I think most would agree that without a line you are not likely to win a state title. Have a look at the state’s top O line’s returning next season with defense to be featured next..
<strong>OFFENSE </strong>
<strong>1.Jesuit-</strong> The Crusaders are going to be tough for anyone to beat next season. Three first team all-league O lineman return in [player_tooltip player_id="205817" first="Sean" last="Khouri"], [player_tooltip player_id="270088" first="Sylus" last="Wallace"], and the state’s top ranked center [player_tooltip player_id="238432" first="Roice" last="Cleeland"]. Add to this 1st team all-league 2024 D lineman [player_tooltip player_id="152335" first="Liam" last="Cassidy"], potentially playing offense, and you have a core group with unmatched physicality and experience. On top of all this RB’s [player_tooltip player_id="205822" first="Payton" last="Roth"] and [player_tooltip player_id="152333" first="Lonnie" last="Burt"] Jr. are as good as any combination state wide and should have a field day running behind this talented cast.
<strong>2.Sheldon-</strong> The kids out of Eugene could have one of their best teams in some time next season. Two second team all-league returners are back in [player_tooltip player_id="206760" first="Ryan" last="Yakovich"] and [player_tooltip player_id="287963" first="Tanner" last="Thomas"], to go along with honorable mention all-conference center <strong>Carl Harward</strong>. Much like Jesuit they have an elite 1st team all-conference D lineman in [player_tooltip player_id="270068" first="Josh" last="Merriman"] returning, who could also play O. Expect D1 projected QB [player_tooltip player_id="110187" first="Brock" last="Thomas"] to match or even surpass his 43 total TDs (22 passing, 21 rushing) from last season.
<strong>3.Roseburg-</strong> Coach Dave Heuberger has done it again. Building back up a former state power and helping one of Oregon’s all-time great football communities get back in the mix. The Indians lose two from last year’s six-man rotation, with returning SWC defensive POY [player_tooltip player_id="205815" first="Tiger" last="Black"] and 6-4 275 Tackle [player_tooltip player_id="271384" first="Daniel" last="Thomas"] back to lead. RHS also returns starters<strong> Kyler Mills</strong> and <strong>James Coleman</strong> from last season. Expect 1st team all-league 2024 returner [player_tooltip player_id="206846" first="Cayden" last="Eckel"] to have an unreal Junior campaign at RB.
<strong>4.North Medford-</strong> There has been a lot of talk about North’s line and what they have returning. Two 1st team all-league kids are back in 6-4 315-pound tackle [player_tooltip player_id="206871" first="Terrell" last="Kim"] and big man [player_tooltip player_id="110244" first="David" last="Fuiava"]. Underclassmen <strong>Conor Trinica</strong> earned honorable mention all-conference honors and returns as well. Add in the likes of 4* TE [player_tooltip player_id="152358" first="AJ" last="Pugliano"] and standout 1st team RB [player_tooltip player_id="119072" first="Ty" last="Pugliano"], and the Black Tornado have a shot.
<strong>5.Sherwood-</strong> The Bowmen return four all league athletes, including co-conference POY [player_tooltip player_id="258434" first="Trent" last="Hodney"]. Fellow 2023’s [player_tooltip player_id="271360" first="Alex" last="Armas"] (first team all-league) and honorable mention all-conference center <strong>Nathan Fillinger-Palotay</strong> are also back. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id="285854" first="Suliasi" last="Laulaupeaalu"] 6-3 345 is one of the most intriguing prospects returning state wide for his class. He had a phenomenal 2021 season and could be the difference maker up front, for a team featuring 6-5 TE/DE [player_tooltip player_id="168252" first="Oliver" last="Fisher"] and conference player of the year favorite [player_tooltip player_id="152363" first="Nolen" last="Scott"].
<strong>OTHERS:</strong> Liberty, West Linn, Tigard, Clackamas, Mountainside, Lakeridge
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