2024 Fall Sports Preview - The Chronicle

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ZONE

THURSDAY, AUG. 29, 2024

Inside SPRINGFIELD It’s the second year of head coach Frank Geske, whose team has more experience in his system.

Springfield • Cottage Grove • Eugene

Kicking it Sisters team up, hope to restore Thurston's girls soccer program to new glory.

Pages 4-6 TH U RSTON A new turf represents sturdier grounds but also sturdier physicality for the Colts this season.

Pages 9-12 C O T TAG E G R OV E The Lions enter Class 3A in the second year of coach Steve Turner’s staff and system.

Brittany Ferrell, JV coach

Pages 13, 16-17 CRESWELL The Bulldogs face a new opportunity with the restructure of Class 3A, with a shot at playoffs.

Jessica Cardwell, head coach

Pages 18-20 PL E A SA N T H I L L The Billies settle into their third year with Jeremiah Heacock and remain optimistic about making the playoffs.

Pages 25-27

BOB WILLIAMS / CHRONICLE PHOTO

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

2 - THE CHRONICLE

CONTENTS PAGE

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WELCOME Chronicle sports reporter McKenzie Days looks forward to her first year covering high school sports.

SPRINGFIELD Frank Geske enters his second year with the Millers with a younger team, but one more experienced in his system.

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9 WHERE THEY PLAY An easy-tofollow guide you'll keep all season.

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COTTAGE GROVE The Lions and second-year coach Steve Turner look to continue improving, and move to Class 3A should help.

4 18

THURSTON The Colts continue to compete for and win league titles. Coach Justin Starck has several new faces this year as THS remains the team to beat.

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STAFF

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CRESWELL QB Darien Dewey returns with more experience as the signal-caller. The conference schedule shapes up well for Creswell's playoff hopes.

PLEASANT HILL Head coach Jeremiah Heacock enters his third season at the helm of the Billies, counting on player leadership.

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WRITERS McKenzie Days Ron Hartman Seth Thompson PHOTOGRAPHERS Kallie Hansel-Tennes McKenzie Days Bob Williams

EDITORS Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller Noel Nash Ron Hartman SALES & MARKETING Noel Nash

ABOUT THE COVER BOB WILLIAMS, PHOTOGRAPHER Cottage Grove native and veteran professional photographer Bob Williams is no stranger to Chronicle readers – or just about anyone who follows the local photo scene.

For the cover photo, Bob visited Thurston High's practice last week as coaches – and sisters – Jessica Cardwell and Brittany Ferrell prepared their team for the season.

Bob Williams Photographer

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ZONE 5 SCHOOLS EVERY BOYS & GIRLS TEAM EVERY SPORT EVERY WEEK ONLY IN THE CHRONICLE Support your schools – and help strengthen our community.

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2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

THE CHRONICLE – 3

New faces, new places: Looking forward to the journey Although it has only been a week of meeting new faces, new places and new names, I’m already impassioned. So far, I see the humility of coaches, the strength of McKenzie Days the community, the pride Sports Reporter in athletic achievements, teamwork, and the family bonds that simmer throughout Cottage Grove, Creswell, Pleasant Hill, Springfield, and Thurston.

It’s been an honor meeting you all this past week and getting a sense of the teams and coaches. Although I believe there’s a uniting thread of values that accompanies all these communities, there’s also so much unique individuality within each separate one as well.

Each area has its own story to tell and its own origin. In addition, that story varies each year as time changes a community – as history and traditions change high schools.

I hope when you read the 2024 Fall Sports Preview that you too can get a sense of these stories and individual histories. just with our athletic directors, but with our coaches, our season’s histories and the history of our passing star players. In addition, hopefully, you can feel like you were there with me too. Looking at two-time state title coach Frank Geske in the eyes, laughing with the Cardwell sisters, and getting a glimpse of Thurston and Springfield’s glistening new stadium.

My favorite moment has to be finally

meeting one of the most decorated volleyball coaches in Oregon’s history– Anna Baltrusch. After she graciously gave me her time after a morning practice, we both sat down at the gym and talked for 30 minutes.

She shared anecdotes, funny memories and the connections she’s made with the other coaches in the area. In one moment, she shared an amusing car story of driving with a previous coach in which she went over a divider and damaged her turn signal. To this day, anytime she sees this individual she bursts out laughing. From that moment, I deeply understood the ripples that have spread across this community from one individual. Baltrusch is a prime example of that. However, after meeting Baltrusch, I now know that this legacy she cultivated can be accomplished through any individual. If anything, I hope any coaches who read this are inspired to be historic characters themselves. As Baltrusch said when I interviewed her, “Anyone can do what I do.”

Along that note, thank you to the countless coaches, athletes, athletic directors, and athletic secretaries who helped with the content. If anything, I’ve realized this is definitely an interdependent project that includes team effort. My community reporting can only achieve so much without the power of your voices and stories. So for those who spoke up, thank you.

I’ll admit, seeing all the brimming energy of fall sports starting, the sunset of summer and the excitement of a changing season, has invoked nostalgia. I have a particularly soft spot for Fall Sports

FILE PHOTO

Thurston Colts fans are among the loudest in our area – regardless of sport.

because I grew up as a soccer girl myself.

So many of the current soccer players' stories resonate with my past. I too, remember sacrificing my entire summer for practices (any fall sports kid knows the feeling), skipping vacations, and working hard in summer camp for upcoming tryouts. I remember the smell of fresh grass on a crisp autumn morning. I also remember the

end of the season, as the temperature gradually dropped and practices with winter coats became the norm.

So the High School Sports Zone is a passion project for me as well. I hope you enjoy it.

Email: McKenzie@Chronicle1909.com

4 - THE CHRONICLE

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

The Springfield Millers’ 2024 football team at Silke Field.

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JUST THE FACTS ■ Address: 875 7th St., Springfield ■ School colors: Blue and White ■ Boosters: shsboosters.net ■ Head coach: Frank Geske, 2nd year at SHS ... 256-126 overall record ■ 2023 season: 8-2 overall; 6-1 in conference ... 2nd in Midwestern League ... #4 in Class 5A. ... Lost to Lebanon in 1st round of playoffs TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 30 ■ Returning starters: Offense (3), defense (2) TOP RETURNERS ■ Jaevon Spencer (#4), Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 170 ... Spencer was 2nd-team all-conference DB. He also led the Millers in receptions and played the most snaps on the team.

■ Clay Rhoades (#31), Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 180 ... He blocked for Connor Dye as a FB and will share duties with Finn Lessner.

Also, he’ll play DB. ■ Anthony Dela Rosa (#50), Sr., Center/ DL, 6-0, 255

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Finn Lessner (#33), Sr., RB/SS, 5-9, 170 ... Lessner is a transfer from Willits, Calif. Last year, he accounted for 23 TDs. Geske says he’s a multi-talented back and will be very fun to watch this season.

■ Kai Brusasco, Jr., OL/DL, 6-1, 270 ...

Brusasco transferred from Sheldon HS. Geske notes that he is strong and aggressive.

■ Henry Bock, Jr., MLB, 6-1, 208 ... Bock recently moved from DE to MLB. He is a transfer from Sheldon HS. ■ Noah Solo, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-0, 225 ...

Solo is a great leader with a ton of talent, Geske said.

■ Dresden Reith, Sr., WR/DB, 5-7, 165 ...

Geske: Reith is fast, strong, and exciting with the ball.

■ Carter Beebe, Sr., OLB, 6-1, 170 ...

Beebe is the fastest on the team.

TOP GAMES ■ at Mountain View, Aug. 30 ■ at Churchill, Sept. 6 ■ vs. Crater, Sept. 13 ■ at Thurston, Sept. 20 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 30: at Mountain View (non-league) ■ Sept. 6: at Churchill ■ Sept. 13: vs. Crater ■ Sept. 20: at Thurston ■ Sept. 27: vs. North Eugene ■ Oct. 4: at Willamette ■ Oct. 11: vs. South Eugene ■ Oct. 18: at Eagle Point (Hall of Fame) ■ Nov. 1: vs. Roseburg All games at 7 p.m.

THE CHRONICLE – 5

KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Players tackle in a practice scrimmage last Friday night on Springfield High School’s new turf field.

System play: Millers learn how to succeed in Year 2

BY McKENZIE DAYS McKENZIE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

SPRINGFIELD – Is it possible to lose star power … and be even better?

Springfield head coach Frank Geske said he thinks so, and that this year’s Millers will show sharper execution and better overall performance due to the stability in the coaching system for building success.

“I loved last year,“ Geske said, “but this season will be their third offense in three years, their fourth defense in four years. I mean, you can't build success with that, regardless if you were playing with guys Geske that were so-called fivestar. If you change it on them every year, you can't become an expert.”

Despite the Millers losing their senior standouts, Geske speaks with resolve as his second year begins and he looks to sustain the strides his team took last year.

“We may not have the personnel that we had last year,” Geske said, “but the kids are in the second (year of the) system. And if anything's proven right by me is that I stay with that system, and the kids get to become experts at it after a while, so we're already better at a lot of things that don't concern athleticism – the mental part, and actual technique.

“The players aren't the same, but every team in America has to deal with that, but I think they'll see sharper execution, even if they may not see any of the star power that we had,” he said.

The Millers ended their season with a 14-13 loss to Lebanon. The defeat was only the second loss all season for the Millers, who finished 8-2 in Geske’s first season Building on success Geske explained that building on fundamentals through teamwork is key this year. He emphasizes the value of helping teammates, essential for team cohesion and success, he said. The goal is to create a family atmosphere where teammates support each other, ultimately defining the team's identity.

“It's like taking the same math class four years in a row. Do you think you'd be pretty good at it? And they always go, ‘Yeah, I think I would be.’ And then I say, ‘Well,

“You know, they're starting to do things the way this old man wants.”

– Frank Geske, head coach

then you'll own your spot, and then you can start helping your partner.’

“It’s the gospel truth. The football translation is, you're such a good guy you can help the guy, or coach the guy next to you who potentially can own your spot. That's going to be the definition of a team. That's the definition of a family,” he said.

The Millers' top returning players, Jaevon Spencer, Clay Rhoades and Anthony Dela Rosa, remain keys.

“Clay's a solid human being, so he's going to always be good,” Geske said. “He's going to see a little bit more of the offensive side this year. He was Connor's backup and played in our two-back sets and played a lot of defense. He's going to stay on defense and play a lot more offense. Anthony Dela Rosa, ‘Deli,’ as everybody calls him, is a fixture holding down the middle of the line, doing an outstanding job. We return our leading receiver from last year, Javon Spencer. He got more reps than anybody on the team.”

Geske also noted newcomer Noah Solo, who had been moving up the ranks from JV the past couple of years.

“Noah Solo will be our quarterback,” Geske said. “He's a pretty doggone good one. He could be special – like, very special. He's picking up everything faster than most quarterbacks I've coached in the past have, and he's got some athleticism.”

Geske also notes the increase in athleticism in the linemen overall, and the strides they’ve made in the weight room this summer.

“A lot of spots are going to be handled by kids that even though they were 1-4 as freshmen, they threw in an immense amount of work in the weight room, and we're gonna have a bunch of sophomore starters that don't look anything like the team that got beat up last year,” he said.

Overall, Geske wants Springfield to know he will be proud of the team because the “work ethic has been raised, the determination has been raised, the commitments have been raised.”

“You know, they're starting to do things the way this old man wants,” Geske said.

6 - THE CHRONICLE

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Juan Gonzales’ 4th year at Springfield ... 20-23-3 Springfield record ...

32-45-13 overall record.

■ 2023 season: 2-11-1 overall ... 2-3-1 in conference ... ranked #4 in Midwestern League ... ranked #27 in Class 5A. ... Missed playoffs.

■ Team history: Last playoff appearance was in ’22 against McKay. ... League titles in ’15, ’16 TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Returning players for varsity: 11 ■ Returning starters: 8 ■ Coach says: “The Millers strive to improve in consistency. The team needs to coordinate more on movements, setting pieces, and maintaining a synchronous rhythm.”

TOP RETURNERS ■ Alan Velasquez Cifuentes (#7), Sr., midfield ... 1st team in Midwestern League ■ Hayden Sayre (#4), Jr., center back ... 2nd team in Midwestern League ■ Bradly Velasques Roblero (#15), Jr., center forward ... Scored the most goals of ’23.

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Emiliano Toral Valenzuela, Fr., center midfielder ... from Agnes Middle School ■ Jacob Ramos Ortiz, Fr., outside midfielder ... from Hamlin Middle school JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Steve Smith’s 1st year at Springfield and as head coach.

■ 2023 season: 9-18 overall ... 3-9 in conference ... 5th in Midwestern League ... #17 in Class 5A ... missed playoffs ■ Team history: Last playoff appearance in ’17 TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 11 ■ Returning starters: 4 TOP RETURNERS ■ Julissa Henderson (#6), Sr., midfielder ... middle blocker on OSAA watchlist after completing 81 blocks last year, making her 5th in the state.

■ Sofia McKinney (#7), Sr. L/DS ... Serve/ receive rate was 87% – one of the top passers.

■ Sailor Hall (#10), So., outside hitter ...

Finished season with 124 kills ... “looking to be another outstanding outside hitter,” Smith says.

■ Sofia Yow (#4), Sr., outside hitter ... 37 aces last season; a top server on the team.

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Communication ■ Versatility ■ Knowledge of the game ■ Coach says: “Passing and communication can improve." Offense is looking to run "faster."

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: James March’s 10th year at SHS ■ 2023 season: Boys 2nd in Midwestern League, girls 3rd in Midwestern League TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total runners: 30 ■ Returning runners: 18 ■ Coach says: “The top five varsity boys graduated from last year's team. ... Team captains also graduated. The Millers need younger leaders to step up and help shape the team.”

TOP RETURNERS Boys ■ Adrian Estes, Fr., PR: 16:40 ... Estes is an incoming freshman who ran for OTC. Could make an immediate impact on the team, league.

■ Jeyder Espino-Sosa, Sr., PR: 18:12 ...

Espino-Sosa showed a lot of promise on varsity before an injury ended his ’23 season.

■ Finn San Filippo, Sr., PR: 19:12 ... San Filippo was a late addition to the team with no prior XC experience but quickly became one of the fastest on the junior varsity.

Girls ■ Bella Wells, Fr., PR: 22:00 ... Wells is an incoming freshman looking to make an immediate impact on the team and league. Ran for OTC last season.

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW SHS BOYS SOCCER TEAM STRENGTHS ■ The Millers have a creative midfield.

■ Passing and maintaining possession. “This often leads to opportunities for scoring,” coach Gonzales says.

TOP OPPONENTS ■ at Corvallis, Sept. 12 ■ vs. Lake Oswego, Sept. 30 ■ vs. Ashland, Oct. 10 ■ vs. Crater, Silke Field, Nov. 2 (Senior Night) 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Sept. 5: at Ridgeview (non-league), 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 9: vs. Sprague (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 12: at Corvallis (non-league), 7:15 p.m.

■ Sept. 16: vs. Sunset (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 19: at Marist (non-league), 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 23: vs. Churchill (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 30: vs. Lake Oswego (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 8: at North Eugene (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 12: vs. Hillsboro (non-league), 3 p.m.

■ Oct. 16: at Churchill, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 19: vs. Ashland at SHS, 3 p.m.

■ Oct. 23: vs. North Eugene, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 26: at Eagle Point, TBD ■ Oct. 30: vs. Thurston / Mohawk, 6 p.m.

■ Nov. 2: vs. Crater (Senior Night), 3 p.m.

Home games at Hamlin Sports Complex

SHS VOLLEYBALL TOP GAMES ■ at Churchill, Sept. 12 ■ at Thurston, Sept. 16 ■ vs. North Eugene, Oct. 3 ■ vs. Thurston, Oct. 22 (Senior Night) 2024 SCHEDULE Aug. 29: North Star Jamboree at Springfield, 12:30 p.m.

Aug. 31: at Central HS Tournament, TBD Sept. 3: vs. Willamette (non-league), 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 5: at Corvallis (non-league), 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 10: vs. Mt. View (non-league), 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 12: at Churchill, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Ashland, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 21: vs Marist Invitational at Marist, TBD Sept. 24: vs. Eagle Point, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 26: at Thurston, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 28: vs. TBD at Lincoln HS Tour., TBD Oct. 1: vs. Crater, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 3: vs. North Eugene, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 5: vs. TBD at Pleasant Hill Invite, TBD Oct. 8: vs. Churchill, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 15: vs. Ashland, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 17: at Eagle Point, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 22: vs. Thurston, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 24: at Crater, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 29: at North Eugene, 6:45 p.m.

SHS CROSS COUNTRY

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JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: This is Taylor Graham’s 1st year at Springfield and as a head coach ■ 2023 season: 1-11-2 overall, 0-5-1 in conference ... 6th in Midwestern League ... #25 in Class 5A ... missed playoffs.

■ Team history: Last playoff appearance was 2022 vs. La Salle Prep

SHS GIRLS SOCCER

■ Great returning goalkeeper

TOP GAMES ■ vs. Corvallis, Sept. 12 ■ vs. Crescent Valley, Sept. 26 ■ vs. North Eugene, Oct. 8 (Senior Night)

TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 18 ■ Returning starters: 8 TOP RETURNERS ■ Elidia Cervantes-Carlos (#21), Sr., midfielder ... She missed all of ’23 after a knee injury in the preseason jamboree. She has worked hard to return and be a leader having been a starter and contributor her entire career.

