Prediction: Lakeridge Pacers will win 6A state championship

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Oregon high school football season kicks off this week, which means it's time to make our predictions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've already “handed out” preseason awards for the top players at each position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But so far, Jordan Johnson and I haven't made state champion predictions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: The Lakeridge Pacers will win the 6A state championship.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In truth, Lakeridge may never have a better chance than this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pacers have 35 seniors in the same year that West Linn is replacing 11 first-team all-league performers (graduation) and Lake Oswego is young and less experienced in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both the Lions and Lakers will improve over the course of the season, and each is a legitimate, dangerous state title contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Picking against either of those schools is a scary proposition, and both could easily prove me wrong when the trophy is awarded. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Lakeridge, however, if it's not this year when can they win it?&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The roster is flat-out loaded.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeridge quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='284120' first='Drew' last='Weiler'] is one of the most under-appreciated players in the entire state and has a chance to open eyes this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pacers have a loaded running back room, led by Washington Huskies commit [player_tooltip player_id='284119' first='Ansu' last='Sanoe'], who is one of the most physically-gifted running backs the state has produced in recent history.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by returning all-state performer [player_tooltip player_id='1546087' first='Jaden' last='Tragesser'] and [player_tooltip player_id='402418' first='Marcus' last='Post'], Lakeridge's receiving corps is one of the most dangerous in the state and is deep with athletes who could all “pop” for a big game any given Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tackle duo [player_tooltip player_id='402412' first='Joe' last='Weiler'] (6-6, 270) and [player_tooltip player_id='914288' first='Carter' last='Paul'] (6-7, 315) are two of the biggest bodies in the state and lead what should be a top-3 offensive line in all of 6A.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It helps that the interior is also sound - with [player_tooltip player_id='1341235' first='Jaxon' last='Barber'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1591972' first='LJ' last='Kyle'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive line is led by the best front-seven player in the state, senior [player_tooltip player_id='769915' first='Noah' last='Tishendorf'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talented defensive end has led 6A football in sacks each of the past two seasons and is one of the most physically-dominant players in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weiler and Paul can stuff the middle and [player_tooltip player_id='769991' first='Yahkyll' last='Noil'] will play an edge/outside linebacker role that will make him a disruptive force.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebacker corps is led by [player_tooltip player_id='1112405' first='Kilian' last='Eddleman'], who may be the best senior ‘backer in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior [player_tooltip player_id='402418' first='Marcus' last='Post'], a four-year starter, leads a secondary that may be the only real question.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honorable mention all-league cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='1585690' first='Obama' last='Shibo'] returns and Mountainside transfer [player_tooltip player_id='845242' first='Sean' last='Bour-Nelson'] bolsters the group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The X-factor?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanoe is playing a strong safety role and has looked like a superstar in fall camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Find the weakness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I really can't.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It might be a lack of history winning the big one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeridge lost in the quarterfinals last year and hasn't been to a state championship game since winning it in 1987.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, the Pacers were physically outmatched by Central Catholic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But this year they are bigger, faster, stronger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The bullied may become the bully.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It will require an historic run, but I predict Lakeridge takes home the 6A crown this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->