Updated May 16, 2017
Posted May 16, 2017
SP.MWINTRO.jpg
Our early look at the 2017 high school football season continues with a team-by-team rundown of the top returning players in the Class 5A Midwestern League.
Text by Mike Tokito; photo by Larry Stauth, Jr.
SP.ASHLANDINTRO.jpg
Ashland
Coach: Beau Lehnerz (new)
Last season: 8-3, 6-1 Midwestern League
2016 postseason: Beat Mountain View 30-7 in first round; lost to Lebanon 40-33 in quarterfinals.
Larry Stauth Jr., for The Oregonian/OregonLive
51jpg-204169d131502916.jpg
After winning the league title last season, the Grizzlies begin a new era under Lehnerz, who takes over after Charlie Hall moved to Southern Oregon University. Lehnerz will have two senior-to-be linemen to build around in center Troy Boyd, a first-team all-league pick, and Drake Morey, a second-team pick at defensive line and honorable mention on offense. Also returning is receiver Hakim Pries, who as a junior caught 36 passes for 536 yards and four touchdowns.
Larry Stauth, for The Oregonian/OregonLive
CHURUCHILLINTRO.jpg
Churchill
Coach: AJ Robinson
Last season: 5-4, 3-4 Midwestern League
2016 postseason: Did not qualify
Kent Frasure, for The Oregonian/OregonLive
LANDERS].jpg
The Lancers bring back three seniors-to-be who were second-team all-league picks from an offense that averaged 36 points per game: running back Dalton McDaniel, who rushed for 676 yards and seven touchdowns; receiver Lucas Schwin, who caught 36 passes for 482 yards and 10 touchdowns; and tight end Jax Arnold, who had 24 receptions for 439 yards and four scores. Also back is defensive lineman Daniel Jackson, a senior-to-be who was a second-team pick.
Kent Frasure, for The Oregonian/OregonLive