2025 Team Preview: North Medford Black Tornado

The North Medford Black Tornado are riding high after a 9-4 season that ended with a rivalry win over South Medford to capture the Alternate State Championship (formerly known as the Columbia Cup). Entering his fifth year at the helm, head coach Nathan Chin has built a program known for toughness and resilience, qualities that were tested in a big way this offseason.   “Our offseason has been very good despite the challenges our student-athletes had to deal with as our gym roof collapsed in February,” Chin said. “We adjusted and began to use our middle school weight room and gym. Our student-athletes continued to show up and work hard to develop themselves as athletes. We believe this perseverance will be helpful as a group this coming fall.”   That perseverance will be needed in what Chin calls an “extremely tough” South Central Conference. “We were fortunate to win a State Championship last year (in the second bracket) which gave our program an opportunity to play until the last football game of the Oregon high school season,” he said. “As we approach this upcoming season, our student-athletes understand the standards in which we prepare and play. We come into this season as a young group with very few kids who have varsity football experience, so we will need to adapt quickly to the speed and physicality of varsity football. We will need to be at our best every week.”   The Black Tornado's All-Conference Departures:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>DL Trey Kennedy Coleman - 1st Team</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>LB Teagan Neron - 1st Team</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>DB Easton Curtis - 1st Team</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>OL Max Aukusitino - 2nd Team</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>WR Nolan Kelly - 2nd Team</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>DB Tate Snyder - 2nd Team</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>ATH Cameron Nix - Honorable Mention</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>LB Landyn Meeker - Honorable Mention</li> </ul>   Here are 10 Key Black Tornado to Watch in 2025 from Coach Chin:    Healy enters his senior year with two seasons of varsity starting experience, giving him a steady hand at the most important position on the field. Coach Chin believes that experience will pay off in a big way. “Traeger is in a key position to have a breakout year,” he said, noting his command of the offense and ability to push the ball downfield.     Pettersen was one of North Medford's most productive defensive players last year, finishing in the top five in every statistical category as a sophomore. “We expect him to continue to lead our defense and grow from his season last year,” said Chin. His versatility also makes him a potential weapon on offense at tight end.     Castillo is the definition of a multi-role contributor. He played several special roles on defense last season and will now be counted on as a two-way impact player. “He will be an integral part of our offense and defense this season,” Chin said.     Barnard steps into his senior season as one of the emotional leaders of the team. “Max has developed into a fantastic leader after a solid junior season as our starting defensive end,” said Chin. His presence will be vital on a young defense.     Cam started all 13 games at center last season and returns as the anchor of the offensive line. “His leadership and experience will be key for our offensive line,” Chin said. His ability to handle protections and direct traffic up front will be crucial for a young offense.     Michael is one of the most experienced players on the roster, starting all 13 games on both sides of the ball in 2024. “He is a tough and gritty kid who has also developed into a great leader,” Chin said. His versatility and motor make him invaluable.     Harris has the size and athleticism to be a difference-maker. “Damarious has developed into a long, rangy athlete that can defend from the free safety and stretch the field vertically as a wide receiver,” Chin said. Expect him to make plays on both sides of the ball.     Rague brings a similar profile to Harris with his length and two-way ability. “Another long athlete… expected to make a big impact on both sides of the ball,” said Chin.     Vaelua is a physical force on both offense and defense. “Samson is an aggressive defensive player and punishing runner,” Chin said. He's expected to split carries with Castillo, giving North Medford a “great 1-2 punch” in the backfield.     Rhodes is returning from a sophomore-season injury but has emerged stronger than ever. “He is healthier than ever because of the hard work he puts in,” said Chin. “We expect him to be an anchor on our OL.”    With a mix of experienced leaders, breakout candidates, and high-upside newcomers, the Black Tornado will need to adapt quickly to the speed and physicality of varsity football. Coach Chin knows the South Central Conference will test his team every week, but if they can reach their full potential, North Medford has the pieces to make another deep run this fall.

The North Medford Black Tornado are riding high after a 9-4 season that ended with a rivalry win over South Medford to capture the Alternate State Championship (formerly known as the Columbia Cup). Entering his fifth year at the helm, head coach Nathan Chin has built a program known for toughness and resilience, qualities that were tested in a big way this offseason.