The Oregon high school football season opens on August 28, 2026, with a clash that has the state’s fans counting down the days. Willamette High School will host Lake Oswego, the team that entered the preseason coaches poll at No. 1, in a game that promises to set the tone for the year.
Both programs arrive with a wealth of NCAA Division I talent, making the contest one of the most anticipated meetings of the year. Lake Oswego’s defense, anchored by linebacker Kawai Chamberlin and defensive end Tripp Johansen, boasts a roster of prospects headed to Power Five schools, while Willamette counters with a balanced attack led by quarterback Zeke Thomas.
Coaching Legacy Meets New Generation
Steve Coury, now in his 35th season at Lake Oswego, carries a career record of 295‑97 and three state championships, a résumé that has made him a sought‑after mentor. Willamette’s head coach Josh Line, who took over the program two years ago, turned to Coury for guidance as he rebuilt the team’s identity.
Line’s philosophy emphasizes patience on offense and disciplined management of Lake Oswego’s aggressive blitz packages, a strategy designed to protect Thomas while allowing playmakers such as Brady Barry and Zuzi Alwineyan to thrive.
Lake Oswego’s standout tight end Presley DeLance, a 6‑foot‑4, 230‑pound four‑star recruit, has drawn offers from Georgia, Florida and Auburn. Defensive end Josh Christensen, a 6‑6, 255‑pound three‑star prospect, is committed to the University of Oregon, while quarterback Zeke Thomas, surrounded by a talented supporting cast, has received interest from Boise State and UNLV.
Willamette will rely on a group of less‑heralded but capable contributors — Brennan Christian, Zayden Howard, Kaimana Nelson, Jason Truong, Amir Harris, Isaac Haleakala and Derek Earl — to match the intensity of their opponents and keep the game competitive.
The preseason OSAA Class 6A poll placed Willamette at No. 6, a respectable position that reflects both the program’s progress and the challenge posed by Lake Oswego’s top ranking.
Fans can expect a tightly contested battle that showcases the depth of talent in Oregon’s high school football landscape, with the outcome likely to influence rankings and recruiting narratives for months to come.