Lakeridge Pacers reloading with young core: Offense

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 not entirely a bad thing.   Lakeridge's young nucleus is loaded with quality, impact athletes who could eventually make major noise in the 6A state playoffs.   For now, however, it's a “welcome to Friday Night lights”-type of season, one that should see some sparks - even with heavy turnover.   And they won't be doing it entirely alone, as last year's juniors are finally ready to take the mantle after the loaded 2026 class graduates.   “We return a small, but strong senior-led core that brings leadership, experience, and toughness to the program,” Lakeridge coach Spencer Phillips said. “At the same time, we are loaded with talented young star players who are ready to step into major roles and make an immediate impact.”    One surprising aspect of the young group is that they should actually have more team speed this year.   “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.   Here's a look at the offense.   Quarterback   Class of 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1752112' first='Carson' last='Pickens'] is expected to take over at the position.   Lakeridge has churned out several all-league quarterbacks since Phillips arrival, but he believes next year's guy has a chance to be the best of the bunch.   Pickens is a natural thrower who handles pressure well and brings elite competitiveness to the program.     Clearly, it's his team going forward.   Running back   Gone are dynamic duo [player_tooltip player_id='284119' first='Ansu' last='Sanoe'] (Washington) and [player_tooltip player_id='769915' first='Noah' last='Tishendorf'] (West Virginia), two of the best athletes to share a backfield in recent Oregon history.   So, you would expect a massive drop off, right?   Not so fast.    Senior-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='1878395' first='Colby' last='Owen'] impressed last fall as a rotational back, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.   With a year of added strength and conditioning training under his belt, he could make the leap to an all-league performer.   Joining him in the backfield will be Jack Carothers, who ran a 11.2 100-meter time this spring.   “He's physical and strong, bringing a downhill mentality to the backfield,” Phillips said. “With so many young players stepping into starting roles, Carothers has the chance to make a major impact.”   Then, of course, there's [player_tooltip player_id='1563740' first='Mason' last='Girt'].   The speedy, diminutive X-factor is one of the most explosive young players in the state, and can be utilized on offense in a variety of ways.    Girl is a big play waiting to happen, and it will be fascinating to see how he is unleashed in the offense - and how his touches increase as he adds to his frame.    Graham Layton is another player to keep an eye on, and he will have a two-way impact.    Wide receiver   Junior-to-be Hudson Armerding has a chance to be among the breakout stars of the Three Rivers League.   The 6-foot-3 pass-catcher has great hands and poses a match-up nightmare for opposing defensive backs.   He is definitely a player to watch this fall.   Class of 2028 Nolan Pickens, Carson's brother, is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound pass-catcher who Phillips believes could put up monster numbers soon.   “He possesses the natural instincts to get open and is great catching in traffic,” he said. “I expect a breakout season from him.”    Sophomore-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='1509111' first='Jagger' last='Salazar'] will be an immediate impact player.   The 6-foot-2, 175-pound pass-catcher scored 10 touchdowns in four games at the lower level and is ready to emerge as a go-to playmaker for the next three seasons.   He could develop into one of the state's best receivers.    “He is already making great strides in the weight room and brings maturity well beyond his class,” Phillips said. “He's going to be one of the state's top recruits in his class. He's ready to contribute right away on both sides of the ball.”    Tight end    Class of 2029 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1855541' first='Malakai' last='Belz'] made his biggest impact on defense last fall (more on that in the defensive preview), but is a talented tight end who is a player to watch.   He could develop into a recruit over time.    Offensive line   Lakeridge returns some key pieces along the offensive line.    Center [player_tooltip player_id='936891' first='Caleb' last='Klein'] returns as a all-league center and should help out on both sides of the ball.   “He is a massive, reliable presence in the middle and one of the leaders of a young offensive and defensive front,” Phillips said.    [player_tooltip player_id='1752104' first='Wyatt' last='Rose'], a soon-to-be junior, has started since his freshman season and will be tasked with a leadership role this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1857186' first='Lucas' last='Pashley'] is a potential breakout candidate.   “He's quick, physical, great at the point of contact, and fearless,” Phillips said. “With a young group taking over, Pashley has all the tools to dominate in the trenches on both sides of the ball.”    Kicker   Lakeridge has a true weapon at the kicker position, as Patrick Hellberg projects as an all-league performer.

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