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Mazama bids to build on title streak By Kris Henry Updated: Sep 02, 2022 11:29 AM A A Vikings enter Big Sky Conference as preseason favorite over Henley, Marshfield It’s been nine years since Mazama last found itself on top of the conference standings, and the Vikings aren’t in a hurry to end that streak just yet. It may be a new league for Vic Lease’s squad but the expectations remain the same, with Mazama tabbed as the newly formed Big Sky Conference favorites in a preseason coaches’ poll. “If we stay healthy and we continue to improve,” said Lease, “we should win the conference and make a run in the playoffs.” Mazama advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals a year ago, bookending a 9-3 campaign with a second loss to eventual state champion Marshfield — which joins Henley as the Vikings’ top competition for a Big Sky title. Six starters on offense — led by senior fullback Trevor Anderson and junior quarterback Tyson Van Gastel — and five on defense return to the fold and anchor a very physical attack for the Vikings. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Anderson was a first-team all-Skyline Conference selection a year ago after rushing for over 700 yards and 11 touchdowns in Mazama’s flexbone triple option scheme. Anderson was also an all-state inside linebacker after helping lead the Vikings in tackles and tackles for loss. “He is one of the best running backs and linebackers in the state,” said Lease. “Don’t let his size fool you. He plays bigger than he is.” A second-year starter, Van Gastel (6-3, 210) has earned praise from his coach that the junior is “one of the best QBs I have had running our offense.” A dual-threat option, Van Gastel has the ability to run over or throw through the defense and will get plenty of help from returning halfback Brody Hubble (5-10, 180), tight end Brendon Monteith (6-1, 205) and a sturdy offense line led by Brendon Solus and Zach Atmadinata. Lease also expects big things from playmaking seniors Tyler Aguiar and Treyce Horton. At 6-5 and 285 pounds, senior Keegan McDonald sets the tone for a stifling defense. Henley Shaw Stork was the Skyline Conference offensive player of the year in 2021 and the 6-2, 185-pound senior quarterback has a breakout weapon in senior receiver Owen Cheyne and an experienced offensive line to operate around for his third season as a starter. Stork accounted for 29 TDs last year and about 2,000 yards in total offense. He’s been adept at using his athleticism to make plays and is growing more confident as a passer. Cheyne (6-3, 175) was an all-conference receiver, defensive back, placekicker and punter last year as one of the most athletic Hornets. Junior running back Logan Whitlock (5-9, 175) and junior receiver Chris Janney (6-0, 170) will be tasked with taking advantage when teams begin to focus too much on Stork and Cheyne. Henley boasts a bevy of veteran linemen in Owen Northcutt, Braeden Morris, Nate Tappan, Juan Manzo and Emiliano Ortiz-Banderas. Marshfield Marshfield was a 4A buzzsaw a year ago but only a handful of returning starters leave the Pirates as a bit of a mystery, with capable new faces filling pivotal roles for sixth-year head coach Josh Lemmons. Seniors Luke Parry (5-11, 185) and Gilbert Hernandez (6-2, 250) highlight the returners on the offensive line, while senior linemen Toby Johnston (6-0, 200) and Sebastian Gabriel-Kutsch (5-11, 220) and senior linebacker Mitchell George (5-11, 185) anchor a defense that allowed about 13 points last year and expects to be just as tough with good size and depth in the trenches. Senior Kavan Robinson (6-0, 215) will be a key cog at linebacker and running back after transferring from North Bend, while junior Canyon Niblett, senior Drake Rogers and sophomore Lucas Folau (6-2, 215) help bolster what could develop into another dominant defense. Niblett and sophomore Ashton Thorton (5-11, 175) are vying to take over at QB, and how quickly and confidently one of them can take the reins of Marshfield’s offense will be pivotal. North Bend North Bend took some lumps last year but will look to use that experience to its advantage, with a host of players returning on both sides of the ball who are hungry to return the Bulldogs to their winning ways under 12th-year head coach Gary Prince. Junior QB Cole Hansen (6-1, 180) has put in a lot of time in the offseason to hone his skills and has an almost entirely intact offensive line to work behind in seniors Kamren Theis (6-1, 270) and Neal Walter (6-2, 240) and juniors Joshio Stevens (6-2, 235) and Jake Perry (6-2, 265). Prince is also excited about an athletic receiver corps that is led by juniors Sam Mickelson (6-3, 210) and Jason Padgett (6-4, 190) and senior David Roberts (6-1, 170). An inability to finish off drives and turnover issues have been preseason focuses for the Bulldogs to shore up and allow for more competitive showings in 2022. Hidden Valley Graduation hit Mike Fanger’s program hard but all that has done is create opportunities for others to step up and lead the charge in his second year. “We’re fairly inexperienced,” said Fanger. “I think where we start out hopefully won’t be where we finish as far as improvement. We're joking with the kids that whatever grade you're in, you need to grow up about halfway through the season and go to the next grade because we’ve got a lot of young kids playing. It’s good and it’s exciting but we also know there’s going to be some growing pains.” Senior center Ayden Kanott (6-1, 230), a second-team all-Skyline pick, is the lone returner on the offensive line and will look to pave the way for returning all-league senior running back Daniel Iwamizu (5-10, 185), who will be the driving force for the Mustangs. “He’s definitely going to be our workhorse,” said Fanger. “We’ve got to figure out different ways to get the ball in his hands; he’s an explosive athlete.” Sophomore Austyn Klinger (5-9, 150) shifts from receiver to QB to take advantage of his athleticism and fill a void Klamath Union Overall depth is a concern but Klamath Union features some solid first-line athletes, led by returning senior linemen Hayden Smith (6-3, 295) and Indrani Espinoza (6-0, 210) and senior receiver Tony Ortiz (6-2, 185). Jett Johnson (5-10, 175) and Liam Garrett (5-9, 165) give the Pelicans some pop in the backfield, while Ortiz is flanked on the perimeter by Javan Zumwalt, who missed last season but returns to provide another athletic option. Lamar Cuellar (5-10, 185) and Wayce Saluskin (5-11, 190) have been in a battle at quarterback, something that 13th-year head coach Tom Smith hasn’t experienced within the program in about a decade. Both expect to play in the season opener. BIG SKY CONFERENCE COACHES’ POLL TeamPts 1. Mazama35 T2. Henley29 T2. Marshfield29 4. North Bend17 5. Ashland15 6. Hidden Valley13 7. Klamath Union9 First-place votes : Mazama 5, Henley 1, Marshfield 1. Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, [email protected] or via Twitter @Kris_Henry football1.jpg