■ Kira Balcom (#1), Sr., GK ... Returning starter after a “great season last year,” Graham said.

■ Keeley Battey (#18), So., defender/midfield ... Battey was a key contributor as a freshman and should continue her growth going into sophomore year.

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Emily Cervantes-Carlos, forward/midfield, So. ... Younger sister of Elidia. She will be a key contributor to attack for the team.

SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 29: TBD at North Eugene / Triangle Lake Jamboree, 10 a.m.

■ Aug. 29: vs. North Marion at North Eugene / Triangle Lake Jamboree, 3 p.m.

■ Sept. 3: at Willamette (non-league), 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 5: vs. Ridgeview (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 12: vs. Corvallis (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 17: at Churchill (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 21: at W. Albany (non-league), 2:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 23: at Westview (non-league), 7 p.m.

■ Sept. 24: vs. Woodburn (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 26: vs. Crescent Valley (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 8: vs. North Eugene / Triangle Lake (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 15: vs. Churchill, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 19: vs. Ashland, 3 p.m.

■ Oct. 23: vs. N. Eugene / Triangle Lake, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 26: at Eagle Point, TBD ■ Oct. 30: at Thurston, 6 p.m.

■ Nov. 2: vs. Crater, 3 p.m.

Note: Home games at Hamlin Sports Complex

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Strong senior leadership ■ Entire back line returning

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■ Audrey Sommerville, Sr., PR: 22:12 ...

Senior leader in her 2nd season of XC. ■ Ellen Auxie, So., PR: 21:11 ... Auxie placed 14th in the Midwestern League as a freshman.

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TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Great team atmosphere and support. The athletes are committed to each other.

■ Strong incoming freshmen on boys and girls teams

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2024 SCHEDULE ■ Sept. 4: Umpqua Invite, TBD ■ Sept. 7: Ultimook Race, at the Hydrangea Ranch, TBD ■ Sept. 21: Northwest Classic (Lane Community College, TBD ■ Sept. 28: Nike Portland XC, at Blue Lake Regional Park, TBD ■ Oct. 5: Harrier Classic, Bryant Park, TBD ■ Oct. 19: The CG Bramble Scramble, Cottage Grove HS, TBD ■ Oct. 23: Umpqua Invite, TBD ■ Nov. 9: OSAA 5A State Championships, Lane Community College, TBD ■ Nov. 16: NXR Northwest Regional Championships, Eagle Island State Park, ID, TBD

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2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

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200 NAMES TO KNOW SCOREBOOK LIVE: NUMBERS 1-100

1. RB Ansu Sanoe, Lakeridge, Jr. One of the Univer sit y of Washington’s early coups under new coach Jedd Fisch was getting a commitment from Sanoe, the state’s No. 2 recruit in the class of 2026 according to 247Sports and On3. He made the 6A all-state 2nd team with a team-high 661 rushing yards and eight TDs despite missing the last three games because of a high ankle sprain.

2. OL Zac Stascausky, Central Catholic, Sr. Stascausky climbed the recruiting rankings as he showed immense improvement week to week. He earned 6A 1st-team all-state honors for the state champion Rams and committed to (then decommitted from) Minnesota. He’s received an offer from Washington.

3. WR/DB Josiah Molden, West Linn, So. Molden arrived at West Linn last year having received an offer from Oregon as an 8th-grader. Quickly, the son of former NFL CB Alex Molden and younger brother of Tennessee Titans DB Elijah Molden was a 2nd-team 6A all-state pick – the first 9th-grader to make the 6A team in a full season.

4. TE/DE Baron Naone, West Linn, Sr. Naone received 6A all-state 2nd-team recognition as an edge rusher. His future is at TE, where he caught 10 passes for 172 yards and a TD last year. Naone committed to Oregon St. last summer, then changed to Washington in June.

5. RB LaMarcus Bell, Lake Oswego, Jr. Bell was half of the Lakers’ “Thunder and Lightning” backfield while teaming with Zavier Russell last season, serving as the big-play threat who ran for 1,116 yards and 11 TDs as a sophomore and made the 6A all-state 2nd team. He ranks No. 3 among class of ’26 state recruits according to 247Sports and On3 and has offers from Nevada, Oregon St. and Washington St. 6. QB Nolan Keeney, Tualatin, Sr. Keeney’s junior season started with him blossoming in the Timberwolves’ fast-paced offense before a separated shoulder in Week 4 cost him the rest of the regular season. He returned for the playoffs and led Tualatin to the 6A final. The BYU commit and On3’s No. 1 recruit in the state finished the season 92-of-133 for 1,834 yards, 22 TDs and five INTs and rushed for 384 yards and four scores.

7. DL Ton y Cumberland, Willamette, Jr. Cumberland moved to the Eugene area from Scottsdale, Ariz., where he made 30 tackles (8½ for loss) and 3½ sacks for Desert Mountain last season. He is On3’s No. 2-ranked DL nationally in the class of ’26 (No. 6 for 247Sports) and is No. 22 in the overall rankings (No. 60 for 247Sports). He committed to the Oregon last September.

8. OL Jake Normoyle, West Linn, Sr. Normoyle, as a sophomore playing for the 2022 6A state champion, became one of five Lions to earn all-state recognition on the OL. He is 247Sports’ No. 3-ranked state recruit and has committed to Oregon St. 9. WR Landon Kelsey, Central Catholic, Sr. Kelsey was one of the big-name transfers last year for the Rams, becoming the 6A state champs' leading target – he caught a teamhigh 33 passes for 758 yards and 10 TDs and was 1st-team all-state.

The state’s No. 9-ranked recruit by 247Sports is headed to Eastern Washington.

10. WR/S Jackson Doman, Canby, Sr. Doman was an all-Northwest Oregon Conference HM pick on both sides of the ball, catching five TD passes and making 51 tackles (five for loss). He vaulted to No. 2 on 247Sports’ state rankings (No. 5 in Rivals) and committed to

BYU in June, continuing a family legacy that has 22 family members donning a Cougars uniform.

11. WR/LB Rasean Jones, Baker, Jr. Last year, the all-state 1st-teamer ranked in the top three in 4A in all three receiving categories – 76 catches (No. 2) for 985 yards (No. 3) and 11 TDs (No. 3). Jones is a top hurdling prospect, winning his second state titles in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles in the spring.

12. WR/ DB Mark Wieper t, Wilsonville, Sr. Wiepert staked his claim as the state’s top two-way player last season, when he won 5A defensive POY honors fat safety for the state champions, making 121 tackles (seven for loss), and 1st-team all-state recogniton on offense with 72 catches for 1,465 yards and 20 TDs. The all-state baseball catcher is committed to Oregon St..

13. OL Jace Eveland, Summit, Sr. Eveland has been one of the PNW's top OL recruits since his freshman season at Putnam. He moved to Central Oregon last year after his father, Jesse, got the athletic director job at Redmond. He became the Panthers' first 5A all-state 1st-team pick since ’16. Jace and his brother, Peyton (a sophomore), transferred to Summit. Jace is ranked No. 17 among state recruits by 247Sports and has offers from Dartmouth, Harvard and Princeton.

14. WR/DB Jack Foley, Mt. View, Sr. Foley was a two-way standout for the 5A finalist Cougars last season, He was a 1st-team receiver, returning from a Week 1 injury to finish with 44 receptions for 709 yards and 17 TDs. He is the No. 13 recruit in the 247Sports state rankings and has offers from Air Force and Washington St. 15. QB Baird Gilroy, West Linn, Sr. Gilroy won a preseason competition with Nick Sakys for the starting job, then had one of the best seasons of any 6A QB, earning 2nd-team all-state after throwing for 3,098 yards and 29 TDs with seven INTs, completing 65.5% o fhis passes.

16. WR/DB Zyon Floyd, Lakeridge, Sr. Floyd has college interest on both sides of the ball. He had 47 tackles in the secondary, and caught 28 passes for 414 yards and a TD. 17. RB/LB Mana Tuioti, Sheldon, Sr. Tuioti’s older brother, Teitum, has fit right in at the college level, and Mana is set to join him at the next level next year. The LB made a team-high 70 tackles, forcing two fumbles. He was a 1st-team all-South Central Football Conference pick on offense.

18. RB Angel Valenzuela, Mountain View, Jr. Valenzuela’s was a 1st-team all-state selection, rushing for 1,827 yards and 27 TDs. 19. WR/KR Danny Wideman, West Linn, Sr. Wideman led the way with 60 catches for 943 yards and 12 TDs last season. The Oregon commit and 1st-team all-state outfielder led the Lions to an unprecedented third baseball state title in a row.

20. C John McGregor, Central Catholic, Sr. McGregor was a 2nd-team all-state pick and an anchor for the 6A state champs’ OL. 21. DL Dominic Macon, Nelson, Sr. After a dominant wrestling season in which he capped an undefeated campaign with an overtime win in the 6A 285-pound final, he’s blown up on the recruiting circuit, committing to Washington.

22. QB Nick Hudson, Marist Catholic, Sr. Hudson was voted 4A all-state 1st team last season, when he threw for 3,766 yards – eighth on the state’s all-time single-season list – and a school-record-tying 47 TDs. 23. DE Lusiano Lopez, Lake Oswego, Sr. Lopez, a two-time all-Three Rivers League 1st-team honoree, made 56

tackles with two sacks last year.

24. WR/S Evan Wusstig, West Salem, Jr. Wusstig had 19 catches for 481 yards and seven TDs and was voted 1st-team all-South Central Football Conference on defense (55 tackles).

25. WR Cash Landau, Franklin, Sr. Landau will play TE at Idaho; he caught 51 passes for 829 yards and a 6A-leading 15 TDs last year.

26. LB Daniel Kuenzi, Silverton, Sr. Kuenzi made a team-high 95 tackles last year to lead a defense that allowed only 14.7 points per game. He earned Mid-Willamette Conference defensive POY and 1st-team all-state.

27. WR Zhaiel Smith, Tualatin, Sr. A midseason ankle injury cost him three games, and he finished with 20 catches for 297 yards. The Idaho commit transferred to Tualitan during the offseason.

28. TE Andreas Nicolaidis, Central Catholic, Jr. Nicolaidis caught 16 passes in the Rams’ balanced passing attack for 230 yards and two TDs. He ranks No. 4 among the state’s class of ’26 recruits according to 247Sports, with offers from Colorado St., UNLV, and Wake Forest.

29. WR/LB Austin Simmons, West Albany, Sr. Defensively, Simmons had 31 tackles (three for loss), two sacks and an INT. The state’s No. 8 recruit in 247Sports’ rankings has committed to Washington St. 30. RB/LB Wyatt Andler, Wells, Sr. Andler is a bullish runner who had 1,070 yards and 19 TDs last season.

31. QB Sawyer Teeney, Silverton, Sr. Teeney threw for 1,999 yards, ran for 640 and accounted for 29 total TDs as a junior.

32. LB Will Ingle, West Linn, Sr. Ingle was one of four Wilsonville defensive players to receive 5A 1st-team all-state recognition last year, finishing with 93 tackles (15 for loss), six sacks, four hurries, two fumble recoveries and an INT for the state champions.

33. TE/DE Cody Siegner, Crane, Sr. The 6-foot-7, 225-pounder is a two-way 1st-team 1A eight-man all-state selection who last year led the Mustangs to their first state final since 2016 and committed to Oregon St. in June.

34. RB/DB JaMar Thurman, Lowell, Sr. The Red Devils had never won a state title before last season, with Thurman leading a loaded roster as the 2A offensive POY. He ran for 266 yards and five TDs and caught a TD pass in the final to cap a season in which he rushed for 2,958 yards and 44 TDs and caught 23 passes for 411 yards and four scores.

35. QB Noah Blair, Thurston, Sr. Blair earned 2nd-team all-state honors after a junior season in which he threw for 3,062 yards on 74% passing (222-of-300) and 39 TDs with only three INTs; he rushed for 161 yards and four scores.

36. OL/DL Eli Willis, Silverton, Sr. Willis was the 2023 Mid-Willamette Conference DL of the year and a 1st-team 5A all-state selection, finishing with 42 tackles and four sacks; he made the all-state 2nd team as an OL. 37. WR Nick Crowley, Wilsonville, Sr. As a junior, Crowley starred in the Wildcats’ high-powered aerial attack opposite first-team 5A all-state receiver Mark Wiepert, making the all-state 2nd team after catching 58 passes for 1,055 yards and 15 TDs for the state chams.

38. WR/DB Quinton Olson, Scappoose, Sr. Olson last year earned 1st-team all-state in the secondary, making a team-high 94 tackles (fifth in 4A) with three INTs and five fumble recoveries. He also catching a teamhigh eight TD passes among his 48 receptions for 653 yards.

39. RB Bryce Kuenzi, Cascade, Jr. As a sophomore, Kuenzi turned heads in his first full season with the Cougars, making the 4A all-state 1st team after rushing for 1,644 yards (third in 4A and the most of any returning player) and 21 TDs to help them reach the state quarters.

40. LB Holton Halstead, Thurston, Sr. Halstead, a 5A all-state secondteam selection, was one of the leaders of the Colts defense last season, recording a team-high 65 tackles (nine for loss), four sacks and two fumble recoveries.

41. RB/LB Sam Vyhlidal, Mountainside, Jr. Vyhlidal joined the varsity his freshman season and made the all-Metro League 1st team on both sides of the ball last year.

42. OL/DL Brash Henderson, Silverton, Sr. Henderson, a 1st-team 5A all-state OL last year. In the winter, he capped an undefeated wrestling season by winning the 285-pound state title.

43. FB/LB Treyson Eddleman, Lakeridge, Sr. Eddleman was a key player in the middle of a Sherwood defense that posted eight shutouts last season, recording 38 tackles (six for loss), 2½ sacks.

44. DE Phoenix-Orion DiCosmo, Central Catholic, Sr. DiCosmo is No. 12 among state recruits in the 247Sports rankings.

He has offers from Dartmouth and Vanderbilt, among others.

45. OL Suliasi Laulaupea’alu, Sherwood, Sr. The 6-2, 350-pounder is a dominating presence in the wing-T offense.

46. WR/DB D’Marieon Gates, Central Catholic, Sr. Gates was one of several high-profile transfers to join the Rams last season, coming over from Jefferson.

47. QB Avirey Durdahl, Nelson, Sr. Durdahl last season finished among state leaders in passing yards (1,863 on 128-of-217) and TDs (16, with only four INTs).

48. OL/DL Isaac Jordan, Lebanon, Sr. Jordan led 5A with 16 tackles for loss and had eight sacks last year.

49. DL Tau Takau, Roosevelt, Sr. As a junior, Takau led the PIL with 18 tackles for loss (No. 2 in 6A) and finished with 56 tackles and six sacks.

50. LB Jack Brauckmiller, Canby, So. Brauckmiller already has an offer from UNLV for football and ranking No. 7 on Prep Baseball Report’s sophomore recruits. He had 22 tackles and a team-high four INTs as a freshman. He broke his collarbone during baseball season but should be ready for the start of football.

51. WR/DB Jordan Westerholm, Seaside, Sr. Westerholm was a 2nd-team 4A all-state selection in the secondary.

52. TE/LB Kale Hubert, Stayton, Sr. Hubert made the 4A all-state 2nd team at LB last season; he finished eighth in the state with 84 tackles for the Eagles.

53. DL Antonio Aguilar, Milwaukie, Sr. Aguilar has been a dominant force on the Mustangs’ front line for three seasons.

54. WR Christian Guerrero, Marist Catholic, Sr. Guerrero last season was Marist's No. 3 receiver, earning 2nd-team for the state finalist Spartans. He is one of the best kickers in 4A with 40-yard range on his field goals.

55. QB Max Nowlin, Scappoose, Sr. The leader of Scappoose’s passing attack threw for 2,937 yards and 26 TDs with 11 INTs last year.

56. DE Zachary Davis, Central Catholic, Sr. Davis projects as an outside LB at the next level (he has offers from Georgia Tech and Florida A&M). On Aug. 15, Davis said he's transferring to Homestead (Fla.).

57. WR/LB/K/P Rocco Graziano, Sheldon, Sr. Graziano caught 20 passes for 270 yards as a junior and made seven tackles as a backup LB. He was a 2nd-team 6A all-state pick as a kicker and punter. He was 20-of-21 on PATs and 5-of-6 on FGs. 58. LB Marco Larsen, Summit, Sr. Larsen, a second-team 5A all-state selection, was one of the leaders of the Storm defense last year, finishing with 77 tackles.

59. RB/LB Ceville Pasi, Churchill, Sr. Pasi finished fourth in 5A in rushing with 1,289 yards and 19 TDs and ranking among the state leaders in sacks with 5½.

60. RB/DE Noah Tishendorf, Lakeridge, Jr. Tishendorf made 20 tackles for loss and nine sacks among his 56 total tackles. He has offers from Oregon St., Washington St., and UNLV. 61. RB Jordan Hicks, Mountainside, Jr. As a sophomore, Hicks won the Metro League rushing title with 1,325 yards and 16 TDs. 62. LB Maddox Maehara,

Clackamas, Sr. Maehara led the Cavaliers with 88 tackles and had two INTs. 63. RB Tyson Davis, Central Catholic, Jr. Davis averaged 10.9 yards per carry (53 for 576 yards and 10 TDs) and caught 17 passes for 415 yards and four scores.

