2026 Preview: Sandy Pioneers

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 Sandy Pioneers</h1>   For the first time in nearly a decade, the Sandy Pioneers will enter a football season competing at the 5A level. While the move down from 6A is new, the expectations surrounding the program are anything but.   Sandy has spent the last eight to nine seasons competing against 6A competition despite having the enrollment size of a typical 5A program. The Pioneers have held their own during that stretch, and now head coach Josh Dill believes his team is ready to see what it can accomplish against schools of its own size. The Pioneers finished 5-4 during the 2025 regular season and narrowly missed the top 16 seeds in the 6A playoffs, landing at No. 17. That sent them to the Columbia Cup bracket, where they made a serious run. Sandy opened the alternate playoff bracket with a 14-0 victory over No. 24 Lincoln before knocking off No. 21 Beaverton 36-20 in the semifinals. The Pioneers ultimately fell just short of a championship, losing 14-7 to No. 18 South Medford.   After winning three playoff games over the last two seasons at the 6A level, Dill believes his team is ready to make a serious run in 5A. "Very high expectations," Dill said. "We are a talented senior-heavy team that wants to compete for a State Championship in the 5A." The Pioneers have also worked to make those expectations realistic. Dill said the team has shown excellent commitment to the weight room since January, while a summer camp at the University of Idaho gave Sandy a chance to compete against some of the top programs from Washington and Idaho. Now, the Pioneers are ready to see what all that work looks like on the field.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h2>    Frederickson brings an impressive resume into his senior season. He earned Third Team All-State honors at defensive back, First Team All-Conference recognition and Honorable Mention All-Conference honors as a returner last season. Dill describes Frederickson as an athlete with elite speed and suddenness who is also a sure tackler. His production backs that up, as he has accumulated a remarkable 154 tackles over the last two seasons. With his combination of athleticism, defensive production and special teams ability, Frederickson gives Sandy another player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.     Caruso may be the biggest breakout candidate on the entire Sandy roster. The 6'4" tight end and defensive end has already seen his physical profile change dramatically since entering high school. Dill noted that Caruso started as a 5'10", 130-pound freshman and has worked his way into a completely different athlete. He returns as a starting tight end and has put together an impressive offseason, dominating at 7-on-7 events and camp. Dill believes Caruso is ready for a very big senior season and has already begun attracting college attention. With his size, athleticism and strong hands, there is plenty of potential for Caruso to emerge as one of Sandy's biggest breakout players.     Fitch is one of the most versatile playmakers on the Pioneers' roster. The returning two-way standout earned First Team All-League honors at linebacker and Second Team All-League recognition at receiver last season. Dill highlighted his speed and playmaking ability as two of his biggest strengths. Fitch has also found the end zone 18 times over the last two seasons, showing his ability to turn opportunities into production. Dill believes Fitch deserves more attention from college coaches, noting that he already has D3 offers and the versatility to do a lot at the next level.     Lucas could be the centerpiece of Sandy's roster in the trenches. The returning offensive lineman is coming off a tremendous junior season that saw him earn First Team All-State honors, Mount Hood Conference Lineman of the Year, and First Team All-Mount Hood Conference recognition. Now, after getting stronger and more athletic during the offseason, Lucas will be relied upon to anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. Dill described him simply as a "dominant player" for the Pioneers, and his presence up front will be one of the biggest advantages Sandy brings into 5A.     Richards is another major piece of a senior-heavy Sandy roster. The returning team captain earned First Team All-Mount Hood Conference honors as an offensive utility player and Second Team recognition as a defensive back last season. He also contributes in the return game. For Dill, however, Richards' biggest value may come from his leadership. He called Richards one of the best leaders he has had the pleasure of coaching and highlighted his work ethic as arguably his biggest strength. As Sandy transitions to 5A, having an experienced two-way player and team captain like Richards should be invaluable.     Turin enters the season as a third-year starter at quarterback and will take full command of the Sandy offense. The returning signal caller threw for 1,496 yards with a 55 percent completion rate and 14 touchdowns last season. Dill believes Turin has taken another step forward as a passer, particularly when it comes to his precision. He also brings a strong arm and the ability to consistently attack the deep part of the field. With another year of experience running the offense, Turin could be one of the quarterbacks to watch in 5A this fall. Dill also believes Turin deserves more attention from college coaches, pointing to his size, football IQ, and ability to consistently deliver the deep ball.     Charbonneau returns as Sandy's starting center and will be an important part of the Pioneers' offensive front. Dill describes him as a consistent, physical player who took another step forward as a leader this offseason. With Sandy looking to establish itself as one of the top teams in 5A, Charbonneau's work in the trenches will be important.     Palinkas gives Sandy another big and athletic presence in the trenches. The returning guard and defensive lineman will have an important role in the Pioneers' run game, particularly as a puller, while also contributing defensively. Like several of his teammates, Palinkas has committed himself to the weight room throughout the offseason and enters his senior season looking to take another step forward.    Sandy's move to 5A could create an interesting dynamic this season. The Pioneers aren't entering a new classification as an unproven program looking to figure things out. They have spent the better part of a decade battling 6A competition, and last season they came within a single game of winning a Columbia Cup championship. Now they return a roster loaded with senior experience. The Pioneers have also made it clear that simply making the playoffs isn't the goal. They want to compete for a state championship.   "We have been playing at the 6A level for the last 8-9 years even tho we were the size of a 5A school," Dill said. "It will be a great test to see how we match up with schools our size."   After years of competing against bigger schools, Sandy finally gets the opportunity to see what it can do against teams in its own classification. With a senior-heavy roster, proven playoff experience, and high expectations entering the season, the Pioneers could be one of the most intriguing teams to watch as they begin their first 5A campaign. Sandy begins their 2026 season on September 4th on the road against their longtime Mt. Hood Conference rival Barlow.

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.