2026 Preview: Crater Comets

<!-- 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 Crater Comets</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crater Comets enter the 2026 season looking to build on a successful 2025 campaign that earned them a 5A playoff berth. Crater finished the regular season with a 6-3 record in Special District 5, earning the No. 15 seed in the postseason. The Comets drew a difficult first-round matchup against eventual 5A state champion and No. 2 seed Silverton, falling 49-12 to end their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, head coach Seth Womack and the Comets are looking to take another step forward. According to Womack, the offseason has gone very well, with strong participation and growth throughout the summer. Crater has consistently had good numbers since January, giving the program plenty of momentum heading into the fall. The expectation is straightforward: build off last year's success.</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":["2348534"],"_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-6a91d9d0987da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'3" and 275 pounds, DeBenedetti provides a big presence in the trenches for Crater. He returns as a starter on the offensive line and is expected to be a strong force at offensive tackle. His size and experience should give the Comets an important veteran presence up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2348536"],"_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-6a91d9d098849"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kampstra brings a physical element to both sides of the ball. The 170-pound athlete is a tough runner at running back and has worked his way into a starting role at cornerback. His ability to contribute in both phases should make him a valuable piece of Crater's lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2348537"],"_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-6a91d9d098893"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kline is the player Womack identified as making the biggest jump since last season. The 6'3", 260-pound lineman has reportedly made significant strides in both strength and quickness throughout the offseason. Womach also called him one of the team's hardest workers. With that development, Kline could be in line for a breakout season in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2348535"],"_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-6a91d9d0988d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sprague will give Crater a dual-threat presence at quarterback while also contributing defensively at linebacker. Sprague has good size for the position and possesses a strong arm. Womack also expects him to manage the game effectively, making him an important piece of the Comets' offense heading into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2348516"],"_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-6a91d9d098919"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ayala is one of the most intriguing players on the Crater roster heading into the season and the player Womack specifically believes deserves more attention from college coaches. At 6'2" and 205 pounds, Ayala brings good size to the linebacker position while also contributing at tight end. Defensively, Womack describes him as a fast, physical linebacker who can play sideline to sideline. With his combination of size, athleticism, and physicality, Ayala could be one of the Comets' most important players this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2348521"],"_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-6a91d9d09895d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perez gives Crater another two-way athlete who can make an impact. Perez brings excellent speed and agility to the running back position, but Womack believes his vision is what separates him from many other backs. That combination should make Perez an important weapon for the Comets offensively while also giving them a versatile contributor in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crater enters 2026 with a foundation already in place. The Comets won six games last year and earned a spot in the 5A playoffs, giving the program a taste of postseason football before running into one of the state's best teams in Silverton. Now the challenge is to build on that experience and take another step forward. Strong offseason participation has given Womack and his staff plenty to be excited about, while a group of versatile two-way players gives the Comets options on both sides of the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crater already knows what it takes to reach the postseason. In 2026, the Comets will look to build on that foundation and make another push in Special District 5. Crater opens up the 2026 season on the road against Ridgeview on September 4th. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->