Oregon
Oregon’s top high school football players: Meet the state’s best guards
By René Ferrán, Mike Wilson, Bob Lundeberg, Mitchell Forde and Paul Valencia
Over the subsequent week, we’ll be taking a position-by-position have a look at among the prime returning gamers in Oregon highschool soccer. Our subsequent listing focuses on the offensive guards.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These lists have been compiled early within the season and are primarily based totally on final yr’s performances and what occurred within the first few weeks of this season. Earlier than the season ends, we will likely be highlighting lots of the new stars who’ve emerged this fall.
There are a whole bunch of standout soccer gamers in Oregon and these lists will not be meant to be complete. Tell us about another gamers you suppose must be added!
Devin Brooks (Clackamas) photograph by Naji Saker
State leaders by means of Week 5:
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Imyas Aguilar, North Salem, senior
Aguilar is a gritty senior who made first-team all-NWOC West on the offensive line a season in the past. Aguilar strikes very nicely for his body, placing his wrestling background to make use of. “He’s such match for us at guard and linebacker,” coach Jeff Flood stated. “He’s one other child who has been a multi-year starter for us.”
Alex Armas, Sherwood, senior
Armas final season made the all-Pacific Convention first crew on the offensive line and earned honorable point out on protection. “He has an important motor and works tirelessly,” Bowmen coach Mark Gribble stated.
Jarrett Armstrong, La Grande, senior
Armstrong was a two-way all-GOL first-team choice final fall and anchors a veteran group this season. “He’s not the largest child, however he’s an explosive athlete and hard-hitting soccer participant,” coach Wealthy McIlmoil stated. “He loves contact and isn’t afraid to get his nostril into issues.”
Luke Bellamy, Santiam Christian, senior
Bellamy, a 5-foot-11, 205-pounder, made the 3A all-state honorable point out listing final season at heart and is a three-year starter for the Eagles who moved to protect this fall. “Along with his quickness, he makes us higher at that place, and he has simply run with it,” stated first-year coach Justin Carley. “He simply has a powerful work ethic and does a variety of main by instance.”
Colby Biddix, Rainier, junior
Biddix final season was a 3A all-state honorable point out choice — considered one of 4 Columbians on the offensive line to obtain all-state recognition and the one one again this season — from a unit that helped the crew amass greater than 2,700 speeding yards final fall.
Devin Brooks, Clackamas, junior
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Brooks has obtained scholarship affords from a lot of the Pac-12 faculties and Miami (led by former Oregon coach Mario Cristobal), amongst different faculties. “Credit score to him, as a result of he’s put within the work to be in that place,” coach James Holan stated. Brooks is ranked among the many nation’s finest guard prospects within the class of 2024 and has a feel-good success story about remodeling his physique to 1 faculty coaches can’t ignore. He was first-team all-Mt. Hood on offense final season as a part of a entrance line that allowed the Cavaliers to steamroll most opponents.
Sam Diaz, Tillamook, senior
Diaz is as a four-year starter, having been introduced up late his freshman yr to start out on the offensive line, then serving to the Cheesemakers make a run to the state quarterfinals. “Unsure the place he’s going to wind up, however he’ll be a man who will proceed enjoying soccer after this yr,” coach Kye Johnson stated.
Spencer Elliott, Summit, senior
An all-league choose on either side of the ball as a junior, Elliott has bulked as much as 240 kilos on his 6-foot-3 body. “That child in all probability had the largest progress I’ve seen from a sophomore to a junior,” Storm coach Spencer Hyatt stated. “I coached him within the Les Schwab Bowl, and from the suggestions I acquired, I feel Spencer will likely be our breakout man this yr.”
Camden Ferguson, Lakeridge, senior
Ferguson is a three-year starter who earned 6A all-state honorable point out final fall for the Pacers. He has drawn curiosity from a number of small schools within the Northwest. “A really savvy, sensible participant,” coach Spencer Phillips stated.
David Fuiava, North Medford, senior
Rated the state’s No. 35 senior by 247Sports, Fuiava is an enormous two-way lineman who has come into his personal. Black Twister coach Nathan Chin stated Fuiava has matured after receiving first-team all-league and 6A all-state honorable point out honors as a junior. “He’s actually beginning to determine tips on how to play the sport within the trenches,” Chin stated. “He has gone to a variety of camps, so his ability set has gotten higher.”
