Notable NW Freshman Standouts (OR & WA)

Most freshman don't play varsity ball, much less contribute in a significant way. Referenced below are a few athletes who have made an immediate impact, to go along with a West Linn program which is looking like the Northwest's next big dynasty. It's still early with a lot yet to be determined but have a look at a (few) of the region's top 26's.       OREGON     [player_tooltip player_id='284119' first='Ansu' last='sanoe'] RB/LB Lakeridge- Sanoe projects as one of the top recruits on the west coast and maybe the nation before he is done. The 6-2 220-pound athlete has immediately stepped in as a freshman and made an impact. On the year he is averaging 8.5 yards per carry with 3 TDs, while accounting for 237 total yards on 30 touches (22 carries, 8 receptions). Look for him to be a big-time defensive stopper in the years ahead as well.    Sam Vyhlidal RB/LB Mountainside- The (4-0) Mavericks have to be excited as one of the fastest rising programs in Oregon. The 6-3 175-pound athlete will be one of the top recruits anywhere in the West, showing what he can do each of the last 2 weeks, and scoring multiple TDs. He is also a phenomenal baseball player so he will have options.   [player_tooltip player_id='402418' first='Marcus' last='Post'] WR/S Lakeridge- Post has been off the charts good, four games into his freshman season. It's rare for any freshman to play early, much less excel which he has done. He has been a dual threat kid thus far catching 14 passes for 127 yards, with 21 tackles in 4 games on D. Expect the 6-0 175-pound athlete to be heavily recruited.    Caleb Perry ATH Barlow- The freshman has been clutch all season, coming up with an INT in the endzone, in last night's upset OT win over #6 Clackamas 21-14. He should be considered one of the top 2026's in Oregon on both sides of the football.    West Linn Freshman- It's still a wait and see but the Lions are looking like the overwhelming favorite to win multiple state titles in the years ahead, and potentially be the Northwest's featured program. The 45-6 beat down over #1 WA 4A Lake Stevens last night, only helps highlight all the potential.   Kalani Ioapo is a 6-2 270-pound G/NG and someone who would be starting on most Varsity teams as a freshman. Silas Reynolds is 6-2 175 pounds and the fastest freshman in the state. Once POY favorites [player_tooltip player_id='110180' first='Mark' last='Hamper'] and [player_tooltip player_id='147247' first='Earl' last='Ingle'] graduate, look for him to take over those roles, and torch the state for three consecutive years.    Zach VandenBrink is the brother of Oregon St baseball commit [player_tooltip player_id='152361' first='Ryan' last='Vandenbrink'], and one of the top overall athletes in Oregon. Zach projects at the D1 level in football & baseball and will be a defensive POY candidate in the years ahead from his LB spot. Also notable is Viggo Anderson, who's been the freshman teams MVP thus far, going for close to 300 yards the first few weeks. He's got great genes as the brother [player_tooltip player_id='126073' first='Koffi' last='Kouame'].       WASHINGTON     Israel Nabors RB/ [player_tooltip player_id='1165381' first='Reylen' last='Witherspoon'] RB Garfield- The Bulldogs got a nice 26-16 win over Lake Stevens to start the season, and have gone 4-0 since, outscoring their opponents 178-32. Last week two freshman stepped up in the teams 48-7 win over Seattle Prep, with Nabors rushing for 111 yards and 2 TDs and Witherspoon averaging 7.4 yards per carry and scoring another TD. Look for them to be listed among the top 26's in the state.   Nolan Wright QB Sehome- The freshman QB has looked the part and then some early this season, helping the Mariners go (3-1). In last week's loss to Sedro Woolley, Wright went 8 for 8 for 212 yards and 4TDs passing. He also added 42 yards rushing.    Anthony Mancao DL Lincoln- The 5-10 260-pound freshman D lineman has gotten in the mix right away for one of WA's top 3A schools. The Abes are (4-0) with Mancao accounting for 4 total tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 hurry. You will hear a lot about him moving forward.   Xander Shaw DE Steilacoom- Shaw hasn't wasted anytime, helping Steilacoom go 3-1 to start the year, while making 18 total tackles, with 3 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The Heir football product is legit.    [player_tooltip player_id='402792' first='Legend' last='Galeai'] QB Lakes- You always have to keep a close eye on anyone named Legend, especially when they are 6-3 190 and playing as a freshman. In 2 games he has gone 17 of 31 for 321 yards and 2 TDs/0 INTs, for another one of Washington's top programs.