Fall 2025 Sports PREVIEW
Publisher Kari Borgen
Editor Jeanne HUff
DesignJohn Bruijn
Sports writer Paul Matli
Photography Rob Hilson
Advertising Heather Jenson
Advertising Sarah Silver
Seagull place kicker Carlos Silva-Villa practices field goals at Seaside’s opening practice of 2025.
Awarding Opportunity for a Bright Future
Astoria High School Scholarships, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for the purpose of financially assisting every qualified AHS graduate wishing to continue their education after high school. AHSSI wants to provide students with hope and a vote of confidence that their community believes in them and encourages them to follow their dreams. Those wishing to support can donate online at www.astoriascholarshipfund.org or by mailing a check to AHSSI, PO Box 598, Astoria, OR 97103. Thank you for helping make a difference!
Football
Volleyball
Cross Country
Soccer
Football teams enter new eras
Story: Paul Matli | The
If there was a phrase to describe this upcoming high school football season it would be: the start of new eras.
After the departures of Seaside Head Coach and Warrenton Head, both programs will be led by familiar faces. Astoria enters their season with a young, but experienced group and the Knappa Loggers will see quarterback Oliver Stevens back for his second season.
Seaside Seagulls
For a team with high expectations, last season’s 5-5 finishing record wasn’t quite what the Seaside Seagulls had in mind.
Though the Seagulls put up a heck of an effort in their playoff game against Henley, the team wasn’t able to build off its semifinal appearance in 2023. With Tanabe moving to take the head coaching job at 6A Southridge, Principal Jeff Roberts is set to start his third tenure as the Seagulls head coach. His previous two stints resulted in the Seagulls having great playoff success and winning 37 games while losing just 21.
and return to the position he played in middle school.
“The offense will look a little bit different, maybe more back to the
“The offense will look a little different, maybe more back to the traditional wing-T that we ran in the past.”
Seagull football head coach
Roberts is hoping to serve as the head coach for a short period before handing the job over to someone either on his staff or outside the program. He brought in three new coaches to help this coming season. Dennis Olstedt returns to Seaside after coaching under Roberts in 2012. Cody Hartsoch and former Estacada coach James Nagel are the other new coaches on staff. Seaside will look a little different as they lost quarterback Zayden Anderson, running back Jake White and wide receiver Jordan Westerholm to graduation. Ryder Jackson returns as the explosive playmaker. He will be joined in the backfield by Efrain Ramirez and converted wide receiver Hayden Halsen. Junior Brayden Cooley is expected to assume the reins of quarterback
traditional wing-T that we ran in the past,” Roberts said. “We have three quality running backs and one of them is the fastest player in the state, so we expect to be more
run-centric.”
As always, the Seagulls will have to go through Scappoose and Tillamook to claim league supremacy.
Astorian
Photos: Rob Hilson | For The Astorian
First year head coach Jeff Roberts addresses his team at Seaside’s first practice of the season. 2025 will certainly be a challenge for Roberts and the Gulls, as five playoff teams from last year are on the schedule, including the 4A state champions, Marist Catholic. The Seagulls open their season against La Grande High School on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in Seaside.
Jeff Roberts
Warrenton Warriors
Like Seaside, Warrenton will be led by a familiar face.After serving as a longtime assistant at both Astoria and Warrenton, Travis Freeman was promoted to head coach after Lennie Wolfe stepped down this offseason.Freeman served as the Warriors head coach for just one year back in 2015 and is excited to finally fulfill one of his dreams. “When coach Wolfe brought me on the staff we talked back and forth about me taking over,” Freeman said. “I coached with Ian O’Brien for four years before taking over as interim head coach for a year. This has always been something I’ve wanted to do and it was the right time for coach Wolfe to step down and for me to step in to try and continue kind of building the program that they established.” Freeman says 2025 will be a rebuilding year
for the Warriors as they look to replace their massive senior class from last season. The Warriors saw much of their first team defense and offense graduate, so Freeman will be using the season to see what Warrenton has in the pipeline.
“We’re super young,” Freeman said. “We have a lot of growth that has to happen this season. The kids know this year is going to be a growing year for us, but we’re excited to get the ball rolling and see where we are at.”
