As the summer heat fades and the first Friday night lights flicker on across the Salem‑Keizer valley, a fresh crop of playmakers is drawing attention.
Benjamin Greer of South Salem has already etched his name into the record books, leading Class 6A with 1,309 receiving yards and setting a state mark of 24 catches in a single game.
Josiah Hawkins, the Cascade standout who opened the state championship with a touchdown, finished the game with 77 receiving yards and earned first‑team all‑state honors.
Xavior Keller from North Salem is preparing to assume a leading receiver role after sharing the spotlight with two all‑state offensive weapons last season.
Other notable contributors include Joe Mendazona of Central, who caught seven touchdowns and earned second‑team all‑conference in Class 5A, and Carter Nguyen of Sprague, an honorable‑mention selection who helped his team finish 5‑5 last year.
Ryan Perkins from Central, one of the top scorers in Class 5A, will test himself in a new conference this fall, adding another layer of intrigue to the schedule.
Lincoln Teeney of Silverton was crowned Class 5A defensive player of the year and also made his mark on offense, showcasing a rare two‑way talent.
Hayden Tibbs from Scio earned first‑team all‑conference in Class 3A and returns to a squad that boasts deep offensive options.
Jamison Walsh of Cascade, a two‑way star and one of two all‑state receivers returning for the state champion Cougars, is expected to be a focal point of the attack.
Marcus Zambrano from West Salem, another two‑way player, should see his role expand on both sides of the ball as the season progresses.
Conference Shifts and New Frontiers
The upcoming season also brings structural changes, as several programs adjust to new districts and rivalries, setting the stage for fresh matchups and unexpected outcomes.
Coaches are already weaving these pieces together, aiming to translate individual brilliance into collective success as the OSAA calendar unfolds.
With a blend of seasoned leaders and emerging playmakers, the Salem‑Keizer area looks poised to remain a competitive force in the 2026 campaign.