2023 Program Preview: Ridgeview
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We are getting closer to the start of the high school football season in Oregon, which means it is time to look at the football programs around the state. Oregon high school football is in a fantastic place, and I…
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Continue ReadingWe are getting closer to the start of the high school football season in Oregon, which means it is time to look at the football programs around the state. Oregon high school football is in a fantastic place, and I could not be more excited to help educate our readers on the programs they will be watching on Friday nights. The team next up is Ridgeview High School, home of the Ravens.
Veteran head coach Patrick Pileggi leads the Ridgeview Ravens. Coach Pileggi hopes to improve on a difficult season last year as the Ravens finished with an underwhelming record of 2-7. Coach Pileggi understands the difficulty of turning around a program and wants to keep goals and expectations realistic. “This season will be a big growing year for us,” wrote Coach Pileggi, addressing his expectations for the upcoming season.
One of the main reasons for Coach Pileggi’s cautionary goals is the lack of upperclassmen on the roster. This is what Coach Pileggi had to say about his team’s status: “We are really young with only eight seniors, four of which have not played football since middle school.” The lack of senior leadership may hold Ridgeview back this upcoming season.
Although the limited number of upperclassmen is disappointing, Coach Pileggi is enthusiastic about the future. “We are thrilled with our underclassmen who were very successful at the JV and Freshman levels the last few years. Our incoming freshmen were also really good in the local middle school league, so we feel confident moving forward our program is headed in the right direction,” wrote Coach Pileggi, expressing his excitement for the future. He is also happy with the number of kids in the program. Saying, “We have grown to nearly 90 kids and will again have three teams. We expect to start to see that paying off over the next two years.”
List of All-League players that have departed the program:
- LB Peyton Zampko (Honorable Mention)
Coach Pileggi was eager to talk about his squad. The most intriguing storyline is the three-way quarterback competition taking place. Coach Pileggi says, “All three have different strengths and skill sets which makes it difficult to pinpoint a clear leader at this time.” Here are the three quarterbacks battling for the starting spot alongside the other player’s Coach Pileggi expects big seasons from:
Zach Asplund
Zach Asplund
Zach is the first guy Coach Pileggi mentioned when talking about the quarterback competition. This is what Coach Pileggi had to say about Zach, “(Zach) was our backup last year and played a lot of WR and DB. Has the most experience and is a great leader. Makes good decisions and is a solid run threat.” No matter what position Zach plays, expect him to have a huge role on both sides of the ball.
Adam Millington Adam Millington 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Ridgeview | 2025 State OR
Adam Millington Adam Millington 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Ridgeview | 2025 State OR
The next guy mentioned in the quarterback competition is the big junior. “ Adam Millington Adam Millington 6’3″ | 185 lbs | QB Ridgeview | 2025 State OR was our JV QB the last two seasons. Strong arm and knows the game well. Gets the ball out quick and has good vision,” says Coach Pileggi. According to his coach, Adam is standing at 6’3 and has a big arm, so it would be hard to pass on him being your team’s starting quarterback.
Gage Hobbs
Gage Hobbs
The last player mentioned in the quarterback competition is the young sophomore. Coach Pileggi has high praise for the youngster, “Gage Hobbs was our Freshman QB last year. Really big arm and can make a lot of throws most high school quarterbacks can’t. (A) great running threat that runs physical.” Even if Gage loses the competition this year, he is a kid to watch for the next few years. Coach Pileggi also mentioned the possibility of going into week one with two QBs, “The first few days of camp should determine who starts to take the reigns. We could see us using two QBs throughout the season, as they all have such unique skill sets.”
Rylen Castino
Rylen Castino
The first non-quarterback Coach Pileggi brought up is a senior who will be converting to the offensive line this season, as well as his usual defensive end spot. This is what coach Pileggi had to say about Rylen, “(He is a) big strong senior lineman who is moving from TE to starting offensive line this season. (He was an) All-League Honorable Mention defensive end as a junior.” Rylen will anchor both lines this season and be one of the better defensive ends in 5A.rn
Noah is an intriguing player as he will play some running back but will mostly be a linebacker this season. “(Noah is a) physical football player. (He) was a JV/Varsity swing player last season that stood out whenever he was on the field,” said Coach Pileggi. Expect Noah to have a breakout junior year.
Kai Lewis
Kai Lewis
Kai will be an essential piece to Ridgeview’s team this season. Coach Pileggi said, “(Kai was) starting safety last season. He is a great athlete that will see a lot of time at RB this season.” Kai will significantly impact both sides of the ball this year for the Ravens.
Ishon Ortiz
Ishon Ortiz
Ishon was a standout player last year as a sophomore, and Coach Pileggi expects more of the same, even with a more prominent role; “(Ishon was) an Honorable Mention All-League linebacker last season and will split time at RB this season and continue to be a standout on the defensive side of the ball.” I am excited to see Ishon continue to develop.
Quentin Sleeth
Quentin Sleeth
The last player mentioned by Coach Pileggi is a lineman who had an impressive sophomore year. Here is what Coach Pileggi had to say about Quentin, “(He was an) Honorable Mention All-League offensive lineman last season as a starting guard. (He) anchors the offensive line and will also see significant time on the DL this season.” Quentin is a lineman that has my attention as he enters his junior year.
The Ridgeview Ravens may be a couple of years away before they compete for a 5A state title, but they are an intriguing team that should have fans excited. The fact that they have three guys in their program that they could see starting at quarterback is impressive. Expect Ridgeview to be a competitive team with a bright future this year.