).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 2-5 (sixth, MWL).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 3-6.

PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Third.

2017 RESULTS Eagle Point Opponents 14 Glencoe 28 21 Ridgeway 13 38 Springfield 7 0 Thurston 57 13 Crater 54 34 Ashland 27

6 26 16

North Eugene 55 Churchill 76 Marist 49 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (3): Running back Devin Bradd (5-10, 195, so.), right tackle Charlie Jacobson (6-4, 275, sr.), right guard Andrew Barlowe (6-1, 280, sr.).

DEFENSE (3): Linebacker Edgar Bravo (6-2, 225, sr.), cornerback Eric Parliament (5-9, 170, sr.), end Hayden Gainey (6-4, 260, sr.).

OTHER NOTABLES Quarterback Cameron Morgan (5-10, 175, sr.), running back Noah Page (6-1, 200, sr.), left tackle Tyler Gove (6-6, 285, sr.), outside linebacker Dante Lallo (5-9, 170, sr.), wide receiver Carlos Seiter (5-10, 180, jr.), tight end Rylan Morgan (6-6, 220, sr.), center Santos Serfin-Godines (6-2, 245, sr.), defensive lineman Drew Hodges (5-10, 185, sr.), defensive lineman Bryan LaFever (5-10, 185, sr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 at Klamath Union, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Redmond, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 SPRINGFIELD, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at South Eugene, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 ASHLAND, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 CHURCHILL, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Crater, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at North Eugene, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 League Playoff, 7 p.m.

!

E

IV

EL

D

ER

W

Central Point School District 6

D IT AN R I P S D OOL L ID AN H C O RS YOU UR SCHO W SHO ENT YO PRES .

ORE M R O .

0.00 Dine in only 2 $ • OF 18.

DER 31/ R / 2 O 1 8ANY 2/1

GET

F F O 0 0 .

5 $

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

#1 Best High School: Crater High School

#1 Best Principal:

/

id 9 r val

Offe

Walt Davenport, Central Point Elementary

#1 Best Teacher:

Summer Brendlinger, Central Point Elementary

www.morrtons.com | 541.772.3154 | 980 N. Phoenix Rd, Medford MF-00094561

#1 Best Middle School: MF-00094061

We Offer All TV Sports Networks!

Scenic Middle School

Thank you to all the staff, parents, and students who make District 6 great!

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 13

Veteran Comets set the bar high COMETS GLANCE

By Don Hunt for the Mail Tribune

CENTRAL POINT — Randy Waite worked a minor miracle last season when he guided a largely inexperienced Crater High football team to the state playoffs in his first season as the school’s head coach.

It helped that Waite walked into a program that had most of its assistant coaches intact, with offensive coordinator David Douglas and defensive coordinator Berk Brown among the top coordinators in the Midwestern League.

Now the Comets are loaded with experience and talent. And optimism is sky high.

“We bring back the majority of our players and so I’d be disappointed if we’re not a contender for the league championship,” Warner said Waite, whose team features 12 seniors and 23 juniors. “Last year, simply making the playoffs was a positive step. I would say the next step D. Davis forward would be to host a playoff game and then see what we could do from there.”

The Comets are in a revamped Midwestern League this fall that consists of Vansickle a dozen teams with two six-team divisions. Crater is aligned in the South Division, along with Ashland, Churchill, Eagle Point, North Eugene and South Eugene. The North Division features North Bend, Redmond, Ridgeview, Springfield, Thurston and Willamette.

The top two teams from each division are assured of a playoff berth.

The division champions will square off against one another in week nine, as will the runners-up, for state playoff positioning. The third-place squads will collide in a winner-in, loser-out contest.

The fourth- and fifth-place teams will also play cross-division games, but no playoff berths will be at stake.

Crater returns starting quarterback Trever Davis, wide receiver Noah Cline and four of five starters on its offensive line. Defensively, the

MT FILE PHOTO

Crater junior quarterback Trever Davis is back to lead the Comets’ offense.

Comets bring back seven regulars.

Davis, who shined as a sophomore a year ago, has been in a battle with senior Ethan Scott all summer for starting signal-calling duties. Scott started seven games in 2016. Davis, then a freshman, started the final two games and all of 2017.

Davis has established the advantage but Douglas — the offensive coordinator — said the edge is thin and he wouldn’t hesitate to put Scott behind center.

“I feel like either of them could start for pretty much any team in the conference,” said Douglas. “Trever is very athletic and a good runner with a strong arm. Ethan is cerebral, smooth and a slick runner who makes people miss.

“They both have control of the huddle and our offense. We’re not going to go with a two-headed quarterback, but we know we can be successful with either one of these guys.”

Whoever takes the snaps will be shielded by a veteran offensive line.

Sophomore tackle Dawson Davis and junior guard Hunter Vansickle both earned second-team all-conference honors last season. Tackle Jacob Memmott and guard Gerritt Warner

also return as starters, and center Jared O’Dell logged a couple of starts last season before getting injured.

Running duties will be mostly handled by junior Gavin Acrey, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound dynamo who was off to an impressive start last season before a broken ankle sidelined him in game three.

“He’s strong, tough and explosive,” said Douglas, noting that Acrey deadlifts 425 pounds. “And he has a motor that’s in the red. He’s something else. Most teams don’t know who he is because he got hurt so early last season. He’s going to surprise people.”

Senior Tony Flores, a first-team all-conference linebacker last season, will spell Acrey at tailback and line up at fullback when the Comets go to a two-back set.

Cline is Crater’s only returning starter at wide receiver, but Douglas believes the Comets have four other capable pass catchers to go with him: Dylan Kinney, Tyler Macintosh, Chase Sherer and Dawson Douglas, the coordinator’s sophomore son.

“There will be times when we’re in an empty set and all five of those receivers will be on the field at the SEE CRATER, 15

HEAD COACH Randy Waite (second year, 5-5).

Crater is coming off back-to-back 5-5 seasons after going 11-1 in 2015 and advancing to the state semifinals.

Waite GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: David Douglas (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks/wide receivers), Berk Brown (defensive coordinator/defensive backs/wide receivers), John Van Buren (defensive line), Zach Warner (defensive line/ JV), Beau Stanfield (linebackers), Wes Davis (director of football operations), J.R. Godley (head JV/running backs), Brad Eaton (offensive line), Tony Cobb (quarterbacks).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 4-3 (fourth, MWL).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 5-5.

PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Second.

2017 RESULTS Crater Opponents 7 Soldotna (at Del Norte, Calif.) 20 34 South Albany 21 20 Marist 21 35 Springfield 6 54 Eagle Point 13 40 Thurston 63 45 Ashland 14 54 North Eugene 19 21 Churchill 63 State Playoffs 16 South Albany 23 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (6): Quarterback Trever Davis (5-9, 175, jr.), tackle Dawson Davis (6-2, 250, so.), guard Hunter Vansickle (5-11, 245, jr.), guard Gerritt Warner (6-0, 230, jr.), tackle Jacob Memmott (6-4, 225, jr.), wide receiver Noah Cline (5-8, 145, sr.).

DEFENSE (7): End Cody Fisher (6-1, 210, sr.), linebacker Tyler Ennis (5-10, 195, jr.), cornerback Tanner Dey (5-9, 170, sr.), linebacker Tony Flores (5-9, 190, sr.), linebacker Logan Lowder (5-11, 185, sr.), free safety Dylan Kinney (5-9, 155, sr.), end Jacob Chenoweth (6-3, 220, jr.).

OTHER NOTABLES Center Jared O’Dell (5-11, 215, sr.), running back/rover back Gavin Acrey (5-9, 170, jr.), linebacker Brady Brock (5-10, 175, jr.), cornerback Bruce Cwiklinski (5-7, 145, jr.), safety Robert Amoson (5-10, 185, jr.), wide receiver Tyler MacIntosh (6-0, 180, jr.), wide receiver Chase Sherer (6-0, 160, jr.), wide receiver Dawson Douglas (5-0, 190, so.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 WILSONVILLE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 WILLAMETTE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Thurston, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at North Eugene, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 SOUTH EUGENE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Ashland, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 EAGLE POINT, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Churchill, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 League Playoff, TBA

14

| Friday, August 31, 2018 |

Prep Football 2018

Watch LIVE and ON-DEMAND HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS and events on TablerockSports.net

Every play of every game on your favorite online device.

Weekly Features on TablerockSports.net

High Schools Featured:

Crater Grants Pass North Medford South Medford

Weekly Pigskin Pick ‘em contest Southern Oregon Sports Spotlight

Phoenix

Hidden Valley Mustangs

St. Mary’s

Pregame and post game analysis

Live and On-Demand broadcasts are FREE to view thanks to these generous sponsors:

Follow Us:

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 15

MIDWESTERN LEAGUE

Churchill loaded for MWL South run

By Joe Zavala Mail Tribune

Churchill, the coaches’ favorite to repeat its dominance in the Midwestern League, is so stacked on both sides of the ball that its biggest challenge this season, at least initially, may be figuring out where to play its surprise addition — a senior transfer quarterback from Allen, Texas, named Demontre Thomas.

Thomas is in a quarterback battle with returning senior Jack Blackburn, who threw for 2,731 yards and 40 touchdowns last season while leading the Lancers to the Class 5A state championship game.

The winner of that battle will have options galore in Churchill’s spread, single-back offense, which will operate behind an offensive line that returns four of five starters. That, and a defense that returns three of four starting linemen, made the Lancers the clear pick to win the MWL South Division in a vote of coaches.

The Midwestern League, also referred to 5A District 2, has changed shape with reclassification. The MWL has ballooned to 12 teams and two divisions, North and South. Joining Churchill in the South are Ashland, Crater, Eagle Point, North Eugene and South Eugene.

In the North Division are North Bend, Redmond, Ridgeview, Springfield, Thurston and Willamette.

The other Eugene schools in the South aren’t expected to be nearly as competitive as Churchill. North Eugene, which made big strides by picking up three league wins last season, came in fifth in the six-team poll, while newbie South Eugene, formerly of the 6A Southwest Conference, was picked to finish last.

Churchill has a long road ahead if it wants to match last year’s team, which won its first 12 games, most in dominant fashion (the Lancers scored 40 points or more eight times), and overcame key injuries before falling to Hermiston, 38-35, in the state championship game.

