Intriguing South Salem team in the CVC mix

A team to watch heading into the fall is the South Salem Saxons out of the Central Valley Conference. Traditionally the Valley league has been West Salem first and then everybody else. This year the conference looks as even as it’s ever been and truly up for grabs. The Saxons return the state’s #2 passer during the 2021 regular season in QB [player_tooltip player_id="270087" first="Daschel" last="Smith"]. He hit on 57% of his passes (2,515 yards) and 18 TDs/15 INTs. He had too many picks, but made up for it with his rushing ability, leading the team in carries with 110 and 10 rushing TDs. Smith has looked outstanding on the camp circuit and will be the key if South is going to make a run. Teammate [player_tooltip player_id="206757" first="Tini" last="Tinitali III"] was another state leader in multiple statistical categories, with 78 receptions (1st) and receiving yards 1,040 (2nd). He was one of Oregon’s breakout junior’s last year and comes back ranked among the top WR’s in the state. The good news is that Tinitali has plenty of company returning. Fellow 2023 athlete [player_tooltip player_id="272217" first="Jaxon" last="Watson"] is back after catching 31 passes for 343 yards and 3 TDs. He also led the team in INTs and could project from his CB spot at the collegiate level. Maybe the most intriguing aspect to South is its trio of Junior’s (2024’s) who will be featured. 6-4 200-pound WR <strong>Eli Johnson</strong> (Son of Olympic medalist Dan Johnson) has one of the biggest upsides of any player in the state for his class. Most aren’t aware of him yet but expect him to make a big splash this coming season as the genes speak for themselves. [player_tooltip player_id="130391" first="Parker" last="Williams"] is one of the fastest rising dual threat kids in the state, and someone we will hear a lot about moving forward. Speaking on his abilities, former three sport standout Luke Atwood (McNary HS) chimed in saying. "He balled this spring, has great hands and runs advanced routes. Defensively he was also one of the conferences leading tacklers among Sophomore’s last fall." The big get for South came recently with the transfer of [player_tooltip player_id="342013" first="Zach" last="Wusstig"], formerly of 2A Jefferson HS. Wusstig has a stock which has shot through the roof, as he will be listed among Oregon’s top DBs when the updated PRZ rankings are released. He recently garnered DB MVP honors at the University of Idaho’s camp and could very well end up with a handful of FCS or even Mid Major type offers. He’s that good. With all the talent in the secondary the biggest question comes down to line play and how the Saxons will be able to compete. [player_tooltip player_id="152347" first="Hatimu" last="Letisi"] will end up a 4-year starter and one of the top defensive players in the state for the 2024 class, but they will need more if they are going to win a conference title or a few playoff games. Last year’s 55-9 season ending playoff loss to West Linn helps put things into perspective. Other noteworthy individuals include 6-4 265 pound lineman<strong> Levi Willhite</strong>, 5-5 slot<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="278436" first="Esteban" last="Mendez"]</strong>, and two honorable mention all conference returners in <strong>Tyler Takemoto</strong> DL and <strong>Braedy Vogt</strong> LB Head coach Shawn Stanley of West Salem is one of Oregon’s all-time great coaches and year in and year out he finds a way to win. Sprague comes back with some talented kids and all everything athlete [player_tooltip player_id="110179" first="Drew" last="Rodriguez"]. McNary has dudes and North should have their best team in years. Point being the new CVC conference could go five different ways but South should be in the mix and competing for a title. &nbsp; &nbsp;