Aiden Giles, Astoria, senior
Giles has a tireless work ethic, in accordance with his coach. Plus, Giles has an important soccer IQ and will likely be on the level of assault. And due to his smarts, he will likely be like a coach on the sector. “He’ll be capable to assist guys be certain that they perceive their assignments. He’s a key chief for us,” coach Howard Rub stated.
Raegan Gowen, Crater, sophomore
Gowen stepped in as a starter at guard from Day 1 and earned second-team all-Midwestern honors as a freshman. Comets coach Berk Brown stated he’ll turn into a two-way starter after spending the offseason dedicating himself to the burden room.
Kyan Hidde, St. Mary’s (Medford), senior
Hidde, a 6-2, 245-pounder, was a first-team all-Far West choice, anchoring a unit that powered the Crusaders’ run sport final season (156 yards per sport).
Mike Hiller, St. Paul, senior
As a junior, Hiller was a second-team all-state choice in serving to lead the Buckaroos to yet one more 1A semifinal look.
Dylan Howell, Barlow, junior
Howell was first-team all-Mt. Hood as a sophomore, considered one of two Bruins linemen to obtain that honor final season after the crew averaged 321 yards speeding per sport.
Finn Irvine, Weston-McEwen, senior
Irvine was a first-team all-Blue Mountain and third-team 2A all-state choice for the TigerScots final season.
Izzy Jantes, Seaside, junior
Jantes was a two-way starter as a freshman and once more as a sophomore. He earned all-league honors each seasons, too, and made the 4A all-state honorable point out listing on offense final fall. He lived within the weight room this offseason, altering his physique. Now, he’ll get to show a brand new bodily power to go together with the sensible soccer IQ he has already proven. “He can play all 5 (offensive line) positions. He is aware of the offense inside and outside,” coach Aaron Tanabe stated. “He’s a tricky, bodily child.”
Jesse Jones-Nguyen, McMinnville, senior
Jones-Nguyen obtained all-Pacific second-team recognition on either side of the ball final season, and coach Ty Tomlin raves that “he’s going to be a stud lineman for us this yr. He’s a tremendously hard-working child and has put the time within the weight room this offseason.”
Kekoa Kahookaulana, Ashland, sophomore
Kahookaulana made the all-Midwestern honorable point out listing as a freshman left guard. “He at all times works arduous and at all times has angle,” coach Beau Lehnerz stated. “He’s a pacesetter on and off the sector and devoted within the weight room.”
Sean Khouri, Jesuit, senior
Khouri is a three-year starter up entrance. Crusaders coach Ken Potter referred to as the first-team all-state choose “considered one of our greatest technicians on the offensive line. He will likely be superb for us.” Khouri is No. 47 in 247Sports’ state recruiting rankings.
Deakon Looney, Mountain View, junior
A second-team all-league choose on offense as a sophomore, Looney is also the captain of Mountain View’s protection at center linebacker. Coach Brian Crum stated Looney is aggressive and has a nostril for the soccer. “He’s one other child who bodily belonged as a sophomore however form of struggled and is only a totally different soccer participant this yr,” Crum stated.
Elijah Markowitz, Westview, senior
The Wildcats added the Liberty switch over the offseason after he earned first-team all-Pacific honors as a junior.
Caleb Moran, Mazama, senior
Moran is the lone returning starter on Mazama’s offensive line. As a junior, he obtained honorable point out all-Skyline at guard. Vikings coach Vic Lease is counting upon Moran to be a pacesetter for the offensive line group.
Logan Proffitt, Powder Valley, senior
Profitt final season was a first-team all-state choice on the offensive line for the Badgers. He labored on his velocity in the course of the offseason, with coach Josh Cobb describing how he wore a weight vest on daily basis whereas transferring irrigation water. His summer time efforts resulted in him changing into a two-way starter this season.
Jackson Sager, Westview, senior
Sager earned second-team all-Metro honors on the offensive line final season. “Jackson has been a giant a part of our success on the offensive line,” coach Ryan Atkinson stated. “He’s a team-first man and at all times provides his finest effort.”
Sam Schaffers, Silverton, senior
An enormous-bodied senior, Schaffers made an instantaneous impression on first-year coach Dan Lever. Schaffers was a star performer in the course of the offseason and is the anchor of Silverton’s offensive line. “He’s an absolute highway grader,” Lever stated. “He’s very bodily and has actually good ft. We’re actually going to lean on him in short-yardage conditions.”