Head coach AJ Robinson expects big things again, but said his team isn’t

CRATER From Page 13

same time,” said coach Douglas. “We’ll be spreading the field.”

The Comets will also return to a fulltime, no-huddle look, Douglas said, due to the experience of the quarterbacks and the offense as a whole.

“We had to slow things down last

coaches’ poll but did receive two topthree votes, looks to take the next step after winning three of its last four games last season.

The Highlanders return starting middle linebacker Jake Hall (6-2, 210), a senior who was a first-team all-league selection last year after ranking third in tackles.

“He’s the heart and soul of our defense,” North Eugene coach Rick Raish said.

Also back is quarterback Drew Williams, a senior who took over last season after the Highlanders lost their first two games and led the team’s charge back to respectability. Williams, an honorable mention all-league pick, is a dualthreat quarterback in North Eugene’s spread offense.

Also on board for North Eugene is senior center Logan Gambill and junior left tackle Logan Kerr, both of whom received honorable mention last year.

Its receiving corps is led by senior slot MT FILE PHOTO Anu Richardson (6-1, 190) and senior outside wideout Alec Nolan (5-9, 155).

Kimani Quade, shown here making a catch last season for Sheldon against North Medford, has “With the new league, it’s exciting,” transferred to Class 5A powerhouse Churchill, where he’ll play safety.

Raish said. “It’s going to be tough, but looking past tonight’s nonleague season Churchill also returns starting strong honestly we have a shot of getting third opener at Sheldon. safety Josh Hatten and adds safety in our league and playing for a shot at “We just need to worry about what’s Kimani Quade, a transfer from Sheldon. going to state. If we stay healthy and the in front of us,” said Robinson. “If we On offense, the big question was who ball bounces our way, it’s possible we can keep improving each day and keep will take snaps, but Robinson said both could get second in our league.” focused on the details, I think we should Thomas and Blackburn will contribute.

South Eugene be able to make another deep playoff “The team and the coaches feel comrun. We have all the tools necessary to fortable with both,” said Robinson.

South Eugene joins the league as a compete and win a state championship, “It’s going to come down to who wins football-only member a year after finbut we’re not there yet.” the team over. They both have done a ishing 1-7 overall as a member of the 6A Though Churchill earned a reputa- really great job.”

Southwest Conference. tion as an offensive force last season Churchill lost its starting running The Axe return senior two-way while averaging 46 points per game, backs from a year ago but returns sec- lineman Jahi Richardson (6-3, 305), a its top overall returner may be senior ond-team all-state receiver Marshaun second-team SWC pick last year, and linebacker Beau Burnett, the league’s Tucker Jr., a large target (6-foot-2, 170) junior quarterback Bryce Boettcher, reigning defensive player of the year who had 36 receptions for 818 yards and who will also see action at outside who led the Lancers in tackles. seven touchdowns last season. linebacker.

“He’s just a really instinctive footAlso back for the Lancers is sec“(Boettcher’s) a big, strong, athletic ball player,” Robinson said of Burnett, ond-team all-state left tackle Rich young man who is highly intelligent, a three-year starter who will likely play Estrella (6-4, 300), who will play in and our kids circulate around him,” baseball in college. “He’s a great tack- college at Portland State.

South Eugene coach Kevin Leonard ler and he can cover from sideline to said.

North Eugene sideline. We put him in the middle of our defense and he covers up for a lot North Eugene, which finished in Reach reporter Joe Zavala at 541-776the bottom half of the South Division 4469 or jzavala@rosebudmedia.com of mistakes.” year,” he said, “but now we’ve got the experience and the depth to go without a huddle and go quickly (between plays).”

The Comets should be much better defensively this season. The toughminded Flores and Logan Lowder — they’re both state-caliber wrestlers — will serve as tackling machines at linebacker.

Ends Cody Fisher and Jacob

Chenoweth, linebacker Tyler Ennis, cornerback Tanner Dey and free safety Kinney are also back as starters.

Acrey, one of the Comets’ few twoway starters, figures to excel at rover back. Other defenders expected to contribute are linebacker Brady Brock, cornerback Bruce Cwiklinski and free safety Robert Amoson.

The Comets open their regular season against highly regarded Wilsonville, a

Class 5A state semifinalist in 2017, and end it with Churchill, last year’s state runner-up. Crater meets another state playoff team from a year ago — Thurston — in week three.

“We’re hoping the stakes are high when we meet up against Churchill,” said Waite.

Reach freelance writer Don Hunt at dwhunt15@yahoo.com

16 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

BROADCAST MEDIA

Plenty of on-air options for football fans

By Joe Zavala Mail Tribune

Once again, local high school football fans need only have an internet connection or access to a radio to keep track of their favorite teams.

Besides the Mail Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the local prep football scene through articles, statistics, photo galleries and video — it’s all accessible at mailtribune.com – local radio stations will broadcast games every weekend, Table Rock Sports will offer live video feeds and ABC’s local affiliate, KDRV, will broadcast one game a week on TV. The radio offerings are abundant.

North Medford football games and select soccer and volleyball matches — the black-and-blue matchups as well

ASHLAND From Page 10

combo of junior Gabe Ekwall and sophomore Nate Carter.

Both combine size and speed and will provide Sayre with big bodies to throw to.

“Just getting the ball to him, he’s going to make something happen right away,” Lehnerz said of Ekwall, who averaged 13 yards a catch in 2017.

“We’re hoping that with the outside, people have to pick their poison (between Ekwall and Carter).”

The Grizzlies also return their top

EAGLE POINT From Page 12

Jacobson tip the scales at 280 and 275 pounds, respectively, and will lead the charge up front. They were among the few who played every game last season and both were honorable mention allleague. They’ll be supplemented by center Santos Serfin-Godines (245) and tackle Tyler Gove (285).

The rough-and-tumble approach extends to the backfield, where Devin Bradd returns after piling up 971 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman a year ago in earning second-team all-conference honors.

“It’s a fistfight every time Devin carries the ball,” Womack said of the 5-10, 195-pounder. “The kid is a rock, and he’s gotten better.”

as playoff tilts — will be broadcast on The Game, which airs on 96.1-FM and 580-AM. South Medford football games and select soccer and volleyball matches will air on 880-AM. Matt Bagley will call North Medford games and Jonathan Kurman will handle South Medford.

For the 10th season in a row, Jim McCoy will call Cascade Christian football games, with Mark McLemore providing color commentary on The Nail (91.7-FM).

The Game will also air Oregon State football games, Seattle Seahawks games, three NFL prime-time games — Monday, Thursday and Sunday nights — every week, NFL playoff games and the Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers games will

air on 95.7-FM, while Oregon Ducks football games can be found at 880-AM. Table Rock Sports, which can be found at tablerocksports.net, airs free live video broadcasts featuring South Medford, North Medford, Grants Pass, Crater and St. Mary’s every Friday and Saturday starting 15 minutes prior to kickoff.

For the fourth consecutive year, Table Rock Sports will partner with KTVL News 10 for Friday Night Football. The postgame interview and highlight show begins at 11:15 on Friday nights and will include Joe Brett, Tom Ersepke and lead anchor Brian Schnee.

KDRV channel 12.2 (channel 189 on Charter) will broadcast a game of the week, with the tentative schedule

kicking off with today’s game between Centennial and South Medford. Playby-play announcers will be Jacob Kornhauser and Jake Garcia, and the color commentator will be Harry Hedrick.

KDRV will also broadcast its Friday Night Blitz show from 11:15 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Channel 12. The show, anchored by Kornhauser and Garcia, will feature scores and highlights.

Additionally, KDRV’s College Football Game Day show will air from 4-5 p.m. on Channel 12 on Saturdays, and College Football Game Night from 8-8:30 p.m. or 8:30-9 p.m. on Channel 12, also on Saturdays.

two running backs from last season, juniors DaMario Watson and Austin Harris. Watson and Harris, a duo that Lehnerz describes as a power and speed tandem, combined to run for just under 700 yards last season.

Of course, a lot of the Grizzlies’ success will be dictated by what they do up front on both sides of the ball.

The Grizzlies’ offensive line — led by two-way senior standout Myles Montgomery — needs to give Sayre time to throw and open holes for Watson to run through. On defense, the front will be asked to set a tone so their playmakers at linebacker and in the defensive backfield will have opportunities to

make plays.

“One of the scheme changes is what kind of linemen we have,” Lehnerz said.

“Ashland’s never had the big guys like (6-foot-5, 260-pound) Drake Morey last year, so it’s more speed. If we can convince the linemen to block for two seconds, protect the quarterback for two seconds to get the ball out and then get down the field and find a block, we’ll be better because of it. We’re not going to smash-mouth too many teams, so using speed and using angles, that will help us do what we want to do.”

The Grizzlies will play a little more of a four-man front after going primarily with a 3-4 defense last season.

But when it comes to having playmakers back, Lehnerz knows sees potential on both sides of the ball.

“Our talent is speed, so how can we utilize our speed on offense, defense and special teams,” Lehnerz said. “That’s been part of the Ashland thing forever, but how can we utilize that more. We have guys on the sidelines with all these abilities, so how can we utilize them in a way to get them on the field.”

With the Eagles set to control the ball on the ground with their single-wing attack, Bradd figures to share the running load with 6-1, 200-pound Noah Page, who racked up more than 300 yards last season until he broke his collarbone in the third game.

“I think he was among the state leaders in rushing when he went down,” Womack said of Page. “Like Bradd, Noah’s a big kid, but he’s more of a finesse back. He’s shifty and he’s a very good receiver.

“We’ve got a great 1-2 punch at running back.”

Womack feels equally comfortable at quarterback, where senior Cameron Morgan looks primed for a big season after sitting out the first seven games last year with mononucleosis. In his first appearance in 2017, Morgan

passed for more than 300 yards.

“He might be the best quarterback I’ve coached,” said Womack. “He’s got a good arm, he’s accurate, he has the speed to be a dangerous runner and his presence on the field and in the locker room is a big plus for us.”

Anchoring the defense will be linebackers Edgar Bravo and Dante Lallo, cornerback Eric Parliament and end Hayden Gainey, a 6-4, 260-pound senior who held his own against an Oregon State recruit at a one-day camp in Corvallis, said Womack.