After playing quarterback sparingly over the last two seasons Zephan Pierce will assume the role full-time as a senior. He joins Devon Sturgell, Asher Wiley and wide receiver Gunar Puffinburger as other seniors to watch for the Warriors 2025 season.
Though the Warriors are young they hope to still equal or better last season’s 5-4 record.
Knappa Loggers
Last season was a tale of two seasons for the Knappa Loggers.
After opening up the year 4-1, the Loggers stumbled down the stretch losing two out of their last four. This saw them finish 6-3 overall and miss out on the 2A state playoffs.
The Loggers will be looking to replace standout skill position players Jude Miller and Gavin Barendse. As a second year quarterback Oliver Stevens will be asked to take on more of a role through the air this season. His most trusted offensive weapon will be running back Kade Kinder. After splitting touches with Barendse and Miller last season Kinder is expected to take on a larger role as the lead running back.
Defensively, Jasper Teague is set to anchor the defense at middle linebacker. He will joined up front by defensive lineman Jayden Johnson, Camden Debase and Tanner Cagwin.
With no standout team in the 2A-SD1 Special District 1 the Loggers will once again enter 2025 with their sights set on a league championship. Gaston, Nestucca and Clatskanie will also feel good about their chances.
First year head coach Travis Freeman watches his players technique at the Warrenton’s opening practice of the 2025 season. Freeman will look to improve the Warriors 2024 record of 5-4 with a young, enthusiastic and energetic team. The Warriors regular season opener at home on Sept. against Amity at 7 p.m.
Warrior wide-out Samuel Smith hauls in a long pass during a an offensive ball control drill at Warrenton High School’s first practice of the 2025 season.
— Warrior head coach Travis Freeman
Astoria Fishermen
After graduating just five seniors from last years 2-7 season, the Fishermen are well positioned to take another step towards Cowapa League contention.
Though the last couple of seasons haven’t resulted in victories, head coach Howard Rub and his staff can’t fault the effort. The Fishermen have seen a lot of underclassmen get playing time over the last couple of seasons and they hope that will result in more victories.
Junior Sam Schacher enters his first season as the Fishermen quarterback. He has a wide variety of wide receivers to throw to in the likes of Quin Gohr, Kanon Huber, Brayden Wintersteen, Trevor Morrow and Sawyer
Rochon. Jack Johnson returns as the starting running back. Defensively Arthur Duryea, Phoenix Nestor and Colt Kelly all flashed at times last season and will be returning for another season. Hudson Hill will anchor the new look of defense as the middle linebacker along with fellow junior Landon Reed.
How the Fishermen stack up in the league is yet to be determined. Seaside, Scappoose and Tillamook are sure to take up the first three spots, but Gladstone and St. Helens look like two beatable opponents. Astoria blew out St. Helens to end their league season a year ago and with Milwaukie moving up to 5A, the Fishermen will be striving towards a fourth place finish.
Astoria High School
Junior Sam Schacher enters his first season as the Fishermen quarterback with a wide variety of wide receivers to throw to.
Astoria head coach Howard Rub goes over plays and formations with the Fishermen offense during an intrasquad pre-season scrimmage game at CMH field.
Astoria leads 2025 volleyball
Local volleyball teams are set to enter 2025 at different points.
Warrenton is hoping to get back to its 2023 form, Knappa and Seaside look to rebuild behind younger programs while Astoria is looking to take a next step towards greatness.
Astoria Fishermen
After overcoming a slow start last season the young Fishermen exploded onto the scene late in 2024.
Though they came up short in the 8 vs. 9 state playoff game to Cascade, the girls are set up to take the next step in 2025.
The Fishermen return multiple all-league performers from 2024. Kyah Gohr, Lyla Carlson, Emery Young and Sofia Nygaard are all coming back for another go at a repeat league title.
Gohr is the standout, as she was named 4A all-state honorable mention as a freshman and first team all-league. Young returns for her senior season as a middle blocker and outside hitter, while Carlson and Nygaard enter their second season of varsity volleyball.
The Fishermen volleyball team finished 11-7 overall last season and won the Cowapa league with a 10-2 record.
Kendall Ewing, Hadley Painter, Keturah Jackson and Amelia Nemlowill are also returners from last season. Ewings add versatility as a server, while Jackson and Nemlowill have size to serve as blockers on the outside.
