Lakeridge High School’s football program has cemented its reputation as a perennial contender, reaching the Class 6A state quarterfinal round in each of the past three seasons. The 2025 campaign ended with an 18‑starter exodus, including first‑team all‑state defensive lineman Noah Tishendorf, but the Pacers remain focused on maintaining their upward trajectory.
Coach Spencer Phillips, who has guided the team for seven years, says the offseason marks a deliberate reset. Rather than rebuilding from scratch, he expects a fresh start driven by players who have grown up within the Lakeridge system and already internalize its culture and expectations.
A Fresh Start Built on Continuity
The 2026 slate features a demanding non‑league stretch that includes road tests against North Medford, Newberg, Lincoln and Mountainside, before the team dives into a five‑week Three Rivers League schedule. Among the league’s traditional powerhouses, Lake Oswego and West Linn enter as recent state champions, setting the bar for Lakeridge’s own title aspirations.
Returning all‑TRL first‑team selections Caleb Klein, Sean Bour‑Nelson, Wyatt Rose, Colby Owen and Easton Lawson provide a core of experience, while the coaching staff — including assistants Art Cabalin and Beau Gates — continues to emphasize disciplined play and strategic depth. Their collective aim is to break into the top five rankings and challenge the league’s elite.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and program‑grown talent, Lakeridge hopes to translate its established culture into on‑field success. The Pacers’ structured approach, anchored by Coach Phillips and his staff, positions the team to be a competitive force throughout the 2026 season.