Aloha's line will hope to pave the way for Thomas Tyner this season.
Photo by Larry Lawson
9-4
Head coach: Ken Potter
Team previewJesuit took some lumps in 2011 but returns even stronger in 2012. The Crusaders return elusive running back
A.J. Glass, who tallied 2,054 yards on the ground last year. Led by 6-foot-7 lineman
Max Rich, Jesuit will be very impressive up front.
Doug Brenner, a four-year letterwinner, will anchor the defense. Jesuit tops our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 Oregon football dynasties.
2. Aloha (Beaverton)2011 finish: 5-6
Head coach: Chris Casey
Team previewA No. 2 ranking may seem extremely high for a team that finished 5-6 last fall, but Aloha is just two seasons removed from a 13-1, state title-winning campaign. Without question, the key fixture in Aloha’s success will be running back
Thomas Tyner. As he goes, so will Aloha go. His injury-plagued junior season hampered Aloha. If he’s at full strength this fall, it could be another special year for the Warriors. Aloha will look to add its name again to the list of
Oregon state football champions over the past 10 years.
3. Sheldon (Eugene)2011 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Lane Johnson
Team previewSheldon has been remarkably consistent in recent years, going 45-7 over the last five seasons. The 2012 version of the Fighting Irish will again be strong, lead by a giant offensive line and do-it-all senior
Connor Strahm. Strahm intercepted seven passes on defense last year and accounted for 26 touchdowns on offense.
Mitch Lewis, who played well in Sheldon’s title game loss to Lake Oswego, will also provide production on both sides of the ball. Sheldon will need to replace a player found on our list of
Oregon Class of 2012 Division 1 football signees.
4. Lake Oswego2011 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Steve Coury
Team previewIt will be difficult for Lake Oswego to top its 2011 run that saw the Lakers finish as Class 6A champions sporting an unblemished record. Running back Steven Long put forth some Herculean efforts last season; replacing him could be the key to the team’s success this fall, as the defense and line play should be solid.
Mitch Lomax will continue the family tradition of being a star Laker, though he’ll do so on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker. Lake Oswego ranks No. 2 on our list of the
Oregon's Top 10 most consistent programs.
5. West Linn2011 finish: 7-3
Head coach: Mike Fanger
Team previewNew head coach Mike Fanger inherits a talented roster that includes Oregon-bound lineman
Evan Voeller.
Logan Ems, last year’s starting quarterback, is the favorite to inherit the offense, though two other seniors are vying for the spot. Fanger’s spread offense will be pass-heavy, so capable receivers need to emerge. Search for West Linn players on our list of
2011 Oregon All-League football teams.
