Next in Line: TRL Underclassmen All-Conference Selections

<p>The Three Rivers League once again proved why it's the deepest and most competitive conference in the state. With state title contenders like Lake Oswego and West Linn, plus playoff-caliber programs in Tualatin and Lakeridge, this league demanded consistency, toughness, and physicality every single week. What made this season even more impressive was the number of underclassmen who didn't just contribute, but earned all-conference recognition against some of the top upperclassmen in Oregon. These sophomores weren't hidden behind veterans; they carved out real roles and, in several cases, became centerpieces of their teams. As the league reloads for next season, this group will be a big reason why the TRL should again be must-watch football. These are the young names already establishing themselves and positioning themselves to be impact players for years to come.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>First Team</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Rule was one of the most impressive young players in the entire league, earning First Team honors after rushing for 623 yards and six touchdowns in a conference loaded with talent. He showed the ability to run through contact, press holes with patience, and finish runs falling forward, which is rare for a sophomore. What makes him even more valuable is his versatility, also being recognized at inside linebacker. Competing physically on both sides of the ball in the TRL as a sophomore is no small feat, and Rule clearly established himself as one of the top young two-way players in the state.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Second Team</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cracking the lineup at West Linn is hard enough; earning all-conference recognition as a sophomore linebacker is even harder. Holmes showed he belongs with his ability to play in space, flow to the football, and compete physically on the edge. He displayed strong instincts and didn't look overwhelmed playing against older, more experienced athletes. With another offseason of development, Holmes has the tools to become a major defensive piece in one of the state's premier programs.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Cepeda emerged as one of Tigard's most dynamic offensive weapons, finishing the season with 542 rushing yards and six touchdowns. At 165 pounds, his game is built more on quickness, burst, and vision than pure power, and he consistently showed the ability to make defenders miss in space. He runs with good tempo, finds creases, and has the acceleration to turn routine carries into explosive gains. Producing at that level as a sophomore in the Three Rivers League points to a player whose ceiling is only beginning to show.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Knips made his mark as a versatile contributor, earning recognition on both sides of the ball. His ability to impact the game as a tight end and a defensive lineman speaks to his size, toughness, and overall football value. That kind of flexibility is huge at the high school level, especially in a league that demands physicality in the box. Knips projects as a player whose role will continue to grow as he matures physically.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hamper earned recognition in a secondary that had no shortage of talent. He showed good range, reliability on the back end, and the ability to fit into West Linn's aggressive defensive approach. Playing safety in the TRL requires awareness, toughness, and communication, all things Hamper displayed. He looks like another young defensive back ready to take on more responsibility.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Matijacic contributed to a Lake Oswego defensive front that helped power a state championship run. As a sophomore defensive lineman, he showed he could rotate in and compete at a high level against strong offensive lines. His physical tools and effort stood out. Being part of that championship environment early could accelerate his development into a much larger role.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Playing tackle in the Three Rivers League as a sophomore is a serious challenge, and Powarczuk answered it well enough to earn all-conference recognition. He showed the frame and competitive edge you want on the outside, battling defensive ends week after week. His experience this season will pay dividends moving forward as his body continues to develop. Powarczuk gives Tualatin a young foundation piece up front.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Bissell is already a name familiar to anyone who followed the West Linn playoff run. As a sophomore, he flashed explosiveness, vision, and the ability to rise to big moments. He runs with confidence, hits the hole hard, and has the burst to turn small creases into chunk plays. Being able to contribute in a loaded backfield at West Linn this early in his career is a strong sign of what's coming.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Rose earned his recognition in the trenches, competing up front in one of the toughest conferences in Oregon. As a sophomore guard, he showed the ability to hold his own against varsity defensive linemen and bring consistent effort snap after snap. Interior linemen often take longer to develop, which makes early recognition even more impressive. Rose is a young piece for Lakeridge that could anchor their line in the coming seasons.</p>

The Three Rivers League once again proved why it's the deepest and most competitive conference in the state. With state title contenders like Lake Oswego and West Linn, plus playoff-caliber programs in Tualatin and Lakeridge, this league demanded consistency, toughness, and physicality every single week. What made this season even more impressive was the number of underclassmen who didn't just contribute, but earned all-conference recognition against some of the top upperclassmen in Oregon. These sophomores weren't hidden behind veterans; they carved out real roles and, in several cases, became centerpieces of their teams. As the league reloads for next season, this group will be a big reason why the TRL should again be must-watch football. These are the young names already establishing themselves and positioning themselves to be impact players for years to come.