64. QB Kaden Martirano, West Albany, Sr. Martirano transferred during the offseason after last year at West Salem, throwing for 1,525 yards and 13 TDs (eight INTs).

65. RB/LB Wilson Medina, Sherwood, Sr. Medina last season was a two-way standout as he made the all-Pacific Conference 1st team on offense (652 rushing yards, 16 TDs) and 2nd team on defense.

66. RB/DB Ryder Jackson, Seaside, Jr. After all-state RB Jake White went down with an injury last year, Jackson made the all-state 2nd team on offense (1,146 yards, 16 TDs).

67. WR/CB Luke Baker, Clackamas, Sr. Baker was the team's No. 1 receiver with 39 catches for 331 yards. He rushed for six TDs. 68. QB Joseph Janney, Henley, Jr. Janney’s late-season performance sparked the Hornets’ run to their first state championship since 1982. He ran for 180 yards and four TDs and threw for another score in their 42-28 victory over Marist in the 4A final.

69. OL/DL Luke Bigsby, Banks, Sr. Bigsby last season was a 3A co-DL of the year and made the all-state 1st team as an OT. 70. WR/DB Mason Mueller, La Salle Prep, Sr. Mueller played an integral role in the Falcons’ first league title in more than a decade, making the all-Tri-Valley Conference 1st team on both sides of the ball and the 4A all-state 2nd team in the secondary.

71. LB Justin Hofenbredl, Dallas, Sr. Hofenbredl led the Mid-Willamette Conference with 95 tackles (eight for loss).

72. LB/K/P Calvin Evans, Tualatin, Sr. Evans entered last season as one of the state’s top kickers, and he expanded his repertoire by becoming the Timberwolves’ leading tackler (97, 10 for loss, four sacks).

He was 7-of-8 on FGs (long of 38 yards), went 41-of-43 on PATs and averaged 30.5 yards per punt.

73. DL Trey Kennedy-Coleman, North Medford, Sr. Kennedy-Coleman last year had 44 tackles (18 for loss), three sacks and 19 QB hurries. The state’s No. 14 prospect in 247Sports’ class of ’25 rankings has offers from Washington St., Portland St. 74. WR/DB Easton Raber, Eagle Point, Sr. Raber finished among the top 10 in 5A in receiving yards with 642 on 37 catches (12 TDs) and had two INTs. 75. OL/DL Lucas Folau, Marshfield, Sr. As a junior, Folau recorded a 4A-leading 20½ tackles for loss and shared the sack title with 12; 1st-team all-state.

76. RB Valentin Rodriguez, Crater, Sr. He finished last season second in 5A with 1,427 rushing yards (15 TDs) on 265 carries.

77. DL Garren White, Mt. View, Sr. White last season made 73 tackles (nine for loss), two sacks and two forced fumbles.

78. WR/DB Griffyn Boomer, Tillamook, Jr. Boomer, a 2nd-team all-state pick, finished last season fourth in 4A in receiving yards (883 on 44 catches) with nine TDs, and he made 31 tackles with three INTs. 79. RB Hudson Hardy, West Linn, Sr. Hardy’s junior season was cut short in Week 2 by a torn ACL, but the flashes he showed in the Lions’ first two games promise a breakthrough in his final year.

80. TE Brody Kuenzi, Silverton, Sr. Kuenzi, finished the 2023 season with 26 catches for 413 yards. He had three TD catches in the playoffs.

81. LB Jacob Thayer, La Salle Prep, Sr. Thayer last season was the Tri-Valley Conference defensive POY and a 1st-team 4A all-state pick, making a team-high 81 tackles (five for loss) .

THE CHRONICLE – 7 82. DB Kellen Hicks, Mountainside, Sr. Hicks led the Metro League with four INTs last season, earning firstteam all-league honors and helping the Mavericks reach the Columbia Cup quarterfinals.

83. OL Soren Gaston, Jesuit, Sr. Gaston is another breakthrough lineman to join The Franchise, the nickname for the Crusaders’ vaunted OL that regularly churns out all-state caliber players.

84. RB Kristopher Baldwin, Mazama, Sr. Baldwin became the lead back in the Vikings’ power running game last season and recorded 953 yards and 13 TDs. 85. OL/DL Dawson Relling, Marist Catholic, Sr. Relling was a two-way 4A all-state selection last season, when he made 50 tackles with two sacks and two fumble recoveries.

86. QB/DB Easton Berry, WestonMcEwen/Griswold, Sr. Last season he made the 2A all-state list for the second time at QB, receiving 2nd-team honors after throwing for 1,885 yards and 25 TDs – completing nearly 60% of his passes. He made all-state 1st team on defense.

87. WR Andrew Ramtel, Mountainside, Jr. Ramtel finished second in the Metro League with 607 receiving yards on 35 catches with three TDs. 88. DL Kainoa Hayes, Central Catholic, Sr. Hayes had 45 tackles, four for loss, last season.

89. RB/DB Bridger Foss, South Medford, Sr. As a junior, Foss made the all-South Central Football Conference 2nd team after finishing with 756 yards and eight TDs. 90. RB/LB Gabe Williamson, Oakland, Sr. Class 2A coaches voted Williamson to the all-state 1st team at both of his primary positions last year after he rushed for 1,490 yards and 18 TDs on 136 carries.

91. RB Jacob Hadley, Willamina, Sr. Hadley last year became the Bulldogs’ first 2A all-state 1st-team selection in the past six seasons after he ran for 2,036 yards and 36 TDs on 216 carries.

92. OL/DL Carter Bennett, Forest Grove, Sr. Bennett was a 1st-team all-Northwest Oregon Conference pick on both sides of the ball as a junior.

93. RB/LB Gus Karpstein, Bend, Sr. Karpstein made 71 tackles as a junior. He was all-Intermountain Conference HM as a backup RB. 94. RB Mitchell Johnson, Oregon City, Sr. Johnson finished third in the Three Rivers League with 529 yards rushing with four TDs on 104 carries.

95. K/P Gabe Love, Crook County, Sr. Love displayed his athleticism at the 4A state track meet in May, winning two gold medals, a silver and a bronze. He earned 1st-team all-state as a punter (37.3-yard average) and HM as a PK (4A-leading six FGs).

96. OL/DL Vai Takau, Roosevelt, Sr. Takau last season earned 6A all-state HM for the Roughriders as a road-grading tackle in their power running game.

97. QB Trey Cleeland, Jesuit, Sr. The Crusaders turned to Cleeland early last season to take over behind center, and the UC-Davis commit went 94-for-190 for 1,427 yards, 15 TDs and seven INTs and rushing for 298 yards and four scores. He made the all-Metro League 3rd team.

98. DB Tate Snyder, North Medford, Sr. Snyder led 6A with eight INTs last season and helped the Black Tornado qualify for the state championship bracket.

99. RB/DB Jake White, Seaside, Sr. White had his junior season derailed by injury, but he returned for the playoffs and helped the Seagulls reach the 4A state semifinals. He finished the year with 557 rushing yards and eight TDs on 101 carries.

100. LB Keaton Robertson, Caldera, Sr. Robertson last year was part of the inaugural group of four Wolfpack all-state selections and the only nonsenior, earning HM after leading 5A with 101 tackles, including seven for loss.

See TOP 200 – 8

8 - THE CHRONICLE

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

200 NAMES TO KNOW SCOREBOOK LIVE: NUMBERS 101-200

TOP 200 from 7 101. RB Killian Sombe, Central Catholic, Jr.: Sombe moved from Roswell, Ga., the summer before his freshman year, and after a season at Westview, he transferred to Central Catholic, where he ran for 703 yards (9.5 per carry) and 11 TDs for the 6A state champions and earned 2nd-team all-Mt. Hood Conference honors.

102. OL Brando Lopez, Thurston, Sr.: Lopez, a 5A all-state HM selection last fall, will anchor the Colts offensive line this season as they bid for a seventh consecutive Midwestern League title.

103. LB Yahkyll Noil, Lakeridge, Jr.: Noil hopes to follow two older brothers’ footsteps to play in college. He had 39 tackles (six for loss) last season.

104. OT/DL Brody Borrevik, Sheldon, Sr.: Borrevik last season was a two-way standout for the Irish, making the all-South Central Conference 2nd team on offense and finishing second on the team with 47 tackles.

105. WR/CB Madden Tanuvasa, Mountainside, Sr.: Tanuvasa excelled in all three phases for the Mavericks as a junior and was a 1st-team all-Metro League selection in the secondary.

106. RB Manu Tanzambi, La Salle Prep, Sr.: The 1st-team all-Tri-Valley Conference selection helped the Falcons win their first league title in more than a decade, rushing for a team-high 609 yards and 10 TDs. 107. RB/ LB Cayden Baker, Scappoose, Sr.: Baker was a two-way standout for a 4A semifinalist, making the 2023 all-state HM list at RB (553 yards, 14 TDs) and recording 67 tackles (11 for loss) and 5½ sacks at LB. 108. S Kayce Tinner, Lakeridge, Sr.: Tinner is a fast-rising prospect who was all-league HM as a S last year (43 tackles, four for loss) but could shift to LB this season as he looks to playing at Portland St. 109. TE Hudson Whipple, West Salem, Sr.: A 2nd-team all-South Central Conference selection a year ago, the 6-5, 225-pounder should get more touches this season.

110. OG/DL Ryan Holmes, West Linn, Sr.: Holmes was a part of one of the state’s best OLs last year and made all-eague 2nd team on both sides of the ball.

111. RB Dontrell Betts, Roosevelt, Sr.: Betts finished in the Top 10 in 6A with 961 yards and 14 TDs on 143 carries. He was all-PIL 1st team.

112. S Tristen Collins, Thurston, Sr.: Collins had a breakthrough junior season for the Colts, finishing with 57 tackles and a teamhigh three INTs and receiving 5A all-state HM. 113. LS Nolan Darcy, Lakeridge, Sr.: Darcy is one of the top long snapper prospects in the state and earned all-Three Rivers League recognition last fall in his specialty.

114. RB/LB Parker Gibson, Redmond, Jr.: Gibson was one of the bright spots in the Panthers defense as a sophomore, making 66 tackles (14 for loss) with four

sacks and an INT. 115. DB Owen Thomas, Bend, Sr.: Thomas led 5A with seven INTs last season and made all-state HM. 116. WR/DB CD Nuno, Philomath, Jr.: Nuno was a two-way 4A all-state selection for the Warriors last year, making the 2nd team on offense after finishing second in 4A with 828 yards receiving (52 catches) with seven TDs. 117. WR Truman Brasfield, Corvallis, Sr.: A breakthrough junior season for Brasfield saw him record a Mid-Willamette Conference-leading 56 passes for 712 yards and eight TDs. 118. C/LB Tobin Holloway, West Albany, Sr.: The OL was the fulcrum to an offense that averaged more than 300 yards per game.

119. RB/LB Justin Craigwell, Lake Oswego, Jr.: Craigwell was a key player in Sunset’s run to the 2023 Columbia Cup championship, making the all-Metro League 2nd team at LB (98 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries). He is at Lake Oswego now.

120. QB Liam Davis, Lake Oswego, Sr.: Davis has had an up-and-down first two seasons with the Lakers but threw for 1,137 yards and nine TDs with eight INTs and rushing for seven TDs last year.

121. WR/ DB Cutler Hobin, Summit, Sr.: Hobin was a 5A all-state HM pick in the secondary.

122. DL Coen Egner, Oakland, Sr.: Egner was a 1st-team 2A all-state selection last year for the Oakers, finishing with 47 tackles (12 for loss) and a team-high 10 sacks.

123. RB/LB Noah Scharer, South Salem, Sr.: Scharer last year finished second in the South Central Conference with 87 tackles (10 for loss) and had four sacks in earning 1st-team all-SCFC honors.

124. OL Gabe Haines, Central, Sr.: The 6-4, 280-pound LT will try to build off a junior season for which he received 5A all-state HM. 125. C Brady Ackerman, Canby, Sr.: Ackerman’s future likely is in baseball – he was the Northwest Oregon Conference player of the year last spring – but he’s also a solid presence in the trenches for the Cougars.

126. DL Matthew Hinkle, Cascade, Jr.: Hinkle had a breakthrough sophomore season for the Cougars with 58 tackles (5½ for loss).

127. TE/S AJ Reverman, Lincoln, Sr.: Reverman plays TE, RB, OLB, and FS for the Cardinals. As a junior, he made the all-PIL 1st team on defense and 2nd team on offense.

128. QB Tre'Marion Crawford, McDaniel, Jr.: The 1st-team all-PIL selection was a dual threat behind center for the Mountain Lions last year with 1,113 yards of total offense.

12 9. Q B K ane S ulli v an, McMinnville, Sr.: Sullivan last season threw for 1,077 yards and nine TDs and rushed for a team-high 635 yards – his 12 rushing TDs tied for the Pacific Conference lead.

130. RB/DB Kameron Rague, South Medford, Sr.: Rague transitioned from Cascade Christian, where he was 3A offensive player of the year as a sophomore, to the

6A Panthers last year. He made the all-South Central Conference 2nd team in the secondary (42 tackles, three INTs) and gained 614 yards on 89 carries with six TDs. 131. OLB Silas Reynolds, West Linn, Jr.: Reynolds showed promise as a sophomore rotation player in the Lions’ LB corps.

132. QB Traeger Healy, North Medford, Jr.: Healy was a top QB in 6A last year, finishing second in the South Central Conference with 1,796 yards and 17 TDs. 133. RB Uriel Valdez, Bend, Sr.: Valdez last season finished second in the Intermountain Conference in rushing yards (590) and TDs (nine) in making the all-conference 1st team.

134. WR Matthew Newell, Thurston, Jr.: As a sophomore, Newell was a solid third option behind all-state WRs Walker Bonar and Lombel Doreen, catching 32 passes for 385 yards and three TDs and earning 2nd-team all-Midwestern League honors.

135. WR/DB Xavier Harris, West Linn, Sr.: Harris played the opposite corner from 9th-grade sensation Josiah Molden last year and earned 1st-team all-Three Rivers League honors and 6A all-state HM. 136. OG/ DL Landon Fay, McMinnville, Sr.: Fay earned 1st-team all-Pacific Conference honors on defense last year with a team-high 50 tackles (10 for loss), 3½ sacks and two fumble recoveries.

137. LB Donnie Vercher, Central Catholic, Jr.: Vercher is a fast-rising prospect in the Rams defense who had 14 tackles and a sack in a backup role for last year’s 6A state champs. He has an offer from UNLV. 138. QB/DB Mason King, Molalla, Sr.: King was a do-everything standout for last season, intercepting four passes and earning 1st-team all-Tri-Valley Conference in the secondary and making the 2nd team on offense as a dual-threat QB (1,323 yards of total offense, 11 rushing TDs).

139. DL Oliver Macy, Lake Oswego, Sr.: Macy was a 2nd-team all-Three Rivers League selection last year and will look to follow in older brother Calvin’s footsteps this season – Calvin was a two-time 6A all-state selection.

140. WR/DB Aidan Andresen, Sprague, Sr.: Andresen finished fourth in the South Central Conference last season with 32 catches for 494 yards and three TDs. He's drawn interest from Division III schools (Linfield, George Fox, Willamette, and Pacific).

141. QB Paul Skoro, Las Salle Prep, Sr.: Last year’s Tri-Valley Conference offensive player of the year led the Falcons to their first league title since 2012.

142. LB Riley DuBois, Scappoose, Sr.: DuBois had 63 tackles (including a team-high 12 for loss) and five sacks as a junior.

14 3. C/ DL Deacon P ace, Pendleton, Sr.: Pace anchored the Buckaroos DL last season, finishing with five tackles for loss.

144. WR Carson Schwindt, Lake Oswego, Sr.: Schwindt led the 2023 Lakers with 28 catches for 420 yards and three TDs. 145. OL Gino Longoni, Vale, Sr.: Longoni went from receiving all-state HM as a sophomore to 3A OL of the year last season.

146. TE/LB Sam Hunt, Jesuit, Sr.: Hunt last season made the all-Metro League 2nd team on both sides of the ball.

147. C Walter Dahme, Sherwood, Jr.: Dahme was a critical player during the Bowmen’s run to last year’s 6A semis, earning 1st-team

all-Pacific Conference honors.

148. OL Adrian Machic, Sunset, Sr.: The 2nd-team all-Metro League OG played a significant role in the Apollos winning the ’23 Columbia Cup. 14 9. W R / DB Ma x Spear, Beaverton, Sr.: Spear was a two-way all-Metro League pick last season, making the 2nd team on defense and the 3rd team on offense (14 catches for 194 yards).

150. OG/DL Damon Bossy, South Salem, Sr.: The Saxons’ offense relies on its horses along the line, and one of its biggest workhorses is Bossy, a 1st-team all-South Central Conference pick last fall.

151. OL Trace Spreen, Jesuit, Sr.: The Crusaders pride themselves on churning out O-linemen, and their 2nd-team all-Metro League OG emerged last fall to make his mark.

152. WR/LB Trevin Laird, Tigard, Sr.: As a junior, Laird caught a teamhigh 26 passes for 372 yards and amassed 65 tackles and three INTs. 153. QB Ben Schneider Jr., Oregon City, Sr.: In a league full of QB talent, Schneider broke through last fall and made the all-league 2nd team, completing 58% of his passes for 1,373 yards and 14 TDs with nine INTs. 154. WR/DB Braxton Singleton, North Salem, Jr.: Singleton had a breakthrough sophomore season for the Vikings, catching four TDs and making 52 tackles and four INTs (returning two for scores).

