2023 5A Northwest Oregon Conference Preview

<p>We are rapidly approaching the return of high school football here in Oregon. Each team has high hopes for the season ahead and is excited to see the work they put in the offseason come to fruition. I will look at each conference and predict how the race for the conference title will pan out. Up first is 5A's Northwest Oregon Conference. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Wilsonville Wildcats <sub>(1st, 10-3 record last season)</sub></h2>   <p>After losing a close 28-35 to Summit in the title game last year, the Wildcats are again a title favorite this season. The Wildcats are returning the reigning conference player of the year [player_tooltip player_id='511302' first='Kallen' last='Gutridge'] at the quarterback position. I believe the only team in this conference who can compete with the Wildcats is Canby, but I would give the slight edge to the Wildcats. Expect them to be in the title game again this season. I would be surprised if they did not make it. Here is a list of Wilsonville's top players:</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Canby Cougars <sub>(t-5th, 5-4 record last season)</sub></h2>   <p>Canby is a team that will bounce back in a big way this season. Canby had the most severe case of the injury bug last year and could not sneak into the playoffs despite a respectable 5-4 record. The Cougars will be led by a favorite for the states' OPOY, [player_tooltip player_id='207256' first='Tyler' last='Konold'], who missed most of the season last year after a severe ankle injury. The Cougars started 3-0 last year when Tyler and others were healthy. I expect them to be a top team in 5A and compete for a spot in the title game. Here is a list of Canby's top players:</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Hood River Valley Eagles <sub>(t-3rd, 4-6 record last season)</sub></h2>   <p>The Hood River Valley Eagles are a team that I expect to ascend this season as they will return impressive players at important positions. The Eagles had a solid year last season and competed in almost every game they played, which is unusual for a younger squad. The experience those guys got last season will pay dividends this year and help them finish third place again. Here is a list of Hood River Valley's top players:</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Rex Putnam Kingsmen <sub>(2nd, 8-2 record last season)</sub></h2>   <p>In fourth place, I have the Kingsmen. Unfortunately for them, they were victims of the transfer bug. D1 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='285851' first='Jace' last='Eveland'] and his family moved south, and he will play for Redmond High School this season. They also lost All-State Honorable Mention WR [player_tooltip player_id='738976' first='James' last='Bauman'] to Lake Oswego, RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='511343' first='Jaxon' last='Doyle'] to Clackamas, and DB [player_tooltip player_id='285889' first='Corbin' last='Davis'] to Clackamas. They still have talent on the roster, and I am high on their new 6'7 QB, Joel Lombard. They should be a fun team to watch if he can get protection from his offensive line. Here is a list of Putnam's top players:</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Forest Grove Vikings <sub>(t-5th, 3-6 record last season)</sub></h2>   <p>Forest Grove is a team that is a thrill to watch as they have one of the most high-scoring offenses in the state. Their offense is led by their impressive QB, [player_tooltip player_id='472195' first='Kaden' last='Hale'], who can make a play whenever he touches the ball. They are a team that is better than their record says because of their demanding schedule, and I believe that will also be the case this year. Expect the Vikings to be a very competitive team this season. Here is a list of Forest Grove's top players:</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Hillsboro Spartans <sub>(t-3rd, 5-5 record last season)</sub></h2>   <p>Hillsboro is a team with some talent but also many question marks. This Spartans team lost some talent this year at several key positions. I expect the Spartans to be a team that is middle of the road and might sneak into the playoffs. QB Calvin Perkins will need to step up. Here is a list of Hillsboro's top players:</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Southridge Skyhawks <sub>(7th, 6-3 record last season)</sub></h2>   <p>Southridge is an interesting team as they have a bit of talent but do not seem to perform when they face a team that is about the same skill level. They lost to Hillsboro 21-41 last year, and I feel like that was a team they could compete with. Southridge could be a sneaky team if they can put it all together. What is troublesome is their QB last year, Jack Klee, does not seem to be on the roster this year. That could easily be a mistake, but if not, they will have to work with a new QB. Here is a list of Southridge's top players:</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Centennial Eagles <sub>(8th, 0-9 record last season)</sub></h2>   <p>As a Centennial alumni, placing the Eagles so low hurts me, but this team's talent is in short supply. The bright side for the Eagles is they just installed a beautiful new turf field that will hopefully help them retain some of their homegrown talent. However, this season would be successful if the Eagles could win one or two games. Here is a list of Centennial's top players:</p>

We are rapidly approaching the return of high school football here in Oregon. Each team has high hopes for the season ahead and is excited to see the work they put in the offseason come to fruition. I will look at each conference and predict how the race for the conference title will pan out. Up first is 5A's Northwest Oregon Conference.