5A Intermountain League POY Candidates OFFENSE

Jordan Johnson March 15, 2024 @ 11:45 PM

There have been numerous changes at the 5A level, with (9) 6A teams dropping down and most of the conferences making significant moves. The Intermountain League has featured two of the top programs in 5A in Mountain View and Summit. That said as Caldera is one of the state's fastest rising programs with Redmond featuring an outstanding line. Bend and Ridgeview round out the league.    Just like we did with 6A I will project out the player of the year candidates on offense and defense within each conference...        OFFENSE         1.[player_tooltip player_id='1011382' first='Angel' last='Valenzuela'] 26' RB Mountain View    The 5-11 200-pound sophomore was one of the most impressive underclass RBs in the NW, helping his team to the state title game, while rushing 258 times, for 1,816 yards, and 28 TDs. It's rare for any 10th grader to earn 1st team all-state honors and he did just that. Look for him to compete with D1 WR and teammate [player_tooltip player_id='754594' first='Jack' last='Foley'] for POY honors.    2.[player_tooltip player_id='754594' first='Jack' last='Foley'] 25' WR Mountain View    Foley is the top recruit in the conference by a lot, earning 1st team all-state honors, while catching 42 passes, for 728 yards, and 17 TDs. Credit to Washington St on the early offer as Foley looks to be real deal. He has had maybe the most impressive off season of any athlete in Oregon on the 7v7 circuit thus far.    3.Chase Sorenson 25' RB Caldera   Caldera had an impressive 6-4 season with three losses to a few of Oregon's top 5A teams in Mountain View, Summit, and West Albany. Sorenson racked up 2nd team all Intermountain honors and could thrive at RB with a few of their key guys back.    4.[player_tooltip player_id='1322076' first='Tommy' last='Morris'] 25' QB Caldera       A lot of credit to the 6-0 185-pound QB who was a big reason Caldera had the season they did. Morris hit on 56% of his passes for 1,273 yards and 13 TD's/8 INTs. I could see him being a 20+ TD guy this season with the valuable experience he gained last year.    5.[player_tooltip player_id='1232736' first='Wyatt' last='Horner'] 26' ATH/WR Redmond      The 6-3 190 pound 3-sport standout was off the charts good on the basketball court this past season, racking up 2nd team all-conference accolades as a sophomore. He may do something similar in football where his size and overall athleticism make him extremely tough to stop. He had limited catches but could break out offensively if they can get him the ball. Horner excelled on D last season with 35 total tackles and 1 INT.   6.Uriel Valdez 25' RB Bend   Valdez had a decent year last season, rushing 147 times, for 590 yards, and 9 TDs. The big 210 pound back will be asked to carry a heavy load once again, as the Lava Bears struggled to put up any points against good teams. I could see Valdez being a 15 TD, 6 yards per carry back, averaging 4 yards per carry last season.    7.[player_tooltip player_id='780468' first='Dylan' last='Hughes'] 26' RB Summit    Hughes was one of the only sophomores to get legit time for the Storm last season. He plays the fullback spot well but could be more of a primary weapon out of the backfield, also catching the ball a decent amount. Summit graduates a lot of talent and he will need to step up.    8.[player_tooltip player_id='1322088' first='Logan' last='Nakamura'] 25' WR Ridgeview      The baseball standout can also play a little football. If QB [player_tooltip player_id='1224388' first='Adam' last='Millington'] has a good year, then Nakumara and teammate Wesley Wittmer will thrive. On the season he had 26 receptions for 348 yards and a TD. I would expect him to double those numbers.