“He’s a physical specimen,” the coach said of Gainey. “He demands blockers. He’ll be playing college football next year.”

Other players expecting to contribute include wide receiver Carlos Seiter and tight end Rylan Morgan on offense and outside linebacker Lallo

and linemen Drew Hodges and Bryan LaFever on defense.

Eagle Point is in a revamped Midwestern League that now features 12 teams and two divisions. The Eagles are in the South Division along with Ashland, Crater, Churchill, North Eugene and South Eugene.

The North Division features North Bend, Redmond, Ridgeview, Springfield, Thurston and Willamette.

Following the regular season, matchups will be held between the two divisions. Five teams will advance to the state playoffs.

“I doubt we’ll be ranked very high and that’s understandable,” said Womack, “but our kids are out to prove people wrong.”

Reach reporter Joe Zavala at 541776-4469 or jzavala@rosebudmedia. com

Reach Ashland Daily Tidings sports editor Danny Penza at 541-776-4483 or dpenza@rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @penzatopaper.

Reach freelance writer Don Hunt at dwhunt15@yahoo.com

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 17

We Support Rogue Valley High School Football!

(541) 773-7777

2830 CRATER LAKE HWY, MEDFORD

WWW.DAZEYSHUBBARDS.COM

18 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

Phoenix hopeful as it rides momentum from last year Pirates are intent on quieting naysayers following first championship in eight seasons

By Frank Silow Mail Tribune

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Pirates enter the 2018 season as an unsolicited underdog.

Coming off its first Skyline Conference championship in eight years, Phoenix third-year head coach Jered Gail said Phoenix is taking some hits on social media.

The Pirates shared the conference title with Mazama and Henley, but with nearly 20 seniors gone from the 2017 roster, the InsSamis tagram-Twitter universe is forecasting a down season for the Pirates.

But Gail doesn’t agree.

“Our mantra is we have ‘someFirestone thing to prove,’” said Gail. “We have something to prove collectively that is separate from last year. The foundation our program is teaching our Walker kids hard work and showing that respect for each other pays off. Winning is more of a mindset than anything else.

Again, every group is different but the goals are the same.”

A determined mental approach is why Gail projects his Pirates will vie for another conference title along with favorites Mazama and Klamath Union.

And three-year starting linebacker Dalton Samis is the poster boy for the Pirates’ blue-collar squad.

“Dalton is just a football player,” said Gail. “He’s smart, he knows the game and is unique in that he understands the big picture.”

Samis has excelled at linebacker for two seasons. Now Gail is asking him to accept an additional role. Because of Samis’ leadership skills and savvy, Gail has him contesting for the quarterback position with junior Nik Goff and senior Zach Dungey.

MT FILE PHOTO

Phoenix’s Jacky Hawkins (10) works upfield during a game last season. The senior is a threat as a receiver and will man a cornerback position.

“We’re having a healthy competition,” said Gail. “Each kid has a different skill set.”

Samis had the edge in leadership, runs well and reads coverages effectively. Goff is more of a zone-read quarterback with running ability, and Dungey is a pocket passer and the most natural thrower.

Senior Michael Walker, who had the most carries last year, will shoulder a heavy load in the Pirates’ spread, one-back attack.

“He’s our go-to-guy,” said Gail.

“He gets his shoulder’s square, his pads down and finishes runs. He’s old-school tough.”

The offensive line returns tackles Seth Firestone and Ryan Brumble and guard Dominic McGee. “The offensive line is a matter of coming together and jelling,” Gail said. “It’s a work in progress.”

But with the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Firestone, the Pirates have a pillar of strength.

“Seth is one of the best tackles I’ve coached,” Gail said. “He’s got good feet and he’s strong. He moves furniture.”

The talented Jacky Hawkins (6-2, 180) provides Phoenix a bona fide

threat at wide receiver. The coach projects the senior pass catcher as one of the best in the league.

Defensively, Hawkins will combine with Camron Cory, the fastest player on the team, to give the Pirates a formidable duo at cornerback.

“They have the ability to play man and match up with anyone on the outside,” said Gail. “We have the best of both worlds — a long corner in Jacky, and Cory is real fast and good in man coverage.”

Gail said another strength of the Pirates’ 4-3 defense are linebackers Samis, Walker and Jason Robidou.

“They’re a veteran group that has played a lot of snaps at linebacker,” Gail said. “This is a salty group that make dudes run to the sideline.”

Gail refuses to buy into the chatter minimizing Phoenix’s chances.

“Our team is more athletic and faster than our team last year,” he said. “To sum it up, I like this team, I like their character and work ethic.

We’re solid where we need to be to compete week in and week out.

They’re going to turn some heads.”

Reach reporter Frank Silow at 541776-4480 or fsilow@rosebudmedia. com

PIRATES GLANCE HEAD COACH Jered Gail (third year, 9-9).

After Phoenix posted its first Skyline Conference championship in eight years — sharing the title with Mazama and Henley — the Pirates will try to build on Gail that success with a blue-collar team.

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Brent Bowker (running backs/ linebackers), Patrick Shed (running backs/ defensive backs), Neill Carvalho (JV head coach/quarterbacks/wide receivers), Bill Hutchinson (running backs/linebackers), Kevian Applewhite (wide receivers/defensive backs), Micah Dungey (tight ends/defensive line).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 4-1 (tied for first, Skyline).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 7-3.

PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: Fourth.

2017 RESULTS Phoenix Opponents 34 Crook County 12 18 Marshfield 25 28 South Umpqua 27 14 Mazama 49 48 Hidden Valley 0 50 North Valley 3 42 Henley 26 40 Klamath Union 19 State Play-in 60 Newport 13 State Playoffs 15 LaGrande 25 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (5): Tackle Seth Firestone (6-2, 270, sr.), guard Dominic McGee (6-0, 220, jr.), tackle Ryan Brumble (6-0, 220, jr.), wide receiver Jacky Hawkins (6-2, 180, sr.), running back Michael Walker (5-8, 160, jr.).

DEFENSE (6): Tackle Seth Firestone, linebacker Jason Robidou (6-0, 190, sr.), linebacker Michael Walker, linebacker Dalton Samis (6-0, 180, sr.), cornerback Jacky Hawkins, cornerback Camron Cory (5-10, 180, jr.).

OTHER NOTABLES Wide receiver/quarterback/defensive back Nik Goff (5-8, 160, jr.), running back/linebacker Joey Wilson (5-11, 200, sr.), quarterback/wide receiver Zach Dungey (6-1, 160, jr.), lineman Kalen Hines (6, 230, sr.), wide receiver/defensive back Davon Ruiz (5-8, 160, so.), wide receiver/defensive back Luis Tapia (6-3, 180, jr.), lineman Salvador Castanon (5-11, 220, jr.), running back/defensive back Mateo Lopez (5-10, 160, jr.), running back/linebacker Eddie Page (5-10, 190, sr.), lineman Ariel Lopez (6-1, 260, jr.), tight end/linebacker Tharon Gail (6-0, 200, so.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 CASCADE CHRISTIAN, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Newport, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 SWEET HOME, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Mazama, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 KLAMATH UNION, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Henley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 COTTAGE GROVE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 NORTH VALLEY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 League Playoff, TBA

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 19

WISHING ALL HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS AND TEAMS IN JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES A VERY SUCCESSFUL SEASON. 2371 NE STEPHENS ROSEBURG, OR 97470 541.672.9450 40 S CENTRAL MEDFORD, OR 97501 541.622.8577

W W W. C O W C R E E K . C O M

20 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

SKYLINE CONFERENCE

Mazama seeks fifth straight crown significant turnover to challenge for a league title.

Henley replaces 11 players on offense and seven on defense. On the bright side, the four returners on defense were all-conference selections, including junior John Tacchini (first team), senior defensive back Steven Cohara (second team), junior defensive end Braden Lawrie (honorable mention) and junior linebacker Cameron O’Connor (honorable mention).

O’Connor is also expected to have a breakout year on offense as a slot receiver. “(O’Connor’s) the best leader I’ve ever been around,” Hornets head coach Alex Stork said. “Guys will absolutely run through a wall for that guy. And he’s outworked everybody this offseason.”

Though short on experience, Stork loves his team’s potential.

“There are a lot of guys that have a chance to step up, so this should be a really exciting year,” he said. “We graduated 28 seniors last year …but we’re excited because our team character is so strong right now and the chemistry is through the roof.”

By Joe Zavala Mail Tribune

Mazama is in a familiar position: It’s the team to beat in the Skyline Conference.

That was the consensus of the league’s, who voted the Vikings the favorites to claim what would be their fifth straight conference title after falling to Cottage Grove in the Class 4A state semifinals a year ago.

That wrapped up another successful campaign for Mazama, which settled for a three-way tie atop the Skyline thanks to a regular-season loss to Henley before crushing the Hornets in a state quarterfinal rematch a month later.

Now, the Vikings will try to make it a five-peat atop a league that’s identical except for the loss of Hidden Valley, which will compete in the 3A District 2. With the reclassification, the Skyline is also referred to as 4A District 5.

Mazama’s most serious challengers are expected to be Klamath Union, second in the coaches’ poll, and Henley, picked third.

Mazama returns three all-state players, each of whom plays both ways: senior defensive end/offensive tackle Christian Kasper (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), senior defensive tackle/offensive guard Zach Coon (5-10, 250) and senior middle linebacker/tight end Jake Healy (6-2, 195).

The Vikings return seven starters on defense and four on offense, including senior fullback Buddy Zakour, who is expected to be a major contributor in the Vikings’ triple-option veer offense.

“He’s going to be something special,” Mazama coach Vic Lease said of Zakour, who will also start at linebacker. “He is just strong, physical, and he hit the weight room hard. …I’d be surprised if he’s not a 1,000-yard rusher.”

A quarterback battle was being waged at press time, said Lease, between junior Nate Beck and sophomore Tristan Lee. Beck, a lefty, started for Mazama’s junior varsity team last year and is a solid dual-threat QB, while Lee is one of the best “veer readers” Lease has ever seen.

On defense, Healy, a first-team all-conference linebacker a year ago, is the quarterback of Mazama’s 3-4 unit, while Kasper, a second-team all-state end last season, will anchor the line.