In addition to the talented cast of returners, head coach Eric Gohr sees a few newcomers to the varsity squad. Freshman Emma Ness, sophomore Paytin Medina and senior Arabella Jones all made the varsity roster for the first time in 2025. Junior Addie Earl is a new name for Fishermen fans as she transferred in from Warrenton High School this summer.
The Fishermen finished 11-7 overall last season and won the league with a 10-2 record. Scappoose was the main rival for Astoria last season and despite losing a number of girls are well positioned to challenge Astoria once more. Tillamook will always be a threat, while St. Helens and Seaside are more unknown.
Story: Paul Matli | The Astorian
Photos: Rob Hilson | For The Astorian
Astoria outside hitter Lyla Carlson smashes a spike during the Fisherman’s opening preseason practice on Wednesday Aug. 20. Carlson was selected as an honorable mention member of the Cowapa all-league 4A volleyball team last year.
Warrenton Warriors
Much like Astoria, Warrenton is set up to be a contender in the 3A Coastal Range League.
After a rebuilding season saw the Warriors finish 10-10 and 5-7 in league, the young group enters 2025 with a year of experience under their belt. A team that had five freshmen on the roster will see a big addition with Lucy Smith.
Smith, a senior, moved to Texas for a short time last season and returned for softball season. She was a big hitter for the Warriors in 2023 and is in line to be one of Warrenton’s main threats on the outside for her final season. Sophomore Natalie Davis, Frances Taggart and Caylee Marsch will also contribute as the other outside hitters.Natalie Pike, Kiki Olson and Scarlet Anderson also will return both as servers and middle blockers .
The biggest question for Warrenton will be replacing all-state performer Olivia Lyons; Lyons was the Most Valuable Player for the Warriors and will be very difficult to replace. Finding her replacement will be the biggest challenge for head coach Kimberly Palek and her staff in the early season.
Seaside Seagulls
The Seagulls enter 2025 with a simple goal in mind; get a win. After going 0-19 last season, the young Seagulls are hoping their tough times over the last couple years will pay off.
Much like Warrenton, Seaside had six freshmen on their team last year. They did lose three seniors from last year, but with the return of their freshman and a large junior varsity team, the Seagulls will have ample bodies this season.
Seaside will be led by talented sophomore Araya Edwards, who was a first team All-Cowapa League selection last season. Fellow sophomore Sophia Saso also returns as an honorable mention from last season. They will look to lead the Seagulls into a new era of girls volleyball.
Knappa Loggers
The Loggers are in a similar spot to Seaside.
They had a tough season in the win column in 2024, but have a lot of freshman and sophomore athletes in their pipeline. Knappa lost just two athletes from last year’s team in Lily Simpson and Annabelle McDorman. Knappa will have Nadia Gremar, Aubrey Harrington, Jocelyn Tarabochia and Kenadie Kost returning as seniors, Alabama Rogers and Lily Schaelling will return as juniors and Danika Lebo will come back as a sophomore.
The Loggers will also have a new coach in Selena Burgher and hope to improve on their 3-15 overall record from last season.
Jewell Bluejays
The Bluejays are looking to improve from their 4-14 record last season. Jewell finished tied for fifth in the 1A-2 Casco League. Jewell is set to see the return of five players from last season’s team, which includes captain TJ Wammack. Wammack will be joined by Koa Chonister, Caroline Clark, Cheyenne Weisler and Ellie Findlay. The Blue Jays will also see a number of new players in 2025.
After fielding just seven players in 2024, the Blue Jays will have a ten-person roster with the addition of five players. Freshmen Carmen Peacock, Miranda Lerma, and Savannah Hammerberg will be looking to help the squad. Additionally, sophomores Peyton Titus and Isabell Jacober will be first year players for Jewell.
Astoria High School senior Arabella Jones practices setting the ball at Astoria’s afternoon practice session.
Kerry Farmer
2025 fall sports schedules
Astoria Fishermen | Seaside Seagulls | Warrenton Warriors | Knappa
Football
Astoria High School
Sept. 26 Astoria at Molalla, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3 Astoria vs. Gladstone, 7 p.m.
