The West Linn Lions have etched a proud legacy over the past decade, capturing two state championships in the last four years and three titles in the past ten. Their consistent dominance in the Three Rivers League and Class 6A playoffs has made the program a benchmark for high school football in the region.
This year, however, the team faces a pivotal transition. After a long tenure under Jon Eagle, the program has appointed Anthony Newman, the former defensive coordinator since 2019, as its first‑year head coach. Newman inherits a roster brimming with experience and a fan base eager for another league title in 2026.
A Strategic Approach to Rest and Recovery
Newman’s early pronouncements center on player health. He emphasizes rest and recovery to manage fatigue, a lesson learned from injury concerns that plagued the team last season. By prioritizing conditioning and workload management, the coaching staff hopes to keep key athletes on the field throughout the grueling schedule.
The Lions’ competitive calendar reflects both league ambitions and a demanding non‑league slate. Starting in September 2026, West Linn will test itself against traditional powerhouses such as Central Catholic, Westview, Wilsonville and Nelson, while still battling Three Rivers rivals Tualatin, Lake Oswego and Lakeridge.
Tualatin, fresh from a dominant 2025 campaign, is identified by Newman as the team to beat in the league. Lake Oswego enters as the defending state champion, and Lakeridge, a 2025 quarterfinalist, adds further depth to the competition. These matchups promise high‑stakes games that will shape the league standings.
Among the returning standouts are Sloan Baker, who earned TRL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2025, alongside Grady Hall, Josiah Molden, Xander Mishkin and Shane Peters. Their presence not only bolsters the offense but also underscores the program’s reliance on homegrown talent developed within the community.
Newman’s long‑standing relationships with the coaching staff and his deep roots in the West Linn football ecosystem provide a stable foundation for the team’s aspirations. The blend of seasoned leadership, strategic scheduling and a focus on player wellness positions the Lions to contend fiercely for another championship run.