2026 Preview: Gresham Gophers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Gresham Gophers</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gophers are entering their second season in 5A after making the move down from 6A last year. Gresham put together a 6-3 regular season in 2025 and earned the No. 16 seed in the 5A playoffs, marking the program's first postseason appearance since 2017. The season ended with a difficult first-round matchup against No. 1 Summit, but getting back to the playoffs was an important step for the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Cesar Martinez believes his team is ready to build on that experience. The Gophers have continued to make progress in the weight room while also getting players involved in camps, 7-on-7s and the Les Schwab Bowl. Martinez also emphasized the importance of bringing the incoming freshmen into the program and continuing to build the team from the ground up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The goal for 2026 is simple: finish. Gresham let some games slip away last season, and Martinez believes those experiences can help the Gophers become a more complete football team this fall. The focus will be on competing for four quarters and continuing to improve on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["887126"],"_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-6a7ba52041de0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The "big guy" up front, Fray is entering the season with expectations to elevate his game and start opening some eyes from a recruiting standpoint. His development will be an important part of Gresham's success in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2181509"],"_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-6a7ba52041e4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Krueger is coming off a strong season at linebacker where he led the Gophers in tackles, and Martinez expects him to take another step forward. He has become one of the team's leaders through his work on and off the field and will be counted on to lead the defense while also contributing offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2326494,"_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-6a7ba52041e9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kim is another two-way player who will have an impact on offense, defense and special teams. Martinez describes him as a tough player who isn't afraid to get into the trenches with the bigger players, making him a valuable piece of the Gophers' roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2326496,"_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-6a7ba52041ee5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Knobbs made some plays for the Gophers last season and will look to build on that production in 2026. His motor stands out to Martinez, and he could be a difficult matchup coming off the edge on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2133141"],"_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-6a7ba52041f2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schab is one of the breakout candidates on this roster heading into 2026. Martinez expects him to have an "amazing season" on both sides of the ball, and his two-way ability could make him one of the more important players for the Gophers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2326493,"_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-6a7ba52041f72"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tabiolo brings size and agility to both sides of the line and is expected to be an impact player for Gresham this season. His ability to contribute at both OL and DL gives the Gophers another versatile piece up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2326495"],"_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-6a7ba52041fb8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams will take over at quarterback this season and brings plenty of athleticism to the position. He will also contribute in the secondary at safety, giving Gresham another player capable of making an impact on both sides of the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2121769"],"_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-6a7ba52041ffd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Menyfield is one of the younger players to watch in the Gresham program and has already shown the athletic ability to play bigger than his size. Martinez believes he can cause plenty of problems alongside the Gophers' bigger linemen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2134053"],"_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-6a7ba52042044"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Goff is a true all-around athlete who can contribute at multiple positions on both sides of the football. His versatility could allow Gresham to move him around and take advantage of his athletic ability wherever it is needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2133173"],"_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-6a7ba5204208b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schab was recognized as an All-Conference player at receiver and defensive back last season and returns as another important two-way contributor. With his brother Hezekiah also on the roster, the Schab brothers could be a fun storyline to follow throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gophers have already taken an important step by returning to the playoffs last season. Now, after getting a taste of postseason football, Gresham will look to prove that its return to the playoffs was not a one-time occurrence and continue building the program into a consistent contender in 5A. Gresham opens up the 2026 season on the road at Mt. Hood Community College against Reynolds on September 4th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->