Oct.10. Astoria at Tillamook, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17. Astoria vs. Seaside, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24. Astoria vs. Scappoose, 7 p.m.
Oct. 31. Astoria at St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Seaside High School
Sept. 19 Seaside at Marist Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3 Seaside at Scappoose, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 Seaside at Gladstone/Riverdale, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17 Seaside at Astoria, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24 Seaside vs. St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Oct. 31 Seaside vs. Tillamook, 7 p.m.
Warrenton High School
Sept. 19 Warrenton at Kennedy, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26 Warrenton vs. North Marion (HOCO 2025), 7 p.m.
Oct. 3 Warrenton at Valley Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 Warrenton vs. Gervais, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17 Warrenton at Willamina, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24 Warrenton vs. Yamhill-Carlton, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 Warrenton at Banks, 7 p.m.
Knappa High School
Sept. 19 Knappa at Neah-Kah-Nie, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26 Knappa vs. Gaston, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 Knappa at Rainier, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17 Knappa vs. Nestucca, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 Knappa at Clatskanie, 7 p.m.
Oct. 31 Knappa vs. Vernonia, 7 p.m.
Jewell High School (6 man football)
Sept. 19 Jewell at Alsea, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26 Jewell at Falls City, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3 Jewell vs. Mapleton, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 Jewell vs. C.S Lewis Academy, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17 Jewell vs. Eddyville Charter, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24 Jewell at Triangle Lake, 7 p.m.
Oct. 31 Jewell vs. Siletz Lake, 7 p.m.
Volleyball
Astoria High School
Sept. 16 Astoria vs. Scappoose, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 Astoria at St. Helens, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 Astoria at North Marion, 8 a.m.
Sept. 25 Astoria at Tillamook, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 Astoria vs. The Dalles, 11 a.m.
Sept. 30 Astoria at Seaside, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 Astoria at Scappoose, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 Astoria vs. St. Helens, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 Astoria at Seaside Tournament, TBD
Oct. 14 Astoria at Tillamook, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 Astoria vs. Seaside, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 20 Astoria vs. Scappoose, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 22 Astoria at St. Helens, 6:30 p.m.
Seaside High School
Sept. 16 Seaside vs. St. Helens, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 Seaside vs. Tillamook, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 22 Seaside at Molalla, 6 p.m.
Sept. 23 Seaside vs. Scappoose, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 Seaside vs. Astoria, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 Seaside at St. Helens, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 Seaside at Tillamook, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 9 Seaside at Scappoose, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 Seaside at Astoria, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 20 Seaside vs. St. Helens
Oct. 22 Seaside vs. Tillamook, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 Seaside at Scappoose 6:30 p.m.
Warrenton High School
Sept. 16 Warrenton vs. Corbett, 6 p.m.
Sept. 18 Warrenton at Yamhill-Carlton, 6 p.m.
Sept. 22 Warrenton vs. Neah-Kah-Nie, 6 p.m.
Sept. 24 Warrenton at Riverdale, 6 p.m.
Sept. 30 Warrenton at Banks, 6 p.m.
Oct. 2
Warrenton vs. Willamina, 6 p.m.
Oct. 7 Warrenton at Rainier, 6 p.m.
Oct. 9
Oct. 11
Oct. 14
Oct. 16
Oct. 21
Oct. 23
Warrenton at Corbett, 6 p.m.
Warrenton at Seaside Tournament, TBD
Warrenton vs. Yamhill-Carlton, 6 p.m.
Warrenton at Neah-Kah-Nie, 7 p.m.
Warrenton vs. Riverdale, 6 p.m.
Warrenton vs. Banks, 6 p.m.
Knappa High School
Sept. 16 Knappa vs. Columbia Christian, 6 p.m.
Sept. 18 Knappa at Portland Christian, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 Knappa at Clatskanie, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 Knappa vs. Nestucca, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 Knappa at Gaston, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 Knappa at Faith Bible, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 Knappa vs. Vernonia, 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 Knappa at Columbia Christian, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 9 Knappa vs. Portland Christian, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 Knappa vs. Clatskanie, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 Knappa at Nestucca, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 Knappa vs. Gaston, 1 p.m.
Jewell High School
Sept. 16 Jewell vs. Mannahouse Academy, 6 p.m.
Sept. 18 Jewell vs. Perrydale, 6 p.m.
