Lakeridge defense loaded with big-time athletes: Preview

The race for the Oregon 6A football state championship should be a compelling one this season.   Four teams will begin the season as the most likely contenders — the West Linn Lions, Lake Oswego Lakers, Central Catholic Rams and Lakeridge Pacers.    For Lakeridge, this is “the year.”   The Pacers have 35 seniors on the roster and have serious talent at every position.   Here's a look a the Lakeridge defense:   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/lakeridge-offense-enters-season-with-high-expectations-preview/">Part 1 - Offense</a>   Defensive line   Lakeridge senior (and West Virginia commit) [player_tooltip player_id='769915' first='Noah' last='Tishendorf'] is not only arguably the best front-seven player in the state, he may be the best two-way player in the state.   The dominant defensive end has twice led the state in sacks already, and could push for 20 this season.   As a tight end/Wildcat quarterback/running back Swiss Army knife offensive weapon, he is almost as difficult to stop.   Not enough attention has been put on Tishendorf, who will be a strong Gatorade Player of the Year candidate - and may see another big leap in his recruitment.   Consider me a big-time believer in his ability.   “He has grown as a leader and a teammate and will be another one of our senior captains,” Lakeridge coach Spencer Phillips said. “Noah has worked tirelessly this offseason to improve his skills and he will have the opportunity to show that ability this year, as he will be playing multiple positions for us - running back, tight end, defensive end and linebacker.   [player_tooltip player_id='769991' first='Yahkyll' last='Noil'] is a defensive end/edge-rusher who is your “first guy off the bus” in terms of look and build.   He's physically mature at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds and should have a monster season this year.   If those two were the lone standouts Lakeridge would be scary, but there's a lot more talent where that came from.   [player_tooltip player_id='402412' first='Joe' last='Weiler'] (multiple D1 offers) and [player_tooltip player_id='914288' first='Carter' last='Paul'] are bookend offensive tackles on offense, but can be run-stuffing defensive tackles for Lakeridge as well depending on the team's match-up and weekly needs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1752104' first='Wyatt' last='Rose'], a starter last year on the defensive side of the ball, will play both ways this year and could see a significant jump in ability.   He'll be a staple atop the depth chart for the next three years.   Overall, the group is athletic and talented - and has a few pieces who can be moved from defensive end to linebacker, making the group that much more difficult to plan for on a weekly basis.    Linebacker   Tishendorf and Nail can both play some edge and outside linebacker, bolstering the group.   [player_tooltip player_id='1112405' first='Kilian' last='Eddleman'], a first-team all-league selection last year, has a chance to emerge as the leader of one of the state's best defenses.   “He is one of our teams silent leaders and is going to be one of the anchors on our defense,” Phillips said.    He is joined in the heart of the defense by 6-foot-2, 225-pound menace [player_tooltip player_id='402414' first='Kalani' last='Messenger'].   “He has been a bowling ball for our defense,” Phillips said. “He lead our team in tackles last year and was the main culprit for causing havoc for opposing offenses. He is fearless and will be another defensive leader for us again this year.”   That quartet is among the state's very best - and will be among the best in Lakeridge history.   The group is fast, tenacious, athletic and savvy.   Providing depth and versatility is Cooper Swygard, a football player who can contribute on both sides of the ball.   “Cooper is tough and plays with grit,” Phillips said. “He will be a key player for us on all three phases of the ball. He has great hands and is a tough tackler.”    A sneaky-good element of the team is [player_tooltip player_id='608187' first='Cash' last='Larsson'], the state's top long snapper and a tough, physical ‘backer who was forced to start along the offensive line last year in a pinch.    “Cash is a great athlete who is a relentless tackler and will do anything to help the team,” Phillips said. “He is the epitome of what it means to be a high school teammate - do anything for the team when they need it. He is a great team player that is going to be key player for us this year.”    Defensive back   First-team all-league safety [player_tooltip player_id='402418' first='Marcus' last='Post'], a four-year varsity player, is back and ready to lead the secondary.   Post is as savvy as they come and is one of the best character kids in the entire state.   Also returning is honorable mention all-league cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='1585690' first='Obama' last='Shibo'], who improved his speed this track season and could make a significant leap on the field.   “He will be a defensive leader on our team” Phillips said. “Obama's best trait is his ability to think and understand football.”   Class of 2027 Mountainside transfer [player_tooltip player_id='845242' first='Sean' last='Bour-Nelson'], the son of former Oregon star J.D. Nelson, has significant upside and has more than proven himself as a major playmaker.   He registered a three interception game against Beaverton last year and will certainly make Lakeridge's secondary an uptick better.   He's got the potential to be a breakout star this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='284119' first='Ansu' last='Sanoe'], a Washington Huskies running back commit, has flashed massive upside as a strong safety in limited reps and will be a major X-factor this season.   While he's been recruited as a running back, Prep RedZone projects his highest upside on the defensive side of the ball in the right system as a Derwin James-type linebacker/safety.   Sanoe still has a wide range of outcomes given that his true position may not yet be established, but there's no doubting his strength, twitch and character.   “He is a tremendous teammate who wants nothing but the best for his teammates,” Phillips said. “He cares about the success of others and his team more than himself and that is a rare trait for a high school kid to have.”    All-league wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1546087' first='Jaden' last='Tragesser'] and standout slot [player_tooltip player_id='284122' first='Turner' last='Tropio'] will also line up at defensive back and bring high-end playmaking ability to the group.   Korbin Taft, a first-year varsity guy, brings wrestling toughness to the safety role.   “He is tough, mean, and physical and is a great open field tackler,” Phillips said.   [player_tooltip player_id='936893' first='Easton' last='Lawson'] and Jackson Hoevett, discussed in-depth in the offensive preview, will also contribute on defense.   Both have a chance to carve out key roles this fall.   Returner Maxx Vangelisti can play wide receiver and cornerback, and has preformed admirably coming off a brutal year injury-wise last fall.   A speedster in track, Vangelisti will use his sudden burst as a key return man for a Lakeridge team with sky-high hopes this fall.    Up-and-comers   ATH Jaggar Salazar  - “Jaggar was one of the best eighth graders in the entire state. He is transferring over from Mountainside. He is No. 1 in the state for his class currently in the and 100 and 200 meter. He already runs a sub 11.0 and is family to the [Oregon track fame] Salazar family He is very fast. Very talented. His dad also played at Oregon.”   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1563740' first='Mason' last='Girt'] - “One of the best players in his class. He was a multiple-time selection for the Oregon All-State Game. Very fast and physical runner. Plays on both sides of the ball.”

The race for the Oregon 6A football state championship should be a compelling one this season.