2024 Preview: Barlow, Gresham, Reynolds, Sandy football strive for postseason

Published 10:29 am Thursday, August 29, 2024

Those Friday night lights are flickering on as local gridiron stars don their helmets and take the field for the 2024 season.

Four local 6A programs — Barlow, Gresham, Reynolds and Sandy — all are vying for spots and trophies in the Open and 6A state tournament. While a few teams kicked early, Gresham hosted Bend Friday, Aug. 30, most of the state opens non-league play Friday, Sept. 6.

Here are how all four local teams are shaping up:

Barlow Bruins

2023 Finish: 6-6 (4-3 League), Columbia Cup semifinals (50-21 Sunset)

All-league returners: Senior punter Brighton Jacobsen

2024 Schedule: 9/6 Liberty; 9/13 @Lakeridge; 9/20 Central Catholic; 9/27 @Sandy; 10/4 @David Douglas; 10/10 Clackamas; 10/18 Reynolds; 10/25 @Nelson; 11/1 @Gresham

A lot has changed for the Bruins following 2023’s miracle run through the Columbia Cup, including that jaw-dropping, game-winning kick return for a touchdown supporters are still buzzing about.

Gone are a talented bunch of seniors at several key positions. And there is a new driver at the wheel, coach Steve Andreen, who takes over after Tracy Jackson announced the end of his 43-year career, three of which were with Barlow (.500 record).

But the fresh slate affords plenty of minutes to be claimed by a hungry bunch of youngsters.

And there is still upperclassmen who can bridge the gap for the Bruins. One spot overflowing with talent is the defensive backs, led by senior Deondre Rea-Hill. He is a hard-hitter who finds a way to generate back-breaking turnovers. Barlow also can count on senior kicker/punter Brighton Jacobsen, the Bruins lone returning all-conference selection.

Gresham Gophers

2023 Finish: 1-8 (1-6 League)

All-league returners: None

2024 Schedule: 8/30 Bend; 9/6 @Roseburg; 9/20 @David Douglas; 9/27 Reynolds; 10/4 Central Catholic; 10/10 @Sandy; 10/18 Nelson; 10/25 @Clackamas; 11/1 Barlow

The Gophers are seeking a spot in the postseason, and the coaches and players are tired of being the ones looking up toward the summit. To get there, it’s going to take a fast start and a recommitment in all facets of the game.

“Our attitude is to never be satisfied,” Gophers coach Cesar Martinez said. “Our team wants to continue coming together on and off the field, building trust in one another.”

“If we take care of the little things that matter in the big picture, the football will work itself out,” he added.

One focus is to finish plays through the whistle, continuing blocks and securing tackles. A secret weapon will be on special teams, with some talented returners who will look to win the field position battle.

There are impact players across the field: junior quarterback/safety Liam Munoz is a leader with a high football IQ; senior quarterback/running back Tristan Huerta is a do-everything threat on the field, able to line up at any skill position; senior running back Cameron Buss is back from an injury that sidelined him for seven games last season to lead the backfield; senior Tyler Alexander and sophomore Landon Frey are behemoths on the line; and junior corner Avery Lo is a ball hawk, leading the team in interceptions last season.

Reynolds Raiders

2023 Finish: 3-6 (2-5 League)

All-league returners: Senior RB/LB Travis Hull; senior WR Rodell Akins; junior edge Jaybrein Test; senior punter Leo Phillips

2024 Schedule: 9/6 @Hood River Valley; 9/13 Lincoln; 9/20 Nelson; 9/27 @Gresham; 10/4 @Clackamas; 10/10 David Douglas; 10/18 @Barlow; 10/25 Sandy; 11/1 Central Catholic

Another team hungry for a return to playoffs, the Raiders have a veteran returning group (the most all-conference selections who did not graduate) ready to shine.

“In all facets of the game we have a beautiful mix of power and speed,” Raiders coach Bo Jones said. “I think we will be a physical team up front on both sides of the ball, and (be able) to fly around and change games in an instance.”

The perfect mix of that power/speed is senior Travis Hull. The running back and linebacker is Reynolds team captain and he brings the “passion and pain” to the field. Other innovative offensive stars are senior wide receiver Rodell Akins, who just needs to get the ball in his hands to make something happen, and senior quarterback Payton Chhay, who has a “rocket of an arm” and has worked on his consistency in the offseason.

“We are going to compete week in and week out, take each game one at a time,” Jones said. “Reaching the playoffs this season would be a great indicator we are heading in the right direction.”

Sandy Pioneers

2023 Finish: 4-6 (4-3 League), Columbia Cup first round (47-27 Sunset)

All-league returners: Junior DB Caden McMahon; senior punter Braden Sievertson; senior kicker Marco Torres

2024 Schedule: 9/6 Franklin; 9/13 @Hillsboro; 9/20 @Clackamas; 9/27 Barlow; 10/4 @Nelson; 10/10 Gresham; 10/18 Central Catholic; 10/25 @Reynolds; 11/1 @David Douglas

Last year was a frustrating end for a talented Pioneers team. First was a loss to rival Barlow in the final week of the season on a foggy night that saw the Bruins trot out never-before-seen strategies. Then a tough first round loss in the Columbia Cup to Sunset.

So the goal for Sandy is simple: win a playoff game.

“I expect us to be playing our best at the end of the season,” Pioneers coach Josh Dill said.

The Pioneers will rely on their physicality to win games. The program places an emphasis on establishing the run on offense, and stymying it on defense.

Senior running back Mataio Olomua will get the majority of the carries, feasting on gaps opened up by the likes of junior tackle Zac Bridges, senior center Ashton Culp, senior tackle Slate Harper, senior guard Nick Harrell and senior tight end Jared Scott, who just a season ago was a tackle.

Meanwhile defensively there is junior Caden McMahon who will lineup all over the field, mauling junior defensive end Tanner Sedgewick, hard-hitting sophomore safety Mason Frederickson, and sophomore outside linebacker James Richards.

And the secret weapon for Sandy is a talented, all-conference special teams squad featuring senior kicker Marco Torres and senior punter Braden Sievertson.

“We are going to be competitive and better each week as the youth of our team develops,” Dill said.