Oregon
Oregon’s top high school football players: Meet the state’s best tight ends
By René Ferrán, Mike Wilson, Bob Lundeberg, Mitchell Forde and Paul Valencia
Over the following week, we’ll be taking a position-by-position have a look at a few of the high returning gamers in Oregon highschool soccer. Our subsequent listing focuses on the tight ends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These lists had been compiled early within the season and are based mostly totally on final yr’s performances and what occurred within the first few weeks of this season. Earlier than the season ends, we might be highlighting most of the new stars who’ve emerged this fall.
There are lots of of standout soccer gamers in Oregon and these lists aren’t meant to be complete. Tell us about some other gamers you suppose needs to be added!
Jace Swygard (Lakeridge) photograph by Naji Saker
State leaders via Week 5:
—
Richie Anderson, Tualatin, senior
Anderson lately dedicated to Colorado State after an outstanding junior season for which he earned all-state honorable point out on each side of the ball. He caught 10 passes for 132 yards at tight finish. “He’s an distinctive athlete, and I count on huge issues from him this yr,” coach Dominic Ferraro mentioned throughout camp.
Brett Boen, Kennedy, senior
Boen was a first-team all-state choice for the 2A runner-up Trojans final season, catching 12 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns.
Gus Donnerberg, West Linn, junior
Donnerberg final season earned all-Three Rivers honorable point out on offense with 11 catches for 214 yards and three touchdowns. “He performs with leverage for an extended man,” coach Jon Eagle mentioned. “As a good finish, he’s in a position to set the sting, which we like, and understands how you can create his personal house. He can get soiled inside however also can get downfield in a rush, if wanted.”
Preston Doran, Hillsboro, junior
Spartans coach Dan Shuff mentioned the crew needed to get the ball extra to Doran this fall after he earned all-NWOC West recognition final season with a team-high 45 catches. “We’re looking for methods to get Doran the ball a heck of much more,” Shuff mentioned in August. “He may play fullback.”
Oliver Fisher, Sherwood, senior
Fisher made his mark on protection final season, however it’s his potential as a good finish that led to his dedication to Boise State in the summertime. He caught solely 5 passes for 80 yards within the Bowmen’s wing-T final season, however with main receiver Cody Corridor graduated, the state’s No. 4 prospect in keeping with On3 Sports activities (No. 7 by 247Sports) is getting extra targets this fall. “Oliver might be a weapon for us within the passing recreation,” coach Mark Gribble mentioned final month.
Kayden Gardner, Crater, junior
Gardner, a second-team all-Midwestern choice at tight finish final season regardless of lacking three video games due to harm, turned the focus of the offense with Caden Lasater’s commencement. He caught 13 passes (second to Lasater on the crew) for 256 yards and a team-high 4 touchdowns as a sophomore. “He’s a giant goal with mushy arms who we are able to line up everywhere in the discipline,” coach Berk Brown mentioned.
Brock Hubert, Stayton, senior
The senior is in his third season as a starter at tight finish. His mixture of dimension — Eagles coach Randy Nyquist mentioned he’s as much as 6-foot-6 and 275 kilos — and agility makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents on each side of the ball. “That’s one factor I can cling my hat on, figuring out that individuals are going to have to determine how you can take care of him and defend him,” Nyquist mentioned. “I believe he’s an improved blocker, which can make us a greater soccer crew.”
Brysen Kachel, West Albany, junior
Kachel is a particular athlete who stands virtually 6-foot-3 and weighs round 235 kilos. He caught 15 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns final season, making the all-state second crew. “Brysen is only a very distinctive soccer participant, the kind of child that doesn’t come round fairly often so far as being huge, robust, quick and sensible,” coach Brian Mehl mentioned. “His instincts are actually good, and he has big-time potential.”
Luke Leighton, Sheldon, senior
Leighton was an all-state honorable point out choice on offense final season, when he caught 43 passes for 660 yards and eight touchdowns for the Irish. The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder holds provides from Air Power, Military and Portland State. “Luke is de facto clever, actually powerful, and he’s only a playmaker,” coach Josh Line mentioned. “Once we want one thing constructive to occur for us in a giant second, he usually comes up with it.”
Henry Masters, Tigard, senior
Masters didn’t get a lot motion at tight finish final season, however he was a purple zone weapon, catching two landing passes. This fall, the Tigers have given him extra duty on offense (he is also a returning all-TRL linebacker), and he’s rewarded them by posting huge performances throughout their undefeated begin. “We’ve all the time recognized he could possibly be a pressure on offense,” coach John Kemper mentioned. “He’s actually come alongside since he has realized the physicality that goes into it.”