Sept. 23 Jewell vs. Falls City/ Kings Valley Charter, 6 p.m.
Sept. 25 Jewell at C.S Lewis Academy, 6 p.m.
Sept. 30 Jewell vs. Livingstone Adventist Academy, 6 p.m.
Oct. 2 Jewell at Chemawa, 6 p.m.
Oct. 7 Jewell vs. Willamette Valley Christian, 6 p.m.
Oct. 8 Jewell vs. St. Paul, 6 p.m.
Oct. 13 Jewell vs. Chemawa, 6 p.m.
Oct. 15 Jewell at Perrydale, 4 p.m.
Oct. 16 Jewell at Falls City/ Kings Valley Charter, 6 p.m.
Oct. 20 Jewell vs. C.S Lewis Academy, 6 p.m.
schedules
Cross Country
Astoria High School
Sept. 19-20 Astoria at 44th Annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic
Sept. 20 Astoria at Three Course Challenge, Race at Camp Rilea in Warrenton
Sept. 26 Astoria at 2025 Nike Portland XC, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 4 Astoria at Run with Neil Invitational
Oct. 11 Astoria at The Ridgeline Invitational
Oct. 16 Astoria at Grant Robison Invitational
Oct. 21 Astoria at The Bigfoot Classic
Seaside High School
Sept. 20 Seaside at Three Course Challenge
Sept. 24 Seaside at Jewell Jaunt
Oct. 4 Seaside at Run With Neil Invitational
Oct. 11 Seaside at The Ridgeline Invitational
Oct. 14 Seaside at Willapa Harbor Meet
Oct. 21 Seaside at The Bigfoot Classic
Warrenton High School
Sept. 20 Warrenton at The Mook XC Invite at Alderbrook Golf Course, 10:45 start for High School
Sept. 20 Warrenton at Three Course Challenge
Sept. 26 Warrenton at 2025 Nike Portland XC, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 10 Warrenton at Champoeg Invitational
Oct. 16 Warrenton at Grant Robison Invitational
Oct. 21 Warrenton at The Bigfoot Classic
Oct. 29 Warrenton at the 3A/2A/1A SD 1 District 1 Championship
Football Volleyball Cross Country Soccer
Boys Soccer
Astoria High School
Sept. 20 Astoria vs. The Dalles, 2 p.m.
Sept. 24 Astoria vs. Banks/ Vernonia, 6:15 p.m.
Sept. 30 Astoria at Tillamook, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Astoria vs. Seaside, 5:15 p.m.
Oct. 7 Astoria at St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Astoria vs. Scappoose, 6:15 p.m.
Oct. 16 Astoria at Banks/Vernonia, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 Astoria vs. Tillamook, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 Astoria at Seaside, 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 Astoria at Scappoose, 6:15 p.m.
Oct. 30 Astoria vs. St. Helens, 6:15 p.m.
Seaside High School
Sept. 18 Seaside vs. The Dalles, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 Seaside vs. Scappoose, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 Seaside at Banks/Vernonia, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Seaside at Astoria, 5:15 p.m.
Oct. 9 Seaside vs. St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Seaside at Scappoose, 6:15 p.m.
Oct. 21 Seaside vs. Banks/Vernonia, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 23 Seaside vs. Astoria, 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 Seaside at St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Astoria High School
Sept. 19 Astoria vs. The Dalles/ Dufur, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 Astoria at Rainier/ Clatskanie, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 Astoria vs. Toledo (WA), 2 p.m.
Sept. 30 Astoria vs. Tillamook, 7 p.m.
Astoria vs. Seaside, 7 p.m.
Astoria at Scappoose, 6:15 p.m.
Astoria vs. La Grande, 2 p.m.
Oct. 14 Astoria vs. St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Astoria vs. Rainier/ Clatskanie, 6:15 p.m.
Astoria at Tillamook, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 Astoria at Seaside, 5:15 p.m.
Oct. 28 Astoria vs. Scappoose, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 Astoria at St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Seaside High School
Sept. 16 Seaside vs. Dayton, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 24 Seaside at Scappoose, 6:15 p.m.
Sept. 30 Seaside vs. Rainier, 4:30 p.m.
Seaside at Astoria, 7 p.m.
