Consistently one of Oregon’s best – Sherwood HS

Year in and year out Sherwood HS is considered one of the top football programs in the state. From the youth on up it’s as well coached and structured as any organization in the Northwest. The 2021 group could be particularly special returning the Pacific Conference player of the year on Offense [player_tooltip player_id="28763" first="Clay" last="Peden"] 6-1 170 RB 21', Defense [player_tooltip player_id="28712" first="Bryan" last="Cuthbertson"] 6-1 240 LB 21’, and up front on the line [player_tooltip player_id="28805" first="Noah" last="Culbertson"] 6-2 245 OL/DL 21’. With Oregon being one of the few states nationwide to push their season due to the pandemic, most of these athletes are itching to play. It’s a unique and unforeseen set of circumstances. Heading into the spring I will have the Bowmen ranked the #5 team in the state at the 6A level and the overwhelming favorite to win another conference title. Give a lot of credit to head coach Greg Lawrence who for years has run the Wing T as well as any team in the region. As tough as the offense can be to stop this year’s squad will be led by Oregon’s hardest hitter in D1 linebacker Cuthbertson. The reigning player of the year racked up 158 total tackles (74 solo) and 22 tackles for loss. One of the most impressive stat lines from any linebacker at the 6A level in some time. Give Portland State a lot of credit for extending an early offer as his film speaks for itself. The other defensive standout whose stock has soared is [player_tooltip player_id="28745" first="Jacob" last="Pollock"] (6-0 190 DB/ATH 21’). Currently he ranks as one of the state’s top DB’s, with his ability to play multiple spots in the secondary. His 3 INTs from last year, and his success on the 7v7 circuit playing for Team Lillard has also helped. Two other current Seniors who will return after 2nd team all-conference campaigns last year include LB’s<strong> Jacob Williams</strong> (55 tackles, 6 tfl, 5 Sacks) and <strong>Jack Causey</strong> (47 tackles, 7 tfl). Together with Cuthbertson this will give Sherwood one of the top LB trio’s in the region. 1st team all-league Safety <strong>Jackson Hannan</strong> (6-1 175 21’) is also back which is crucial in combination with Pollock. Offensively [player_tooltip player_id="28763" first="Clay" last="Peden"] (6-1 170 RB 21’) earned POY accolades after accounting for 998 total yards and 10 Td’s, averaging 9.1 yards per carry. He will be heavily relied upon after graduating a deep senior group of backs, who accounted for much of the team’s success on the ground. Two talented underclassmen who return and will be in the mix include QB [player_tooltip player_id="28905" first="Bjorn" last="Bergstrom"] (6-1 185 22’) and RB [player_tooltip player_id="28906" first="Seth" last="Glenn"](5-9 165 22’). Bergstrom did well when given opportunities last season, hitting on 62% of his passes. His overall athleticism and size will be helpful considering the teams run first offense. On the line [player_tooltip player_id="28805" first="Noah" last="Culbertson"] (6-2 245 OL/DL 21’) isn’t your prototypical up-front guy from a size standpoint, but he had a phenomenal Junior season, earning conference POY honors. He showed off his overall athleticism on D with 20 total tackles and 5 tackles for loss. Cuthbertson returns after a 1st team all-league season on the O line, playing somewhat out of position if we are talking projection. Center<strong> Sam Shayegi</strong> (6-1 245 21’) will be the other athlete on the line who returns with experience. In summary Sherwood returns an impressive group and is consistently one of the best places to be on a Friday night. Since 2004 coach Lawrence and his staff are (162-38) overall, going 115-15 while playing at the 5A level. Even after moving up to 6A they have maintained their success with a record of 47-23 from 2014 to Present. Give a lot of credit to the community as well. They do it right each and every year. We will keep you updated as the spring season gets underway.