155. OL/DL Logan Hartman, Bend, Sr.: The two-way all-Intermountain Conference second-team selection also is a standout wrestler for the Lava Bears, qualifying for the 5A state meet as a Jr..

156. DL Jake Devos, Vale, Sr.: Devos, a 3A co-defensive lineman of the year in 2023, was one of the leaders of one of the state’s stingiest defenses – the Vikings allowed seven points per game.

157. WR/DB Evin Warner, Myrtle Point, Sr.: Warner finished among 1A eight-man receiving leaders with 1,090 yards and 23 TDs last season.

158. TE/DL Tristan Gomez, Ontario, Sr.: Gomez earned 4A all-state HM on both sides of the ball as a junior.

159. QB/P Kellen Oliver, Canby, Sr.: Oliver's value for the Cougars comes at QB, where he was a 2nd-team all-NWOC selection as a junior, throwing 876 yards and 11 TDs 160. OT Peyton Eveland, Summit, So.: Eveland started every game as a freshman at Redmond, and the 6-8, 290-pounder looks well on his way to joining older brother Jace as a top prospect in the PNW. Peyton is the No. 5 recruit in the class of 2027 according to Prep Redzone.

The siblings transferred to IMC rival Summit this year.

161. WR/DB Oliver Luebkert, Beaverton, Jr.: Luebkert’s future might be in basketball, but he’s also a two-way football standout, making the all-Metro League 2nd team at WR (17 catches for 205 yards and five TDs) last year.

162. WR Tanner Starbuck, Stayton, Sr.: Starbuck rushed for a team-high 637 yards and five TDs on 141 carries and caught 33 passes for 287 yards and a TD. 163. RB/LB Lincoln Rathmanner, Estacada, Sr.: The Rangers count on their two-way standout – Rathmanner last year was a 1st-team all-Tri-Valley Conference back (258 rushing yards, two TDs) and 2nd-team LB (six tackles for loss) – to help reclaim the TVC title.

164. RB Owen Scholes, Sunset, Sr.: Scholes fueled an improved Apollos run game during their charge to the 2023 Columbia Cup

title, rushing for 328 yards and two TDs in the postseason (906 yards and eight TDs total).

165. WR Kyle Fabela, Forest Grove, Sr.: Fabela finished in the top 10 in 5A last season in receiving yards (571 on 42 catches) and TD receptions (eight).

166. WR Logan Nakamura, Ridgeview, Sr.: As a junior, Nakamura led the Ravens with 25 catches for 314 yards.

167. LB Thomas Browning, Grant, Sr.: Browning led the ’23 Generals with 54 tackles (seven for loss) and had two INTs; all-PIL 1st team.

168. WR London Walker, Jefferson, Sr.: Walker had a solid junior season for the Democrats, highlighted by his four-TD performance against Liberty. All-PIL 1st team.

169. QB Tommy Morris, Caldera, Sr.: The Wolfpack reached the 5A state playoffs in their second season led by Morris, who threw for 1,273 yards and 13 TDs. 170. TE/LB Damick Eddy, Vale, Sr.: Eddy made the 3A all-state list on both sides of the ball for the Vikings last year (1st-team on offense and 2nd-team on defense).

171. TE/LB Max Walker, Banks, Sr.: As a junior, Walker was a 2nd-team 3A all-state pick on defense for state runner-up Banks, recording 38 tackles (five for loss), six INTs, eight pass breakups.

172. RB/LB Brandon Neilson, Scappoose, Sr.: Neilson last season had 62 tackles and 5½ sacks and joined Sessions on the 4A all-state HM list on defense.

173. LB Jack Kaefring, Mazama, Sr.: Kaefring led the Vikings last year with 71 tackles (7½ for loss) and had three pass breakups.

174. DL James Sessions, Scappoose, Sr.: Sessions helped Scappoose reach the 4A semifinals last season, making 27 tackles (9½ for loss) and six sacks.

17 5. DB C ar s en Rieger, Tillamook, Sr.: Rieger helped the Cheesemakers win a share of the 2023 Cowapa League title, recording 31 tackles (four for loss) and breaking up four passes as a SS. 176. WR/DB Graysen Gardner, Dallas, Sr.: Gardner last year made the all-Mid-Willamette Conference first team in the secondary to help the Dragons qualify for the 5A playoffs.

177. OL/DL David Finch, Lowell, Jr.: As a sophomore, Finch made 40 tackles (four for loss) for the 2A state champion Red Devils, but it’s along the OL where the 1st-team all-state lineman made his mark.

178. WR/DB Keaton Moore, Oregon City, Sr.: Expect Moore to a bigger role for the Pioneers this year after finishing ’23 with 15 catches for 270 yards and three TDs. 179. WR/DB Josiah Hawkins, Cascade, So. Hawkins broke through for the Cougars as a freshman, making five INTs for a 4A quarterfinalist. He earned 1st-team all-Oregon West Conference.

180. RB Kenya Johnson, Sprague, Sr.: Johnson finished second in the his conference last year with 1,047 yards on 189 carries with 15 TDs. 181. RB Camari Owens, Grant, Sr.: Owens formed half of a 1,000-yard rushing duo for the Generals last season, finishing with 451 yards and six TDs on 45 carries in earning 1st-team all-PIL honors.

182. OL/DL Brady Holland, Lincoln, Jr.: Holland finished with 31 tackles (seven for loss) and a sack last year, making the all-PIL 1st team on defense and 2nd team as an interior OL. He has received an offer from the Air Force Academy.

183. QB Brave Johnson, Jefferson, Sr.: Johnson was a first-team

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all-PIL selection last season.

184. RB/DL Alex Fiannaca, Cascade Christian, Jr.: Fiannaca made his mark for the 3A state champs along the defensive front, finishing with 58 tackles (12 for loss), 2½ sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

185. OG/DT Quintin Sleeth, Ridgeview, Sr.: Sleeth made 1st team all conference last season. He made 18 tackles as a rotation player along the DL. 186. WR Wyatt Smiley, West Linn, Sr.: Smiley (14 catches, 307 yards, four TDs) was on a loaded WR corps last season.

187. DL Joel Sissel, Siuslaw, Sr.: Sissel made the 3A all-state 1st team last year, totaling 46 tackles (six for loss).

188. C Jantz Kahl Jr., Henley, Jr.: The second-team 4A all-state selection was a big reason RB Logan Whitlock was the 2023 state offensive player of the year and the Hornets won a state title.

189. C/DL Kellen Crenshaw, Joseph, Sr.: As a junior, Crenshaw made 1st-team honors on offense and 2nd-team on defense.

190. WR/DB Chaz Katoanga, Nelson, Jr.: Katoanga entered the starting secondary last year for the Hawks and made the all-Mt. Hood Conference 2nd team.

191. RB/LB Tallen Kraushaar, Seaside, Sr.: Kraushaar made the all-Cowapa League 1st team at RB last year and ranked among the team leaders in tackles (32) and tackles for loss (5).

192. C Kam Hood, Clackamas, Sr.: Hood last season anchored an OL that included all-state tackle Devin Brooks, making the all-Mt. Hood Conference second team.

193. LB Easton Kemper, Burns, Sr.: As a Jr., Kemper made the 3A all-state 2nd team and helped the Hilanders reach the playoffs.

194. RB/LB Clay Smith, St. Paul, Sr.: Smith was a two-way 1A eightman all-state selection last fall, making the first team on both sides of the ball.

195. K Marco Torres, Sandy, Sr.: Torres is one of the top PKs returning in the state after going 28-for-28 on PATs and making two of his three FG tries last year.

196. FB/LB Kayden Hartman, Lost River, Sr.: Another 1st-team all-state selection on defense for the 1A eight-man champion Raiders, Hartman might get more touches on offense after the graduation of state player of the year Connor Dunlea.

Hartman ran for 244 yards and two TDs in the 2023 playoffs.

197. WR Maliq Smith, Tualatin, Sr.: Smith caught a team-high 26 passes for 315 yards and three TDs in earning 1st-team all-Pacific Conference honors for Glencoe last season. He has transferred to 6A runner-up Tualatin.

198. OL Paul Clark, Lowell, Sr.: Clark was a two-way 2A all-state selection for the state champion Red Devils last year, making the first team on offense and the second team on defense, where he had 34 tackles (22½ for loss) and four sacks.

199. DE Ayden Logan, Gladstone, Sr.: Logan was a 1st-team all-Tri-Valley Conference selection for the Gladiators last season. He climbed on the list with a strong offseason on the camp circuit.

200. DL Beau Sanders, Lost River, Sr.: Sanders was one of the defensive stalwarts for last year’s 1A eight-man state champion, a 1st-team all-state selection who will be counted upon heavily as the Raiders move up to 2A this year.

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BY McKENZIE DAYS McKENZIE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

THURSTON – Waking

up at dawn and being thrust into the car and off-loaded at a green pasture with two goalposts sitting on opposite ends was an average day for the Thurston native Cardwell sisters since age 4.

Scott Cardwell – the father of Brittany Ferrell, Kirsten Cardwell, and Jessica Cardwell – was a Divison 1 wrestler at Oregon State University.

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

THIRSTIN' FOR

SUCCESS Sisters are hoping to restore the Colts girls soccer program to its previous glory – or even attaining new heights.

As a competitive athlete who deeply understood the value of integrating varied athletic skills and techniques, he encouraged his three daughters to remain active and play multiple sports beginning in early childhood.

He also fostered a competitive and high-driven environment.

“Our family is just a very competitive family, and so everything we did was a competition, whether we were playing wiffle ball in a field or anything else,” Jessica said. “He also really felt like playing multiple sports gave you a wide variety of skills.

“I played basketball, and I threw for track, and I think through all of those different sports and the skills that you learn within them, and the strengths, even the muscles that you build within those sports, he just felt like it kept you or it made you a better athlete– a more well-rounded athlete,” she said.

Soccer became the dominant sport over time and when the youngest daughter, Brittany, was older, she was ingrained in the soccer environment.

Focus on futbol “I think for me, it was definitely different,” Brittany said. “By the time I started playing sports, both of my sisters were already heavily into soccer, and so it was just kind of a natural – not that I have anything against it, but I don't think it was really a choice. I think it was just like, ‘OK, and then we start soccer now!’ ’’ Brittany said she loved soccer and excelled at it. From there, Scott continued to support his daughters’ talent with soccer and integrate it into their family environment along with a year-long club soccer and serving as a coach for their teams.

“I mean, my dad took a tractor and built us a soccer field at the bottom of our property, and so that's how we grew up,” Jessica said.

Brittany and Jessica went on to excel at soccer in Thurston during their high school years.

They both played in college.

Brittany played at Bushnell University and Jessica played at George Fox Univeristy. Jessica graduated from George Fox University in 2008 and came back to Thurston as a coach that year.

Jessica Cardwell

Brittany Ferrell

BOB WILLIAMS / CHRONICLE PHOTO

THE CHRONICLE – 9

As a result of the seven-year age gap between the two sisters, Jessica returned to Thurston to coach Brittany herself. She was Brittany’s head coach until Brittany graduated in 2010.

Back to Thurston In 2024, interim head girls soccer coach Jessica Cardwell returns to where her coaching career started at Thurston – after a decade away. She presses pause on being a full-time school administrator.

For the Thurston community, there’s already excitement brewing, since Jessica holds the only state title in Thurston girls soccer history.

Her 2012 team was the 6A state champion and finished the season 17-0-1. Two years after, Jessica said goodbye to the program, ending her run from 2009-14 with a 64-27-6 coaching record.

“Twenty-twelve was just an incredible group of people – a very hard-working and driven group of girls. Our whole entire season was just absolutely blessed,” Jessica said.

“But we had also been working up to that point of winning league titles and going deep into the state.

But it was still just an absolutely incredible run beating teams like Grant, Lincoln, Clackamas, and Jesuit in our route to winning the state championship at the 6A level.

“I mean, you had probably the hardest route to win a state championship ever,” she said.

Although Jessica’s historic title is a special memory entering the 2024 season, what truly makes her coaching return special is that she will be walking onto the soccer field with someone who has been intertwined with her soccer journey her entire life.

Someone, who at one time, she was yelling at, coaching, and mentoring: her sister Brittany Ferrell.

New power dynamic Brittany will be the JV coach for the Thurston program this year. Despite their previous power dynamic, the two sisters enter the field as equals now.

“It was kind of hard at the time,” Brittany said. “Since, my dad was also the assistant coach at that point, so I had my sister as the head coach, and my dad as the assistant coach.

I basically had a parent with me everywhere I went.

“Obviously, Jessica and my dad were a little bit harder on me. And so then there was that side of it that was a little bit embarrassing, I would say, like ‘Dad, stop yelling at me in front of my friends!’ you know?” she said.

Brittany’s relationship with her sister and teammates improved over time despite the initial challenges.

In fact, it became a strength for their relationship.

According to Brittany, it provided the opportunity for them “to work together well and See SISTERS – 21

10 - THE CHRONICLE

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

The Thurston Colts’ 2024 football team during preseason practices.

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KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTO

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JUST THE FACTS ■ Address: 333 58th St., Springfield ■ School colors: Red and Black ■ Head coach: Justin Starck, 22nd year at Thurston ... 140-81 overall record ■ 2023 season: 8-3 overall ... 7-0 in conference play ... 1st in Midwestern League ... Ranked #8 in Class 5A ... Lost quarterfinals to Wilsonville.

■ State championships: 2 (2018, ’19) TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 50 ■ Returning starters: Offense (4), defense (5)

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

THE CHRONICLE – 11

TOP RETURNERS ■ Noah Blair (#9), Sr., QB, 6-2, 175 ■ Brando Lopez (#53), Sr., OL/DL, 5-8, 210 ... 1st-team all-league, HM all-state ■ Matthew Newell (#7), Jr., WR/DB, 6-1, 185 ... leading returning receiver.

■ Tristen Collins (#21), Sr., DB, 5-9,145 ... all-state safety.

■ Kyle Miller (#17), Sr., DB, 5-9,145 ... all-league DB. ■ Ashden Weiler (#40), Sr., RB, 5-9,180 ... Weiler was a starter last year until a knee injury.

■ Holton Halstead #31, Sr., RB/LB ...

Halstead was a leading tackler last year and 1st-team all-state.

■ Cruz Gray (#8), Jr., RB/LB, 5-11, 205 ...

2nd-leading tackler.

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Ryan Roser (#86), Sr., TE, 6-4, 170 ■ Jordan Barr (#54), Jr., OL/DL, 6-1, 240 TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Speed & athleticism ■ Leadership ■ Returning letter winners TOP GAMES ■ vs. Springfield, Sept. 20 ■ at Crater, Oct. 10 ■ vs. North Eugene, Oct. 25 ■ at Willamette, Nov. 1 (Senior Night) SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 30: vs. Caldera (non-league) ■ Sept. 6: at South Eugene ■ Sept. 13: at Eagle Point ■ Sept. 20: vs. Springfield ■ Sept. 27: at Roseburg ■ Oct. 3: vs. Churchill ■ Oct. 10: at Crater ■ Oct. 25: vs. North Eugene ■ Nov. 1: at Willamette All games at 7 p.m.

KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTOS

A Thurston assistant coach crouches down while instructing players during preseason practice at the school.

Tougher, more physical Colts on sturdier ground this season

BY McKENZIE DAYS McKENZIE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

THURSTON – The Thurston grass fields were alive on the first week of practice: The sounds of coaches instructing, fervently ... their voices a low roar of motivation rumbling across the field ... the whooshing of rushing water as exhausted players refill water bottles ... the loud clanks of players diving into the training chutes.

But something else was different about what the Colts fans affectionaly call The Farm. Only yards away from where players practiced, a brand-new football field awaited. One that smelled of rubber and synthetic fiber, and weighted down with infill to the touch. An artificial turf field.

The new turf provides greener pastures for Thurston – especially during the soggy weather of playoff football.

The Colts had struggled with the mud and the rain in the past several years. In particular, during the 2022 playoffs, when Thurston beat West Albany 13-12 in a game at Thurston that head coach Justin Starck said were some of the worst field conditions he’d seen in his coaching career.

“It was the surface,” Starck said. “We constantly had a muddy field and it didn’t allow our athletes to be their best. But now they have a sure footing.”

Starck explains that they usually don’t mind the grass and enjoy the environment of grass when they can.

However, when it comes down to the competitive games toward the end of the season, artificial turf will be a benefit to all players. The rain and the mud are no longer an additional challenge on top of their opponents.

“When the weather is good like it is now, the grass is wonderful,” Starck said.

“We love grass. We practice on the grass by choice. But as the season wears on, you know, middle of October and November and the rain and cold of Oregon, our field turns to mush.

“And that’s different. That's a different game, you know, and that doesn’t allow our athletes to do what they're capable of,” he said.

Brighter horizons are also emerging regarding the team’s makeup. The Colts finished their 2023 season 8-3 and extended multiple streaks.

They also won the Midwestern League for the sixth straight time, beat rival Springfield for

A Thurston QB prepares to throw during practice last week.

the eighth straight time, made the quarterfinals for the fifth straight time, and extended their Midwestern League winning streak to 38 games.

A 49-21 loss to Wilsonville in the state quarterfinals ended their season.

The game also forced Starck to say goodbye to one of his best senior classes.

It was a particularly rough departure, even though Starck has said goodbye to many senior classes in his 21 years at the helm of Thurston, including multiple classes that had his own children in them.