Seaside at St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Seaside vs. Scappoose, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23
Oct. 28
Seaside at Rainier, 4:15 p.m.
Seaside vs. Astoria, 5:15 p.m.
Seaside vs. St. Helens, 7 p.m.
Soccer teams set to kickoff
Seaside and Astoria boys soccer teams ended up in different spots last season.
Behind a stellar backline, Astoria finished second in the Cowapa League, while Seaside ran into a mid-season slump that saw them finish fourth. Both squads will be looking to replace a number of key players this coming season.
Astoria Fishermen
2024 was one of the best on record for Astoria boys soccer. They finished second in the league and beat rival Tillamook for the first time in five years. This was good enough to see the veteran team qualify for a state playoff berth. Though they fell to eventual state runner-up North Marion in the first round, 5-0, the boys put Astoria soccer on the map.
The Fishermen hope to continue their resurgence in 2025. To do that it will take young players stepping up. Astoria saw eight players graduate including their entire backline. Thomas
Burpee, Tayden Cole, Ian McCormick and Walker Steele were anchors last season for the Fishermen. Those four did a fantastic job keeping goalkeeper Maurice Mecham safe and helped Astoria build up offensive play. Replacing those four will be the early season focus for the Fishermen. Astoria also needs to replace top goalscorer Edward Lepe Ramirez as well.
The Fishermen will have options as last season they sported a junior varsity roster that had 27 total players on it. With Orrick Evans most likely returning to his forward role and Mecham entering his third season at goalie, the Fishermen have a couple pieces to build around in the early season.
2024 was one of the best on record for Astoria boys soccer. They finished second in the league and beat rival Tillamook.
Story: Paul Matli | The Astorian Photos: Rob Hilson | For The Astorian
Fishermen goalkeeper Maurice Mecham dives in desperation trying to save a goal during an intrasquad scrimmage game at CMH field.
Seaside Seagulls
Head coach Nathan Daniels debut season saw Seaside start off league soaring, then crash land.
The Seagulls looked to be a contender in Cowapa League play after a 3-0-1 start. Wins against Banks/ Vernonia, Astoria and St. Helens had Seaside right there with Tillamook. Then a four game stretch of scoring zero goals saw the boys fall out of contention. After everything the Seagulls finished the season 6-7-1 overall and 4-5-1 in league.
Like their Cowapa rivals the Seagulls are going to be replacing a number of players. The Seagulls graduated six players including goal keeper Alex Arden and captains Orlando Acuna and Daniel Olmedo.
The 2025 season for Seaside will be senior heavy, as they sported just one sophomore and one freshman last season. Daniels is hoping to see those who played as juniors last season step into the vacant roles.
With Tillamook as the only yearly constant Astoria, Seaside and Scappoose will more than likely be battling once again for positioning behind the Cheesemakers.
Warrenton Warriors
This will now be year two of the Warrenton High School soccer program. After playing a junior varsity schedule last season the Warriors are hoping to see more success in 2025. Since the Warriors still have a relatively small program they will once again play a junior varsity schedule.
At Left: Astoria’s Orrick Evans (right in red) attempts to steal the ball away from Connor Johnson (left in blue) during a preseason scrimmage at CMH field. Evans who was selected as a first team Cowapa all-league offensive player in 2024 will be a major contributor to the Fisherman’s offensive game plan in 2025.
Soccer teams ready to go
Astoria girls soccer enters the season with momentum.
Story:
Seaside girls have a new coach, and Warrenton girls are looking to build off a successful debut season. Finally, the Knappa girls will be part of a combined team with Clatskanie and Rainier in 2025.
Astoria Fishermen
Last season was one of the most successful seasons in a decade for Astoria soccer. The girls finished second in league and won a home playoff game against Crook County.
Astoria girls have seen a lot of success over the last two seasons and are hoping to build off their state quarterfinal appearance. To do that, they will have to replace quite a few big names.
Eva Espelien, Madeline Williams, Rylie Knight and Audrey Cereghino were big staples of the Fishermen’s success in both 2024 and 2025. Replacing them in both the backline and upfront will be the early season challenge for head coach Tim Fastabend.
Despite the graduation of these four, the Fishermen are still loaded with quality names.