Jackson Stiles, Mountainside, senior
Stiles took over at heart final season for the Mavericks and made the all-Metro third crew. He moved this season to protect and hasn’t missed a beat. “He has actually progressed properly and turn into an important chief,” coach John Mannion stated.
Matt Studer, Tigard, senior
Studer took over one of many beginning jobs as an offensive guard final season and made the all-TRL second crew. “He’s a giant physique who’ll be arduous to maneuver out of there,” Tigers coach John Kemper stated.
Kamalu Swift, Camas Valley, senior
Swift final season was an all-state 1A second-team choice on either side of the ball, being named the state lineman of the yr. The Faculty of the Siskiyous in Weed, Calif., introduced him in for a go to in April. “Malu performs with a excessive motor and a variety of depth,” coach Keri Ewing stated. “He’s what each coach desires in a lineman — fierce and aggressive, but a pacesetter who will sluggish issues down to assist out the freshmen and sophomores.”
Andrew Turner, Estacada, senior
Certainly one of 4 returning starters on the offensive line, Turner has spectacular mobility to go along with his measurement. “He’s only a tremendous fast, athletic linebacker sort child,” Rangers coach Andy Mott stated.
Luke Wolgamott, Elmira, senior
Wolgamott was a second-team all-Sky Em choice for the Falcons final season. He tore an ACL at crew camp in the summertime however is being recruited by Willamette College. “He’s working arduous to get well and be capable to play subsequent season in faculty,” coach Justin Peeler stated.
Ryan Yakovich, Sheldon, senior
At 6-foot-5 and 275 kilos, Yakovich has slimmed down a bit after making the all-Southwest second crew final fall. “He’s pretty much as good of a participant as we’ve had,” Irish coach Josh Line stated. “Quite a lot of our youngsters have focused on having good weight as an alternative of weight, and I feel that’s been good for him. His ft have improved a bunch.”
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State leaders by means of Week 5:
Oregon
REAL ID deadline is coming. How to get one in Oregon and why you shouldn’t delay
Oregonians will soon need to meet federal security standards and get a REAL ID by May 7, 2025 if they want to fly domestically.
Here’s how to get a REAL ID, why they are required and why you should make plans to get one soon.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license, permit or ID card that meets federal security standards, according to a press release from the Oregon Department of Transportation.
An Oregon REAL ID has a star inside a black circle on the upper right corner of the card. Renewing identification without opting for a REAL ID will show “Not for REAL ID Act” in the upper right corner.
Why will REAL IDs be required?
In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to improve protection and “establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Can I still fly after May 7, 2025 if I don’t get a REAL ID?
No. Past the May deadline, any person 18 years or older without a REAL ID, passport, passport card or military ID won’t be able to board domestic flights.
Chris Crabb, public information officer for the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, said 51% of Oregonians have their passport.
REAL IDs cannot be used as a passport alternative to board foreign flights, and Oregonians will still be able to legally drive, vote or prove their identity without a REAL ID.
How to get a REAL ID in Oregon?
Oregonians can get a REAL ID at any DMV office by walk-in or appointment. Applicants must bring documents that prove their identity, date of birth, social security number, two different proofs of address and lawful status in the United States.
There will be an up to 20-day wait period before the REAL ID arrives in the mail after completing the application.
How much does a REAL ID cost in Oregon?
REAL IDs cost $30 each time you apply, and that fee comes in addition to the regular costs for an original, renewal or replacement of a standard Oregon driver’s license, permit or ID card. Getting a REAL ID does not change the expiration date on your card.
An original standard driver’s license costs $64, an ID card costs $47 and a permit is $30.
Renewal of a standard driver’s license costs $54, an ID card costs $43 and a permit is $26.
Replacement of a standard driver’s license costs $30, an ID card costs $40 and a permit is $30.
Why should I make plans to get a REAL ID in Oregon ASAP?
Crabb said the DMV is expecting an influx of REAL ID seekers toward the deadline, so they’re hoping people can make the switch as soon as possible.
Since the option became available in 2020, one-third of the state’s license, instruction permit or identification card holders have opted to switch to a REAL ID — a little over a million people, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Applicants who show up two weeks before the deadline might not receive the REAL ID in time if they are traveling close to the deadline, she said. Temporary paper cards will not be accepted.
“The sooner you get it, the less you’ll probably have to wait,” Crabb said.