Nevertheless, Starck’s confidence has been reinvigorated after this week’s practices. He mentions the positive surprise of new players stepping up.

“Every year you wonder how are we going to replace these kids and find new kids to step up and meet the challenge?

And they surprise you; a handful really step forward and show us what they can do. We’re already seeing that,” Starck said.

The veteran coach, who also is the school’s athletic director, said the team has started to show promise in something crucial they lacked last year against Wilsonville – physicality.

He said this year’s Thurston-Wilsonville rivalry will play out differently.

“They were just more physical than us last year,” Starck said. “They also threw the ball like crazy and tackled better. After that, we just wanted to be a stronger, more physical team like them. And I’m already starting to see that our team this year is more physical.”

12 - THE CHRONICLE

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Jake Bonnett’s 3rd year at Thurston, overall 11-13-5 record.

■ 2023 season: 7-5-3 overall ... 4-1-1 in conference play ... ranked 2nd in Midwestern League ... ranked #13 in Class 5A ... Lost the first round of playoffs to Corvallis.

TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 17 ■ Returning starters: 5 TOP RETURNERS ■ Emiliano Martinez, Sr., center attacking midfielder ... 1st-team all-conference, 3 goals ■ Kyle Fitzpatrick, Sr., center back ...

2nd-team all-conference ■ Tyler Raven, Sr., right back ... 2nd-team all-conference, 3 goals ■ Noah Zanotto, Sr., center back ... honorable mention all-conference NOTABLE NEWCOMER ■ Sam Castanza, So., GK TEAM STRENGTHS ■ The Colts thrive in their chemistry, possession, and pace.

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: David Natt’s 5th year at Thurston ... 54-27 Thurston record ... 61- 43 overall record ■ 2023 season: 21-6 overall, 11-1 in conference ... #1 in Midwestern League ... #4 in Class 5A ... won a special round in playoffs vs.

Crater TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 12 ■ Returning starters: 0 ■ Coach says: The team will benefit from more playing time together.

TOP RETURNERS ■ Addison Nelson, Jr., outside hitter, 5-8 ... Nelson returns to varsity as an outside hitter. She hit behind two all-league outsides last year. Her offseason training has paid off and Natt looks forward to her leadership this season.

■ Amilyiah Proctor, Sr., S, 5-7 ... Proctor sat behind a senior all-league setter from last year. She also progressed in the offseason.

Natt looks forward to her offensive leadership on the floor this year.

■ Kendall Miller, Sr., S, 5-4 ... Miller also sat behind a senior all-league setter from last year.

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Kylee Skinner, So., middle blocker, 5-11 ...

Skinner is a transfer student from Springfield HS to the Colts’ program. She will be a needed addition to their middle blocking group after losing both all-league middle blockers to graduation.

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Devin Vanscoy’s 4th year at Thurston ■ 2023 season: Boys 5th in Midwestern League; girls 6th in Midwestern League ■ Team history: Boys 16, girls 12 total state appearances ... Last state appearance – boys 2009; girls 2021 TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total runners: 24 ■ Returning runners: 12 TOP RETURNERS Boys ■ Carson Buergey, Jr., PR: 15:59 ... Buergey was the Colts' No. 1 runner last year. He was 12th overall at districts ... coming off outstanding track season, running PRs of 4:02 in the 1500m and 8:53 in the 3000m.

■ Owen Smith, Jr., PR: 17:19 ... Smith was the Colts’ third-best runner last year. He had his best race of the season at districts, placing 19th overall in a stacked field. Smith has worked hard this summer and will be a solid No. 2 runner for the Colts.

Girls ■ Evie Woodward, Jr., PR: 21:35 ... She was our No.1 runner last year in XC. She ran a

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW THS BOYS SOCCER TOP GAMES ■ at Mountain View, Sept. 3 ■ at West Albany, Sept. 9 ■ at Ashland, Oct. 12 (Senior Night) ■ vs. Churchhill, Oct. 23 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 31: vs. N. Salem (non-league), 1 p.m.

■ Sept. 3: at Mt. View (non-league), 4 p.m.

■ Sept. 6: vs. Caldera (non-league), 7 p.m.

■ Sept. 9: at West Albany (non-league), 7 p.m.

■ Sept. 11: vs. Canby (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 18: at N. Bend (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 25: vs. Cascade (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 28: vs. Lebanon (non-league), 3 p.m.

■ Oct. 12: at Ashland, 1 p.m.

■ Oct. 16: North Eugene, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 23: VS. Churchill, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 26: at Crater, 1 p.m.

■ Oct. 30: at Springfield (City Derby), 6 p.m.

■ Nov. 2: vs. Eagle Point, 3 p.m.

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Jessica Cardwell returns as interim head coach after coaching 2009-14. ...

7th year at Thurston ... 64-27-6 Thurston and overall record.

■ 2023 season: 8-5-3 overall ... 5-1 in conference play ... 2nd in Midwestern League ... #6 in Class 5A. ... Lost in the 1st round of playoffs to Silverton.

■ Team history: Last playoff appearance was against Wilsonville in ’22 ... Midwestern League champs in ’22. ... state champs in ’12.

TOP RETURNERS ■ Macy Taylor (#7), Sr., forward ... 1st-team all-league, 2nd-team all-state ■ Gaby Montes (#0), Sr., GK ... 1st-team all-league, 2nd-team all-state ■ Alexandria Delpino (#3), Sr., forward ■ Rosie Montes (#1), So., midfielder ...

2nd-team all-league ■ Jolie Harada (#2), Jr., midfielder/defender ... 2nd-team all-league

■ Mallory McGuire, So., outside hitter/Libero, 5-8 ... McGuire is a transfer student from Pleasant Hill HS to the Colts’ program. She could see time in the Libero position, too.

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Athletic prowess ■ Grounded ■ Strong leadership

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Fitness and strength ■ Ball movement ■ Pace

TOP GAMES ■ vs. Crater, Sept. 19 ■ at Churchill, Sept. 24 ■ at North Eugene, Oct. 1 (Senior Night)

TOP GAMES ■ vs. North Eugene, Oct. 16 ■ at Ashland, Oct. 10 ■ at Caldera, Sept. 6 (Senior Night) ■ vs. Eagle Point, Nov. 2

2024 SCHEDULE Aug. 29: North Star Jamboree at Springfield, 12:30 p.m.

Aug. 30: Mountain View Invitational, TBD Sept. 3: at Ridgeview, 6:30 p.m.

Sept.12: vs. Ashland, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Eagle Point, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 19: vs. Crater, 6:45 p.m.

THS GIRLS SOCCER

TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 18 ■ Returning starters: 8

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Carmen Diaz, So., midfielder ... Carmen’s ball control will impact the 2024 season," Cardwell said.

■ Taylor Suiter, Fr., defender ... Coach says: “Suiter is a kind young lady who makes those around her better. Throughout summer training she has made a big impact on our game.”

THS VOLLEYBALL

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2024 SCHEDULE Aug. 29: Jamboree vs. Willamette, TBD

Aug. 31: vs. Redmond/Culver (non-league), 3 p.m.

Sept. 4: vs. Mt. View (non-league), 4 p.m.

Sept. 6: at Caldera (non-league), 4 p.m.

Sept. 9: vs. West Albany (non-league), 6 p.m.

Sept. 11: Canby (non-league), 7 p.m.

Sept. 18: vs. North Bend (non-league), 6 p.m.

Sept. 25: at Cascade (non-league), TBD Sept. 28: at Lebanon (non-league), 1 p.m.

Oct. 12: at Ashland, 3 p.m.

Oct. 16: vs. N. Eugene / Triangle Lake, 6 p.m.

Oct. 23: at Churchill, 4 p.m.

Oct. 26: at Crater, 1 p.m.

Oct. 30: vs. Springfield / Mohawk, 6 p.m.

Nov. 2: vs. Eagle Point, 1 p.m.

COACH’S COMMENTS ■ “I am excited to be back with the Thurston women’s soccer program. This program feels like home; it’s where I got my start as a player, and as a coach, and where we won a 6A state championship (2012). While it has been over 10 years since I have coached at THS, from the moment I walked onto the field, it felt like no time had passed. I have filled our coaching roster with Thurston Alumni and coaches who have coached with me in the past and we are looking forward to leading this group of young women this fall.”

– Jessica Cardwell

Sept. 21: Battle of the Bay at Marshfield HS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 24: at Churchill, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 26: vs. Springfield, 6:45 p.m.

Sept. 28: South Albany Tournament, TBD Oct. 1: at North Eugene, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 8: at Ashland, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 10: vs. Eagle Point, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 15: at Crater, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 19: Tournament at Bend HS, TBD Oct. 22: at Springfield, 6:45 p.m.

Oct. 24: vs. North Eugene, 6:45 p.m.

THS CROSS COUNTRY great meet at districts, placing 19th overall.

She will be a solid No. 1 runner for the Lions and will compete for top district spots.

■ Gracie Buergey, Sr., PR: 23:08 ... Gracie has been an inspirational runner throughout her career. She started as a 33-minute 5k runner and has continued to work. Vanscoy said she is a team captain and a strong No. 2 runner.

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Boys, girls have strong #1 and #2 runners ■ Both teams have excellent team leaders ■ Hard-working 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Sept. 7: Ultimook Race, Hydrangea Ranch, TBD ■ Sept. 13-14: Ash Creek XC Festival, Western Oregon University – Ash Creek Preserve, TBD ■ Sept. 21: Prefontaine Memorial Run, at Marshfield HS, TBD ■ Sept. 28: Nike Portland XC, at Blue Lake Regional Park, TBD ■ Oct. 5: The Harrier Classic, at Bryant Park, TBD ■ Oct. 23: Umpqua Invite, TBD ■ Nov. 9: OSAA 5A State Championships, Lane Community College, TBD

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2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

The Cottage Grove Lions’ 2024 football team during preseason practices at the high school.

THE CHRONICLE – 13

KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTO

14 - THE CHRONICLE

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

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TRAVEL GUIDE Springfield High School – 875 7th St. ■ Aug. 30: at Mountain View, 125 miles, 2-hour, 26-minute drive ■ Sept. 6: at Churchill 9 miles, 18-minute drive ...

44 minutes by bike ■ Sept. 20: at Thurston, 5.8 miles, 12-minute drive ... 30 minutes by bike ■ Oct. 4: at Willamette, 11 miles, 16-minute drive ■ Oct. 18: at Eagle Point, 170 miles, 2-hour, 44-minute drive

HARRISBURG (23.1 mi)*

Thurston Colts – 333 58th St., Springfield ■ Sept. 6: at South Eugene, 10.8 miles, 18-minute drive ■ Sept. 13: at Eagle Point, 177 miles, 2 hour, 48-minute drive ■ Sept. 27: at Roseburg, 77.4 miles, 1-hour, 13-minute drive ■ Oct. 10: at Crater, 168 miles, 2-hour, 35-minute drive ■ Nov. 1: at Willamette, 15.8 miles, 1-hour, 15-minute drive

NORTH MARION

(86.6 mi)*

SANTIAM CHRISTIAN

(54.4 mi)*

ELMIRA (22.6 mi)*

Creswell – 33390 Niblock Lane, Creswell ■ Sept. 6: at Taft, 128 miles, 2-hour, 22-minute drive ■ Sept. 20: at Cottage Grove, 11.3 miles, 18-minute drive ■ Oct. 11: at Sisters, 116 miles, 2-hours, 16-minute drive ■ Oct. 25: at Pleasant Hill 10.9 miles, 16-minute drive ■ Nov. 1: at La Pine, 109 miles, 1-hour, 57-minute drive

WILLAMETTE (11.1 mi)*

CHURCHILL (9.1 mi)* TAFT (118.1 mi)*

SP

SOUTH EUG (4.2 mi)*

Pleasant Hill – 84455 N. Enterprise Rd, Pleasant Hill ■ Aug. 30: Jamboree at Santiam Christian, 63.3 miles, 1-hour, 5-minute drive ■ Sept. 6: at Sutherlin, 58.3 miles, 58-minute drive ■ Sept. 13: at BrookingsHarbo, 236 miles, 4-hour, 4-minute drive ■ Sept. 20: at Harrisburg 32 miles, 34-minute drive ■ Oct. 4: at Elmira, 32.8 miles, 39-minute drive ■ Oct. 18: at Sisters, 105 miles, 1-hour, 46-minute drive

CRESWEL

Cottage Grove – 1375 S. River Rd., Cottage Grove ■ Aug. 30: Jamboree at Sweet Home, 63.7 miles, 1-hour, 6-minute drive ■ Sept. 6: at North Marion, 106 miles, 1-hour,45-minute drive ■ Sept. 27: at Pleasant Hill 19.8 miles, 25-minute drive ... 1-hour, 39-minute bike ride ■ Oct. 11: at Harrisburg 42.6 miles, 44-minute drive ■ Oct. 25: at La Pine, 117 miles, 2-hours, 7-minute drive – Compiled by Benjamin Nash

SUTHERLIN

(37.6 mi)*

BROOKINGS-HARBOR

(215.8 mi)*

ROSEBURG

(49.9 mi)*

*DISTANCE TO NEAREST SCHOOL

COTTAGE GROV

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2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

THE CHRONICLE – 15

SWEET HOME

(37.6 mi)*

SISTERS (97.0 mi)*

PRINGFIELD

THURSTON

GENE *

MOUNTAIN VIEW

(119.1 mi)*

LA PINE

(98.9 mi)*

PLEASANT HILL

LL

VE

EAGLE POINT

(149.9 mi)*

CRATER

(140.4 mi)*

MAP CREATED BY

CADON BOLAÑOS VISUAL DESIGNER

CADON.BOLANOS@GMAIL.COM

16 - THE CHRONICLE

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

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JUST THE FACTS ■ Address: 1375 S. River Rd., Cottage Grove ■ School colors: Blue and Gold ■ Website: cglionsfootball.com/ ■ Head coach: Steve Turner, 2nd year at Cottage Grove ... 1-8-0 at Cottage Grove ... 121-97 overall record ■ 2023 season: 1-8 overall ... 1-5 in conference play ... Ranked 6th in Sky-Em ...

Ranked #28 in Class 4A ... missed playoffs.

■ State championships: 1 (2017) TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 30 ■ Returning starters: Offense (8), defense (8)

MCKENZIE DAYS / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Coaches put players through drill last Saturday during preseason football practice.

Lions move to Class 3A, continue to build on their ’23 experience SETH THOMPSON THE CHRONICLE

COTTAGE GROVE – Head coach Steve Turner stepped in last season and brought the Cottage Grove Lions something they hadn't had in over two years – a victory.

Entering his second season with the team, Turner looks to continue the improvement on the field with a more experienced team.

“I want us to compete while we are on the field and I want us to get better each and every day,” Turner said. “Experience is really, really valuable. We learned a lot of lessons last year and took a lot of lumps.

You grow through adversity. If you don’t learn from your failures you’re going to continue to fail.”

Part of learning from failure is recognizing the areas you can improve upon. Going into the fall season Turner and the Lions are focused on being more consistent on both sides of the ball.

“Obviously we had issues last year with being a balanced team offensively, so we want to be a balanced offense,” Turner said. ”Defensively we gave up a lot of big plays.

So we want to be more consistent defensively and not blow assignments. We want to be consistent. We were not very consistent last year on either side.”

On the flip side, as a team it is important to acknowledge your strengths. Some aspects coach Turner is focused on are the experience his team now has, and the flexibility his players can bring to the roster.

“We have a really good senior class, and our juniors – sophomores last year – learned a lot of lessons too,” Turner said.

“The experience we have and the amount of guys that played a lot of football last year is definitely our strength. And what that provides for us is position flexibility. It allows our kids to play more than just one position, and that’s really helped us this year. We’ve been able to move kids around and it gives us pretty good depth.”

TOP RETURNERS ■ Gavin Grogan (#3), Sr., RB/DB, 6-0, 165 ■ Kaeden Grogan (#1), Sr., REC/DB, 5-7, 150 ■ Nathin Lemon (#2), Sr., QB/DB, 5-1, 160 TEAM STRENGTHS ■ The Lions are going into this season with a strong senior class. The team is experienced.

■ Good depth on the line of scrimmage.

TOP GAMES ■ vs. Creswell, Sept. 20 ■ at Pleasant Hill, Sept. 27 ■ vs. Sisters, Oct. 3 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 30: Jamboree at Sweet Home, TBD ■ Sept. 6: at North Marion (non-league) ■ Sept. 13: vs. Coquille (non-league) ■ Sept. 20: vs. Creswell ■ Sept. 27: at Pleasant Hill ■ Oct. 3: vs. Sisters ■ Oct. 11: at Harrisburg ■ Oct. 18: vs. Madras

MCKENZIE DAYS / CHRONICLE PHOTO

The Lions coaching staff welcomes players to practice Saturday. The Lions are implementing a new defensive scheme this year, second-year coach Steve Turner said.

Valuable lessons Going into fall, the Lions are looking to switch things up on the defensive side of the ball, while maintaining their style of play on the offensive side.

“Offensively we’ll look a lot alike from what we did last year. We have Clayton DeWitt coming back who had 800-plus yards, so that’s a good place to start,” he said. “Defensively we are going to go to a different scheme. We’re going to an even scheme instead of an odd scheme.”

As the season quickly approaches, Turner stresses the importance of learning from last season. While he said the team has grown a lot, it isn’t until they’ve hit the field that he can recognize the lessons they've learned, he said.

