Next in Line: IMC Underclassmen All-Conference Selections

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Intermountain Conference was one of the strongest and deepest leagues in Class 5A this past season, sending multiple teams into the 16-team state playoff bracket and producing a legitimate state title contender. Summit ran the table in league play and entered the postseason as the No. 1 overall seed, while Mountain View finished right behind them and made a deep semifinal run. Ridgeview and Bend also qualified for the playoffs, showing the league's depth, while younger programs like Caldera, Crook County, and Redmond continued to build toward the future. Ultimately, Summit's march to the state championship game and Mountain View's defensive-dominant playoff run highlighted just how battle-tested the IMC was. As this <em>Next in Line</em> series shifts into 5A for the first time, the Intermountain Conference is the perfect place to start, a league where underclassmen weren't just contributors, but foundational pieces on competitive teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>First Team</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2105943"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50af19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clarke emerged as one of the most productive underclassmen running backs in the state, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards as a sophomore while averaging an impressive 9.7 yards per carry. His 13 touchdowns reflect not only big-play ability but consistency as a primary offensive weapon. Clarke runs with confidence, vision, and burst, making him difficult to contain once he reaches the second level. With two more seasons ahead of him, he's already establishing himself as a cornerstone for Caldera's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Second Team</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120089"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50af8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Griffin quickly proved he could handle the physical demands of varsity football, earning second-team honors as a sophomore linebacker. He plays downhill with urgency and shows strong instincts against the run, often finding himself around the ball. Griffin's motor and toughness stood out on a Crook County defense that relied on underclassmen contributions. With continued development, he has the tools to become a defensive leader in the IMC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120088"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50afdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schaefer showed flashes of becoming a go-to target in Ridgeview's passing game, using his length and ball skills to create matchup problems on the perimeter. As a sophomore, he displayed poise beyond his years, consistently finding space against conference defenses. His ability to contribute in key moments hints at a much larger role moving forward. Schaefer's trajectory suggests he'll be a focal point of the Ravens' offense in the near future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1609771"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50b025"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stanley is already one of the most recognizable underclassmen in the state, currently ranked No. 3 in Oregon for the Class of 2028, and it shows on film. He plays with advanced technique, power at the point of attack, and a level of confidence you don't often see from a sophomore offensive lineman. Anchoring the line for a Summit team that reached the 5A state title game, Stanley proved he can handle big moments against top competition. His combination of size, polish, and upside makes him one of the premier long-term prospects in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2109161"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50b06c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Geaslin rounded out Ridgeview's group of recognized underclassmen with his steady play at linebacker. He showed good awareness and range, contributing in both run support and pursuit. His recognition reflects consistent effort rather than flashy production, which often translates well long term. Geaslin is another young defender trending upward within the IMC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120095"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50b0b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hanson brought physicality and effort to Caldera's linebacker group, earning all-conference mention in a competitive league. He plays with a downhill mindset and shows willingness to engage blockers and finish plays. For a sophomore, his comfort at the varsity level stood out. Hanson looks poised to take on an even bigger defensive role in the coming seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120090"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50b0f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Orton may not fit the traditional mold with his size, but his effort, toughness, and determination consistently stand out. He plays with great leverage, fires off the ball, and refuses to be outworked snap-to-snap. Orton's motor and physical mentality set the tone up front, especially for a Crook County team that leaned on grit and competitiveness. He's the type of lineman who maximizes every rep and earns respect through effort alone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120091"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50b13f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rouse is an intriguing developmental prospect with significant physical growth potential over the next few years. He already flashes solid movement skills and length, and as his frame fills out, his ceiling rises significantly. Playing meaningful snaps for a Ridgeview team that reached the 5A playoffs, Rouse gained valuable experience against quality competition. With continued strength development, he has the tools to become a very good offensive lineman at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120098"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698284c50b184"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a freshman, Lawrence made an immediate impression, flashing quickness and natural feel as a ball carrier. Earning all-conference recognition at that age speaks volumes about his potential and competitiveness. He showed the ability to contribute despite facing older, more experienced defenders throughout the season. Lawrence is firmly a name to track as he continues to grow into his frame and role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->