West Linn Lions look like title contenders: Offense

The West Linn Lions are a perennial state title contender.   And that is expected to continue in the head coaching transition from Jon Eagle to long-time defensive coordinator Anthony Newman.   While there will be some changes, one thing remains abundantly clear: West Linn still has a loaded roster, elite coaching staff and is hungry to avenge last season's semifinal loss.   Here's a look at the offense:    Quarterback   First-team all-state quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='937233' first='Sloan' last='Baker'] returns after throwing for 2,808 yards and 37 touchdowns (2 interceptions) with an additional 545 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.   [player_tooltip player_id='937233' first='Sloan' last='Baker'] is a dude,” Newman said. “He's a throwback - a three-sport guy who is all-league in football, basketball and baseball. When you look at him, he's not the 6-foot-4, 210-pound guy. He's 5-foot-10 and he's just a straight competitor that wants to win and wants his team to have success. He's a natural leader and he's getting attention from colleges.”   Baker isn't the biggest signal-caller, but his athleticism and productivity is hard to ignore.   Programs in the FBS and FCS have invited him to visit this spring and to throw for them in person.   Central Catholic's Cru Newman was a highly productive, talented, smaller quarterback a few years ago, and seemed to get overlooked in the recruiting process.    It seems Baker is getting a more fair shake.   What happens after Baker?   Well, it's actually “what happens after Sloan?” Because the answer is, “another Baker.”    Sophomore-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='1705970' first='Quinn' last='Baker'] will be the “next man up,” and he's got significant potential to turn into a future star and college recruit himself.    “The kid is ridiculous,” Newman said. “He's pushing 6-foot, 6-foot-1. He's faster straight ahead but not as quick as Sloan. He can sling it. He's got an arm that's unreal.”   Both Bakers will get a chance to play this year, according to Newman.   “He's playing this year,” he said.   Running backs   Class of 2028 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1609659' first='Cohen' last='Bissell'] was a rotational back forced into featured back responsibilities last year due to injuries against Central Catholic.   The Rams had arguably the toughest defense in the state, but Bissell still managed roughly 140 yards rushing.   Big things are expected in the lead role.    “He plays basketball, plays baseball. He's a great running back and is very fast,” Newman said. “I wish he'd run track because he could be one the fastest guys in the state. He breaks tackles and is hard to bring down. And when he gets into the open field, he's gone.”   Last year, [player_tooltip player_id='937113' first='Shane' last='Peters'] suffered a season-ending injury early in the year, but was having an all-purpose all-state-caliber season as a return man, defensive back and offensive weapon.   His return immediately marks him as one of the most dynamic players in Oregon.    “He's a starting safety, but he's going to line up at running back and play some slot,” Newman said. “He's a great punt returner. He's another guy that if he were 6-foot-1, everybody would be chasing him (in recruiting).”    Sophomore-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='1558034' first='Zane' last='Zellick'] was the talk of the freshman program last season.   And by all accounts, he's going to be a star.    It helps that Zellick has grown to 6-foot-1 1/2 and added significant weight to get to 200 pounds.   “He looks like a grown man right now.” Newman said. “Looking at his body, he's already a stud, but he's changed from five months ago. When you look at him, he looks the part. His dad is a trainer, so he knows the weight room and what it takes.”    Wide receivers    West Linn seems to have a collection of talented wide receivers every single year.   And this season will be no different, starting with a familiar last name who is poised for a monster breakout.    [player_tooltip player_id='1121755' first='Tyson' last='Donnerberg'], who will play receiver and corner, has taken a major leap this offseason    “He's going to be one of the best receivers in the state,” Newman said. “He's 6-foot-2, he's explosive and playing receiver since he was four years old. I coached him in the 4th grade. He's a workaholic and his technique is ridiculous and he catches everything.”    Recent Oregon Ducks commit and preseason All-American cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='632957' first='Josiah' last='Molden'] returns after suffering an injury late in the playoffs.   Molden is a true generational talent who will be the state's best corner and one of the state's most explosive pass-catchers.    “He's a once every 15 year type player,” Newman said. “I'e known him since he was a baby. It's who he is. Oregon told us we aren't recruiting him because he's from Oregon. If he were in Florida, we'd go get him.”   Molden will be ready thanks to his “ridiculous” work ethic that has the trainers saying he's ahead of schedule… and that maybe he could take it a little easier.   Slot receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1121756' first='Ashden' last='Marquis'] was a key contributor last fall, hauling in 520 yards and 11 touchdowns.    “He's gained weight, he's running track and he's gotten more explosive,” he said. “He's built like a brick house. I've coached him for a long time and he started out wanting to be quarterback, but he's a receiver. He's got a knack for the ball and we are going to move him around and highlight him.”   Junior-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='1609760' first='Luke' last='Cutting'] was stellar at linebacker early, but will play receiver and ‘backer this upcoming season.   He's got a chance to develop into a star, and will have a chance to take advantage of defenses who try to take away the other three marquee receivers.    “How many defensive backs do you got,” Newman said of his team mentality.    Wide receiver/tight [player_tooltip player_id='937084' first='Gavin' last='Thaut'], the baseball team's starting catcher, is yet another weapon who the Lions can play in a variety of ways.    “He's going to play some slot, some X, some Z,” Newman said. “He can block, but he's another weapon and we can move him around for those mismatches.”    Tight ends   Thaut will play tight end and should be a key contributor.   But watch out for sophomore-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='1705976' first='Anthony' last='Buttson'], who still has work to do, but has a natural knack for making plays, particularly downfield.    “We're going to throw him in the fire and have him compete,” Newman said. “He can run and he can make plays.”    Offensive line    It feels like every single year West Linn is forced to replace some truly talented offensive linemen.   That's the case again this year, but the Lions do return three key starters — [player_tooltip player_id='2054690' first='Grady' last='Hall'], Xander Mishkin and Isaiah McMurray.   Hall is a returning all-league center with an all-state projection this fall.   “He's the heart of our offensive line,” Newman said.    Versatile offensive lineman Xander Mishkin is one of the better offensive linemen in the state, thanks to his attention to detail.    “Xander is a technician,” Newman said. “He's not a gigantic guy, but he's a good-sized lineman who will win with his technique. He understands pass protection, run blocking and leverage.”    McMurray has grown to 6-foot-4, 310 pounds and could be considered a “late bloomer,” as he's suddenly hearing from FCS programs.   “He's surround by studs, and that's making him better,” Newman said. “And he wants to get better. He wants to learn and he's getting some attitude. He's going to be a good offensive tackle for us.”    Junior-to-be Kevin Diallo is 6-foot-5, 330 pounds and is beginning to learn how to utilize that size on the gridiron.    “He's gotten a lot stronger and he's going to create some fits at the guard position,” Newman said. “He's a big body to move and he's athletic.”    Sophomore-to-be Dane Ree has sky-high potential and could work his way into a starting role this fall.    “He's going to be one of the sophomores with a chance to start for us along the offensive line,” Newman said. “He's a good-sized kid. He's gotten a lot bigger. He's going to grow, but he knows the offensive line position well, because that's all he's ever done. He's a tough guy who loves contact and loves to battle. I like the future for him, and I want to throw him in there now to get his feet wet and let him have some fun.”

The West Linn Lions are a perennial state title contender.