“We (still) have to find out what we learned,” Turner said. “We aren’t going to know that until we play. You can practice all you want, play seven-on-seven all you want, but once you get into a real game then we’ll find out what you’ve learned.

The Lions open their season at 6 p.m. on Aug. 30 in a jamboree game against Sweet Home, who they beat 14-12 last season.

■ Oct. 25: at La Pine ■ Nov. 1: vs. Elmira All games at 7 p.m.

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

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JUST THE FACTS Head coach: Abby Leonard’s 1st year at Cottage Grove and overall as a head coach ■ 2023 season: 2-10-2 overall ... 1-5-2 in conference ... 5th in Sky-Em League ... #26 in Class 4A. ... Lost in playoffs to Marshfield.

TOP RETURNERS ■ Zoey Knutson, Jr., forward ... Knutson’s speed, ball handling, and varsity experience are great assets she brings to the team.

■ Emmy Bickford, Jr., forward/midfield ...

Emmy's speed and shooting ability make her one of our strongest offensive players. She also demonstrates all the qualities you want as a coach in a team leader.

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Work ethic: The Lions have demonstrated a great work ethic over summer workouts and are coming into the season with a lot of energy.

■ Positive environment: They are also eager to start building a culture in the program that is based on a strong work ethic and a desire to always improve.

OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE ■ Strong defense: The Lions will work on creating a strong defense that will allow them to create offensive opportunities by building out of the back.

■ Possession: The Lions strive to earn and

CGHS GIRLS SOCCER maintain possession of the ball out of the air.

TOP GAMES ■ vs. North Bend, Oct. 10 ■ vs. Marist Catholic, Oct. 17 ■ vs. Marshfield, 5 p.m. (Oct. 22) ■ at Junction City, Oct. 24 (Senior Night) 2024 SCHEDULE Aug. 29: at Philomath (HS) Jamboree, TBD Sept. 3: vs. Stayton (non-league), 6 p.m.

Sept. 5: at W. Christian (non-league), 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 10: at Cascade (non-league), TBD Sept. 17: at Crook Cty (non-league), 5 p.m.

Sept. 19: vs. Sweet Home, 6 p.m.

Sept. 23: vs. Creswell, 6 p.m.

Oct. 1: at Marist Catholic, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3: at Marshfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: vs. Junction City, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10: vs. North Bend, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17: vs. Marist Catholic, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22: vs. Marshfield, 5 p.m.

Oct. 24: at Junction City, 5 p.m.

Oct. 29: at North Bend, 5 p.m.

CONFERENCE CALL Interested in a top Lions opponent? Check out Marist Catholic’s girls soccer preview on Chronicle1909.com

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Jaime Urenda’s 2nd year at Cottage Grove with a 14-3-1 overall record.

■ 2023 season: 14-3-1 overall record ... 7-0-1 in conference play ... 1st in Sky-Em League #6 in Class 4A. ... Lost the state championship game to Newport.

■ Team history: State championships in 2008

TOP RETURNERS ■ Rogelio Soto-Cruz (#10), Sr., M/F ...

Captain, 12 Goals 4 assist in 2023 ... scored the lone goal in the 1-2 4A state championship loss ... 2023 1st-team all-league and 1st-team all-state ... Fundamental role player defensively and offensively, vocal, leader, experienced, skilled.

■ Carter Bengtson, Sr., Defender ... Primary defender, 1st-team all-league and 1st-team all-state.

■ Tristyn Burnes, Sr., Midfield ... Captain, 3 goals, 3 assist ... most skilled player on the team ... center midfielder, orchestrator, playmaker, Hayes Valley, Sr., striker ... Team leader in goals scored 19 and 6 assist, athletic, tall ... one of the best headers of the ball in the state, good with his feet too.

NOTABLE NEWCOMER ■ Jude Chrestman, Fr. ... Strong, physical, skilled, young, aggressive, eager to learn

Cottage Grove’s Ella Cardwell (right) races in the Class 4A girls cross country state meet last year. Cardwell finished 23rd overall and helped the Lions girls team finish 6th place, tied for the best team finish in program history.

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Ricky Knutson’s 4th year at Cottage Grove ■ 2023 season: Boys – 1st in Sky-Em League; 7th at state (3rd consecutive year at state) ...

Girls –1st in Sky-Em League; 6th at state (2nd consecutive year at state) ■ Total league titles: Boys 4 (two consecutive - 2022, ’23); Girls 1 TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total runners: More than 30 ■ Returning runners: 23

CGHS BOYS SOCCER

TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: Approximately 16 ■ Returning starters: 9 ■ Coach says: Team is seeking momentum going into the season, and looking for more discipline (3 red cards in 2023 is 3 too many) ... Need consistency throughout the non-league games.

THE CHRONICLE – 17

FILE PHOTO

Cottage Grove reached the state title game last year, before losing 2-1 in overtime.

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Team experience, seniority ■ Determination, skill ■ Speed, physicality, awareness TOP GAMES ■ at Stayton, Sept. 3 ■ Marist Catholic, Oct. 1 2024 SCHEDULE Aug. 29: at Philomath (HS) Jamboree, TBD Sept. 3: at Stayton (non-league), TBD Sept. 7: vs. Ontario at Bend (non-league), 10 a.m. and vs. La Grande at Bend (non-league), 10 a.m.

Sept. 10: vs. Cascade, TBD Sept. 12: vs. Creswell, 6 p.m.

Sept. 17: vs. Crook County, TBD Oct. 1: at Marist Catholic, 5 p.m.

Oct. 3: at Marshfield, 5 p.m.

Oct. 8: vs. Junction City / Harrisburg, 5 p.m.

Oct. 10: vs. North Bend, 5 p.m.

Oct. 17: vs. Marist Catholic, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22: vs. Marshfield, 7 p.m.

Dec. 24: at Junction City / Harrisburg, 7 p.m.

Oct. 29: at North Bend, 7 p.m.

TOP RETURNERS Boys ■ Carter Bengtson, Sr., PR: 15:41 ...

Defending state champion ■ David Culbert, Jr., PR: 17:25 ... 4th at districts.

■ Easton Hutchins, Sr., PR: 18:01 ... 6th at districts.

■ Frank Garcia, Jr., PR: 18:13 ... 8th at districts.

Girls ■ Maddison France, Sr., PR: 20:05 ... 2nd at districts, 16th at state.

■ Ella Cardwell, Jr., PR: 20:13 ... 3rd at districts, 23rd at state.

■ Allison Palluck, Sr., PR:21:32 ... 9th at districts.

■ Hailey Fergason, So., PR: 21:45 ... 10th at districts.

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Boys: The Lions have one of the top frontrunners in the state – Carter Bengtson. The team returns the Top 7 runners from the 2023 district championship team. Also, Micah Hanke participates after his breakthrough track season (state placer in the 800m). The Lions also have an excellent group of incoming runners, and the coach says this might be the deepest team in school history. “There will be boys that end up on the CGHS JV team who would be capable of earning all-league honors if the Lions were allowed more than seven runners on the varsity team,” Knutson said.

■ Girls: The Lions return the full squad that won the district title in 2023. Three of the JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Abby Ladd’s 5th year at Cottage Grove ... 37-42 Cottage Grove and overall record.

■ 2023 season: 10-13 overall ... 2-6 in conference ... 4th in Sky-Em League ... #11 in Class 4A ... Lost the first round of playoffs to Tillamook.

■ Team history: Last league title was ’21 TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Teamwork ■ Communication ■ Ball control TOP GAMES ■ at Marist Catholic, Sept. 26 ■ vs. North Bend, Oct. 8 ■ vs. Marshfield, Oct. 17 (Senior Night) ■ vs. North Bend, Oct. 8 (“Pink out” at Heather Bridgens Memorial Game)

CGHS CROSS COUNTRY girls – France, Cardwell, and Palluck – have all earned all-state honors and have an exceptional amount of experience. Hailey Fergason and 9th-grader Carly Knutson won’t be far behind as they have also been putting in the miles over the summer.

TEAM GOALS ■ Boys: Bengtson hopes to defend his state title. The boys will be running to win their third consecutive league title and contending for a fourth consecutive top-10 finish at state.

A top-four finish and a team trophy is the ultimate goal for 2024.

■ Girls: After winning the first-ever XC district title in school history in 2023, the girls hope to defend the crown. The 6th-place finish at state in 2023 tied for the best at CGHS for a girls XC team. A top-four finish at state and a team trophy is the goal for 2024.

2024 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 30: The Opener (Western Oregon University - Ash Creek Preserve, OR), TBD ■ Sept. 7: Ultimook Race (The Hydrangea Ranch, OR), TBD ■ Sept. 11: Country Fair Classic (Oregon Country Fairgrounds, OR), TBD ■ Sept. 2: Northwest Classic 2024 (Lane Community College, OR), TBD ■ Sept. 28: Nike Portland XC (Blue Lake Regional Park, OR), TBD ■ Oct. 5: Woahink Lake XC Invitational (East Woahink Lake, Honeyman State Park, OR) TBD ■ Oct. 12: Paul Mariman Invitational (Philomath HS, OR), TBD ■ Oct. 19: The CG Bramble Scramble (Cottage Grove HS, OR), TBD ■ Oct. 24: The Run for the Brownies (Sandpines Golf Links, OR), TBD ■ Oct. 31: 4A-4 Sky-Em League Championships (Lane Community College, OR) TBD ■ Nov. 9: OSAA 4A State Championships (Lane Community College, OR) TBD

CGHS VOLLEYBALL 2024 SCHEDULE Aug. 29: North Star Jamboree at Springfield, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 3: vs. Stayton, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 5: at Molalla, 6 p.m.

Sept. 10: vs. Hidden Valley, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 12: at Creswell, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17: vs. Newport, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 19: at South Umpqua, 6 p.m.

Sept. 21: North Marion HS Tournament, TBD Sept. 26: at Marist Catholic, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 28: at Creswell HS Tournament, TBD Oct. 1: at Marshfield, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 3: vs. Junction City, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 8: vs. North Bend, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 12: at Marshfield HS Invitational, TBD Oct 15: vs. Marist Catholic, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 17: vs. Marshfield, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 21: at Junction City, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 24: at North Bend, 6:30 p.m.

18 - THE CHRONICLE

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

The Creswell Bulldogs’ 2024 football team poses after preseason practice.

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KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTO

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2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW season. Says Worsham: “He works his tail off day in and day out. He wants to win! He loves football and will do whatever it takes to help his team win."

JUST THE FACTS ■ Address: 33390 Niblock Lane, Creswell ■ School colors: Red and White ■ Online: creswell.k12.or.us/chs/ ■ Social media: Facebook @creswellathletics ■ Boosters: creswellhsboosters.org/ ■ Head coach: Scott Worsham’s 9th year at Creswell ... 21-37 Creswell and overall record ■ 2023 season: 3-6 overall ... 2-4 in conference play ... 5th in Mountain Valley League ... Ranked #22 in Class 3A ... missed playoffs TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 25-30 ■ Returning starters: Offense (4), defense (4) TOP RETURNERS ■ Darien Dewey (#2), Sr., QB/S, 6-0, 175 ... Dewey started as QB last season. He will be counted on to lead the offense, make good decisions, and keep the chains moving. He’ll also play defense this year at safety – Worsham aims for Dewey to take charge on defense as well and find work in the deep passing game.

■ Ian Davis (#77), Sr., OL/D, 6-2, 250 ...

Davis started as offensive & defensive tackle last season. Worsham is counting on Davis to be a leader of the team.

■ Hunter Mustin (#16), Jr., RB/DE, 6-0, 180 ... He started at DE last season and was “incredible at it in the 2023 season,” Worsham said. “He’s a smart football player with great instincts and could make the move to MLB. He could play both RB and slot on offense,” Worsham said.

■ Logan Keppler (#76), Jr., OL/DL, 5-10, 275 ... Keppler started as OG & DT last

THE CHRONICLE – 19

DOWN IN THE TRENCHES

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Maverick Wells (#1), Jr., WR/QB2/ LB, 6-0, 175 .... Worsham says: “Wells loves football. He will be counted on to play many different positions on offense and defense. He can play slot, WR, RB or even QB on offense. Has a great arm and can fill in at QB if needed. Defensively he can play OLB, MLB and CB as well. He’s a good athlete with the potential to be really good for us on both offense and defense.”

■ Ace Bader (#11), Jr., slot/LB, 6-0, 185 ... Worsham says: “Bader is one of our hardest workers and most committed this offseason. He is going to step up and play some slot on offense and most likely OLB on defense. He has improved immensely from last year and will be counted on to make big plays on offense and defense.”

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Offensive/defensive lines: The Bulldogs are experienced, big, able to move people and provide time for the QB. ■ Hard workers: The Bulldogs show up & put the time & energy into getting better.

■ Coachable: The Bulldogs are willing to listen & work toward minimizing mistakes.

TOP GAMES ■ at Taft, Sept. 6 ■ at Sisters, Oct. 11 ■ at Pleasant Hill, Oct. 25 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 30: Jamboree at Sutherlin, 5 p.m.

■ Sept. 6: at Taft (non-league) ■ Sept. 13: vs. Sutherlin (non-league) ■ Sept. 20: at Cottage Grove ■ Sept. 27: vs. Elmira ■ Oct. 3: vs. Madras ■ Oct. 11: at Sisters ■ Oct. 18: vs. Harrisburg (Homecoming, Senior Night) ■ Oct. 25: at Pleasant Hill ■ Nov. 1: at La Pine All games at 7 p.m., unless noted

KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Creswell's Darien Dewey fires the football during a passing drill at practice last week.

Dewey returns as the starting QB.

Worsham looking forward to line play, ‘... dudes who can really move’

BY RON HARTMAN HARTMAN@CHRONICLE1909.COM

CRESWELL – Cottage Grove and Creswell will renew an old rivalry this season as the Lions go down from 4A to 3A, joining the Bulldogs in the 9-team Mountain Valley Conference. They meet each other in Cottage Grove on Sept. 20.

That restructuring of the league could go a long way toward boosting Creswell into a shot at the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Cottage Grove recently lost 29-of30 football games, but the hiring of Steve Turner two years ago has turned around the program.

Madras, the other school that was added, is riding a nine-game losing streak.

Meanwhile, Siuslaw, which left the league, defeated Creswell 38-14 last season.

So after going 3-6 last season – on the heels of three straight years of being within one victory of reaching the playoffs – the Bulldogs figure to have a more favorable schedule this time around.

“We have a good group of kids, and there’s been a good culture around here,” Bulldogs coach Scott Worsham said. “We’ve got guys getting after it, setting good examples and showing good leadership.”

That leadership starts with senior quarterback Darien Dewey, who also started last year.

“He had a good summer,” Worsham said.

“He had a couple of tough spells last year reading coverages, but he learned from that and he’s ready to take this on. He’s a heck of a good athlete – we could put him at slot. We'll put him at safety, let him read the quarterback’s eyes. We’ll use him more on defense this year.“ Juniors Maverick Wells, Hunter Mustin and Ace Bader and sophomore Andrew Terry will handle the ball in the skill positions, although their particular roles are still to be determined. Wells is the backup QB if Dewey gets injured.

Worsham says the strength of the team might be in the trenches.

KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Creswell players battle over blocking dummy in a high-adrenaline drill during practice.

“We have some big kids. We have six or seven dudes who can really move; they can open holes and pass-protect. We’ve got Griffin Scovil, Brandon Church, Brycen Walker …

“But Ian Davis, a senior, is the star of that group. He plays tackle on both sides of the ball, and he’s one of the leaders of our team.”

Worsham is intent on being a more consistent offense.

“We need to establish the run, so we don’t have 3rd-and-too-long all the time,” he said.

“It’s been a fun summer and it’s been a fun offseason and we hope to put it all together this season and get it rolling.”

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

20 - THE CHRONICLE

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CHS CROSS COUNTRY JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Jonathan Ferguson’s 5th year at Creswell ■ 2023 season: Boys 7th and Girls 8th in Mountain Valley Conference 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Sept. 4: Umpqua Opener, Umpqua Invite, TBD ■ Sept. 11: Country Fair Classic, Oregon Country Fairgrounds, TBD ■ Sept. 13: Fugate Farms Invite, Fugate Farms, TBD ■ Sept. 21: Northwest Classic, Lane Community College, TBD ■ Sept. 27: Champs Invite, Cheadle Lake Park, TBD ■ Oct. 5: Woahink Lake XC Invitational, East Woahink Lake, Honeyman State Park, TBD ■ Oct. 12: Paul Mariman Invitational, Philomath HS, TBD ■ Oct. 17: Harrisburg Invitational, Harrisburg HSl, TBD ■ Oct. 19: The CG Bramble Scramble, Cottage Grove HS, TBD ■ Oct. 31: Special District-4 Cross Country Championships, Lane Community College, TBD

CHS BOYS SOCCER PHOTO PROVIDED

Ready to rock, Creswell's 2024 volleyball team: (From left) Eliana Stenger, Aaliyah Reed, Aurora Chase, Rylee Cline, Marley Query, Vika Gabrio, Piper Hanson, Anna Davis, and Teighlor Nunez.

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Anna Baltrusch 32nd year at Creswell ... 373-164 Creswell record ... 565-215 overall record ■ 2023 season: 16-8 overall, 8-4 in Conference ... 3rd in Mountain Valley Conference ... #7 in Class 3A ... lost semi consolation round to Cascade Christian TOP RETURNERS ■ Piper Hanson (#12), So., 5-7 ...

