2026 Preview: David Douglas Scots

Welcome to Prep Redzone Oregon's 2026 Football Season Preview series! Over the next several weeks, I'll be highlighting programs from around the state as we count down to kickoff. Let's be honest, 6A football gets plenty of attention, so this series is all about shining a light on the outstanding players, coaches, and programs throughout Oregon's smaller classifications. Over the summer, I reached out to head coaches across the state to learn more about their teams heading into the season. These previews are built using their insight, giving fans a look at each program's expectations, players to watch, and goals for 2026. Every article is based on the coaches who took the time to respond, helping tell the story of their program.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">2026 David Douglas Scots</h1>   The David Douglas Scots enter their second season competing in 5A after spending years in the 6A classification, and there is a new look surrounding the program heading into the 2026 season. After going 2-7 and missing the playoffs in their first year at the 5A level, the Scots will enter this season under new head coach Tyler Maes, who has brought a new staff and a new vision to the program. Maes, who previously served as the QB coach at Sandy, will lead a staff that includes defensive coordinator Matt Frye, previously the DC at Barlow.   The goal is bigger than simply improving the win total. David Douglas has averaged just two wins per season over the last 16 years, according to Maes, creating a perception that the program is difficult to turn around. The new coaching staff is focused on changing that perception while building a culture centered around development, accountability and belief.   "Change the identity and belief and view of the program," Maes said of the team's goals heading into the season. That process has already started. The Scots have seen solid participation throughout spring football and their summer training programs, with Maes noting that players are buying into the new values and identity being established within the program. Now the focus shifts to how that work translates to Friday nights.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h2>    Fong is one of the biggest names to know on the David Douglas roster heading into the season. The 6'0", 225-pound running back earned Second Team All-League honors in 2025 after putting together a strong junior campaign. His combination of size, power, agility, and vision gives him the potential to be one of the most productive backs in 5A this season. Maes believes Fong deserves far more attention from college coaches, pointing to his ability to move at his size and the fact that he has only played football for three years. After making basketball his primary sport entering high school, Fong has now fully committed himself to football and enters the season with high expectations.     Nault may be one of the most important players on the entire roster. Nault has earned Honorable Mention All-League honors at offensive line in each of the last two seasons and enters 2026 as a two-time team captain. Nault has experience at both guard and tackle and is expected to move to left tackle this season, though Maes believes he can play anywhere along the offensive line. Maes describes him as a 4.0 GPA student who is coachable, a quick learner, and a leader within the school. For Maes, Nault was not properly recognized last season and could be in line for a much bigger spotlight this year.     Perez enters his third season in the program as a two-year starter and will be counted on to provide stability at quarterback. Perez earned Honorable Mention All-League honors at quarterback last season. Maes points to Perez's strong arm and quick release as two of his biggest strengths. With a new offensive system and coaching staff in place, Perez will be an important piece of David Douglas' efforts to establish a new offensive identity.     Caudle is a two-way starter who brings versatility and football intelligence to the Scots. The 5'9", 170-pound athlete has experience at both cornerback and wide receiver and can line up both inside and outside. Maes describes Caudle as a "heady and savvy" player who is willing to block and consistently finds ways to make plays when his team needs them. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball should make him an important part of the Scots' plans this season.     Ketel is an explosive athlete who can impact the game in a variety of ways. The rising junior earned First Team All-League Utility honors in 2025 and gives the Scots a versatile weapon on both sides of the ball. His ability with the ball in his hands will make him an important piece of the David Douglas offense, while his defensive versatility gives the Scots another playmaker to utilize.     McGrew is another versatile player who could have an expanded role for the Scots. At 6'0" and 200 pounds, he brings good size to the roster and earned Honorable Mention All-League honors at linebacker as a sophomore. McGrew led David Douglas in tackles last season, and his ability to contribute at linebacker, tight end, and running back gives the coaching staff plenty of options when looking for ways to get him involved.     Carroll adds another player who can make an impact on both sides of the ball. Carroll started at defensive end for much of the 2025 season and is expected to take on an expanded role as a junior. Maes specifically highlighted Carroll's commitment to the offseason program, which could pay dividends as the Scots look to develop more consistent production throughout the season.     One of the biggest offseason risers for David Douglas has been Underwood. The 6'3", 250-pound offensive lineman is a prototype tackle with plenty of room to continue developing. Underwood started playing football as a freshman, but Maes has been impressed with the work he has put in since taking over the program. He has been committed in the weight room, moves well for his size, and has shown a willingness to learn. For a program trying to establish a new standard, players like Underwood could become foundational pieces moving forward.    Plenty of work remains at David Douglas, but the Scots enter the 2026 season with a coaching staff determined to change the program's trajectory. Early signs have been encouraging, with strong participation in spring football and summer training and players beginning to buy into the standards being set by Maes and his staff. Now, the challenge will be taking that belief onto the field.   The Scots may not change the perception of the program overnight, but the new staff is making it clear that the expectation is to build something different. With a number of returning contributors, several versatile athletes and a group of young players continuing to develop, David Douglas will look to take its first major steps toward becoming a more competitive program in 5A.   David Douglas opens up the season on the road at St. Helens on September 4th.

Welcome to Prep Redzone Oregon's 2026 Football Season Preview series! Over the next several weeks, I'll be highlighting programs from around the state as we count down to kickoff. Let's be honest, 6A football gets plenty of attention, so this series is all about shining a light on the outstanding players, coaches, and programs throughout Oregon's smaller classifications. Over the summer, I reached out to head coaches across the state to learn more about their teams heading into the season. These previews are built using their insight, giving fans a look at each program's expectations, players to watch, and goals for 2026. Every article is based on the coaches who took the time to respond, helping tell the story of their program.