Goalkeeper Aryana Adams is returning, forward Roberta Chavez comes back for her junior season, Anmaree Lilly, Cadence Sopko and Molly Dugan all were impact players last season.
Last season was one of the most successful seasons in a decade for Astoria girls soccer. They finished second in league and won a home playoff game against Crook County.
A few of the players Astoria will rely on to fill the gaps left by last year are freshmen Saddie Muller, Zoe Wright and Lillianna Mecham. Sophomore Clara Moore will join Muller in the center of the Fishermen’s defense.
“We’re rebuilding the team, basically,” Fishermen Head coach Tim Fastabend said. “We lost six seniors last year, I think five of them were all league last year.
“We have seniors who played some last year stepping up, a talented freshman class and 37 total girls come out so we’re filling two teams. So far it’s looking pretty good, but we won’t know until the games are played.”
After finishing 10-5-1 overall and 7-2-1 in league, the Fishermen enter 2025 as the clear number two behind defending league champion Scappoose though the Cowapa League will be competitive this season. Besides Scappoose, Rainier and Clatskanie are gaining more players courtesy of Knappa, while Tillamook is gaining the addition of a great head coach. Brian Reynolds coached the Cheesemaker boys to multiple league championships and is hoping to see the girls follow suit.
“Seaside, St. Helens and Tillamook all have new coaches,” Fastabend said. “It should be a competitive league, will be interesting to see.
Paul Matli | The Astorian
Photos: Rob Hilson | For The Astorian
Fisherman soccer player Daphne Madsen (#13) attempts to move the ball past Clara Moore (#27) during an intrasquad scrimmage game at CMH field.
Seaside Seagulls
The Seagulls enter 2025 looking to improve on their 4-8-2 overall record.
Seaside started off 2024 well and then got stuck in neutral once league play started. The Seagulls had four league games where they didn’t score a goal, this was despite playing good defense for much of the year. Seaside only gave up more than three goals three times all of last season, so finding a way to get the ball in the net will be their goal for 2025.
The Seagulls return a strong junior class led by Ella Brendan, Lili Miller, Kylie Kiernan and goalkeeper Mya Feeney. With forward Layla Varozza graduating the Seagulls will need to find a replacement for her upfront.
Seaside also has a new coach at the helm as Derek Stephenson is set to take over for Caleb Overcast in 2025.
Warrenton Warriors
The debut season for Warrenton girls soccer could be described as perfect.
Behind seasoned coach Carrie Bond, the Warriors finished 2024 undefeated while playing a junior varsity schedule. With Warrenton trying to build up their program to be a contender in 3A, this season will be another step towards achieving that goal.
Knappa Loggers
After the Logger girls teamed up with Warrenton in 2024, they are set to team up with Clatskanie and Rainier for 2025.
Rainier and Clatskanie were a sneaky good team last season in the Cowapa League and they will only get better after adding athletes from Knappa.
The debut season for Warrenton girls soccer could be described as perfect. Behind seasoned coach Carrie Bond, the Warriors finished 2024 undefeated while playing a junior varsity schedule.
Cross Country Runners head towards success
Story: Paul Matli | The Astorian Photos: Rob Hilson | For The Astorian
All four cross country teams enter 2025 with athletes eyeing a berth in the state meet.
Knappa boys and girls will be looking to book return trips, while Astoria boys enter the season with hopes of joining them. Individually, Warrenton and Seaside hope to see their standouts end their senior seasons with another berth.
Knappa Loggers
The Loggers have been the premier running team in Clatsop County over the last few years and there’s no reason that it won’t continue this season.
Knappa boys see the return of four of their top five runners, while the Lady Loggers return all but one of their runners. Joshua Peterson and Soren Brown departed from the boys side, while Kendall Jackson left for the girls.
Wyatt Jacobson is hoping this will be the year he finally stands atop the podium in November. Jacobson has finished second place in the state meet back to back years and is hoping to add another title to the ones he won in Eugene during track season. He is joined by returners Oskar Peitsch, Gavin Jasper, Rowdy Justus, Orrin Jacobson, Logan Affolter and Tug Bryan.
