Next in Line: Pacific Underclassmen All-Conference Selections

The Pacific Conference once again proved to be one of the deeper leagues in 6A football this past season, producing playoff teams, explosive offenses, and a number of underclassmen who already played major roles on Friday nights. Sherwood, Glencoe, and Newberg all spent time in the state rankings, while Liberty and Century showed flashes of young talent that point to a much higher ceiling moving forward. Even with a senior-heavy league, several freshmen and sophomores earned all-conference recognition, underscoring both opportunity and impact. These are not just future contributors; many of these players were already meaningful pieces of their programs this fall. As the Pacific Conference reloads for next season, this group will be at the center of that transition. Here are the underclassmen named to the all-conference team who are next in line to take over the league.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Team</h2>   There Were No Underclassmen Named First-Team All Pacific Conference   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Second Team</h2>    Morales emerged as a reliable presence in the middle of Century's defense as a sophomore, earning Second Team honors in a conference full of veteran linebackers. He consistently showed the ability to flow to the football, finish tackles, and compete physically despite his size and youth. Morales already looks comfortable playing varsity football, which is often the hardest step for underclass defenders. With another offseason in the weight room, he projects as a potential defensive cornerstone for the Jaguars.     James gained valuable varsity experience as a sophomore quarterback, a position where growth often comes with live reps. He flashed arm talent, competitiveness, and the willingness to attack downfield, which earned him all-conference recognition in a tough Pacific Conference. Quarterbacks who play early tend to develop faster, and James now has a full season to build on. With continued development, he has a chance to grow into one of the league's more dangerous offensive weapons.     Owens made his mark as a playmaker, impacting games both as a receiver and in the return game. His Second Team recognition highlights his ability to create explosive plays and flip field position, something every coaching staff values. As a sophomore already trusted in multiple roles, Owens showed maturity in his game and confidence with the ball in his hands. He's the type of athlete defenses will have to account for in space over the next two seasons.     Wallace proved his versatility early, contributing on both sides of the ball for a Sherwood team that won the Pacific Conference. On defense, he showed the instincts and toughness to play linebacker, while on offense he provided physicality and downhill ability in the run game. Earning Second Team recognition as a sophomore in a league champion's lineup is no small feat. Wallace is the type of multi-tool athlete who could become a focal point of Sherwood's identity moving forward.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention</h2>    Stortro's all-conference nod reflects his value in multiple phases of the game. Whether playing in the secondary, punting, or impacting the return game, he showed versatility and trust from the coaching staff. Players who contribute in three phases often become glue pieces for successful programs. As he continues to develop, Stortro's role could expand even further.     Fonua earned recognition as a sophomore corner, one of the toughest positions for underclassmen to play. He showed the ability to compete in coverage and hold his own against older receivers. Defensive backs who get meaningful varsity reps early often take big leaps. Fonua's experience this season should serve him well moving forward.     Wolfe adds to a strong sophomore class of quarterbacks in the Pacific Conference. He showed enough this season to earn all-conference recognition, highlighting his upside at the position. Young quarterbacks benefit greatly from early varsity snaps, and Wolfe now has that foundation. His growth will be a major storyline for Glencoe moving forward.     Boatsman's honorable mention nod shows the depth of young talent already in Sherwood's program. As a sophomore quarterback, earning recognition in any form is notable. He demonstrated the ability to operate the offense and compete at the varsity level. Continued development could put him firmly in the conversation as a future conference standout.     Castro earned his honorable mention as a sophomore running back, a position loaded with experienced players across the conference. He showed the ability to handle contact, find space, and contribute within Glencoe's offensive system. Young backs who already earn trust tend to see their workload grow quickly. Castro looks poised for a larger role as he continues to develop.     Herrera made his presence felt in the box, contributing in the trenches for a Newberg team that competed for a playoff spot. His ability to play both defensively and along the offensive line speaks to his physical tools and football IQ. As a sophomore, he gained critical experience against high-level competition. That foundation could pay off quickly as he grows into a bigger role.     Holmes adds to a strong group of young Century defenders earning recognition this year. He showed the range and toughness needed to play linebacker in a conference filled with productive running backs. Being named all-conference as a sophomore reflects consistent impact, not just flashes. Holmes looks like a building block piece as Century continues to reshape its defensive core.     Lacey contributed to the interior offensive line for a Sherwood team that won the conference, which speaks volumes about his reliability. Playing guard as a sophomore requires both physical toughness and technical development. Lacey already showed he could function within a successful offensive system. He should only become more dominant as his body continues to mature.     Center is one of the most mentally demanding spots on the field, and Moore handled it well enough to earn all-conference recognition as a sophomore. That indicates trust from his coaches and consistency in execution. His development is huge for Sherwood's long-term offensive continuity. Moore has a chance to anchor the line for years to come.     Thomas earned his spot as a sophomore safety, a position that demands both athleticism and mental sharpness. He demonstrated the ability to support the run, play in space, and hold up in coverage. Young defensive backs who can already handle varsity speed are rare. Thomas is positioned to become one of Newberg's key defensive leaders over the next two seasons.     Westgaard earned his recognition in the trenches, battling up front against older, more developed linemen. As a sophomore defensive lineman, simply surviving at the 6A level is impressive, and Westgaard did more than that. He showed flashes of strength, effort, and toughness that suggest a big jump could be coming. With physical development, he could become a major piece of Liberty's front.     Curbow was the only freshman in the conference to earn all-conference recognition, which immediately puts him on the radar. Playing both on the defensive line and at guard, he showed early versatility and toughness in the trenches. Very few ninth-graders handle varsity physicality well, and Curbow already appears comfortable with it. His ceiling is extremely high as he continues to mature physically.

The Pacific Conference once again proved to be one of the deeper leagues in 6A football this past season, producing playoff teams, explosive offenses, and a number of underclassmen who already played major roles on Friday nights. Sherwood, Glencoe, and Newberg all spent time in the state rankings, while Liberty and Century showed flashes of young talent that point to a much higher ceiling moving forward. Even with a senior-heavy league, several freshmen and sophomores earned all-conference recognition, underscoring both opportunity and impact. These are not just future contributors; many of these players were already meaningful pieces of their programs this fall. As the Pacific Conference reloads for next season, this group will be at the center of that transition. Here are the underclassmen named to the all-conference team who are next in line to take over the league.