Preseason: Oregon's Top 20 6A Teams- Ranked (#1-10) + Analysis

The 6A team rankings will continuously be updated as we move closer to the season. Here we break down the top 20 programs at the 6A level, with a primary focus on the top 10. I would consider the top five to be solid with little to no movement. After that it's anyone's guess how things work themselves out. Have a look..         1.West Linn   The defending state champs have a chance to win numerous titles and potentially be a nationally ranked program this year. They have garnered early comparisons to what most consider to be the best teams ever to play in Oregon, in Roseburg 1996 & Jesuit 2006. They are loaded on both sides of the ball with a line. The biggest question will come at the QB spot, with State Player of the Year Sam Leavitt graduating. It's a good position to be in if you're the Lions with talented 6-5 underclassmen [player_tooltip player_id='406774' first='Baird' last='Gilroy'] battling one of the better QBs in the state for 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='278385' first='Nick' last='Sakys'].    2.Central Catholic   Typically the Lions would be the overwhelming favorite to win the state title. That said as the Rams could be a nationally ranked program as well, led by 2x Mt Hood POY [player_tooltip player_id='152354' first='Cru' last='Newman']. They will feature some of the top underclassmen on the West coast with #1 ranked 2025 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='152653' first='Zhaiel' last='Smith'], combining with the likes of 6-6 275-pound Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='406759' first='Zac' last='Stascausky'] and elite OLB [player_tooltip player_id='286686' first='Zachary' last='Davis']. All who are returning next year.    3.Jesuit   Look for 1st team all-league LB [player_tooltip player_id='152333' first='Lonnie' last='Burt'] Jr. to lead the state in rushing yards and put up some ridiculous numbers, with the graduation of Payton Roth. Burt is a freak athlete who will be a Metro League POY favorite on both sides of the ball. The Crusaders will be led by 3-year starter all conference starter [player_tooltip player_id='278372' first='Jacob' last='Hutchinson'] at QB. The biggest question marks will come upfront where they graduate the state's top O line. The Jesuit D will play a huge role this season led by DB's [player_tooltip player_id='520433' first='Elias' last='Johnson'] who has blown up and 1st team all-conference two-way athlete [player_tooltip player_id='152334' first='Jace' last='Burton'].    4.Lake Oswego   The Lakers had no business beating Tualatin last year, but they did. Steve Coury is the X factor and one of the best coaches ever to reside in the NW. LO was one of the youngest teams in the state last season and will return numerous athletes from a group that made the state quarterfinals. Look for Jr. QB [player_tooltip player_id='285866' first='Liam' last='Davis'] to have a big year, along with 2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='402416' first='Lamarcus' last='Bell'] who is a future Oregon POY candidate. Defensively they are in good shape led by the likes of 1st team all TRL returner [player_tooltip player_id='285881' first='Lusiano' last='Lopez'] and OLB/DE [player_tooltip player_id='285849' first='Oliver' last='Macy'] who projects as a major division 1 prospect.   5.Tualatin   I think we will learn a lot early when it comes to the T-Wolves. [player_tooltip player_id='152355' first='AJ' last='Noland'] is the best overall athlete in the state and [player_tooltip player_id='152339' first='Jayden' last='Fortier'] currently ranks as my #1 recruit for 2024. [player_tooltip player_id='152338' first='Kenen' last='Elder'] sits with 4 D1 offers and has had an unreal off season thus far, with 6-5 Junior standout [player_tooltip player_id='285857' first='Nolan' last='Keeney'] making the move over from Westview to play QB. All of this said as Tualatin won't have Richie Anderson and Peter Burke type athletes coming off edge with multiple question marks offensively upfront.    6.Lakeridge    The Pacers didn't win a conference game last season but that doesn't mean much playing in the TRL. Lakeridge is loaded on the perimeter and have some of the top youngsters in the state on their roster. For the time being talk is cheap, but with USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='152356' first='Joey' last='Olsen'] and 2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='284119' first='Ansu' last='Sanoe'] just being offered by Georgia, they should be able to compete.    7.Sherwood   Look for QB [player_tooltip player_id='278398' first='Kasen' last='Covert'] to have an unreal senior campaign and run away with conference POY honors. The Bowmen feature one of the top football communities in the NW and return a host of talent with a decent line. Expect returning Pacific Conference POY [player_tooltip player_id='278441' first='Keaten' last='Fried'] and 2025 LB [player_tooltip player_id='766200' first='Treyson' last='Eddleman'] to be key on D. They will need to show up and compete against top non-league competition early, and not allow another 42-0 type loss to Jesuit occur.    8.Mountainside   This will be interesting. John Mannion in my opinion is one of the best to ever coach in Oregon and he will be missed. That being said everyone is aware of Keanon Lowe's success as he should do well. The biggest loss from last year's 9-2 team comes upfront where they graduate one of Oregon's top lines. The Mavs feature some of the state's top perimeter talent in [player_tooltip player_id='285850' first='Brayden' last='Boe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='511859' first='Madden' last='Tanuvasa'], along with 6-4 200-pound future D1 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='457009' first='Sam' last='Vyhlidal']. But the depth and experience are in question so we will see.    9.Barlow   My sleeper of the year will probably be the Bruins. You always have a shot with an experienced line, and 2x Mt Hood 1st team OL [player_tooltip player_id='238631' first='Dylan' last='Howell'] and 6-5 300-pound tackle [player_tooltip player_id='520387' first='Deagan' last='Hodgson'] provide that. Barlow has returning talent at the skill positions as well and one of the more underrated defensive players in the state in LB [player_tooltip player_id='206850' first='Luke' last='Fahner']. They will be in the mix come the post season with the potential to win a playoff game or two.    10.Oregon City   The Pio's scored on the coaching front, with former West Linn assistant Aaron Skinner making the move back from Southern California to lead the program. Oregon City is loaded with experience everywhere. 3* LB [player_tooltip player_id='278405' first='Clay' last='Martineau'] has blown up and returning all conference QB [player_tooltip player_id='406768' first='Ben' last='Schneider'] should be considered one of the 25's in the state at his position. There are very few teams as deep as OC statewide, most just aren't aware. Defensively expect DE [player_tooltip player_id='278371' first='Ryder' last='Swanson'] to be in the mix for TRL POY accolades.