In the defensive backfield, senior Kaden Wood is considered the best cover corner, while Zach Gibson and Cole Brosterhous are also expected to be key playmakers.

North Valley

JOEL TARKISH / GRANTS PASS DAILY COURIER

Quarterback Toren Tuttle, left, is back in the fold to lead North Valley, which faces an uphill climb in the Skyline Conference.

“Our defense is going to be one of the best defenses I’ve ever had here,” said Lease, a sixth-year coach who’s led the Vikings to a 19-1 record in league play over the previous four seasons.

Lease expects another battle for conference supremacy.

“I think every game is going to be pretty physical,” he said, “and the bottom line is, who’s going to wear down who in the end.”

Klamath Union The Pelicans won only two league games last season but with six returning starters on offense and six more on defense, they’re expected to move up the Skyline ladder.

Klamath Union’s top returners include senior outside linebacker/ offensive tackle Jagger Hogan, senior tight end/outside linebacker Izak

Peterson and senior receiver/cornerback Cameron Taylor.

Hogan, a second-team all-league offensive lineman last year, and senior two-way lineman Trenton Higgins will rotect junior quarterback Xavier Arvizu, who ascends from backup to starter in KU’s spread offense.

“The coaching staff saw this group coming up that we anticipated being in the hunt legitimately for the next two to three years, making it deep into the playoffs if not sitting in the final game,” Klamath Union coach Tom Smith said.

Henley

The Knights did some soul searching after last season’s one-win league campaign (they finished 2-7 overall) and decided it was time to abandon the spread offense in favor of the versatile Wing-T, a move that coach Neil DeForrest hopes will have a two-fold impact.

He wants North Valley to score more than the 18.2 points per game it averaged last season, and he wants a more clock control to keep the Knights’ defense as fresh as possible.

Junior quarterback Toren Tuttle is back and looks like a huge upgrade over his sophomore self, both physically and mentally, DeForrest said: “He’s a completely different quarterback this year.”

Junior running back Austin Gray figures to get most of the carries in the run-oriented scheme, but senior wingback Isaiah Rossiter will also get plenty of touches. Junior receiver Cole Comyford and senior lineman AJ Smith also return on offense.

Defensively, senior tackles Zach Farmer and Brandon Farris give the Knights a pair of four-year starters up the middle, and Gray and Drew Hansen return as the two starting linebackers in North Valley’s 4-2 scheme.

“It’s our goal to be a playoff team,” DeForrest said.

The Hornets sent shockwaves through the Skyline a year ago when they handed Mazama its first league loss in four years, 22-21, but couldn’t hang with their league rivals in the play- Reach reporter Joe Zavala at 541-776off rematch and will have to overcome 4469 or jzavala@rosebudmedia.com

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 21

EVERGREEN FEDERAL BANK

Open an Evergreen Checking Account and Evergreen

will donate

$100.00

SPECIAL OFFER A VAILABL E

AUGUST

:

THROUG

H

OCTOBE to a local school of your choice* R 2018

When you choose Evergreen Federal Bank, you help your community. That’s because Evergreen is a mutual bank, committed to reinvesting in the communities we serve.

*Evergreen Back to School Interest Checking Special: Open an Evergreen Back to School Interest Checking Account and set up three Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions from different originators and Evergreen will make a one-time donation of $100.00 to a school of your choosing from a predetermined list provided at your local Evergreen Branch. The ACH transactions must be completed and processed through the account no later than January 31, 2019. Qualifying ACH transactions consist of the following: ACH credit transfers include direct deposit, payroll, pensions, dividends and vendor payments.

ACH direct debit transfers include utility payments, membership fees, loan payments, insurance premiums, and other kinds of bills. This promotional account is available August 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018. Minimum balance to open is $1,000.00.

A service charge of $10.00 will be imposed every month if the daily balance in the account falls below $1,000.00. Account must be open with a positive balance for the donation to be made. You can receive only one new Back to School Checking related donation per account and/or customer relationship with Evergreen Federal Bank.

Donations will be distributed on or before February 28, 2019.

Medford Branch: (541) 779-1165 501 Crater Lake Ave. Medford, OR 97504 Toll free: 1 (800) 275-6148

www.evergreenfederal.bank

22 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

Spotlight on Challengers’ Schaan CHALLENGERS GLANCE

MT FILE PHOTO

Junior Kiegan Schaan (10) takes the reins of the Cascade Christian offense after playing wide receiver last season. He follows in his brother, Haiden’s, footsteps.

Junior moves to QB for defending state champions

By Don Hunt for the Mail Tribune

Kiegan Schaan would be under the microscope at Cascade Christian High this season simply because he plays the most important position in football: quarterback.

The junior will endure additional scrutiny because he’s following in the footsteps of his brother, Haiden, who passed for 3,079 yards and had a hand in a jaw-dropping 54 touchdowns (37 passing, 16 rushing and one receiving) while leading the Challengers to a 12-1 record and the Class 3A state championship a year ago.

You think that’s pressure? Add this: Kiegan Schaan will be playing quarterback full-time for the first time.

“He’s taken on the role and he’s gotten better and better throughout the summer,” said Challengers coach Jon Gettman of Schaan, a converted wide receiver. “It’s a feeling-out process, no question about that, but he’s a cerebral kid who’s always asking questions.

That’s helped him develop more quickly than he otherwise would.

“His consistency is a work in progress, but he has a good arm and he’s a patient runner. He’s going to help us.”

With the ChalWeeks lengers running a no-huddle spread offense, competent quarterback production is vital. But Gettman said the team will lean more on its Flenner running game this season.

Center Logan Flenner, a 6-foot, 295-pound senior, returns as a firstteam all-state selection, and he’ll be flanked by Miller two other returning senior starters — tackle Cody Miller and guard Spencer Weeks.

Cole Ferguson, a returning starter at defensive end, also played extensively on the offensive line a year ago.

The experienced front should open a lot of running lanes for tailbacks Luke and Elijah Smith. Luke Smith, a 5-10, 190-pound senior, is coming off shoulder surgery but enters the fall at full strength.

“Luke is one of those kids who goes 100 percent on every snap — he’s just relentless,” said Gettman.

“And his acceleration is amazing.

He’s an explosive runner and our best athlete.”

Elijah Smith, Luke’s younger brother, carried most of the load during summer passing league and at the North Bend team camp when Luke Smith was healing. Kristian Fralich, who will spend most of his time at wide receiver on offense and safety on defense, serves as Cascade Christian’s No. 3 running back and figures to get carries.

Ian Fralich — Kristian’s cousin — is a returning regular at wide receiver and free safety.

Other returning starters on defense in addition to Ferguson include John Fralich – Kristian’s brother — at cornerback, Luke Smith at inside linebacker and SEE CASCADE, 24

HEAD COACH Jon Gettman (ninth year, 80-20).

Gettman has moved into some very select company among high school coaches in Oregon by winning 80 percent of his games since taking over the program in 2010.

GENERAL INFORMATION Gettman ASSISTANTS: Mike Schaan (defensive coordinator/offensive line/ defensive line), Sam Carpenter (defensive backs), Andy Scaglione (head JV/defensive backs/wide receivers), Jerry Birchfiel (offensive/defensive lines), Joe Hagler (running backs), Steve Furst (quarterbacks), Ryan Sample (JV), Matt Haggert (wide receivers), Tony McDougle (linebackers/ running backs), Darren Turituri (offensive line/ defensive line/JV defense).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 3-0 (first, SCL).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 12-1.

PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR: First.

2017 RESULTS Cascade Christian Opponents 43 Henley 22 34 Yreka 7 20 Mazama 42 50 Harrisburg 26 49 Paradise, Calif. 42 47 Santiam Christian 0 63 Lakeview 6 70 St. Mary’s 14 62 Illinois Valley 0 State Playoffs 52 Willamina 3 46 Harrisburg 8 49 Scio 28 28 Santiam Christian 21 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (6): Wide receiver Ian Fralich (5-9, 160, sr.), center Logan Flenner (6-0, 295, sr.), guard Spencer Weeks (6-0, 240, sr.), tackle Cody Miller (6-4, 220, sr.), wide receiver John Fralich (5-10, 150, sr.), place-kicker Ethan Hoffman (5-10, 180, sr.).

DEFENSE (5): Strong safety Kiegan Schaan (6-0, 185, jr.), free safety Ian Fralich, cornerback John Fralich, inside linebacker Luke Smith (5-10, 190, sr.), end Cole Ferguson (5-10, 185, sr.).

OTHER NOTABLES Tailback Luke Smith, running back/outside linebacker Elijah Smith (5-7, 155, jr.), safety/wide receiver/running back Kristian Fralich (5-7, 145, so.), inside linebacker/offensive line Gabe Pierson (5-9, 210, jr.), offensive lineman/defensive lineman Jacob Copely (6-0, 240, jr.), outside linebacker/tight end/ wide receiver Cade Sample (6-2, 165, jr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 at Phoenix, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 KLAMATH UNION, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 HARRISBURG, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Pleasant Hill, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Hidden Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at South Umpqua, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 DOUGLAS, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 BROOKINGS-HARBOR, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 23

Optimism high for Crusaders St. Mary’s brings back 10 players on offense, including standout running back Rajagopal

By Frank Silow Mail Tribune

MT FILE PHOTO

Running back Gavin Rajagopal will be the focal point of the St. Mary’s offense. The all-state senior ran for 1,474 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

St. Mary’s ninth-year coach Jamie Young has seen the ups and downs in the Crusaders’ program — from dropping to a nonleague schedule for three seasons beginning in 2011 to reaching the state playoffs for the first time in 22 years in 2016.

St. Mary’s went through a learning process last season and posted a 3-5 record with an inexperienced squad. A one-point loss to Lakeview in the final game prevented a second straight trip to the playoffs.

Young has a positive outlook entering 2018 with a talented group of returning players led by all-state senior running back Gavin Rajagopal.

St. Mary’s will face a degree of the unknown with a realignment of its Class 3A league. And the caliber of play is expected to be higher.

The Crusaders and Southern Cascade League traditional foe Cascade Christian will join Brookings-Harbor, Douglas, Hidden Valley and South Umpqua to comprise a new District 2 South Division.

