2024 Review: Pacific Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pacific Conference may be small at just five teams, but it still delivered plenty of action during the 2024 season. Sherwood stood out among the pack, ultimately claiming the conference championship and setting the tone for the rest of the group. In this conference review, we'll explore how each team fared, spotlight key performers, and look ahead to what fans can expect in the coming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Sherwood Bowmen (8-3) Lost in the Quarter Finals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 4 - Took down a Three Rivers League squad in Tigard 21-14, proving they can compete with top programs around the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Round 1 - Handled business in the playoffs with a dominant 42-21 win over Nelson to advance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarter Finals - Ran into the eventual state champs, West Linn, and lost 14-49.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Star Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1103727"],"_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-677c703bc3101"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Medina had a fantastic season for the Bowmen and truly earned his D1 opportunity with Eastern Washington. He will be extremely tough to replace next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["285854"],"_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-677c703bc31a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Laulaupeaalu took home offensive lineman of the year for the Pacific Conference and was a real force in the trenches. He can move well for his intimidating size and should end up playing college ball somewhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Underclassman:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1569375"],"_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-677c703bc3231"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gorretta was able to take home first-team linebacker honors for the conference and will be a big piece for the Bowmen heading into his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>C/O 2025 Recruitment Updates:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103727' first='Wilson' last='Medina'] </strong>- Committed to Eastern Washington.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153870' first='Jackson' last='Bell'] </strong>- Holds 5 D3 offers from Lewis &amp; Clark, Linfield, Willamette, and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103942' first='Neal' last='Steger'] </strong>- Holds a D3 offer from Grinnell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1132931' first='Wyatt' last='Ferguson'] </strong>- Holds 4 D3/NAIA offers from the College of Idaho, Lewis &amp; Clark (OR), McPherson, and Pacific Lutheran.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px"><strong>2025 Outlook:</strong>&nbsp;The Bowmen have some impressive seniors who will not be on their roster at some critical positions next season</span>, so I am a bit skeptical that they can be as good next season. But they should still be competing for the conference title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Newberg Tigers (6-6) Lost in the Alternate Bracket Semi-Finals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 6 - Hard fought 24-21 victory over conference rivals McMinnville to capture second place in the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarter Finals (Alt.) - Able to stop an up-and-coming Grants Pass squad 36-33 to advance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Semi-Finals (Alt.) - Tough shutout loss to South Medford 0-17 to end the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Star Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1216419"],"_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-677c703bc32c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Phillips was the conference defensive lineman of the year and was a real challenge for any offensive line he went up against. Phillips will be a tough piece for the Tigers to replace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1110920"],"_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-677c703bc334b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sellner took home second-team honors for the conference at the quarterback position. He is a true athlete and was a problem for other defenses, and he will be returning next year for his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Underclassman:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1569401"],"_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-677c703bc33cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hein took home conference first-team honors on both sides of the ball, which is very impressive for an underclassman. Hein will be a big piece to the Tigers' success next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>C/O 2025 Recruitment Updates:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*We are not aware of any offers at the moment.*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Outlook:</strong> Replacing Phillips will be difficult, but the Tigers have some young talent to be excited about. They should have a better chance at the conference title next year with Sherwood graduating an impressive senior class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. McMinnville Grizzlies (4-6) Lost in Alternate Bracket Round 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 5 - Defeated Liberty at home 42-36 to secure third place in conference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Round 1 (Alt.) - Frustrating 16-39 loss to Sandy to end their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Star Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["285856"],"_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-677c703bc344d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fay is an impressive player who has been on my radar for a while now. He has nice size and solid athleticism and should end up playing college ball somewhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["406769"],"_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-677c703bc34cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sullivan is a fun quarterback, and I am excited to see where he ends up. He will be tough to replace for the Grizzlies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Underclassman:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["937306"],"_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-677c703bc3552"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carnahan will look to take over next year as a solid senior-class graduate. He should be one of the top players on the team for the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>C/O 2025 Recruitment Updates:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285856' first='Landon' last='Fay'] </strong>- Holds 5 D3 offers from Linfield, Pacific (OR), Puget Sound, and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248752' first='Jacob' last='Fairbank'] </strong>- Holds offers from George Fox (D3), Linfield (D3), Pacific (D3), and Western Oregon (D2).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Outlook:</strong> The Grizzlies are graduating an impressive 2025 class and may struggle a bit more next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Liberty Falcons (4-6) Lost in Alternate Bracket Round 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 9 - Defeated Century 20-16 to ensure a spot in the alternate bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Round 1 (Alt.) - The season ended after a brutal 12-41 loss to Jesuit on the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Star Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["412220"],"_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-677c8386a1372"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith had a fantastic season for the Falcons and was a huge reason they reached the alternate playoff bracket. It was a great one season for Smith with the Falcons!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1569365"],"_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-677c8386a13ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beard, a conference first-team defensive lineman, was a force for the Falcons on the defensive side of the ball. He will be tough to replace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Underclassman:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1569376"],"_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-677c8386a1420"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perry was able to take home first-team all-conference honors at running back this year and will be a big returning piece for the Falcons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>C/O 2025 Recruitment Updates:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*We are not aware of any offers at the moment.*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Outlook:</strong> Liberty will be in a similar position next year as they have some returning players to be excited about but lose some exciting seniors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Century Jaguars (3-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 7 - Hard-fought win over McNary 28-21 to get three wins on the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Star Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1224424"],"_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-677c8386a1468"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Garcia is an all-around athlete for the Jaguars and played QB and LB this year. Garcia was asked to do a lot for the Jags and he did all he could for the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Underclassman:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1112479"],"_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-677c8386a14ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elizarraras is an exciting player for this Jaguars program to have and will be a leader on the team next year for his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>C/O 2025 Recruitment Updates:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1224424' first='Xzavier' last='Garcia'] </strong>- Holds a D3 offer from Pacific (OR).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px"><strong>2025 Outlook:</strong> Century has had some talent pass through the program over the years, but they have had difficulty putting it all together. Unfortunately, I see a similar 2025 season coming. </span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->