Defensive Backs Ready to Lead the 2026 Campaign
The 2026 Oregon School Activities Association football season is shaping up to be a showcase for elite defensive talent in the Salem‑Keizer area, with coaches and analysts pointing to a deep pool of secondary players who could redefine the region’s competitive balance.
Among the standouts is Malakai Abballay of Sprague High School, who earned second‑team all‑conference honors last year and helped the Olympians finish the season with a 5‑3 conference record, underscoring his reliability in the secondary.
Josiah Hawkins from Cascade High School brings a rare dual‑threat profile, having been named first‑team all‑state at both wide receiver and defensive back, a contribution that was central to the Cougars’ Class 4A state championship run.
Lincoln Teeney of Silverton High School returns as the reigning Class 5A defensive player of the year and Special District 3 defensive player of the year, poised to anchor a secondary that aims to repeat its title‑winning performance.
Noah Hockett, a second‑team all‑state defensive back from St. Paul High School, also led the Buckaroos’ offense to a Class 2A state semifinal appearance, illustrating the two‑way impact many of these players have.
Kellen Kuenzi of Silverton, recognized with honorable‑mention status in Special District 3 for his defensive work, additionally contributed to a state‑title winning 4×100‑meter relay team, highlighting his athletic versatility.
Tavin Kumm from McNary High School, who emerged from a 2‑7 season, will now split duties at quarterback and defensive back, offering the Celtics a dynamic playmaker as they transition to Class 6A competition.
Julian Lutz of Sprague, an honorable‑mention safety, is expected to play a pivotal role in the secondary alongside teammate Gabe Plowhead, a combination that could tighten the defense further.
Christian Newton from West Salem was a cornerstone of a unit that allowed the fewest points in 6A’s Special District 1, earning honorable‑mention recognition for his defensive contributions.
Teak Shaw of Cascade, a freshman who made a splash with an interception in the state semifinal, is viewed as a promising talent as he continues to grow into larger varsity responsibilities.
Haydin Tibbs from Scio, a second‑team all‑conference selection, will bolster the Loggers’ defense alongside a group of returning varsity players after only two seniors graduated the previous year.
Coaches across the district have praised the collective athleticism, skill and leadership of these defensive backs, noting that their presence not only raises the ceiling for individual awards but also strengthens the narrative of championship contention for their respective teams.