SEE ST. MARY’S, 24

24 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | Prep Football 2018

ST. MARY’S

CRUSADERS GLANCE

From Page 23

“We want to be a program that competes on a high level year in and year out,” said Young. “One of the things impressive about this team is they’re genuinely excited about the season and their new opponents. They won’t be happy just showing up. They’re starting to believe they can be a pretty good football team.”

Young Rajagopal, who rushed for 1,474 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, is a good reason.

“Gavin has really good vision on the field looking for difKeo-Wailehua ferent avenues for some non-traditional type cuts,” Young said. “When he’s making cuts, he’s moving forward. Gavin truly believes he can score every time he has the football.”

And with numerous 40-yard-plus runs last year, that belief is not without basis.

But what gives Young such optimism is the Crusaders won’t have to solely rely on Rajagopal.

St. Mary’s has the luxury of returning 10 starters on offense.

“Everything has been accelerated,” Young said. “The degree to which our kids are executing is far ahead of last year. They know what it’s like to play a high school football game.”

Aidan Young, the coach’s son, leads an undersized line that is big on execution and technique.

Young, a senior guard, has started since the final game of his freshman season. Juniors John Beattie (center), Connor Walker (tackle) and Nate Thickett (tackle) return as starters for a second

CASCADE From Page 22

Schaan at strong safety, where he earned honorable mention all-state accolades a year ago.

Cascade Christian also boasts one of the state’s top place-kickers in senior Ethan Hoffman, who converted 48 extra-point kicks, made 5 of 7 field goal attempts and banged 60 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks last season.

“Hoffman’s a great weapon,” said Gettman. “He’s capable of winning a game with his leg, and he’s been working hard in practice to become a better punter. I’m sure he’ll play at the next level.”

The Challengers have moved from

LARRY STAUTH JR. / FOR THE MAIL TRIBUNE

St. Mary’s Cobey Aldrich (33) is a returning starter at tight end and linebacker.

year.

Aliiloa Keo-Wailehua took over at quarterback midway through the season because of a shoulder injury to Cody Conner. The junior Keo-Wailehua, nicknamed “Brother,” has put in the offseason effort to hone his skills.

“He’s worked on his mechanics and his arm is stronger,” Young said. “Brother moves around in the pocket well and makes good decisions throwing,” Not only will Conner fill the backup quarterback role, but the coach wants to get the senior involved in the offense.

“He’s an athlete that needs to be on the field,” said Young.

St. Mary’s will have depth at wide receiver with Jake Sieg, Alex Heycke, Jake Reynolds and John Covington.

Additionally, all-SCL tight end Cobey Aldrich is a dangerous target.

“We want to be as balanced as we can,” said Young. “We’re confident we have a lot of kids we can go to and spread

things around.”

The strength of the Crusaders’ 3-3 stack defense is with linebackers Young, Reynolds and Aldrich.

“We have more depth on the defensive line and will have the ability to rotate in some other guys,” said Young. “We’ve done some things, scheme-wise, to free guys up. We’ll find out what our identity will be once we get started.”

Young has been impressed with the team’s dedication. From showing up all summer for meetings and workouts to participation in a team camp at Astoria, the players have demonstrated a commitment.

“We were able to get a glimpse this summer of what we can be,” said Young.

“We have hard-working kids that are going to compete and give themselves an opportunity to be in the football game.”

the Southern Cascade League to the 3A Special District 2 this fall. With the 12-team conference comes a tougher schedule, with matchups against schools that were 4A last season — Hidden Valley, South Umpqua, Douglas and Brookings-Harbor.

Longtime 3A contenders Harrisburg and Pleasant Hill are also on the menu, and early-season matchups against Phoenix and Klamath Union won’t be easy.

“We like being in a bigger league,” said Gettman, noting that the SCL featured just four schools. “It feels more like a league. We’re going to get better competition throughout the season, and that’s something we embrace.”

Cascade Christian won the SCL the past eight seasons. Claiming a title in

the new league will be a tall order, but Gettman’s No. 1 objective is to reach the state playoffs. Five of the 12 teams in District 2 will qualify.

Gettman believes the key to advancing to the postseason is bucking up on defense, something the Challengers did a year ago when they held six of their 12 opponents to two touchdowns or fewer, with two shutouts.

“There’s going to be times when our offense is out of sync, and that’s when our defense has to come through,” said Gettman. “As often as our offense put up big numbers last season, it was our defense making stops and turnovers at key times that won us the tough games.”

Reach reporter Frank Silow at 541-7764480 or fsilow@rosebudmedia.com

Reach freelance writer Don Hunt at dwhunt15@yahoo.com

HEAD COACH Jamie Young (ninth year, 37-36).

St. Mary’s returns 19 starters and is excited about facing new opponents in a Young realigned district that combines former 4A and 3A schools.

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Josh Aldrich (offensive coordinator), Adam Peterson (offensive/defensive line) Steve Thomas (wide receivers/linebackers), Ben Young (defensive backs/ running backs), Steve Jacobacci (tight ends/wing backs).

LEAGUE RECORD: 1-2 (tied third, SCL).

OVERALL RECORD: 3-5.

PREDICTED FINISH: Fifth.

2017 RESULTS St. Mary’s Opponents 27 Creswell 6 20 Harrisburg 54 34 Gold Beach 18 19 Coquille 42 61 Taft 26 7 Clatskanie 26 53 Illinois Valley 15 14 Cascade Christian 70 26 Lakeview 27 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (10): Quarterback Aliiloa Keo-Wailehua (5-9, 165, jr.), running back Gavin Rajagopal (5-10 185, sr.), wide receiver Jake Sieg (5-11, 170, sr.), wide receiver Alex Heycke (5-11, 175, sr.), tight end Cobey Aldrich (5-11, 195, jr.), wide receiver Jake Reynolds (5-10, 230, sr.), guard Aidan Young (5-10, 195, sr.), center John Beattie (6-0, 170, jr.), tackle Connor Walker (5-10, 185, jr.), tackle Nate Thickett (6-0, 245, jr.).

DEFENSE (9): Cornerback Alex Heycke, cornerback Jake Sieg, linebacker Aidan Young, linebacker Cobey Aldrich, linebacker Jake Reynolds, end Conner Walker, tackle Nate Thickett, end Tre Foster (6-4, 190, jr.), safety Aliiloa Keo-Wailehua.

OTHER NOTABLES Wide receiver Josh Covington (5-9, 160, jr.), quarterback/wingback/ safety Cody Conner (5-10, 165, sr.), safety Brady Eiler (5-10, 175, jr.), offensive guard/defensive line Lance Parrish (5-10, 170, so.), tight end/ safety Jonah Hadley (6-1, 170, so.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 AMITY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Lost River, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Regis, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 GOLD BEACH, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 DOUGLAS, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 HIDDEN VALLEY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Brookings-Harbor Oct. 19 at South Umpqua Oct. 26 CASCADE CHRISTIAN

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 25

3A DISTRICT 2

Rest of league is chasing Cascade Christian

By Tim Trower Mail Tribune

second to Marshfield in the Far West last year, then lost to Mazama, 12-0, in the first round of the state playoffs.

Ninth-year coach Steve Stebbins returns only one starter on offense and three on defense.

Senior Chris Martinez returns at wide receiver and cornerback, where he was second-team all-league. The others back on defense are senior outside linebacker Wyatt Martin and junior outside linebacker Christian Allen.

The multiple-formation offense will be directed by junior Josh Deister, who saw varsity mop-up duty as a JV the past two seasons. Senior Creedence Ferguson leads the ground game.

The offensive line isn’t big, the exception being senior Preston Young, who is listed at 6-foot-9, 310 pounds.

The new kid on the block is already the most popular.

Cascade Christian, the defending Class 3A state champion, has been predicted by a vote of coaches in its new division to place first.

The Challengers received 22 points to win the 3A District 2 South Division, while South Umpqua landed 19 and Hidden Valley 18.

Four teams from the former 4A Far West League are in District 2, and three are in the South with former 3A Southern Cascade League teams Cascade Christian and St. Mary’s and, from the 4A Skyline Conference, Hidden Valley.

Cascade Christian got four first-place votes (coaches can’t vote for their own Hidden Valley teams). South Umpqua, runner-up in Hidden Valley was 0-5 in the Skyline the Far West in 2017, and Hidden Valley, last year and 1-7 overall. In the seven last in the Skyline, got the others.

Six teams from District 2 will auto- losses, it was outscored by an average of matically qualify for the state playoffs. 47-7. Second-year coach James Powers has a handful of returning starters on South Umpqua each side of the ball and will rely heavThe Lancers, in Myrtle Creek, finished ily on players from a successful junior

varsity team. The JVs lost three games, all by single digits.

“I have high expectatons of this team,” said Powers. “We have a bunch of kids who like to compete and enjoy competing.”

A strength is the offensive line, where four starters return. Back are tackles Clancy Allen (6-1, 270), a senior, and junior Nate Bragg (5-11, 220), senior guard Kobe Chapman (5-10, 225) and senior center Dusitn Brown (6-0, 195).

With the exception of senior receiver Parker Wright, the skill positions are young. Sophomores Sam Vidlak and Tobias Powers are the quarterback and top running back, respectively.

Douglas Douglas placed fourth in the FWL a year ago, going 2-3 in league and 5-4 overall. Fourth-year coach Silia Polamalu has five starters back on offense, six on defense.

The Trojans will lean heavily on a line led by senior Cole Brecht (6-1, 290) and junior Andy Schofield (6-2, 250).

Kaden Baker starts for the fourth year at center, and Kolby Ladin-Williams

returns.

Sophomore quarterback Jesse Brecht will man the controls of the spread offense.

Running back Trent Avery saw varsity action last year and “should have a solid year behind that group (line),” said Polamalu. Johnny Sloan, last year’s JV starter, will also get reps.

Brookings-Harbor Shaun Bavaro takes over as the Brookings-Harbor coach, returning to his alma mater. He graduated in 2001. Bavaro had previously been an assistant coach at Silverton, North Bend and Central.

He inherits a Bruins team that again is “real young,” he said. It returns a halfdozen starters on each side of the ball from a team that went 0-5 in the Far West League and 0-8 overall.

Running back Briggs Schofield is a 6-foot, 220-pound “block,” said Bavaro. The quarterback position was unsettled leading up to the opener.

