2024 Mt Hood POY Candidates- OFFENSE (Ranked #1-8)

Jordan Johnson February 10, 2024 @ 05:07 PM

Over the next few weeks we will be breaking down each 6A/5A conference and the likely favorites for Offensive & Defensive POY. There is still a lot yet to be determined with plenty of movement to come. Here are the top athletes returning in the Mt Hood.       OFFENSE       1.[player_tooltip player_id='285852' first='Avirey' last='Durdahl'] QB 25' Nelson     Durdahl will be a 4 year all conference starter and the best player ever to come out of the relatively new school. He went for 2000+ yards and 21 TDs/6 INTs as a junior. If the Hawks can match or beat last years record of 8-3 it will be beacuse of Durdahl. They lose numerous weapons on the perimeter to graduation, so a lot will depend on how he counters that with some of the new guys. I would expect 2026 standout [player_tooltip player_id='1110921' first='Chaz' last='Katoanga'] to be a big time factor offensively as well.    2.[player_tooltip player_id='1094734' first='Landon' last='Kelsey'] WR 25' Central Catholic    The 3* WR was absolutely dominant as a junior. His 33 catches for 758 yards and 10 TDs and a state title speak to that. The biggest question from a POY standpoint is how much does the graduation of [player_tooltip player_id='152354' first='Cru' last='Newman'] effect others. The Rams are loaded and will spread the ball around so that is another factor. Regardless Kelsey is the real deal and the best WR in the state.    3.[player_tooltip player_id='402427' first='Tyson' last='Davis'] RB 26' Central Catholic    Davis could very well be next year's Offensive POY after totaling 991 rushing/receiving yards and 14 TDs as a sophomore. He's a big, physical back who can run. That said as his counterpart Sombe is equally dangerous and they will likely split time again. CC will probably run the ball more with Newman gone, which would benefit both Davis & Sombe.    4.[player_tooltip player_id='402415' first='Killian' last='Sombe'] RB 26' Central Catholic     The 2nd team all conference RB went for 761 total yards and 11 TDs, averaging 9.5 yards per carry. Sombe is a sprinter and a threat to to score from anywhere on the field when in space. I would expect Sombe to be more of a receiving option like Davis and be a 1000+ yard back in 2024.    5.[player_tooltip player_id='152653' first='Zhaiel' last='Smith'] WR 25' Central Catholic   Smith did not have a big year statistically as a junior but the Rams spread the ball around with numerous D1 guys on the field. The 3* WR is one of the best players in Oregon and will be a big time factor on both sides of the football next season. I would expect his production to double after catching 20 passes for 297 yards.    6.[player_tooltip player_id='511878' first='D'Marieon' last='Gates'] WR 25' Central Catholic    Gates had one of the best seasons of any junior in the state. The 2nd team all Mt Hood WR went for 690 all purpose yards and 7 TDs and was equally impressive on D. His 19 catches for 345 yards complimented his 42 total tackles and 5.5 tfl's. He should be considered one of the most versatile kids in Oregon and that X factor if the Rams are going to repeat.    7.[player_tooltip player_id='274319' first='Luke' last='Baker'] ATH 25' Clackamas   Definitely one of the most versatile kids in Oregon for his class. The primary WR earned 2nd team all Mt Hood honors as a junior, finishing 4-3 in the Mt Hood and 7-5 overall, with a few post season wins in the consolation bracket. A lot will depend on how Clack does as a team and whether or not Baker can help the Cavs get the #2 spot back within the conference.    8.[player_tooltip player_id='426922' first='Andreas' last='Nicolaidis'] TE 26' Central Catholic    One of the fastest rising recruits in the state. TE's typically are not going to be up for POY accolades but I could see Nicolaidis catching 30 passes and scoring a handful of TDs. Last year he caught 16 passes for 230 yards and 2 TDs, earning 2nd team all-league honors.