Next in Line: Mt. Hood Underclassmen All-Conference Selections

<p>The Mt. Hood Conference once again proved in 2025 that it is one of the most competitive and physical leagues in the state, sending multiple teams into the postseason and producing both a state runner-up and a semifinalist. Nelson captured the conference title after a big late-season win over Central Catholic, while the Rams went on a memorable playoff run that ended in the 6A state championship game. Sandy and Clackamas were also right in the mix throughout the season, each showing the depth and toughness that has become synonymous with this league. While the Mt. Hood Conference was led by experienced seniors in 2025, a strong group of underclassmen quietly built impressive résumés of their own. From offensive linemen already holding their own in the trenches to specialists and returners changing field position, the future of the conference looks extremely bright. Here are the sophomores who earned all-conference recognition and look poised to become major names moving forward.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>First Team</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Tautu earned first-team all-conference honors as a sophomore, an extremely rare accomplishment in a league built around physical line play. The Central Catholic offensive lineman was a key part of a Rams front that powered one of the state's most consistent rushing attacks and protected a playoff team that reached the 6A title game. Tautu showed advanced strength, technique, and poise for his age, consistently holding up against older, more experienced defenders. With two seasons still ahead of him, he is a cornerstone of the Central Catholic line and the number one player in Oregon for 2028.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Rossi made his presence felt in a major way as a sophomore, earning first-team all-conference honors at punter for Barlow. In a conference filled with explosive offenses, Rossi's ability to flip the field and consistently win the hidden yardage battle stood out. His consistency and leg strength gave the Bruins a weapon in the field position game and showed maturity well beyond his years. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Second Team</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Batiste joined Rossi as another underclassman standout from Barlow, earning second-team all-conference honors on the offensive line. Batiste helped anchor a Bruins front that battled every week against some of the toughest defensive fronts in 6A. His selection reflects both his physical development and the trust the coaching staff placed in him at such a young age. With another full offseason in the weight room and two more varsity seasons ahead, Batiste has the tools to grow into one of the conference's premier linemen.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Nelson's Crichton earned second-team all-conference honors as a kick returner after providing a consistent spark in the Hawks' return game. His speed, vision, and fearlessness made him a constant threat to change momentum with the ball in his hands. In a conference where field position often decides games, Crichton's impact went far beyond the stat sheet. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to become a dynamic two-way weapon and one of the most dangerous open-field players in the Mt. Hood.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ceaser picked up honorable mention all-conference recognition as a sophomore center, a position that demands leadership, communication, and toughness. Anchoring the middle of the offensive line, Ceaser was responsible for helping keep Clackamas organized up front. Earning recognition at the center this early speaks volumes about his football IQ and physical readiness. As he gains experience, Ceaser has the foundation to develop into one of the conference's most dependable interior linemen.</p>

The Mt. Hood Conference once again proved in 2025 that it is one of the most competitive and physical leagues in the state, sending multiple teams into the postseason and producing both a state runner-up and a semifinalist. Nelson captured the conference title after a big late-season win over Central Catholic, while the Rams went on a memorable playoff run that ended in the 6A state championship game. Sandy and Clackamas were also right in the mix throughout the season, each showing the depth and toughness that has become synonymous with this league. While the Mt. Hood Conference was led by experienced seniors in 2025, a strong group of underclassmen quietly built impressive résumés of their own. From offensive linemen already holding their own in the trenches to specialists and returners changing field position, the future of the conference looks extremely bright. Here are the sophomores who earned all-conference recognition and look poised to become major names moving forward.