2023 Program Preview: Dallas
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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 Dallas High School, home of the Dragons.
The Dragons head coach is Andy Jackson, who is heading into his sixth season of holding the position. Coach Jackson led the Dragons to an impressive 2022 season as they finished with a record of 6-4 and made it to the quarterfinals of the 5A state playoffs. Their season ended with a 14-27 loss to a talented Thurston squad.
When asked about his goals and expectations this season, Coach Jackson said, “We should be tough. We return a decent portion of starters from the last two years’ quarterfinal teams.” Coach Jackson is also excited about some of the young talent in his program, saying, “Our JV (team) has gone undefeated the last two years.” With the returning talent and the development of their talented JV players, Dallas is hopeful to improve from last season and hopefully get a win in the quarterfinals.
Here is a list of All-League players that have departed the program:
- OL Garrett Munkers (1st Team)
- DB Owen Hess (2nd Team)
- LB Brock Dunkin (Honorable Mention)
With the hope of advancing past the quarterfinals, I asked Coach Jackson for some of his guys that he expects to help overcome the burden that is the second round of the playoffs. Here are the guys Coach Jackson named as his top players:
The first player up is an athlete who will play quarterback and defensive back for the Dragons this season. Here is what Coach Jackson had to say about his senior quarterback, “Returning two-way starter, got moved to QB last season mid-way when our starter broke his hand. Had huge games rushing over 150 in round 1 against Putnam and against (Crescent Valley) week 9.” Isaiah will be one of, if not the most crucial player for the Dragons this season.
Up next is the impressive big man that Dallas is fortunate enough to have in their program. “(Kyron) started every game last season as our center and leader of our (offensive line),” said Coach Jackson. Kyron should have an excellent year for the Dragons and hopefully get some calls from college coaches, as his size is unteachable.
Steven was the first player Coach Jackson mentioned when asked about his top players. Here is what Coach Jackson said about his talented pass-rusher: “He was one of the top defensive linemen statistically last season, finishing top 2 in the state in sacks and tackles for loss.” Expect Steven to compete once again for the state’s sack leader and have a stellar senior season.
Cliff Johnson
Cliff Johnson
Cliff plays linebacker and lineman for the Dragons. However, I have him listed as a linebacker as he is on the thinner side and projects as a linebacker over an offensive lineman. Here is what Coach Jackson had to say about Cliff, “(He) started all games last year as our pulling guard. Was a significant difference maker.” Expect more of the same from Cliff as another offseason of development and gaining strength will improve his game.
Zayvian Webster
Zayvian Webster
The last player mentioned by Coach Jackson is his running back and defensive back, Zayvian. “Zayvian finished just under 1000 yards as a junior, has big games late in the season after senior running back tore ACL in week 5,” explained Coach Jackson. Zayvian will be the starting running back from the beginning of the season this year and should improve on already impressive numbers. He will be a fun player to watch for the Dragons.
The 2023 Dallas squad will be a competitive group looking to make a playoff run in November. Will they be able to get past the second round this season? Coach Jackson and his players sure hope so. Dallas kicks off their season Friday, September 1st, at McGinnis Field versus Silverton.