The Silverton Foxes stepped onto the field for Week 0 of the 2026 campaign with a clear mission: protect the Class 5A state championship they seized in the 2025 OSAA season. The opening match pits them against Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, a program that has reached the state semifinals in each of the past two years and is widely regarded as one of Idaho’s premier teams.
A Steel‑Sharpens‑Steel Test
Silverton’s non‑conference slate is deliberately stacked with tough opponents, including Willamette, which finished the previous season at 10‑1. The Foxes view these early battles as essential forge‑work, allowing them to iron out kinks before the league schedule intensifies. The renewed home‑and‑home series with Coeur d'Alene adds another layer of intrigue, with coach Dan Lever openly expressing a willingness to keep the rivalry alive for years to come.
Key returning letters give the Foxes a solid foundation. Among them are lineman Mark Bailey, seniors Kane Mack and James Collier, and defensive stalwarts Lincoln Teeney, Luke Horner, Ryder VanDeweghe and Levi Schurter. Their experience forms the backbone of a unit that aims to tighten up a defense that performed well but knows there is room for improvement.
On the offensive side, the team welcomes a new face at quarterback: Quenton Lake, a transfer from North Salem, will take the snap and lead the attack. Lever has praised Lake’s poise and arm strength, noting that the quarterback’s development will be a critical factor in the Foxes’ ability to execute a balanced, steel‑sharpens‑steel offense.
The early schedule also serves a broader purpose: to expose the team to high‑caliber competition that can accelerate growth. With Coeur d'Alene’s recent eight‑plus‑win seasons and a reputation for resilience, the Foxes recognize that overcoming this formidable foe will be a litmus test for their championship aspirations.