Lakeridge Pacers reloading with young core: Defense

A year after graduating 30-plus seniors from the roster, the Lakeridge Pacers are expected to go through a youth movement this fall.   But that's entirely a bad thing.   Lakeridge's young core is loaded with quality, impact athletes who could eventually make major noise in the 6A state playoffs.   Still, they'll have to replace a collection of big-time talents, including [player_tooltip player_id='769915' first='Noah' last='Tishendorf'], the state's best pass-rusher over the past three years, and four-year starting safety [player_tooltip player_id='402418' first='Marcus' last='Post'].   This group won't have that level of experience, but they will come with plenty of team speed.    “We're faster across every position than in years past, and the combination of veteran leadership with hungry, athletic young talent gives us great momentum heading into this season and beyond,” Phillips said.    Since 2020, the Pacers have made it to the state quarterfinals every year, and that will remain the goal - and possibly beyond - for the foreseeable future.   To do that, the defense will need several young players to rise up to the challenge.   Here's a look at the defense:   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/lakeridge-pacers-reloading-with-young-core-offense/" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/lakeridge-pacers-reloading-with-young-core-offense/">Part 1 - Offense</a>   Defensive line   Tishendorf's departure leaves a huge hole, and he's arguably the toughest player to replace in the entire state from last season.   He was either the state leader or among the state's leaders in sacks each of the past three seasons.   While there's no clear-cut one-for-one replacement, there are (eventual) high hopes for [player_tooltip player_id='1855541' first='Malakai' last='Belz'], who registered 12 sacks at the lower levels this past fall.   Belz will play a variety of positions, but a double-digit-sack season is always intriguing, and he's clearly a player to monitor.    All-league center [player_tooltip player_id='936891' first='Caleb' last='Klein'] will play both ways and should provide leadership to a group that is still feeling out everyone's exact role.    [player_tooltip player_id='1857186' first='Lucas' last='Pashley'] will contribute on both sides of the ball - with quickness and acceleration at the point of attack.   Nickolas Steranko, a 290-pound soon-to-be junior, has put himself in a position to contribute on both sides of the ball.   “He's worked extremely hard to be a contributor for us,” Phillips said. “He should make a major jumps this year and be in the conversation as a college football player by the time he graduates. He's a prime example of the young talent ready to step up.”    Andrew MacKenzie is still coming back form a non-contact injury, but should be good-to-go by the time fall camp rolls around, and will also be a two-way contributor.    [player_tooltip player_id='1202679' first='Parker' last='Hanson'] is yet another name to watch, as his physical presence and power could lead him to a breakout season.   Dwyer Sorensen is a 6-foot-4, 260-pound promising young edge and tight end who should be a young building block up front.    As you can see, there's a lot of candidates to come in and play.   There's plenty of talent in the group, but the depth chart remains a question mark.    Linebacker   Lakeridge had 3-4 linebackers worthy of all-league honors, and potentially all-state honors if they didn't have to share the tackles and impact plays.   Many of those faces are gone, meaning it's a position open for competition.   *Bo Matheny is a player to watch.   The versatile, long linebacker has significant upside and could deliver on that promise as soon as this fall.   Graham Layton is further along as an offensive product, but Phillips noted he could be a two-way player this year.   Perhaps that's in a versatile role at a hybrid linebacker/big safety.    Belz is an edge-rusher linebacker whose growth will determine where he lines up going forward.   He should be counted as a DL or LB piece depending on situation, scheme and development.   Defensive back   There's no question about who's the leader of the group this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='845242' first='Sean' last='Bour-Nelson'], the son of former Oregon Ducks standout J.D. Nelson, returns for his senior season.   The speedy athlete will clearly contribute on both sides of the ball - and shine - but his best position remains on defense.   He ran an 11.3 100 this fall (so far), and the 6-foot, 165-pound corner is sticky in coverage.   With so many seniors moving on, leadership will be at a premium - and Bour-Nelson has the experience to easily slide into that role.    Joining him in a leadership role in the back of the defense is [player_tooltip player_id='936893' first='Easton' last='Lawson'], a soon-to-be senior who coach Spencer Phillips said has been a workout warrior for the past four years.   Lawson was a second-team all-league selection last fall, and is a good bet to make the leap to the first team.   Also returning is Seba Molyneux, who has played three seasons for Team Alpha and has provided depth the past few seasons.   He's a good bet to take on a starting gig this fall, and should help stabilize a group that was decimated, at times, by injuries last season.

A year after graduating 30-plus seniors from the roster, the Lakeridge Pacers are expected to go through a youth movement this fall.