Alexander Banks is an AAJA-SPJ reporting intern at the Statesman Journal. Reach him at abanks@statesmanjournal.com
Oregon
WATCH: Trent Bray Talks Exciting Oregon State Win Over Washington State
Trent Bray’s Oregon State Beavers picked up a huge win in Week 13, narrowly beating out Pac-12 rivals Washington State 41-38. Spirits were exceptionally high for the Beavers postgame as they snapped a five-game losing streak and stayed alive in the hunt for a postseason game.
Bray met with local media postgame to share his excitement for the result and where the Beavers found success in the victory. The full presser video is linked below. Bray speaks for the first eight minutes.
NOTES
– “I think tonight was just what I’ve seen from these guys all season long. Ups and downs but they just keep going back to work. They they believe in each other. It was just a great team win.”
-On finding success in simplifying the offense: “I think Gunderson and the staff did a great job of narrowing things down. What do we do well, how can we use guys…What we did with Jabari and how we used his legs helped us move the ball. So I think they just did a good job of narrowing it down and and, you know, less is more and I think that’s what we found tonight.”
-On still having a chance to make a bowl game: “I think it’s it’s it’s big. We give ourselves an opportunity with the last game to go to the postseason, which is where everyone wants to be, and we got another great team we got to face but I think it’s a definitely a a good thing and a motivating thing.”
More Reading Material From Oregon State Beavers On SI
RECAP: Oregon State Earns Signature Win, Upsets Washington State 41-38
Trent Bray Praises Oregon State Players’ Work Ethic Despite Losing Streak
State of the Beavs: Huge Beaver Basketball Matchups This Week + Hosting Wazzu at Reser
Oregon
Boise State, rejuvenated Oregon State set to battle on the Blue
Minutes after No. 12 Boise State knocked off Wyoming Saturday night, the Broncos’ next opponent — Oregon State — secured its biggest victory of the season.
A 55-yard Everett Hayes field goal with 20 seconds remaining lifted the Beavers to a 41-38 victory over Washington State in the unofficial Pac-12 championship game.
Oregon State (5-6), which had dropped five straight games following a 4-1 start, and Washington State (8-3) are competing as independents the next two years before Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State join the Pac-12 for the 2026 football season.
“Tonight was just what I’ve seen from these guys all season long: ups and downs, but they just keep going back to work,” first-year Beavers head coach Trent Bray said. “They believe in each other, and it was just a great team win. … We’ve been so close in so many games this last month or two. For them to be in that and pull it out and do it is huge.”
The Broncos (10-1, 7-0 Mountain West) and Beavers will face off at 10 a.m. Mountain time on Black Friday at Albertsons Stadium.
Oregon State won four of its first five games, but lost starting running back Jam Griffin and others along the way. A 42-37 defeat at Nevada began a streak of five consecutive losses that culminated in an embarrassing 28-0 shutout at Air Force last week.
The Beavers were out-gained 410-175 in Colorado Springs. One week later, Oregon State out-gained the high-flying Cougars 484-385.
“I think (offensive coordinator Ryan) Gunderson and the staff did a great job of narrowing things down,” Bray said. “What do we do well? How can we use guys? … Less is more, and I think that’s what we found out tonight.”
Idaho transfer Gevani McCoy started the first eight games at quarterback but was benched during a 44-7 loss at California. Ben Gulbranson, who went 7-1 as a starter during the Beavers’ 10-win 2022 season, started the San Jose State game but was unavailable against Air Force due to injury.
Gulbranson returned to the lineup Saturday and completed 22 for 34 passes for 294 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, including a pick-six that put Washington State up 38-31 in the fourth quarter. The junior bounced right back to lead a game-tying touchdown dive.
“I’m happy for Ben because he’s put in a lot of work and been through a lot his whole career,” Bray said of Gulbranson, who lost his starting job to transfer DJ Uiagalelei last year. “When it went bad, he didn’t hang his head, didn’t give up. He went right back and led the team down to score.”
The Beavers also used freshman quarterback Gabarri Johnson as a runner against Washington State. Johnson finished with six carries for 47 yards and a touchdown.
“I thought what we did with Gabarri and how we used his legs helped us move the ball,” Bray said.
Oregon State had scored just 20 combined points over its last three games before exploding for 41 Saturday night. Needing a victory for bowl eligibility, the Beavers would love to contain Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty and spoil Boise State’s College Football Playoff bye aspirations.
“We know we’ve got a big-time opponent coming to the Blue this Friday, and we’ve got to be ready,” Broncos head coach Spencer Danielson said. “We know we’re going to get everybody’s best. We got Wyoming’s best tonight, and I promise you we are going to get Oregon State’s best.”
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