2nd-team all-state tournament last year ■ Anna Davis (#9), So., 5-10 ■ Rylee Cline, Jr., 5-5 ■ Teighlor Nunez, Jr., 5-8 ■ Vika Gabrio, Sr., 5-5 NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Marley Query, freshman, MH/OH, 5"7" ■ Aurora Chase, sophomore, OP/S, 5'6”

CHS VOLLEYBALL TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Ball control ■ Serving ■ Coach says: “Looking for growth as a more cohesive team, working together.”

TOP GAMES ■ at Marshfield (North Bend High School), Sept. 10 ■ at Sisters, Sept. 24 ■ vs. Pleasant Hill, Sept. 26 ■ vs. Harrisburg, Oct. 17 (Senior Night) 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 29: North Star Jamboree at Springfield, 12:30 p.m.

■ Aug. 31: Cascade Christian Invitational, TBD ■ Sept. 3: at Corbett (non-league), 3 p.m.

■ Sept. 3: vs. Estacada (non-league) at Corbett HS, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 5: vs. Sutherlin, 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 10: vs. Marshfield (non-league) at N. Bend HS, 4 p.m.

■ Sept. 10: at N. Bend (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 12: vs. Cottage Grove (non-league), 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 14: at Sisters Tournament, TBD ■ Sept. 16: vs. Elmira, 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 18: vs. La Pine, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 24: at Sisters, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 26: vs. Pleasant Hill, 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 28: vs. CGHS at Creswell Invitational, TBD ■ Sept. 28: vs. Stayton, TBD ■ Oct. 1: at Harrisburg, 6:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 3: at Elmira, 6:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 8: at La Pine, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 10: vs. Sisters, 6:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 15: at Pleasant Hill, 6:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 17: vs. Harrisburg, 6:30 p.m.

CHS GIRLS SOCCER JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Dan Smathers’ 6th year at Creswell ... 21-42-4 Creswell and overall record.

■ 2023 season: 13-4 overall, 11-3 in conference ... 2nd in Mountain Valley Conference ... #10 in Class 3A. ... Lost the quarterfinal round of playoffs to Catlin Gabel.

Online: creswell.k12.or.us/chs/ Social Media: Facebook @creswellathletics Booster Club: www.creswellhsboosters.org/ TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Returning starters: 5 TOP RETURNERS ■ Kylie Leonard (#0), Jr., GK ... 1st-team all-league GK as a sophomore.

■ Elliette Kinney (#11), Jr., midfield ...

1st-team all-league as a sophomore.

■ Mila Nguyen (#9), So., forward ... 1st-team all-league as a freshman.

TOP RETURNERS ■ Jordyn Lee (#7), sophomore ■ Jordyn Marklin (#10), junior ■ Raelee Green (#14), junior ■ Kendall Durflinger (#3), sophomore TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Chemistry ■ Mental Fortitude ■ Attitude TOP GAMES ■ vs. Sutherlin, Sept. 3 ■ vs. Sisters, Sept. 9 ■ vs. Central Linn, Oct. 11 ■ vs. Pleasant Hill, Oct. 14 (Senior Night)

Creswell players celebrate after scoring a goal last year.

2024 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 29: Jamboree at Bob Keefer Fields), 3 p.m.

■ Sept. 3: vs. Sutherlin, 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 5: at Santiam Christian, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 9: vs. Sisters, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 11: at Siuslaw, 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 16: at Central Linn / East Linn Christian, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 18: at Pleasant Hill, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 23: at Cottage Grove, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 25: vs. Elmira, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 30: vs. Santiam Christian, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 3: at Sisters, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 7: vs. Siuslaw, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 11: vs. Central Linn / East Linn Christian, 3 p.m.

■ Oct. 14: vs. Pleasant Hill, 6:30 p.m. (Senior Night) ■ Oct. 21: at Elmira, 4:30 p.m.

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Brandi Whittenborn’s 8th year at Creswell with a 49- 29-13 overall record ■ 2023 season: 11-4 overall, 7-2 in conference ... 3rd in Mountain Valley Conference ... #9 in Class 3A ... Lost in the second round of playoffs to Blanchet Catholic 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 30: Jamboree vs. TBD at Bob Keefer Center, 5 p.m.

■ Sept. 3: vs. North Bend (non-league), 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 5: at Western Christian (non-league), 3:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 10: at Dayton (non-league), 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 12: at Cottage Grove (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 19: vs. Cascade Christian (non-league), 5:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 23: vs. Sisters, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 25: at Pleasant Hill, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 30: vs. Central Linn, 4 p.m.

■ Oct. 3: at East Linn Christian, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 7: at Siuslaw / Mapleton, 2:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 11: vs. Santiam Christian, 5 p.m.

■ Oct. 14: vs. La Pine, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 17: vs. Crosshill Christian, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 21: at Elmira (Senior Night), 6:30 p.m.

2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

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THE CHRONICLE – 21

SISTERS continued from 9 figure out a relationship, and how to communicate.”

As Thurston alumni, Jessica and Brittany felt deep ownership over the program. Especially for Jessica, who has played and coached in Thurston. She was heartbroken to witness the coaching position remain open for months throughout the school year.

Restoring pride “This is the program we played for! This is the program I first started coaching, and we want to stay champions here!”

Cardwell said. “It was heartbreaking to see the girls say stuff like, ‘We have no coach. I’m not even gonna play next year. I’m just gonna play club because we don't have a coach. We don’t even know what’s happening.’

“And that’s why we’re here because we are so heavily invested in this community and the soccer community. That is why I got into coaching. I had five high school coaches when I played here at Thurston, and that is crazy to me, and I want something more stable for the girls that I coach,” she said.

Last year, the Thurston Colts girls fell 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the 5A state playoffs to the defending champion Wilsonville Wildcats. They ended their season 8-5-3 and #6 in class 5A. New challenges Despite the sisters stepping up, it still was a surprise to them both. Jessica never anticipated she’d return to the world of coaching. In addition, she remains a busy school administrator. For Brittany, she is a mother of two young boys and this will be her first coaching job.

“Probably more of a surprise for me to come back than it was for Jessica,” Brittany said.

“Because I didn’t have a coaching path. Up until this point, it hadn’t been something that really interested me.”

When Jessica applied for head coach, she reached out to her

sister and asked if she could help with assistant coaching. Brittany had an initial hesitation, she struggled envisioning a proper balance between coaching and family responsibilities.

She values being a “present” mother for her sons, along with how her motherhood would impact the athletes. Brittany “absolutely believes that the girls deserve a coach that is there all the time,” she said.

Nevertheless, Jessica convinced her that she could always bring her sons and that they could be “the ball boys.” That ended up being their “little agreement.”

“We were working on hiring a JV coach and struggled to find somebody that fit in with our coaching staff that we had put together,” Jessica said. “So kind of midway through the summer, I was like, ‘So Brittany, we are in a situation, and I need you to be the JV coach. Do you think you could do this? ’ And so we looked through the schedule and all the different roles and responsibilities. She agreed to take on the JV team for us.”

Strong support system Jessica and Brittany stressed they have a core foundation of the excellent coaches this year.

JV assistant coaches Ashley Hayes, Julie Valencia, Kendall Minium, and Tiffany Hilkey are all Thurston alumni who have roots with the Cardwells.

“I actually coached Kendall,” Jessica said, “and then Julie was the fitness coach for me when we won the state championship in 2012. So for this year, it’s like bringing the all-star cast back together.”

Brittany said these coaches embody strong female leadership, determination, and grit – all values they wish to instill in the players they coach.

“They have a lot of hard work, determination, grit in everything they do, their everyday lives, their soccer-playing abilities, you know, while they were playing soccer. And so having a coach-

PHOTO PROVIDED

Thurston’s girls soccer team finished 5-1 in conference play last season, second in Midwestern League.

ing staff that really exhibits what you’re asking of the girls, I think it’s huge,” Brittany said.

Jessica sums up her coaching philosophy into three main aspects: high fitness, fast pace, and possession-style soccer. And she hopes to instill these fundamentals during her potentially short time at Thurston.

For Brittany, despite her lack of experience in coaching, she already has the main formulations of her coaching philosophy: respect and kindness.

“I’m a very relational person in a sense that I think kindness is above all else,” Brittany said.

“That is the thing that matters most. On our teams, we will treat each other with respect, and be kind to one another; there will be no bullying. It’ll be an interesting season, and we’ll all kind of figure each other out. But I think that kind of stands at the forefront of knowing each other as humans and treating each other well.”

As interim coaches, Jessica and Brittany are unsure of what the future holds. Jessica’s main focus is to uplift the team from its current state and whoever she passes the torch to can continue to sustain it.

Long-term plan Brittany stresses that despite potentially being there for only one year, “that doesn’t change how hard they’re going to push.”

“It doesn’t change our goals for the team,” she said. “That doesn’t change how much dedication we will have toward the team, like this year, we will give them all that we’ve got. We will teach them every skill that we possess.

“It’s not going to be halfhearted like, ‘Well, we’re just trying to get the program through.’ It’s never going to be that. We’ll have a program full of grit and determination and hard work, and we will demonstrate that,” Brittany said.

Jessica and Brittany have already discussed with the seniors their goals for their last season. Many of them shared they wanted to get into the tournament this year.

“They have really struggled,” Jessica said. “They haven’t made it (past the early playoffs) in a while, and so their last goal is to make it into the actual state tournament. I think that aligns very much with ours as well. For me, I am always going to shoot for the state championship. I am always

going to shoot for winning – winning the league and winning the state championship.”

Ultimately, Jessica and Brittany possess an air of humility as they don’t actively share their success with their players and don’t wish that pressure on them.

Jessica in particular, has not revealed that she’s been Thurston’s only state title-winning coach. They both emphasized the team’s focus on their own potential.

“I do not like being in the spotlight really at all,” Jessica said. “It’s not something that we're like, ‘Hey girls, I’m the state championship coach!’

We’re the first one and only!’

Yeah, we don’t. We also don’t talk about our college past with them. We don’t talk about who we were, or anything like that, because that doesn’t play a big role in our coaching.

“That was the 2012 team. We aren’t really about comparisons.

We want to be the best 2024 Thurston soccer team that we can be. If that’s winning a state championship, great. If it’s not, that’s also great. We just want to reach our potential,” she said.

Get to the UO Ducks games safely, and quickly CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICE

EUGENE – Ducks football fans can avoid traffic by taking Lane Transit District (LTD) to get to Autzen Stadium on game days.

People can leave their vehicle at one of LTD’s 21 free Park & Ride locations, board a bus to Eugene or Springfield stations, then transfer to EmX. From there, riders get off at Agate Station and take a short walk north across Franklin Boulevard and the Frohnmayer Footbridge to Autzen.

“LTD’s Park & Ride locations are free, which is nice considering how expensive game day can be,” said

Anni Katz, LTD’s Public Information Officer. “Take advantage of LTD’s clean and air-conditioned buses, arriving ready to cheer on the Ducks. Why navigate the congestion before and after the game when you can take the bus?”

An LTD Day Pass for adults is $3.50 and $1.75 for youth. Kindergarten through 12th-grade students can use their free LTD Student Transit Pass for

game day bus fare.

Passengers 65 or older who have an LTD Honored Rider Pass ride LTD for free. Fare and pass pricing is available at LTD.org and at the Customer Service centers in Eugene and Springfield stations. People can also take a PeaceHealth Rides bike from Cascadia Mobility.

Note game-day detours On days with University of Oregon home football games, detours are in effect on Routes 12, 13, 28, 66, 67, 79X, and 96.

Depending on game-day traffic, other bus routes may be impacted.

Please plan extra time for your transit

trips on game days and expect delays due to increased traffic.

View LTD Service Alerts online at LTD.org). Complete bus schedules and a trip planner are available at LTD.org.

During football season, the UO has contracted with private bus carrier First Student to provide football fans with game-day bus service to the stadium from various locations throughout the area.

Questions about Duck football bus services can be directed to the UO athletic department.

The 2024 University of Oregon football schedule gets underway on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m., when the Ducks host the University of Idaho.

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LEADER OF THE PACK

Cottage Grove senior Carter Bengtson says he's focused on winning more state titles and helping ensure the future success of the Lions' cross country and track programs.

FILE PHOTO

Competitive four-sport star seeks state titles, lasting legacy

Fergason, a sophomore, and Allison too,” he said. “If I combine the “I love going out there and working my butt off, and being Palluck, better known for her wres- two, it could branch out in a lot of tling prowess, are also key return- directions.”

COTTAGE GROVE – Carter able to say you can do some- ers, while freshman Carly Knutson, Ricky’s daughter, joins the team for *** Bengtson says running will thing a level above other her first season. people is awesome.” always be a part of his life.

This cross country season isn’t just – Carter Bengtson “I’m always going to run. If *** about going through the motions for I’m not running I don’t know Bengtson. He wants another state what I’m doing,” the Cottage my butt off, and being able to say you While he was watching the Paris title. He wants to improve his times.

Grove senior said after a recent can do something a level above other Summer Games, Bengtson said And he wants to lift his teammates every athlete’s dream is to be an to greater heights. morning workout at the school. people is awesome.”

BY RON HARTMAN HARTMAN@CHRONICLE1909.COM

“If I’m doing a self-imposed run, I wake up, roll out of bed – not very quickly – get some food, drink some water, then get out the door. If I let myself sit there, I’ll get attached to my phone or something, and I won’t run until like 2 o’clock.

“My shortest run recently is usually seven miles, and my longest is about 13, somewhere between there. Then the hardest part of my day is done.”

That kind of self-motivation helped push Bengtson to a runaway victory in the Class 4A state cross country meet last season, beating his closest challenger by 40 seconds.

That kind of drive also has allowed him to excel at four varsity sports – cross country, track, soccer, and wrestling – throughout his high school career. Barring injuries, he will graduate with 16 varsity letters.

“Cross country and track are basically my job, I’m good at it and I love it,” Bengtson said. “Soccer is fun and keeps me sane, and wrestling is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

I love going out there and working

*** Lions coach Ricky Knutson has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about both his boys and girls teams.

Not only do the boys get every runner back from last season, they have talented freshmen who figure to contend for top spots.

“Micah Hanke is one freshman who will certainly make a push for the top five,” Knutson said. “We have some top-seven guys who might get pushed out. This is the deepest team we’ve ever had. We talked about finishing in the top four and getting a trophy at the state meet, but we’re not bringing that up again.”

The girls also have just about their entire team back after capturing their first district title in school history.

“We won’t have the same depth as the guys, but we’ll have the same goal, to finish in the top four at state,” Knutson said.

Ella Cardwell and Maddison France made all state last year and return to lead the Lions again. Hailey

Olympian. He realizes that he is not close to achieving that dream, but he’s not giving up on it, either.

“The guys at the Olympics, you know, if you ever think you’re putting in hard work, putting in a lot of miles, those guys are the pinnacle of what hard work looks like,” Bengtson said.

“If I can get there, I want to get there.

It might be a far-fetched dream right now, but you never know. In a few years, that might change. I’ll set that far-fetched goal and it’s something to work towards.”

In the meantime, he wants to finish his senior year with a flourish, then see where his college career takes him. He just received his first official offer from Division III school Amherst (Mass.), and he’s also being courted by Gonzaga and George Fox. “I’d like to stay on the West Coast because I like to train here, but we’ll see what happens,” Bengtson said.

At CGHS, he ca r r ies a n unweighted 3.97 GPA and plans to be a Bio-chem major.

“I want to do something biology-related, but I love chemistry,

“That’s the most important part,” he said.

Then, of course, there’s track season. Every day, Bengtson runs with revenge on his mind.

“I lost to Finn Collson of Newport by 2 seconds,” he said. “That's part of the reason I’ve been tossing out a ton of miles – I want to take back what’s mine.

“I beat him all of cross season, by 40 seconds at state in cross country.

He has more speed than I do. I paced out the first six laps in the 3K, and I couldn't break him, and then he outkicked me.

“The 5K is more my race and the 3K gets more into his territory – everything all leads back to track season.” *** “Convincing kids to show up every day and run is hard – and for somebody like Carter it’s very lonely, because nobody can run with him,” See BENGTSON – 23

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THE CHRONICLE – 23

BENGTSON continued from 22 The Lions' Carter Bengtson can dominate on any surface.

He said he hopes to attend a college on the West Coast because he enjoys the training in the climate.

FILE PHOTO

FILE PHOTO

Bengtson, center, stands tall on the podium as the Class 4A state boys cross country champion.

Knutson said. “He’s had a remarkable high school career. It’s hard to win a state title, but it’s even harder to defend it because he’ll have guys coming after him. But he loves the competition.

“There are times we have to dial him back because he pushes himself so hard.”

Knutson ran for state powerhouse Philomath and longtime coach Joe Fulton back in the ’80s.

“I didn’t like running, I was talked into it,” he said. “I want to do for the kids what my coaches did for me.”

Bengtson feels good about the tradition he has helped Knutson develop at Cottage Grove.

“We have some great underclassmen who are working their tails off.

We’re going to be really good for the next couple of years. I can foresee it,” he said.

“We’re in good hands.

I've seen a bunch of these guys come up from where they are now compared to

“We have some great underclassmen who are working their tails off.

We’re going to be really good for the next couple of years.

I can foresee it.”