Top linemen figure to be juniors Averi Winn (6-0, 220), Josh Smith (5-10, 230) and Jason Van Gendran (6-3, 215) and senior Nick Dodson (5-10, 205).

Good Guys Guns Southern Oregon’s Personal Defense Store MF-00064114

MF-00094916 FIREARMS & RELATED SUPPLIES & PROTECTION

Get rs! o o d Out

• Pepper spray • Stun Guns • Dura Coat • Cerakote • Gun Smithing

541-858-0335

4934 Crater Lake Ave., Medford www.goodguysguns.com • goodguysguns@yahoo.com Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-5

26

| Friday, August 31, 2018 |

Prep Football 2018

53 years, 1965-2018

CHAIN SAWS BLOWERS TRIMMERS BRUSH CUTTERS POLE SAWS HEDGE TRIMMERS SPRAYERS CULTIVATORS CUT-OFF MACHINES Also Includes - Bars & Chains, Parts, Oil & Clothing

541-772-7538 1321 North Riverside•Medford

* Your Local Stihl Dealer for 50 Years * HOURS

Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5:30 Sat. 8 - 12:00 VISA • DISCOVER • MASTERCARD • AMERICAN EXPRESS

Quality, Local Products Grab-and-Go Deli Local Wines Healthy Living Choices

Fresh Produce Hand-Cut, High Quality Meats Unique Specialty Items Customer Driven Selections

Locations in Oregon and Northern California• www.gorays.com

Breathe. Heal.

Rogue Valley’s only medical grade, physician-run, freestanding hyperbaric clinic.

Our Hyperbaric-Trained Physicians Evaluate and Treat: • WOUNDS • CHRONIC INFECTIONS • CERTAIN STROKES • CONCUSSION • SPORTS INJURIES • CANCER SUPPORT • FIBROMYALGIA • CROHN’S • RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION • AND MANY OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS* *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA

(541) 488-7012 www.oregonhbot.com

1801 Hwy 99 N. Suite 2 Ashland

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 27

Rogue River returns to league play CHIEFTAINS GLANCE

By Dan Jones for the Mail Tribune

ROGUE RIVER — The Rogue River football team is feeling extra motivated heading into the 2018 season.

The Chieftains are back in a league after four seasons as an independent program, meaning they’ve got a chance to qualify for the postseason.

Making the playoffs wouldn’t have even been a realistic possibility until last fall, when Rogue River enjoyed a 7-2 season as a Class 3A team playing an eightman schedule.

The three previGardner ous seasons, the Chieftains were 0-22.

After offseason reclassification, Rogue River is now back to the 11-man game as Houser a member of 2A District 5 with Glide, Illinois Valley, Lakeview and Lost River.

The Chieftains return nine starters on both A. Canoe sides as they gear up for their season opener against Myrtle Point at home.

“I know the kids are hyped up about it,” fourth-year head coach Ryan Riggle said. “They understand it’s a lot of work. It’s been one of their big goals and to put them in a position to have something to shoot for, I think that is a big motivator. The mentality or personality of our team is right where I want them to be. I want guys who can work hard, and they do.”

Offensive starters back for Rogue River include senior quarterback Derek Nelson, junior wide receiver Aiden Canoe, senior receiver Austin Gardner, junior lineman Gabe Tambellini, senior receiver Cameron Hooker, senior lineman Jose Chavez, senior tight end Ethan Canoe, junior lineman Brandon Gordon and junior running back Carsen Smith.

Nelson also plays linebacker, Aiden Canoe cornerback, Gardner safety,

LARRY STAUTH JR. / FOR THE MAIL TRIBUNE

Among a host of starters returning for Rogue River are Derek Nelson, left, Ethan Canoe, center, and Brandon Gordon. The Chieftains return to 11-man football and are in a new Class 2A district with four other teams.

Tambellini linebacker, Hooker cornerback, Chavez linebacker, Canoe linebacker, Gordon defensive lineman and Smith safety.

Nelson and Hooker (the team’s leading receiver last fall) are fourth-year starters. Canoe led the squad in tackles in 2017.

Twelve 2A teams — two from each league — automatically qualify for the OSAA’s 16-team playoff bracket based on regular season and/or special district tournament play. Four additional teams will qualify for the bracket based on the OSAA rankings.

Until last year, Rogue River hadn’t recorded a winning season since 2009 and hadn’t won a game since late in 2013. Last year’s success gives the team confidence entering this new campaign.

The Chieftains’ only losses in 2017 came against Gold Beach and Crow.

Rogue River’s spread offense features veer and power packages with a good mix of read option.

“I’ve been working with these guys since they were in seventh and eighth grade,” Riggle said. “They know the system and work really hard. We had a great summer program and are excited.”

The Chieftains have a roster of 24. Riggle said he’d like to have a junior varsity team, but simply didn’t have the personnel.

“That is an issue,” he said. “We should have 25-30 kids, but the

numbers just aren’t there. That’s an overall problem in football right now.”

Other returners of note are senior lineman Max Baines, junior running back/safety Caden Tognoni, sophomore lineman John Stanley, sophomore lineman Greg Smith and sophomore receiver/ defensive back Mark Bandy.

Players new to the school are senior running back/linebacker Dyllan Houser, junior receiver/ safety Michael Colbert, junior receiver/cornerback Diego Agosto and senior corner/receiver Aiden Norris.

Seniors Jaeger Dunnick and Tristan Spaeth (who is also a soccer goalkeeper at Rogue River), junior Ethan Walden, sophomores Brayden Hooker and William Decker and freshmen Caleb Garwood, Dylan Ferry and Allric Gosgrove are other players to watch.

Rogue River lost several key members to graduation, including tailback/fullback Jacob Tambellini, center Bill McVeigh, cornerback Chris Wilkerson and right tackle Gabe Echaide.

Chavez appears solid at center now, and Houser should help with fullback duties, Riggle said.

All in all, the Chieftains are right where they want to be.

“This is a great situation for us,” Riggle said.

Reach freelance writer Dan Jones at dljcards@gmail.com

HEAD COACH Ryan Riggle (fourth year, 7-15).

Rogue River has played an independent schedule for four years. With a league to call their own, the Chieftains are aiming for the playoffs.

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Dwayne Nelson (offenRiggle sive coordinator), Mike McCormick (defensive coordinator/offensive line/defensive line), Sean Smith (defensive backs/running backs), Jack Cosgrove (wide receiver/offensive strategist), Kim Tambellini (linebackers/offensive line/strength and conditioning).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 7-2.

2017 RESULTS Rogue River Opponents 20 Myrtle Point 14 40 Siletz Valley 6 56 Powers 24 24 Gold Beach 53 26 Crow 0 52 Bonanza 12 0 Crow 1 (forfeit) 72 Riddle 12 36 Bonanza 14 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (9): Quarterback Derek Nelson (6-0, 200, jr.), tight end Ethan Canoe (6-2, 220, sr.), wide receiver Aiden Canoe (5-10, 180, jr.), wide receiver Cameron Hooker (5-10, 175, sr.), lineman Jose Chavez (5-10, 240, sr.), lineman Gabe Tambellini (6-0, 220, jr.), lineman Brandon Gordon (6-0, 200, jr.), wide receiver Austin Gardner (6-4, 210, sr.), running back Carsen Smith (5-10, 175, jr.).

DEFENSE (9): Linebacker Derek Nelson, linebacker Ethan Canoe, cornerback Aiden Canoe, cornerback Cameron Hooker, linebacker Jose Chavez, linebacker Gabe Tambellini, lineman Brandon Gordon, safety Austin Gardner, safety Carsen Smith.

OTHER NOTABLES Running back/linebacker Dyllan Houser (5-8, 185, sr.), wide receiver/safety Michael Colbert (5-8, 185, sr.), wide receiver/cornerback Diego Agosto (6-2, 175, jr.), cornerback/wide receiver Aiden Morris (6-5, 190, sr.), lineman Max Baines (6-0, 240, sr.), running back/safety Caden Tognoni (5-10, 170, jr.), lineman John Stanley (6-0, 240, so.), lineman Greg Smith (6-0, 185, so.), wide receiver/defensive back Mark Bandy (5-10, 160, so.), wide receiver/defensive lineman Jaeger Dunnick (6-2, 175, sr.), kicker/receiver/defensive lineman Tristan Spaeth (6-0, 185, sr.), lineman Ethan Walden (6-0, 250, jr.), running back/defensive lineman Brayden Hooker (5-10, 200, so.), wide receiver/defensive lineman William Decker (5-10, 170, so.), quarterback/linebacker Caleb Garwood (5-10, 180, fr.), fullback/linebacker Dylan Ferry (5-10, 175, fr.), wide receiver/cornerback Allric Cosgrove (5-10, 180, fr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 MYRTLE POINT, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Culver, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 BROOKINGS-HARBOR, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at La Pine, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Lakeview, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 GLIDE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 ILLINOIS VALLEY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Lost River, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 REEDSPORT, 7 p.m.

| Friday, August 31, 2018 |

Prep Football 2018

Loggers are versatile, confident

By Dan Jones for the Mail Tribune

BUTTE FALLS — Though it is just one football program combining two schools, Butte Falls/Crater Lake Charter Academy may have opponents wondering if they’re facing two different teams this fall.

“We have enough offensive formations and plays to be able to run different looks at all times,” said Loggers coach Jody Crowe. “We Harris have five different formations that give me the ability to make adjustments. It’s simple for the kids. One thing we do that most teams don’t is every player Harvey learns two offensive positions and two defensive positions. In eight-man football, you have to be versatile and put guys in where Stoutenburgh you need them.”

Crowe and the Loggers hope to keep the opposition guessing while feeding off a 4-2 season last year.

After missing 2016 because of a lack of players, Butte Falls and the academy partnered for an independent-status season last fall and claimed victories over Bonanza, North Lake, Chiloquin and Prospect.

The Loggers are now members of the remodeled 1A District 2, a split conference of 12 schools.

Butte Falls/Crater Lake is in the

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE

Butte Falls will rely on, among others, Dylan Bridges (22), Levi Underhill (23) and Tanner Thomson (21).

West Division with Days Creek, Myrtle Point, Camas Valley, Glendale and Riddle.