Ty Might, Philomath, senior
Philomath’s high weapon within the passing recreation is Might, a 6-foot-6 tight finish who represents a problematic matchup for opposing defenses. He earned first-team all-league honors a yr in the past. Search for the offense to fabricate methods to get the ball in Might’s arms. “We’re going to function him fairly a bit offensively,” coach Alex Firth mentioned throughout camp.
Caden McGowan, Corvallis, senior
An all-league choice on each side of the ball as a junior, McGowan can play a number of positions for the Spartans. The senior is sturdily constructed at 6-2 and 220 kilos. “We line him up in every single place,” coach Chris McGowan mentioned of his son. “He performed numerous tight finish final yr, and I believe he might be extra of an H-back this yr since we’re going to be extra of an expansion crew based mostly on the personnel now we have.”
Noah McIlmoil, La Grande, senior
The coach’s son had a giant junior season for the Tigers, making the all-GOL first crew (and all-state honorable point out) on offense. He spent the summer season on the camp circuit, and Wealthy McIlmoil thinks “he’s on the cusp of actually breaking out. He’s well-known as a blocker and a extremely bodily participant, however he’s been placing numerous further time into getting higher.”
Pete Pennington, Churchill, senior
Pennington was an honorable point out all-Midwestern choice final season. First-year coach Kirk Miller mentioned he “will certainly be one in all our huge weapons this fall. He’s a giant child who runs actually good routes, has good arms and could be very robust.”
Colby Pope, Glide, senior
Pope was a first-team all-league and third-team 2A all-state choice for the Wildcats final season.
Emmit Pratt, Putnam, senior
Pratt was second-team all-NWOC East as a junior and has been on an upward trajectory since, Kingsmen coach Tim Jacobs mentioned. “He’s actually put a while within the weight room,” Jacobs mentioned. “He’s improved his blocking; he’s improved his catching.”
AJ Pugliano, North Medford, junior
Pugliano acquired all-state honorable point out at tight finish as a sophomore, when he caught 20 passes for 358 yards and three touchdowns. He’s rated the nation’s No. 92 recruit for the category of 2024 by 247Sports — No. 1 in Oregon — and holds provides from Arizona, Oregon, Oregon State and Washington State. “He’s labored actually exhausting on his physique, his velocity and his talent,” coach Nathan Chin mentioned. “Clearly, the expectation is for him to be a productive two-way participant for us. … It’s going to be enjoyable to observe him this yr.”
Lucas Steffen, Summit, senior
Steffen is a gadget participant for the Storm who makes performs everywhere in the discipline. He’s a returning rotation participant at linebacker and will get time at fullback, slot receiver or tight finish, the place the place he earned all-Mountain Valley recognition final fall with 13 catches for 295 yards and three touchdowns. “He’s not tremendous imposing, however I do know when Linfield noticed him at crew camp, they completely liked him,” coach Corben Hyatt mentioned. “I believe he’s your typical actually good highschool soccer participant and is a Division III sort of child that’s going to offer you nice effort.”
Jace Swygard, Lakeridge, senior
Swygard final season acquired all-TRL honorable point out for his two-way play at tight finish, catching 15 passes for 224 yards and a landing whereas additionally being a powerful run blocker. “Jace can do something on the sphere,” coach Spencer Phillips mentioned. “He’s a brilliant athlete, a really quiet and humble participant.”
Leithan Thompson, Sandy, senior
Thompson was an affect participant in all phases final season, making second-team all-Mt. Hood Convention on offense with 22 catches for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns. “He’s a extremely savvy soccer participant, a extremely sensible soccer participant,” Pioneers coach Josh Dill mentioned. “We’ll line him up outdoors and attempt to isolate him on a nook and have a matchup that we like. He catches the ball very nicely, and he’s confirmed to be an excellent blocker as nicely.”
—
State leaders via 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.”
MORE BOISE STATE NEWS & ANALYSIS
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Continue to follow our Boise State coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.
-
Business1 week ago
Column: Molly White's message for journalists going freelance — be ready for the pitfalls
-
Science6 days ago
Trump nominates Dr. Oz to head Medicare and Medicaid and help take on 'illness industrial complex'
-
Politics1 week ago
Trump taps FCC member Brendan Carr to lead agency: 'Warrior for Free Speech'
-
Technology7 days ago
Inside Elon Musk’s messy breakup with OpenAI
-
Lifestyle1 week ago
Some in the U.S. farm industry are alarmed by Trump's embrace of RFK Jr. and tariffs
-
World1 week ago
Protesters in Slovakia rally against Robert Fico’s populist government
-
Health2 days ago
Holiday gatherings can lead to stress eating: Try these 5 tips to control it
-
News1 week ago
They disagree about a lot, but these singers figure out how to stay in harmony