Lake Oswego Lakers have state title potential: Offense preview

After losing in the 6A state title game last season, the Lake Oswego Lakers return the bulk of their skill position production and have enough depth in the trenches to make a serious push.   Standing in the way will be the West Linn Lions, Lakeridge Pacers, Central Catholic Rams and several others, but legendary Lake Oswego coach Steve Coury believes in his roster.    “We're going to be able to compete with everyone we play,” he said.    Quarterback   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='402409' first='Hudson' last='Kurland'], a Washington State Cougars commit, returns and is arguably the state's best quarterback.    And he should be well-seasoned a year after some tough playoff hurdles.    “We probably messed up last year…  we got out in front in a lot of those early games and we pulled people. He didn't get as much playing time in pressure moments,” Coury said. "His biggest thing is the experience of playing and playing in high-pressure situation. I think he could take a big step forward this year. He's a really good player.”    In truth, it's a little surprising Kurland hasn't gotten even more love on the recruiting trail.   The talented passer seems to check all of the boxes - and his film is impressive.   “He's 6-foot-4, he's got a strong arm, he's very athletic and bright as can be,” Coury said. “What else do you want?”    Running back   Senior LaMarcus Bell is a preseason favorite for Gatorade Player of the Year.   As a junior, the Utah Utes pledge rushed for 2,004 yards and 29 touchdowns.    While few backs should be compared to former Army All-American Casey Filkins, the two have some similarities.    “They are both great human beings, and that's such a important quality to have for a leader on your team,” Coury said. “Casey was a really quick kid. He had good vision. I think LaMarcus is a little stronger.”   To Coury, it was obvious Bell would develop into a star as soon as he saw him.    “When he was a freshman I brought him up with us (to varsity),” he said. "I ended up playing him.I could see then he was special. He wasn't intimidated by it and had a different gear.”   Senior  [player_tooltip player_id='1059015' first='Justin' last='Craigwell'] spells Bell when he needs a breather, but he's a wildly overqualified “back-up.”   In fact, that's a misrepresentation of the 5-foot-11, 205-pound athlete's contribution.   He's got star potential.    “He would be an all-league, maybe an all-state running back,” Coury said. “He's that skilled.”    Senior athlete Jaylen Bauman is another contributor to watch.   The son of Oregon Ducks great Rashad Bauman (1997-2001), Bauman is a speedster who can make a huge play given a little space.    “We've got two really good guys behind the guy that could be player of the year,” Coury said.    Wide receiver   Junior wide receiver Josiah Agnimel transferred from Mountainside and has quickly emerged as a star for the Lakers.   The 6-foot-3, 205-pound pass-catcher looked like a breakout candidate in the camp circuit, and a big season is likely ahead this fall.    “He's a special kid and got a lot skill, but we've got a good group of guys out there,” Coury said. “There will be a lot of guys that can play.”   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1169947' first='Hudson' last='Gasperson'] is one of the most underrated playmakers in the state, while junior [player_tooltip player_id='937103' first='Cole' last='Callahan'], senior Sawyer Best, junior [player_tooltip player_id='797128' first='Cameron' last='Elijah'] and Baunman, the do-it-all weapon, round out the group.   It will be, undoubtedly, in the discussion as the best group of pass-catchers in the entire state.   Class of 2028 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1613644' first='Presley' last='DeLance'] is a young prospect to keep an eye on.   The 6-foot-4, 220-pound playmaker has all the makings of a future star and has really popped in the offseason.   There's still some work to do, but DeLance could become a key cog sooner rather than later.    “He's still got a lot of growing up to do, but he's a gifted kid,” Coury said.    Tight end   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='457009' first='Sam' last='Vyhlidal'] transferred from Mountainside and is a two-way all-state contributor.   He is arguably the most impactful transfer in the state and is an X-factor for Lake Oswego.   The 6-foot-4, 225-pound athlete is likely to be a first-team all-state selection at both tight end and linebacker, and his addition gives the Lakers yet another big body opponents will have to account for.   “He's a really good player, obviously,” Coury said.    Junior Ethan Uecker is another tight end to watch, and could make some big plays this season.    Offensive line   Lake Oswego's state title chances may hinge on how the offensive line group responds to key losses.   Gone are first-team all-league performers Noah Uecker,, Jagar Shean, Jaden Moore and second-team all-leaguer Amin Alshaati,.    That's a ton of talent to replace.   But the Lakers have a smart, competitive bunch of “next men up” returning.   That effort may start with Adam Wiliiams.   “He's a quality kid and he's really improved himself,” Coury said. “He's gotten bigger and stronger and has really come around.”   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1359160' first='Dylan' last='Marquez'] has appeared to be a breakout contender this offseason.   The 6-foot-4, 270-pound lineman has looked dominant at times, and could be the enforcer of the group.    Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1525160' first='Jackson' last='Graetz'] has put in a ton of time to get better and looks to be yet another important part of the puzzle.    Solomon Kroeker missed nearly all of last season with an injury, but the 6-foot-4 290-pound lineman has looked the part and could be a secret weapon of sorts up front.    [player_tooltip player_id='1708647' first='Ethan' last='Dromgoole'] wil make the move from junior varsity to varsity and has been hungry to improve.   With loaded skill groups, this O-line must come together - and perhaps excel come playoff time - for Lake Oswego to get over the hump and win the school's first state title since 2018 (runner-up in 2019 and 2024).

After losing in the 6A state title game last season, the Lake Oswego Lakers return the bulk of their skill position production and have enough depth in the trenches to make a serious push.