The East Division has Prospect (the Loggers’ season-opening, nonleague opponent), Chiloquin, Bonanza, Triad, Hosanna Christian and North Lake.

Fifteen 1A teams automatically qualify for the OSAA’s 16-team bracket, with a league playoff determining the District 2 berths.

“I think we are going to be really competitive with every team we face,” Crowe said. “There are some established programs within the league. Our kids work hard. During our practices we don’t stop except for water. When we start, we go for a full 2 ½ hours every day. ... Last year nobody really expected us to go 4-2. I think there’s been a certain amount of buy-in that people have done.”

Butte Falls/Crater Lake’s roster of 22 comprises seven freshmen, six seniors, five sophomores and four

juniors. Five players return with starting experience.

“The team is looking really good,” Crowe said. “We have a couple of seniors leading us and a couple younger guys.”

Running back/linebacker Tanner Thomson (6-0, 185, senior), wide receiver/cornerback Kaleb Tiry (5-7, 135, senior), running back/ cornerback Kai Hansen (5-7, 155, sophomore), lineman/defensive end Austin Harvey (6-0, 195, senior) and quarterback/defensive end Dylan Bridges (6-0, 195, senior) all have starting repetitions under their belts.

Bridges, whom Crowe calls “Sunshine,” served as backup signal caller but grew within the coach’s system before suffering an injury last fall. Freshman Colt Carlton is now the senior’s backup.

“This year he’s really stepped up as a senior and is doing really well,” SEE BUTTE FALLS, 29

LOGGERS GLANCE HEAD COACH Jody Crowe (second year, 4-2).

Butte Falls/Crater Lake returns to league action after not having a team in 2016 and playing an independent schedule last season.

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Mike Lester, Wayne Crowe Underhill.

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 4-2.

2017 RESULTS Butte Falls/Crater Lake Opponents 32 Bonanza 12 62 North Lake 26 62 Chiloquin 20 28 Triad 68 6 Hosanna Christian 68 58 Prospect 6 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (5): Running back Tanner Thomson (6-0, 185, sr.), wide receiver Kaleb Tiry (5-9, 164, sr.), running back Kai Hansen (5-7, 155, so.), lineman Austin Harvey (6-0, 195, sr.), quarterback Dylan Bridges (6-0, 195, sr.).

DEFENSE (5): Linebacker Tanner Thomson, cornerback Kaleb Tiry, cornerback Kai Hansen, end Austin Harvey, end Dylan Bridges.

OTHER NOTABLES Quarterback/cornerback Colt Carlton (6-0, 150, fr.), wide receiver/defensive back Grant Underhill (6-0, 155, fr.), receiver/defensive back Alfred Fuentes III (5-7, 175, so.), running back/defensive back Tristan Mullen (5-7, 150, fr.), receiver/cornerback Tristan McGuire (5-5, 145, fr.), receiver/defensive back Levi Underhill (6-4, 185, so.), running back/cornerback Coy Staten (6-0, 165, sr.), receiver/defensive back James Castro (6-1, 170, jr.), running back/linebacker Warren Whitlock (5-10, 205, jr.), running back/ linebacker Zack Genereux (6-2, 185, jr.), offensive lineman/defensive tackle Seth Lester (6-4, 250, so.), offensive lineman/defensive end Wyatt Carlton (6-2, 205, so.), lineman Hunter Harris (5-9, 225, sr.), lineman Brennan Pulliam (5-7, 185, fr.), lineman Zack Stoutenburgh (6-4, 255, sr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 at Prospect, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Weed, 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 NORTH LAKE, 2 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Days Creek, 4 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Myrtle Point, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 CAMAS VALLEY, 2 p.m.

Oct. 13 GLENDALE, 2 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Riddle, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 League Playoffs, TBA

We proudly support Rogue Valley High School Football.

Serving Southern Oregon and Northern California since 1976.

800-452-6555 Medford 541-772-2053 • Grants Pass 541-476-2218 Central Point 541-664-6640 • White City 541-826-5550

www.haysoil.com

MF-00094400

28

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 29

Veteran Cougars expect to bounce back in 2018

By Dan Jones for the Mail Tribune

PROSPECT — Amid an 0-7 season last fall, something positive stood out to new Prospect head coach Jimmy Slaton.

“We got beat up on last year,” he said. “But we didn’t have one kid quit. Not one. They have heart.”

That perseverance is paying off now. The Cougars return 10 players with starting experience and are Nelson feeling like 2017 is a distant memory.

Prospect begins the 2018 Class 1A eight-man season by hosting Butte Falls/Crater Lake Charter Academy.

West The Cougars are rich with talent, including a trio of tough running backs in junior Austin Leopoldo and sophomores Nick Strahan and Sean Jermain.

Taylor “When they are running the ball, they are punishing people,” Slaton said. “They are looking to run over people. They are a big element of our offense. We are going to give them the ball. We have the line to protect them. Now we are averaging 200 (pounds) for our three front guys with junior Matt Nelson (220 pounds), sophomore Jadon

BUTTE FALLS From Page 28

LARRY STAUTH JR. / FOR THE MAIL TRIBUNE

Running backs Austin Leopoldo, left; Sean Jermain, center; and Nick Strahan power the Prospect offense.

Taylor (205) and junior Fabian West (180).”

Prospect is in the East Division of the 1A District 2 this season. It opens league play at Myrtle Point on Sept.

14. The Cougars wrap up the regular season against North Lake at home on Oct. 19.

The Cougars finished 0-7 overall and 0-5 in the District 2 West last year.

After offseason reclassification, Butte Falls/Crater Lake, Bonanza, Myrtle Point and Riddle joined District 2, while Elkton, Powers and Gilchrist departed.

Fifteen 1A teams automatically qualify for the OSAA’s 16-team bracket, with a league playoff determining the District 2’s berths.

Prospect has only one senior on its roster, lineman Andrew Nelmes.

The squad is heavy with sophomore

talent.

Junior quarterback Michael Combs-Cripps is expected to return, but he won’t be available for at least the first couple weeks, said Slaton.

Sophomore Nathan Glover (5-foot-8, 175 pounds), who started at wide receiver and defensive end last season, will take over at quarterback in the interim.

With only a couple days of practice, Glover entered the team’s jamboree at North Lake on Saturday and fared well, throwing two touchdown passes. The other teams participating were district foes Chiloquin and Bonanza.

“It’s his first year ever playing quarterback,” said Slaton. “He was my best receiver last year, him and Austin (Leopoldo). He knows the

back/linebacker Warren Whitlock (5-10, 205, junior), offensive lineman/ defensive tackle Seth Lester (6-4, 250, sophomore), offensive lineman/ defensive end Wyatt Carlton (6-2, 205, sophomore), lineman Hunter Harris (5-9, 225, senior) and lineman Zack Stoutenburgh (6-4, 255, senior).

The Loggers’ home opener is Sept.

14 versus North Lake.

“We’re just excited to play some football,” Crowe said.

Crowe said of Bridges.

Thomson (primarily a tailback), junior Warren Whitlock, sophomore Kai Hansen, Tiry and Levi Underhill (a 6-4, 185, sophomore) are all big offensive threats as backs and receivers, Crowe said.

Crowe, who expects to use 3-2, 4-1 and 2-4 defensive arrangements, likes the size of his players in the trenches.

He’s got five athletes who tip the Reach freelance writer Dan Jones at scales over 200 pounds: running dljcards@gmail.com

SEE PROSPECT, 30

COUGARS GLANCE HEAD COACH Jimmy Slaton (second year, 0-7).

Prospect took its lumps last year with a very young team, but the Cougars return everyone as they ready for play in the realigned District 2 Slaton East Division.

GENERAL INFORMATION ASSISTANT: Robert Slaton (offense).

2017 LEAGUE RECORD: 0-5 (sixth, District 2 West).

2017 OVERALL RECORD: 0-7.

2017 RESULTS Prospect Opponents 6 Chiloquin 36 0 Days Creek 64 0 Elkton 62 0 Powers 60 6 Glendale 64 8 Camas Valley 63 6 Butte Falls/Crater Lake 58 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (10): Center Kohl Kusel (5-5, 160, so.), guard Jadon Taylor (5-7, 205, so.), quarterback Nathan Glover (5-8, 175, so.), guard Matt Nelson (6-1, 220, jr.), lineman Andrew Nelmes (5-7, 145, sr.), quarterback Michael Combs-Cripps (5-9, 170, jr.), running back Nick Strahan (5-8, 180, so.), running back Sean Jermain (5-5, 217, so.), running back Austin Leopoldo (5-8, 165, jr.), running back Aaron Linam (5-6, 135, so.).

DEFENSE (10): Lineman Kohl Kusel, linebacker Jadon Taylor, defensive end Nathan Glover, lineman Matt Nelson, defensive end Andrew Nelmes, linebacker Michael Combs-Cripps, lineman Nick Strahan, lineman Sean Jermain, lineman Austin Leopoldo, safety Aaron Linam.

OTHER NOTABLES Lineman Fabian West (6-1, 180, jr.), lineman Andrew Slaton (6-1, 145, fr.), lineman Theo James (6-1, 140, fr.), lineman Corbin Fossen (5-6, 180, fr.).

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 BUTTE FALLS/CRATER LAKE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Days Creek, 4 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Myrtle Point, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 CHILOQUIN, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Bonanza, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Triad, 2 p.m.

Oct. 12 HOSANNA CHRISTIAN, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 NORTH LAKE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 League Playoff, TBA

TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE. Or, we’ll deliver, of course. abbys.com/order Copyright 2017, Abby’s Inc.

30

| Friday, August 31, 2018 |

Prep Football 2018

PROSPECT

COACHES POLLS SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

From Page 29

SKYLINE CONFERENCE 15

1. Mazama

16

2. South Medford

14

2. Klamath Union

13

3. Grants Pass

10

3. Henley

8

6

4. Phoenix

7

5. North Valley

6

1. Sheldon

4. North Medford 5. Roseburg

5

First-place votes: Mazama 4,

First-place votes: Sheldon 3,

Klamath Union 1.

South Medford 2.

