Preseason: Oregon’s Top 20 6A Teams- Ranked (#1-10) + Analysis
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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…
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Continue ReadingThe 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 Baird Gilroy Baird Gilroy 6'5" | 215 lbs | QB West Linn | 2025 State OR battling one of the better QBs in the state for 2024 Nick Sakys Nick Sakys 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB West Linn | 2024 State OR .
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 Cru Newman Cru Newman 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Central Catholic | 2024 State OR . They will feature some of the top underclassmen on the West coast with #1 ranked 2025 athlete Zhaiel Smith Zhaiel Smith 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Central Catholic | 2025 State OR , combining with the likes of 6-6 275-pound Tackle Zac Stascausky Zac Stascausky 6'5" | 270 lbs | OL Central Catholic | 2025 State OR and elite OLB Zachary Davis Zachary Davis 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Central Catholic | 2025 State OR . All who are returning next year.
3.Jesuit
Look for 1st team all-league LB Lonnie Burt Lonnie Burt 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Jesuit | 2024 State OR 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 Jacob 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 Elias Johnson Elias Johnson 6'3" | 170 lbs | DB Jesuit | 2024 State OR who has blown up and 1st team all-conference two-way athlete Jace Burton Jace Burton 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB Jesuit | 2024 State OR .
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 Liam Davis Liam Davis 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH Lake Oswego | 2025 State OR to have a big year, along with 2026 RB Lamarcus Bell Lamarcus Bell 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Lake Oswego | 2026 State OR who is a future Oregon POY candidate. Defensively they are in good shape led by the likes of 1st team all TRL returner Lusiano Lopez Lusiano Lopez 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Lake Oswego | 2025 State OR and OLB/DE Oliver Macy Oliver Macy 6'4" | 220 lbs | DL Lake Oswego | 2025 State OR 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. AJ Noland AJ Noland 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB Tualatin | 2024 State OR is the best overall athlete in the state and Jayden Fortier Jayden Fortier 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Tualatin | 2024 State OR currently ranks as my #1 recruit for 2024. Kenen Elder Kenen Elder 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR Tualatin | 2024 State OR sits with 4 D1 offers and has had an unreal off season thus far, with 6-5 Junior standout Nolan Keeney Nolan Keeney 6'4" | 205 lbs | QB Tualatin | 2025 State OR 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 Joey Olsen Joey Olsen 6'6" | 220 lbs | TE Lakeridge | 2024 State OR and 2026 RB Ansu Sanoe Ansu Sanoe 6'2" | 210 lbs | RB Lakeridge | 2026 State OR just being offered by Georgia, they should be able to compete.
7.Sherwood
Look for QB Kasen Covert Kasen Covert 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Sherwood | 2024 State OR 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 Keaten Fried Keaten Fried 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Sherwood | 2024 State OR and 2025 LB Treyson Eddleman Treyson Eddleman 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Lakeridge | 2025 State OR 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 Brayden Boe Brayden Boe 6'3" | 175 lbs | ATH Mountainside | 2025 OR and Madden Tanuvasa Madden Tanuvasa 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Mountainside | 2025 State OR , along with 6-4 200-pound future D1 athlete Sam Vyhlidal Sam Vyhlidal 6'4" | 200 lbs | ATH Mountainside | 2026 State OR . 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 Dylan Howell Dylan Howell 6'1" | 270 lbs | OL Sam Barlow | 2024 State OR and 6-5 300-pound tackle Deagan Hodgson Deagan Hodgson 6'5" | 295 lbs | OL Barlow | 2024 State OR 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 Luke Fahner Luke Fahner 6'1" | 195 lbs | LB Barlow | 2024 State OR . 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 Clay Martineau Clay Martineau 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Oregon City | 2024 State OR has blown up and returning all conference QB Ben Schneider Ben Schneider 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Oregon City | 2025 State OR 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 Ryder Swanson Ryder Swanson 6'1" | 220 lbs | DL Oregon City | 2024 State OR to be in the mix for TRL POY accolades.