– Carter Bengtson

freshman or sophomore year, they’ve made huge jumps – I’d like to say it’s all me, but they are on their own whim, even if I sometimes have to kick them to get them to run – they are incredibly self-motivated – the program here if you work hard, that’s what you do and everyone takes that to heart – and the girls probably work harder than the guys.”

He says he loves seeing everyone else buying in, and really pushing themselves … maybe not quite as hard as Bengtson pushes himself, but still at a very high level.

“It feels amazing,” he said.

SCOREBOOK LIVE 2024 volleyball preview CLASS 5A MIDWESTERN LEAGUE RETURNING ALL-LEAGUERS ■ First team: OH Alexis Hobie, Sr., North Eugene; OH Sebrea Slaughter, Sr., North Eugene; MB Avery Hanson, Sr., Crater; S Kate Stidham, So., Crater; MB Ania Farmer, Sr., Ashland; OH Sierra Jenkins, Sr., Thurston.

■ Second team: L Quinn Christian, Sr., Ashland; S Kerra Pierce, Sr., North Eugene; OH Tessa Frodge, Sr., Crater; L Kylie Anderson, Sr., Crater; MB Kendra Bittle, So., Crater.

■ Honorable mention: L Cailee Hallett, Sr., Thurston; OH Abby Strand, Sr., North Eugene; L Emily Collie, Sr., North Eugene; OH Madison Kocina, So., Crater; MB Hailey Burcham, Sr., Eagle Point; S Laila White, Sr., Churchill; OH Jordan Ouellette, Sr., Churchill.

OUTLOOK ■ With Fort Lewis signee Hobie, a first-team all-state selection in 2019, and Slaughter

leading the way, North Eugene looked ready to regain its perch atop the league standings it last held in 2017 before ceding it the past two seasons to Crater – except the league split in two this spring in favor of regional play during the pandemic. The Comets wouldn’t have given up the title without a fight, bringing back six all-league selections of a season ago – three of whom will be building blocks for the future as just sophomores this spring.

Thurston last season made the state tournament for the first time since 2009 led by Jenkins, a recent Bushnell signee.

CLASS 4A SKY-EM LEAGUE RETURNING ALL-LEAGUERS ■ First team: S/OH Courtney Silbernagel, Sr., Junction City; MB Matty Ladd, Sr., Cottage Grove; MB Avery Hutchins, Sr., Cottage Grove.

■ Second team: MB Sophia Francois, Sr., Junction City; OH Cedar Ward, Sr., Marshfield; L Natali Hayes, Sr., Marist Catholic.

■ Honorable mention: MB Carmen Samuels, Sr., Marshfield; S Peyton Kidd, Jr., Cottage

Cottage Grove coach Knutson said the Lions’ girls team should be formidable this season, and the team is shooting for at least a Top-4 finish at the state meet.

FILE PHOTO

Grove; OH Gracie Arnold, Jr., Cottage Grove; MB Desi Tupua, So., Siuslaw; DS Lindsey Long, Sr., Siuslaw; S/RS Ellie Christian, Sr., Marist Catholic.

OUTLOOK ■ Junction City took fifth at state last season and despite graduating first-team all-state hitter Allison Bedacht still will be favored to defend its league title. Cottage Grove missed a third consecutive tournament appearance last season but would have been in the hunt to get back behind all-league middles Ladd and Hutchins.

CLASS 3A MOUNTAIN VALLEY CONFERENCE RETURNING ALL-STATE PLAYERS ■ First team: OH Emily Bourne, Sr., Santiam Christian; OH Breanna Dapron, Sr., Creswell.

■ Second team: OH Allie Hueckman, Sr., Burns; MB Sophie Scott, Jr., Catlin Gabel; L Makenna Collins, Sr., Irrigon.

■ Honorable mention: S Taylor Cave, Sr., Cascade Christian; OH Aspen Schudel, Sr., Scio; OH Avyree Meithe, Jr., Warrenton; MB Katie Graham, Sr., Horizon Christian.

TEAMS TO WATCH ■ Burns: Hueckman signed with Eastern Washington for basketball, but the secondteam all-state pick and co-Eastern Oregon League player of the year will lead the Hilanders along with fellow first-team all-league selections S Kaiden Reff, a senior, and junior OH Kaitlyn Wright.

■ Cascade Christian: All-state setter Cave joins two other first-team all-Far West selections – senior OH Hannah Stanfield and MB Janie Kenaston – who will have the Challengers looking to win the league title solo after sharing it with Sutherlin a season ago.

■ Catlin Gabel: The Eagles have waited 16 months to put the sting of their loss in the state playoffs to Vale behind them. With Scott (119 kills, 36 blocks) and junior MH Natalie Potter (235 kills, 46 aces, 116 digs, 27 blocks) back, they’re favored to repeat as Lewis & Clark champions ahead of Horizon Christian and Oregon Episcopal.

■ Creswell: Dapron gets a lot of the attention for the Bulldogs, but senior S/RS Janessa Mallory and senior L Jane Marquess also made the all-Mountain Valley first team and helped Creswell reach the 3A state final for the fourth time in the past six seasons.

24 - THE CHRONICLE

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KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTO

The Pleasant Hill Billies’ 2024 football team at its on-campus stadium.

OREGON SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION Your source for the state's official website for all activities – from sports to band and robotics. osaa.org

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2024 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / CHRONICLE PHOTO

Pleasant Hill players concentrate on their ball technique in a drill at practice Friday night.

Discipline, leadership ... and good times: Billies, coach find their groove in Year 3

BY McKENZIE DAYS McKENZIE@CHRONICLE1909.COM

PLEASANT HILL – During the first week of practices at Pleasant Hill High School, one could feel the camaraderie and comfortable atmosphere head coach Jeremiah Heacock and his players have created. Despite a rainy practice, players laugh and tease each other; they also take charge and lead by example.

It’s quite apparent: The Billies have found their groove.

Entering his third year as head coach, Heacock believes his close relationship and consistent expectations for players have contributed to the team's development.

“I just had the opportunity to work closely with this group,” Heacock said. “We’ve really become close over the last three years. But they've also just taken it upon themselves really.”

Last year, the Billies finished 4-5 overall and fourth in the Mountain Valley Conference. However, while eyeing the playoffs after their victory against rival Creswell, they came up short and missed the postseason. After a close look at the playoffs last season, Heacock and the team are confident they can achieve it this year. He said he has refined his chemistry with his athletes and the players have also helped elevate a higher standard of play through accountability and leadership.

Culture carriers Heacock explains this change is due to the interdependent dynamic of him and his players. He attributes the improvement not to the coaching, but to his players.

“I’m not doing anything different than the other coaches before,” Heacock said. “(Players) have taken it upon themselves. I've got a good group of current juniors and seniors who have been with me for all three years. They kind of understand that expectation to compete at a higher level and be leaders.

“So far, they've been doing a nice job of that this week, of holding each other accountable. So I'm really excited to see if they're gonna continue that, making them the leaders, instead of me pointing at them and saying it,” he said.

The Billies have one goal this year: back to the playoffs. In addition, they are focusing on hard work and team technique.

“Our big focus this year is getting Pleasant Hill back to the playoffs,” Heacock said. Each year we improve by one

more game than the last, and we're just kind of right at that threshold of getting back to the playoffs. And so it's going to be our goal, and it's going to take doing the little things right to turn that corner.”

Heacock says that to “turn this corner,” he will continue to emphasize the importance of daily competition in practice to improve game performance. This has been his philosophy since his first year and according to Heacock, each year the Billies have slowly internalized these messages and expectations.

For this season, they are at the precipice of this concept.

This messaging has been reinforced by the aspect of Heacock’s trust in his players. By this point, players know the system and Heacock can trust them to run the drills themselves.

“I’ve been really pleased this week. I think we’ve done a good job of competing in practice to the point where we can achieve,” Heacock said.

Heacock doesn’t make that claim flippantly – he’s wellversed on his opponents and the level of competition in the league. He also talked about the intrinsic value of facing new opponents.

“We’re in a tough league, so we have to be able to compete at every game, but realistically, yeah, we want to try to be in the playoffs and compete at that level every year,” Heacock said. “Then we get a chance to make it back, just understanding what it means to compete against a new opponent. One that may not be in our league and part of the fun of that preparation, of getting to play a new team, and going on the road.”

“Our big focus this year is getting Pleasant Hill back to the playoffs.”

Jeremiah Heacock, head coach

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JUST THE FACTS ■ Address: 84455 N. Enterprise Rd., Pleasant Hill ■ School colors: Navy Blue and Gold ■ Boosters: pleasanthillboosters.com/ ■ Head coach: Jeremiah Heacock’s 3rd year at Pleasant Hill ... 7-11-0 Pleasant Hill and overall coaching record ■ 2023 season: 4-5 overall ... 2-4 in conference play ... 4th in Mountain Valley Conference ... Ranked #20 in Class 3A ... missed playoffs.

RETURNING STARTERS ■ Jacob Neely, Jr. ■ Kaden Howes, Sr. COACH SPEAKS ■ “Pleasant Hill is returning many players from last year's team and hopes to continue to improve. We hope to continue to build fundamentals on both sides of the ball to be able to compete with every opponent we face this season.”

TOP GAMES ■ at Sisters, Oct. 18 ■ vs. Creswell, Oct. 25 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 30: Jamboree at Santiam Christian, 5 p.m.

■ Sept. 6: at Sutherlin (non-league) ■ Sept. 13: at Brookings-Harbor (non-league) ■ Sept. 20: at Harrisburg ■ Sept. 27: vs. Cottage Grove ■ Oct. 4: at Elmira (Homecoming) ■ Oct. 11: vs. La Pine ■ Oct. 18: at Sisters (Senior Night) ■ Oct. 25: vs. Creswell ■ Nov. 1: vs. Madras All games at 7 p.m., unless noted

Coach Jeremiah Heacock

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PHHS VOLLEYBALL

PHHS BOYS SOCCER JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Ryota Sugitani’s 7th year at Pleasant Hill with a 46-24-13 overall record.

■ 2023 season: 3-8-3 overall ... 2-5-2 in conference ... 7th in Mountain Valley Conference ... ranked #43 in Class 3A ...

Missed playoffs.

TOP GAMES ■ at Western Christian, Sept. 3 ■ at Delphian, Sept. 10 ■ vs. Sisters, Oct. 23 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 30: Les Schwab Showcase at Willamalane, 32nd & Main St., Springfield, 3 p.m.

■ Sept. 3: at Western Christian (non-league), 4:15 p.m.

■ Sept. 5: vs. Douglas (non-league), 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 7: vs. Taft (non-league), 2 p.m.

■ Sept. 10: at Delphian (non-league), 4:15 p.m.

■ Sept. 13: at De La Salle N. Catholic (non-league), 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 23: vs. Central Linn, 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 25: vs. Creswell, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 28: at Yamhill-Carlton (non-league), 1 p.m.

■ Sept. 30: at East Linn Christian, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 2: at Siuslaw / Mapleton, 6:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 8: at Santiam Christian, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 10: at La Pine, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 14: at Crosshill Christian, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 16: vs. Elmira, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 23: vs. Sisters, 6:30 p.m.

PHHS CROSS COUNTRY JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Beth Sprague’s 14th year at Pleasant Hill ■ 2023 season: Boys and girls ranked 4th in Mountain Valley Conference 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Sept. 10: Mud, Sweat & BBQ, Woodburn, 9 a.m.

■ Sept. 11: Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational, Silver Falls State Park, TBD ■ Sept. 14: Stayton XC Invitational, Stayton Middle School Nature Trails, TBD ■ Sept. 21: Northwest Classic, Lane Community College, TBD ■ Sept. 28: Sweet Home Chapel Run, Community Chapel, TBD ■ Oct. 5: Woahink Lake XC Invitational, East Woahink Lake, Honeyman State Park, TBD ■ Oct. 23: Umpqua Invite, TBD ■ Oct. 31: Special District-4 Cross Country Championships, Lane Community College, TBD

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Chris Hammond 4th year at Pleasant Hill ... 31-11-5 Pleasant Hill and overall record.

■ 2023 season: 10-6-2 overall ... 8-4-2 in conference play ... 4th in Mountain Valley Conference ... #16 in Class 3A ... Lost the second round of playoffs to Valley Catholic ■ Team history: Last league title in ’21 TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Total varsity players: 18 ■ Returning starters: 5 ... Graduated 8 seniors; the team is young and inexperienced.

TOP RETURNERS ■ Tessa Hammond (#9), Sr., midfield ... Hammond was 2023 first-team all-league and was voted by teammates as the ’23 team MVP. ■ Ellie Epperson (#17), Sr., defender/midfielder ...

Epperson was 2023 2nd-team all-league; a defensive and team leader. “The E-train.”

■ Kenna Caldwell (#24), Jr., GK ... This 2nd-team all-leaguer had 163 saves in goal with only 17 allowed goals in 2023. She also added 2 goals and an assist on the field.

■ Trinity Smead (#20), Jr., forward ... Smead was 2nd on the team last year in goals scored. She has had a great offseason with strength conditioning and is poised for a big year.

JUST THE FACTS ■ Head coach: Jessica Crawford’s 7th year at Pleasant ... 62-47 Pleasant Hill and overall record ■ 2023 season: 24-4 overall, 10-2 in conference ... 2nd in Mountain Valley Conference ... #2 in Class 3A ... Lost in state title game vs. Sisters.

TEAM BREAKDOWN ■ Returning starters: 5 ■ Coach says: “(There are) multiple new players to the team.”

TOP RETURNERS ■ Cheyenne Green (#10), Sr., outside hitter, 6-1 ... Four-year varsity player. ... received 3A 1st-team all-state, 1st-team all-state tournament, Mountain Valley 1st-team all-league honors ... team captain ... 335 kills, 224 digs, 37 aces in ’23. .. A great all-around player.

■ Claire Crawford (#12), Sr., setter, 5-10 ... Fou-year varsity player ... 3A 1st-team all state, 1st-team all-state tournament, Mountain Valley 1st-team honors ... team captain ... 690 assists, 115 kills, 230 digs, 73 aces, 20 blocks in ’23. ... Crawford distributes the ball to her hitters well, is an offensive threat, and plays solid defense.

■ Emily Krauss (#9), Sr., libero, 5-6 ...

Four-year varsity player ... Mountain Valley HM and all-league defensive team. ... Krauss is the foundation of the Billies defense and ball control. ... she had 317 digs, 51 aces, and 84 assists in ’23.

■ Ruby Jackson (#6), Sr., middle hitter, 5-10 ... Mountain Valley 2nd-team all-league. ... Ruby brings power to the offense and is “pure energy,” her coach says. She had 220 kills with a .333%, 60 aces, 31 blocks, and 72 digs in ’23.

■ Anna Crawford (#13), So., outside hitter, 5-6 ... received Mountain Valley HM ... Anna is a well-rounded player who brings big defensive plays and a strong swing ... she had 201 kills, 202 digs, and 51 aces in ’23.

NOTABLE NEWCOMER ■ Sydney Brink, Sr. ... Brink is a middle blocker new to Pleasant Hill. She brings positive energy and skill to the team.

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Experienced players ■ Unified season goals TOP GAMES ■ vs. Cascade Christian, Sept. 9 ■ vs. Valley Catholic, Sept. 11

PHHS GIRLS SOCCER NOTABLE NEWCOMERS ■ Zoe Dilts ... Sophomore transfer from Thurston.

■ Kaylee Johnson ... Junior transfer from Creswell.

■ Ellie Thebo ... Sophomore track standout.

TEAM STRENGTHS ■ Chemistry: “The girls enjoy being together,” Hammond said.

■ Athletic prowess and speed: Many players are participating in both cross country and soccer in the same season.

2024 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 29: Les Schwab Showcase at Willamalane Center, 32nd & Main St., Springfield, 3 p.m.

■ Sept. 2: vs. Elmira, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 5: vs. Douglas (non-league), 6:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 7: vs. Taft (non-league), noon ■ Sept. 11: at Sisters, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 16: at Santiam Christian, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 18: vs. Creswell, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 23: vs. Siuslaw, 4:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 26: at Central Linn / East Linn Christian, 4:30 p.m ■ Sept. 28: at Yamhill-Carlton (non-league), 11 a.m.

■ Sept. 30: at Elmira, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 7: vs. Sisters, 4:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 9: vs. Santiam Christian, 4:30 p.m.

A Pleasant Hill player contains the ball during a match last season.

■ vs. Sisters, Sept. 17 2024 SCHEDULE ■ Aug. 29: North Star Jamboree at Springfield, 12:30 p.m.

■ Aug. 31: at Cascade Christian Invite, 8 a.m.

■ Sept. 5: at Philomath (non-league), TBD ■ Sept. 5: vs. Crescent Valley at Philomath HS, TBD ■ Sept. 9: vs. Cascade Christian (non-league), 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 9: vs. Siuslaw (non-league), 7:30 p.m.

■ Sept. 11: vs. Valley Catholic, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 17: vs. Sisters, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 19: at Elmira, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 21: at Marist Invitational, TBD ■ Sept. 24: vs. Harrisburg, 6 p.m.

■ Sept. 26: at Creswell, 6:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 1: at La Pine, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 3: at Sisters, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 5: vs. Marshfield at Pleasant Hill Invitational, TBD ■ Oct. 8: vs. Elmira, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 10: at Harrisburg, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 15: vs. Creswell, 6:30 p.m.

■ Oct. 17: vs. La Pine, 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 18: at Westside Christian, 3 p.m.

■ Oct. 18: vs. Dayton at Westside Christian, 5 p.m.