3A DISTRICT 2 SOUTH

MIDWESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

1. Cascade Christian

22

2. South Umpqua

19

1. Churchill

25

2. Crater

20

3. Hidden Valley

18

3. Eagle Point

13

4. Douglas

17

4. Ashland

13

5. St. Mary’s

8

5. North Eugene

12

6. Brookings-Harbor

6

6. South Eugene

7

First-place votes: Cascade Christian 4,

First-place votes: Churchill 5, Crater 1.

PAST CHAMPIONS Southwest Conference 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 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 (31), Ashland (3-1) 2007 — 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)

South Umpqua 1, Hidden Valley 1.

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 2017 — Mazama (4-1), Phoenix (4-1), Henley (4-1) 2016 — Mazama (5-0) 2015 — Mazama (5-0)

Kohl Kusel also returns with starting experience. Additionally, linemen Andrew Slaton, Theo James and Corbin Fossen could play valuable roles as freshmen.

The Cougars lost just two players — Shane Lawler and Brendan Raines — to graduation. Those who returned were ready to work, Slaton said.

“We started over this year, from the basics like walking in a line together to tackling together,” he said. “If it takes us 25 minutes to get on the field properly, then that’s what it takes. If one player does something wrong, we run it until everyone does it right.”

Butte Falls/Crater Lake, a 2A school, beat Prospect 58-6 last year. Slaton and the Cougars are excited for another shot at their rival, and are thankful for another fresh season to prove their worth.

“Last year, we were undersized,” the coach said. “This year we are gonna attack them. It’s gonna be a blast.”

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)

offense and can absolutely get the job done. He’s one of those kids who, I tell him to do something, and he will do his best to do it.”

A strengthened line is expected to set the tone for the offense.

“I’m very happy with what’s going on here,” said Slaton, a 2006 Prospect graduate. “They’ve been doing weight training all summer. Practices have been great. We are older and more mature. We’re working hard to make up for lost time.”

Two of the team’s top defenders are Taylor and, when he returns, Combs-Cripps.

“They are like a dog chasing a bone,” Slaton said. “They won’t stop until they get it.”

Sophomore Aaron Linam is a standout safety who won’t back down either, Slaton added.

Reach freelance writer Dan Jones at Sophomore center/defensive lineman dljcards@gmail.com 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) Southern Cascade League 2017 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2016 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2015 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2014 — Cascade Christian (3-0) Southern Cascade Hybrid 2013 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2012 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2011 — Cascade Christian (3-0) 2010 — Cascade Christian (4-0) Sunset League 2009 — Cascade Christian (7-0) 2008 — Gold Beach (7-0) 2007 — Gold Beach (6-0) 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) District 2 / 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)

20% Off

All Duck and Beaver Merchandise with this Coupon

ver a e B & uck Your Ddquarters!

Hea

(Expires 9/30/18)

1810 W. Main St. Medford • 541-779-5431 Open 8 Days A Week • Summer Hours: 9-8 Mon-Sat • 9:30-6:30 Sunday

Find Us on Facebook

MF-00093835

Prep Football 2018 | Friday, August 31, 2018 | 31

SEASON SCHEDULE Aug. 31 SOUTHWEST North Medford at McNary Centennial at South Medford Oregon City at Grants Pass Roseburg at Mountain View Graham Kapowsin at Sheldon MIDWESTERN Wilsonville at Crater Eagle Point at Klamath Union Willamette at Ashland Thurston at Churchill Wilson at South Eugene North Eugene at Springfield SKYLINE Cascade Christian at Phoenix North Valley at Woodburn Henley at Seaside Eagle Point at Klamath Union Mazama at Ontario 3A DISTRICT 2 Amity at St. Mary’s Cascade Christian at Phoenix Sutherlin at Hidden Valley LaPine at Douglas Brookings-Harbor at Gold Beach Notre Dame at South Umpqua 2A DISTRICT 5 Myrtle Point at Rogue River Illinois Valley at Culver Lost River at Creswell Bandon at Glide 1A DISTRICT 2 Butte Falls/Crater Lake at Prospect

Sept. 7 SOUTHWEST South Medford at Canby Jefferson at North Medford Grants Pass at Summit Roseburg at McMinnville Sheldon at Thurston MIDWESTERN Eagle Point at Redmond Willamette at Crater Ashland at Springfield North Eugene a North Bend Churchill at Wilsonville South Eugene at Ridgeview SKYLINE Phoenix at Newport Klamath Union at Cascade Christian Elmira at North Valley Yreka at Mazama 3A DISTRICT 2 St. Mary’s at Lost River Klamath Union at Cascade Christian Hidden Valley at Pleasant Hill Santiam Christian at Douglas Dayton at South Umpqua Brookings-Harbor at Del Norte 2A DISTRICT 5 Rogue River at Culver St. Mary’s at Lost River Gold Beach at Illinois Valley Lakeview at Burns Glide at Coquille 1A DISTRICT 2 Prospect at Days Creek Butte Falls/Crater Lake at Weed

Sept. 8 SKYLINE Henley at North Marion

Sept. 14 SOUTHWEST South Medford at Liberty Bend at North Medford Grants Pass at Mountain View Reynolds at Roseburg West Linn at Sheldon MIDWESTERN Springfield at Eagle Point Crater at Thurston Ridgeview at Ashland Churchill at Willamette Redmond at North Eugene North Bend at South Eugene SKYLINE Sweet Home at Phoenix North Valley at Hidden Valley Klamath Union at Marshfield Mazama at Del Norte Yreka at Henley 3A DISTRICT 2 Harrisburg at Cascade Christian St. Mary’s at Regis North Valley at Hidden Valley Brookings-Harbor at Rogue River South Umpqua at Corbett Douglas at Sutherlin 2A DISTRICT 5 Brookings-Harbor at Rogue River Illinois Valley at Creswell Reedsport at Glide Nyssa at Lakeview 1A DISTRICT 2 North Lake at Butte Falls/Crater Lake Prospect at Myrtle Point

Sept. 21 SOUTHWEST North Medford at Mountain View McMinnville at South Medford Southridge at Grants Pass Roseburg at Bend Sheldon at West Salem MIDWESTERN Crater at North Eugene Eagle Point at South Eugene Ashland at Churchill SKYLINE Phoenix at Mazama Junction City at North Valley Henley at Klamath Union 3A DISTRICT 2 Gold Beach at St. Mary’s Cascade Christian at Pleasant Hill Hidden Valley at Salem Academy Lakeview at Brookings-Harbor Sutherlin at South Umpqua Harrisburg at Douglas 2A DISTRICT 5 Rogue River at LaPine Reedsport at Illinois Valley Lakeview at Brookings-Harbor Glide at Oakland Burns at Lost River

1A DISTRICT 2 Chiloquin at Prospect Butte Falls/Crater Lake at Days Creek

Sept. 28 SOUTHWEST Sheldon at North Medford South Medford at McNary Grants Pass at Roseburg MIDWESTERN Ashland at Eagle Point South Eugene at Crater Churchill at North Eugene SKYLINE Klamath Union at Phoenix Mazama at North Valley Marshfield at Henley 3A DISTRICT 2 Cascade Christian at Hidden Valley Douglas at St. Mary’s South Umpqua at Brookings-Harbor 2A DISTRICT 5 Rogue River at Lakeview Illinois Valley at Glide Lost River at Gold Beach 1A DISTRICT 2 Butte Falls/Crater Lake at Myrtle Point Prospect at Bonanza

Oct. 5 SOUTHWEST North Medford at Grants Pass Roseburg at South Medford Jesuit at Sheldon MIDWESTERN Crater at Ashland Churchill at Eagle Point North Eugene at South Eugene SKYLINE Phoenix at Henley North Valley at Klamath Union Marist at Mazama 3A DISTRICT 2 Hidden Valley at St. Mary’s Cascade Christian at South Umpqua Brookings-Harbor at Douglas 2A DISTRICT 5 Glide at Rogue River Illinois Valley at Bandon Lakeview at Lost River

Oct. 6 1A DISTRICT 2 Prospect at Triad Camas Valley at Butte Falls/Crater Lake

Oct. 12 SOUTHWEST Sheldon at South Medford North Medford at Roseburg Westview at Grants Pass MIDWESTERN Eagle Point at Crater North Eugene at Ashland South Eugene at Churchill

SKYLINE Cottage Grove at Phoenix Henley at North Valley Klamath Union at Mazama 3A DISTRICT 2 Douglas at Cascade Christian St. Mary’s at Brookings-Harbor Hidden Valley at South Umpqua 2A DISTRICT 5 Illinois Valley at Rogue River Lost River at Glide Lakeview at Coquille 1A DISTRICT 2 Hosanna Christian at Prospect

Oct. 13 1A DISTRICT 2 Glendale at Butte Falls/Crater Lake

Oct. 19 SOUTHWEST South Medford at Grants Pass Aloha at North Medford Roseburg at Sheldon MIDWESTERN Crater at Churchill Eagle Point at North Eugene Ashland at South Eugene SKYLINE North Valley at Phoenix Mazama at Henley Klamath Union at Elmira 3A DISTRICT 2 St. Mary’s at South Umpqua Brookings-Harbor at Cascade Christian Douglas at Hidden Valley 2A DISTRICT 5 Rogue River at Lost River Lakeview at Illinois Valley Glide at Toledo 1A DISTRICT 2 North Lake at Prospect Butte Falls at Riddle

Oct. 26 SOUTHWEST North Medford at South Medford Grants Pass at Sheldon Canby at Roseburg MIDWESTERN League Playoffs SKYLINE League Playoffs 3A DISTRICT 2 Cascade Christian at St. Mary’s Hidden Valley at Brookings-Harbor South Umpqua at Douglas 2A DISTRICT 5 Reedsport at Rogue River Lost River at Illinois Valley Glide at Lakeview 1A DISTRICT 2 League Playoffs

32

| Friday, August 31, 2018 |

Prep Football 2018

Pass the popcorn…

Share the comfort.

One big happy

family room.

MF-00093666

Looking for great looking furniture that’s fun and functional too? Well look no further than our sofas and sectionals.

With built-in features like drop-down tables, storage consoles, built-in drawers, hidden storage spaces and even sleep sofas, you can all share the comfort.

Phoenix, OR 1-5 at Exit 24 (next to Home Depot)

541-535-5242

Monday – Saturday 9:30 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

La-Z-Boy.com/Medford