Who are Oregon’s Top 10 Programs? (1990-Present)
This one was tough to actually rank #1-10, as each of these programs have had periods of success where they won numerous conference and state titles. Consistency for me was the key variable in determining who was ranked where. Have…
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Continue ReadingThis one was tough to actually rank #1-10, as each of these programs have had periods of success where they won numerous conference and state titles. Consistency for me was the key variable in determining who was ranked where. Have a look at who I would consider Oregon’s best covering the last 31 years.
1.Sheldon– Marty and Lane Johnson put together a 15-year run which will be tough for anyone to ever top. Year in and year out their consistency was unmatched, with the likes of Justin Herbert, Jordan Johnson, and Connor Strahm being just a few of the NFL/D1 athletes to thrive. These last few years were the first time we have seen a dip in the program’s success.
2.Lake Oswego– Thirty years ago head coach Steve Coury took the over the reins of the Lakers program and they never looked back. For anyone following football back in the 80’s and early 90’s, they were aware of crosstown rival Lakeridge’s dominance. That changed when Coach Coury arrived winning multiple conference and state titles, with the success continuing today.
3.Jesuit– There is no secret head coach Ken Potter likes to run the ball and they have done it better than anybody. For a long time, the Metro League was considered the state’s top conference and the Crusaders were dominant. The 2006 squad may go down as the best team ever to represent Oregon, if not for Roseburg’s 1996 group, who finished as the first team ever to be ranked nationally by USA today.
4.Central Catholic– CC has had some unreal talent come through. Numerous division 1 and NFL athletes have represented with the likes of Joey Harrington, recently drafted Titans Safety Brady Breeze, and current Chicago Bears RB Ryan Nall. Even with multiple state titles, the biggest reason for the #4 ranking, is the number of teams they have had with double digit D1 athletes that lost.
5.Tigard– From the youth on up this may be the most well-run program in the state of Oregon, if we are talking consistency and the best place to be on a Friday night. The community gets behind their athletes, showing dedication from a very young age. Very few teams have a winning percentage the likes of THS.
6.West Linn– If I’m ranking coaches Chris Miller is at the top of the list. He has taken this program to new heights as they will be a favorite to win multiple state titles in the coming seasons. Recently drafted NFL and MLB athletes like Elijah Molden and Tim Tawa are just a few of the individuals who have helped propel the program. When Miller arrived, everything changed.
7.Sherwood– Usually I wouldn’t list a former 5A team with 6A programs, but they did make the jump up, and were absolutely dominant back in the day against 5A competition. Recently departed head coach Greg Lawrence will be almost impossible to replace, but this is another community that does it right, with the support of their athletes from a young age.
8.West Salem– I can’t say enough good things about head coach Shawn Stanley. Both McNary and Sprague have produced state title teams, but neither program has had the Titans type of consistency. This is another school which has produced numerous D1 athletes & looks continue its dominance in the Valley.
9.Beaverton– Taylor Barton and Jesse Levin shattered records in the late 90’s. Jordan Senn and Greg Laybourn went on to successful D1 and NFL careers, with countless other athletes representing. Former head coach Faustin Riley did it the right way as BHS will forever be remembered as one of the state’s best.
10tie Clackamas– The Cavs weren’t a strong program back in the day. They have gradually become one of the top football schools in the state, going (26-1) under Joe Bushman a few years back, with a state title. Very few HS programs do it as well as Clack, packing the house every Friday night.
10tie Tualatin– The T-Wolves much like crosstown rival Tigard have phenomenal support from the youth on up. Over the years they have produced some of the state’s top teams and players. Individuals like Luke Staley, the former Doak Walker award winner for the nation’s top RB, while at BYU. They will have a shot to win multiple titles the next few seasons.
10tie Lakeridge– A long time ago the Pacers were a dynasty within Oregon. In the late 80’s and early to mid 90’s they were #1 year in and year out. With the emergence of LO they fell off a bit, but expect coach Spencer Phillips to have his guys back in the mix competing for a conference and state title every year.