The high school football season in Oregon begins this week, and after consulting with coaches from across the state, here is SBLive Oregon’s predicted order of rankings for each league in Class 4A.

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SCHEDULES FOR EACH SCHOOL

1. Scappoose

2. By the sea

3. Tillamook

4. Milwaukee

5. Astoria

6. St. Helens

Why Scappoose?

Senior QB Max Nowlin is coming off another impressive season and Scappoose’s defense returns several key players, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year SS Quinton Olson.

Biggest question

Who will replace Tanner Hoskins as center in Tillamook? The two-time all-state player has graduated and two of his best receivers from last year – senior Carsen Rieger and junior Griffyn Boomer – will now have to compete against each other. Coach Kye Johnson said he doesn’t have a clearly defined starter for training camp and it wouldn’t be surprising if they split duties during the season.

New trainers

Jonathan Simpson, Milwaukee

Game we can’t wait for

Scappoose in Seaside, October 4th: Both reached the 4A semi-finals last season and the league opening game will have a big impact on the title decision for both teams.

1. Estacada

2. Gladstone

3. Park Rose

4. Molalla

5. The Dalles

Why Estacada?

The Rangers’ defense of the 2022 state title was a little rocky, but by the end of the season they had figured out enough to earn a spot in the state playoffs. If senior Carson Randall gets the starting quarterback job after serving as a backup last year, he’ll have enough talent around him to get them back to the top of the TVC.

Biggest question

Is this the year Parkrose puts it all together? The Broncos are well-stocked at the skill positions — their triumvirate of Devonate Hillman, Corinthian Littleton and Desmond Armstrong is as good as any in 4A — but a three-game losing streak in 2023 cost them a playoff spot. If junior Jabri Smith, a transfer from Las Vegas, takes the quarterback job from Hillman, their offense could win enough shootouts to lead them to their first postseason berth since 2019.

New trainers

Nate Timmons, The Dalles

Game we can’t wait for

Park rose in Estacada, October 25th: The Rangers have won both meetings since the Broncos were relegated to 4A in 2022, but this game will be Parkrose’s chance to prove it has translated its potential into results.

1. Marist Catholic

2. Cascade

3. Philomath

4. Crossroads City

5. Stay

6. Sweet Home

Why Marist Catholic?

The Spartans have released several key players from last year’s 4A finalist team, but they have not lost the most important to their success – senior QB Nick Hudson, who threw for 3,766 yards and 47 touchdowns last year and has some of his favorite targets back.

Biggest question

How are Cascade’s juniors faring in their second season on the varsity team? Players like junior RB Bryce Kuenzi, sophomore WR/CB Josiah Hawkins and junior DL ​​Matthew Hinkle had their breakout seasons in 2023, but now they’re known quantities that aren’t sneaking up on anyone. If junior Cade Coreson smoothly takes over the position behind center, the Cougars will be even harder to handle this season.

New trainers

Zach Loboy, Marist Catholic

Game we can’t wait for

Cascade at Marist Catholic, October 25: The Cougars held the Spartans to a season-low 22 points last year despite losing in the de facto conference championship game. Will the defense prevail again?

1. Marshfield

2. Henley

3. Mazama

4. Ashland

5. North Bend

6. Hidden Valley

Why Marshfield?

While the Klamath Falls powerhouse is in transition with new coaches, the Pirates return 11 players who were named All-BSC selections last season, led by Defensive Player of the Year Lucas Folau. If they can settle on a QB1 (junior Enoch Niblett returns from injury to challenge senior Ashton Thornton), they will be tough to beat.

Biggest question

What does Henley do for an encore? The Hornets had a season for the ages in 2023, knocking city rival Mazama off its decade-long top spot in the conference and winning their first state title since 1982. Since then, coach Alex Stork resigned to make way for assistant Matt Green, and they return two key players from their championship run in junior QB Joe Janney and senior WR/DB Mark Carpenter. Will that be enough to mount a strong title defense?

New trainers

Matt Green, Henley

Orlyn Culp, Mazama

Game we can’t wait for

Mazama in Henley, November 1st: The Southside Series rivalry game is always a must-see in the Klamath Basin, and the Vikings would love to avenge their loss from last year and claim the title again.

1. Pendleton

2. Baker

3.Ontario

4. The Great

5. Crook County

Why Pendleton?

The GOL is possibly the most balanced league in 4A from top to bottom, so we’re giving preference to the team that returns its all-league QB (senior Colson Primus) and RB (junior Tugg McQuinn) and has the best returning lineman in senior C/DT Deacon Pace.

Biggest question

How good does Diego Rodriguez look in his return as a center for Ontario? He had a fantastic start for the Tigers last season before an injury derailed his junior season. If he and junior Alex Nunez can find the rhythm they showed in Ontario’s 4-0 start last season, the Tigers could be the spoiler in another Pendleton-Baker title clash.

New trainers

None

Game we can’t wait for

Ontario at Baker, October 18: If the Tigers want to shake up the GOL, they’ll have to win games like this one against the defending champions, who are just introducing junior QB Jake McLaughry to replace all-state signal-caller Paul Hobson (2,7743 yards, 30 touchdowns).

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