The Loggers will have a number of freshmen joining from the middle school, including some familiar names. Trey Lempea, Tanner Jones, Kirk Rohne and Kyler Rodriguez will provide the Loggers with lots of depth. Rodriguez is th younger brother of former Loggers State Champion Isaiah Rodriguez. James Postell and Paul Thompson will also be joining the boys team this year.
The Loggers are also hoping to finally get the best of rival Union, after losing by less than five points in back to back seasons. Last season the Loggers were clipped 41-44 by the Bobcats in the state meet.
Junior Emma Jackson returns as the solid number one for the Lady Loggers. Jackson took a huge step forward in 2024 and is looking to build off her 58th place finish at the state meet. Behind her is a strong senior group consisting of Mylie Lempea, Kiya Roe and Aemilia Graham. Sophomore Zoey Lackey and talented freshman Danni Finn make up the other two spots. Finn had a strong eighth grade season in 2024 as she clocked times of 12:29.1 in the 3000 meters, 15:51.8 in the 3200 meters and 17:48.0 in the 4000 meters.
The Loggers have been the premier running team in Clatsop County over the last few years and there’s no reason that it won’t continue this season.
Seaside Seagulls
The Seaside boys and girls team enter 2025 with no change.
Kyle Weichal and Henry Rollins enter the season as the top two runners for the Seaside boys. They are joined by Alex Bilyeu, Dexter Jenks, Grayson Patton, Hunter Shakespear, Kaden Bingham and Slatter Martinez. With most of these runners being sophomores, juniors or seniors the investment in youth seems to be paying off. With how wide open boys cross country is the Seagulls are well positioned to surprise if they all peak at the same time.
With Weichal and Rollins finishing 13th and 17th in the Cowapa League championships a year ago, the Seagulls have two runners with the potential to earn all-league selections in 2025.
Maddie Menke returns for her senior season as the leader of the girls team.
The Seagulls have seen an increased participation on the girls’ side. Right now the Seagulls have nine runners, which gives them enough to score each race.
Ella Crater, Ella Clyde and Clover Bellew return from last year’s team while Juliette Jenks and Lexie Dickau move up from Seaside Middle School. Other new runners in 2025 include Hayley Archibald and Grace Walker.
Astoria Fishermen
The best way to describe Astoria cross county in 2025 is young and determined.
Though the Fishermen have state qualifier William Laman coming back for his senior season Astoria are still a very young team overall. Despite the youth, head coach Jeremy Boutin is optimistic based on early returns from summer workouts.
“It’s a young team, but also very determined,” Boutin said. “We lost four seniors this past season, but we have several runners who are coming back with a little more fire in their heart because they saw what happened last year. They got a taste of what it felt like to do good and they wanted to come back this year and really do well.”
According to Boutin the talented boys team has a goal of qualifying for state. Recker Harvey, Roarke Struve, Konrad Struve, Finnegan Dwyer and Braedon Long were all young runners who had the ability to take another step to help Laman. Harvey in particular, will be big as the number two behind Laman as he improved enough to finish 18th at last season’s Cowapa League Championship as a sophomore. Tunnar Bossar is set to join the team as an incoming freshman after putting up solid times as an eighth grader last season.
Much of Boutin’s excitement is on the girls’ side. The Fishermen have struggled to see girls come out for the team as there were just three last year. So far in 2025, there’s eight girls, including some very talented freshmen.
“This is the biggest girls team in about five years, so I’m excited to see a girls team come out,” Boutin said. “We’ve got a lot of incoming runners, a few freshmen, someone coming from Portland, so we’ve got a lot of new faces that I’m excited to work with.”
With top runners Elizabeth Jolie and Aster Dean now gone the girls team will be ripe with competition. The seven will be competing against each other all year for the five scoring spots. Based on her times last season Astoria Froehle looks to have the inside track for the top spot.
Warrenton Warriors
Much like the Astoria boys, the Warrenton team is set up to see improvements all across the board.
School record holder Jayden Warner returns with hopes of dazzling once again. He is joined by Zachery Flock, James Hallock and Finley Marshall. Flock, Hallock and Marshall look set to improve on their performances from a year ago and help the Warriors compete this coming season.
Alana Liptow is the lone girl runner for Warrenton to start 2025.
Though the Fishermen have state qualifier William Laman coming back for his senior season Astoria are still a very young team overall
BLUEJAYS
