2024 Mt Hood POY Candidates- OFFENSE (Ranked #1-8)
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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…
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Continue ReadingOver 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. Avirey Durdahl Avirey Durdahl 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Adrienne Nelson | 2025 State OR 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 Chaz Katoanga Chaz Katoanga 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Nelson | 2026 State OR to be a big time factor offensively as well.
2. Landon Kelsey Landon Kelsey 6'4" | 210 lbs | WR Central Catholic | 2025 State OR 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 Cru Newman Cru Newman 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Central Catholic | 2024 State OR 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. Tyson Davis Tyson Davis 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Central Catholic | 2026 State OR 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. Killian Sombe Killian Sombe 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Central Catholic | 2026 State OR 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. Zhaiel Smith Zhaiel Smith 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Central Catholic | 2025 State OR 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. D’Marieon Gates D’Marieon Gates 5'8" | 160 lbs | ATH Central Catholic | 2025 State OR 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. Luke Baker Luke Baker 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Clackamas | 2025 State OR 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. Andreas Nicolaidis Andreas Nicolaidis 6'4" | 235 lbs | TE Central Catholic | 2026 State OR 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.