Rising Stars on the Line
The 2026 football season in the Salem-Keizer area is already generating buzz as coaches and analysts point to a deep pool of talent on the offensive line. With state championships and all-conference recognitions shaping the narrative, ten standout linemen are poised to anchor their teams' attacks.
Mark Bailey, a junior from Silverton, earned first-team all-state honors as a guard last fall and is expected to be a cornerstone of the Class 5A state champions' front. His blend of size and technique makes him one of the most anticipated returnees.
Sabby Hlavinka, a senior at Cascade, returns after a championship run and is slated to lead the offensive line for a Class 4A program eager to defend its title. His experience and physicality give the team a strong foundation.
Emmett Hunsaker of Sprague, a senior who previously collected second-team all-conference honors in Class 6A, has used the offseason to sharpen his speed, strength and skill set, positioning him as a key piece of the offensive front.
Max Knapp, also a senior from Sprague, brings three years of starting experience to the line. His consistent performance earned him honorable-mention recognition in Special District 1, and he aims to build on a 6-4 record from the previous season.
Kane Mack, another senior from Silverton, was a pivotal contributor to the team’s Class 5A state title last year. His leadership qualities and on-field savvy are expected to help guide younger linemen.
Asher Oliff, a senior from Dallas, earned first-team all-conference and third-team all-state honors as a center. He played a major role in the Dragons' 7-4 season and will look to anchor the line once again.
Ethan Tatum, a senior from West Salem, was a first-team all-conference tackle in Class 6A’s Special District 1. He returns with the goal of improving on a 6-4 record and adding more punch to the offensive attack.
Wyatt Sherwood, a junior from Dayton, captured first-team all-state honors and is set to lead a squad that hopes to replicate its 7-0 regular-season success. His emergence adds a dynamic element to the line.
Wyatt Smith, a senior from St. Paul Smith, collected second-team all-state accolades on both sides of the ball. As he enters his final season, he does so with a strong core of juniors and seniors supporting him.
Creo Walker, a senior from Kennedy, earned third-team all-state honors and returns after a standout year that included a state championship in baseball and a third-place finish in the 190-pound wrestling bracket. His athletic versatility could prove valuable on the line.