Next in Line: MWC Underclassmen All-Conference Selections

<p>The Mid-Willamette Conference proved to be one of the deepest and most competitive leagues in 5A football this season, producing multiple playoff teams and ultimately the state champion in Silverton. Lebanon captured the league title during the regular season, while Silverton surged through the postseason to claim the state championship, highlighting just how strong the conference was from top to bottom. Dallas and West Albany also made postseason appearances, showing the overall depth of the league's talent pool. With several programs consistently competing at a high level, the future of the conference appears bright, especially when looking at the underclassmen already earning all-conference recognition. The players listed below represent the next wave of talent ready to shape the Mid-Willamette Conference in the years ahead.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>First Team</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey's selection to the first team on both sides of the ball speaks to his versatility and impact as a young lineman. Playing along the offensive line while also contributing as an edge defender, Bailey showed advanced physicality and motor for a sophomore competing against older players. His ability to hold up in the trenches for a state championship team highlights both his technique and football IQ. As he continues to develop physically, Bailey projects as a foundational piece for Silverton moving forward.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Langford emerged as one of the top young interior defensive linemen in the conference, combining disruptive strength with consistent production. Recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss as a sophomore, he demonstrated the ability to collapse pockets and create pressure from the inside. His presence helped anchor a Dallas defense that competed well against strong opponents throughout the season. With continued growth, Langford has the potential to become one of the conference's premier defensive linemen over the next two seasons.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Second Team</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Latta showed impressive versatility by contributing on both the offensive and defensive lines, earning recognition for his development as a sophomore. His physical style and willingness to battle in the trenches stood out, especially against experienced competition. Latta's size and positional flexibility give Dallas valuable depth while also hinting at a high developmental ceiling. He has become a key two-way presence for the Dragons.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">VanDeweghe played an important role in Silverton's championship run, showing toughness and instincts at linebacker beyond his years. His ability to read plays quickly and flow to the football allowed him to contribute in high-pressure situations throughout the season. Competing in meaningful postseason games as a sophomore will only accelerate his development. VanDeweghe's combination of physicality and awareness suggests he could become a defensive leader for the Foxes moving forward.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Special teams often go unnoticed, but Little's recognition as a sophomore punter highlights the importance of field position in Silverton's success. His consistency and ability to flip the field provided valuable hidden yardage throughout the season. For a young specialist, earning all-conference honors shows both confidence from the coaching staff and reliability under pressure. As he continues to refine his technique, Little could become one of the top specialists in the classification.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Edmiston represented one of West Albany's emerging young defenders, showing promise as a linebacker with strong effort and physicality. Competing against some of the conference's best offenses helped accelerate his development and prepare him for a larger role moving forward. His willingness to play downhill and attack the football stood out throughout the season. With continued growth, Edmiston could become a key defensive contributor for the Bulldogs.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kofstad contributed valuable depth along the offensive line for a championship-caliber team, gaining experience against high-level competition. His size and physical approach in the trenches stood out, particularly for a young lineman still developing technically. Competing within a strong offensive line unit will help accelerate his growth. Kofstad projects as a player who could take a significant leap with another offseason of development.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Davis showcased flashes of playmaking ability in Silverton's backfield, earning honorable mention recognition as a sophomore. His ability to contribute within a balanced offensive attack highlights both his versatility and potential upside. Playing behind experienced players this season allowed him to gain valuable experience without carrying the full workload. As opportunities increase, Davis has the tools to become a more prominent offensive weapon.</p>

The Mid-Willamette Conference proved to be one of the deepest and most competitive leagues in 5A football this season, producing multiple playoff teams and ultimately the state champion in Silverton. Lebanon captured the league title during the regular season, while Silverton surged through the postseason to claim the state championship, highlighting just how strong the conference was from top to bottom. Dallas and West Albany also made postseason appearances, showing the overall depth of the league's talent pool. With several programs consistently competing at a high level, the future of the conference appears bright, especially when looking at the underclassmen already earning all-conference recognition. The players listed below represent the next wave of talent ready to shape the Mid-Willamette Conference in the years ahead.