5A State Champ Summit Continues to Reload

Jordan Johnson August 13, 2023 @ 10:53 AM

The Summit Storm went 11-1 last season, winning the 5A state title with their only loss coming to 6A power Tualatin 19-12 in the season opener. The year prior the Storm went 9-3 at the 6A level, making it to the state quarterfinals where they lost to Tualatin.   In just a few weeks Summit will once again open the season against the #5 T-Wolves in Bend, where they hope to shock the state and beat a team that features ALL D1 athletes on the perimeter. The Storm graduates maybe the most talented class in school history, losing the likes of Oregon commit Chip Allers, 5A Defensive POY Spencer Elliott, and Offensive POY Hogan Carmichael. This also includes 1st team all-state WR/DB Charlie Ozolin, the schools all time INT leader, and 1st team WR Ethan Carlson.    Replacing this special group isn't realistic, but when looking at the athletes returning you immediately see why there is so much optimism. Head Coach Corben Hyatt has done a phenomenal job, not just winning ball games, but putting out a team with the highest GPA in Oregon over the last two years.    As a group the Summit coaching staff is considered one of the best in the state. If I was giving out an award for Oregon's top assistant, it would likely go to Tony Graziani.   Some of the top individuals back include 6-5 240-pound, Arizona TE commit [player_tooltip player_id='278368' first='Charlie' last='Crowell'], and 1st team all-state RB [player_tooltip player_id='278432' first='Sam' last='Stephens']. Crowell will offset numbers for the Storm all year and require a consistent double team by the defense if you want to contain him. He should be a 30+ reception tight end and absolutely dominate at the 5A level. Stephens returns as the state's leading rusher and the school's all-time record holder for most rushing yards in a season.   6-5 WR Paxon Kettering and talented overall athlete Tadgh Brown are two of the most underrated players in the state for the 2024 class in my opinion. They have the potential of being two of the best at the 5A level, with Kettering already holding an offer from D1 San Diego.    A kid you will hear a lot about is QB transfer [player_tooltip player_id='554386' first='Jimmy' last='Hughes'] (6-3 210 24') from San Marin HS in Cali. The 2* standout helped his team to the California 4A State Championship last season, being named the CIF 4A QB MVP. He will be in the mix for Oregon POY honors.    Another player of the year candidate on the defensive side of the ball will be [player_tooltip player_id='1096733' first='Braden' last='Bailey']. The 6-3 220-pound DE has gone somewhat under the radar with all of the talent around him, but watch his film as the kid can play.   At first glance you don't see much experience or size returning on the line, with Zach High (6-1 245 24') and Aiden Kelly (6-2 265 24') being the key components back up front.    Other individuals who could be big time players for the Storm include incoming juniors Alex Nevarov (6-4 215 DE/OLB 25') and Cameron Gadsby (6-7 255 OL 25'). Nevarov played football for the first-time last year and brings Chip Allers like measurables to the table. Gadsby is young for the grade and started as a sophomore. With continued progression he could end up being one of the most recruited lineman in the region, showing off his overall athleticism while playing for a national level Rugby organization.    Last but not least remember the name Kai Scally (6-3 180 25') who will be a two-way starter this coming season at WR & DB. He's long with a large wingspan and will pose matchup problems for most.   In summary, Summit won't bring back a ton of experience but the overall athleticism and size up and down the roster makes the Storm a contender once again.    Give credit to all those in the Summit football community who have helped the team reach their current status. It is now widely considered one of the top sports schools in Oregon, with the football program continuing to thrive. We will keep you updated on the returning state champs as the season draws near.