Welcome to the Salem-Keizer Football Video Tour
Enjoy the digital journey around the local community
Welcome to the annual video (and written) tour of Salem-Keizer’s prep football programs for the 2022 season. It is a tradition that goes back fifteen years and attempts to encapsulate what each local team has in terms of talent for the upcoming season. McKay is the only high school competing at the 5A level this season; North Salem has returned to the 6A level with the rest of the District’s football programs. However, the OSAA has placed the S-K teams—aka the Central Valley Conference— with five Southern Oregon schools (Grants Pass, North Medford, Roseburg, Sheldon, and South Medford) in a hybrid league known as “Special District One.” The conference will have seven league contests after two “non-league” contests elsewhere. With three to four hours invested in travel time between the two regions, it should be an interesting season.
MCKAY Coach: Brandis Piper (4th season) Video Link
2021: (4-6)-5A; LOST in the first round of the 5A playoffs to Silverton 42-7
The McKay Royal Scots will be competing exclusively at the 5A level this upcoming year after struggling in most sports settings last season. Football was one place the Scots did excel at times, reaching the playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Silverton. This year, they will be back in the powerful Mid-Willamette Conference.
Coach Brandis Piper’s good news is that he has some key skills players back for 2022. All of them are juniors: running backs Jamahl Wilson and Joel Sanchez, wide receivers Justice Anthony and Lukes Dominguez, and quarterback Kyrin Fuinaono. Piper describes them all as high-IQ players with a good feel for the game on the field.
A long list of linemen return on both sides of the ball for McKay. Coach Piper says seniors Isaiah Sinclair and Michael Menzie have stepped up to show leadership both on the field and in the weight room to keep the rest of their teammates motivated. Also back for a second season on the varsity level is junior lineman Alec Salgado, who has a reputation of being someone who outworks his opponent.
Senior Michael Keys is back at defensive back/linebacker for a third varsity season for the Scots, and is expected to bring the same hard-nosed approach that made him a reliable starter for McKay. He will be joined by Justice Anthony in the secondary. Junior defensive lineman Raider Cendejas will also provide valuable experience on the d-front.
As for the McKay kicking game, Lukes Dominguez, Kyrin Fuimaono and fellow-junior Christian Naranjio are all competing for the punter and place-kicking duties this year.
McKay has been placed back in the highly competitive Mid-Willamette Conference, which includes the likes of perennial powerhouse Wilsonville, and defending 5A champion Silverton. Coach Piper says the challenging league schedule should make his team tougher and a more difficult out in the playoffs this season.
The Royal Scots start their season September second at home versus Lebanon.
MCNARY Coach: Connor Astley (1st season) Video Link
2021: (7-4); LOST in the second round of the 6A playoffs to Lake Oswego 35-14
Jeff Auvinen resigned as McNary’s head coach in July after seven years at the helm; taking over is 27 year old Connor Astley, who served last season as the Celts’ offensive coordinator. His job is to rebuild a team which lost a very senior-heavy starting squad from 2021—guided by graduated offensive player of the year Tyler Copeland. The sole returning all-league representative is senior Hunter Ruberto, who was an honorable mention pick at linebacker.
Astley is high on the older, if inexperienced crew of players lining up for McNary this season. Ruberto will not only return to anchor the defense at linebacker, but will also be the Celts’ starting running back, pairing with junior Jake Allen at the position; strong-armed senior Jackson Alt is the starting quarterback, filling the shoes of the aforementioned Tyler Copeland.
Juniors Gage Smedema and Jesse Dyer will play key roles in McNary’s wide receiving corps, and on the offensive line, senior Jacob Hurst and junior Andres Vega bring experience to the Celtic front.
Along with Ruberto, many of those same players will fill similar roles on defense, while coaches look to fill other positions with new faces.
On special teams, Jesse Dyer will serve as the kicker and punter in addition to his duties as the slot receiver.
Astley says despite the team’s relative youth, the team still has high expectations, with hopes of returning to the state playoffs again. However, regardless of their record, Astley will continue to emphasize the building of player character both on and off the field.
September second marks the start of McNary’s season, when the Celtics travel to Lakeridge to face the Pacers.
NORTH SALEM Coach: Jeff Flood (15th season) Video Link
2021: (7-4)-5A; LOST in the second round of the 5A playoffs to Silverton 22-0
North Salem has moved back to the 6A ranks, sports-wise, after competing exclusively at the 5A level for the last several seasons. The question arises, however—can the Vikings maintain their playoff sights at one level up?
Coach Jeff Flood has some more-than-decent returning players from last season’s 5A playoff squad.
Junior quarterback TC Manumaluena and senior running back Josiah Davis—who rushed for just under 1300 yards and 20 touchdowns in just seven games last season for all-state honors—are a good foundation to build upon.
The Viks have also benefitted from transfers. Two transfer players from McNary—junior wide receiver Pierce Walker, and sophomore lineman Enrike Aguilar—could contribute for North right away. Add in proven commodities like junior fullback/linebacker Jerrik Wangler, and the Vikings have reason to be optimistic.
As has been the case for years, North Salem must avoid injury on the offensive and defensive front, where they are traditionally short, numbers-wise. Coach Flood does have a solid number of returning linemen and JV contributors from last season to choose from.
Senior Christian Camacho returns at center for the Vikings. Imyas Aguilar is also a returning senior front line player who saw action on both sides of the ball. Ditto for Izzy Sandoval. McNary transfer Enrike Aguilar is also expected to play as a sophomore. Juniors Michael Feiss and Jayden Hoover are vying for playing time up front for North.
In addition to Davis and Wangler, Coach Flood also has a sizeable stable of running backs for his wing-T offense. Speedy Demari Thompson—the 5A champion in the 100 and 200 meters last spring—should see plenty of action for North. Also back for the Vikings is junior Micah Richter, who was Davis’s counterpart on the wing.
The wide receiving corps is chalk full of talent. In addition to McNary transfer Pierce Walker, the Vikings have seniors Neil Kniefel and Erik Gonzalez, and junior Jamar Soaladaob as targets for Manumaleuna.
Josiah Davis will continue to perform PAT and field goal duties for North. The search is underway for a punter.
If the Viks can stay healthy, the sky could be limit for them in the hybrid Special District One conference blending Southern Oregon and Salem-Keizer Schools. Stay tuned.
North Salem opens the season on the road September second at Roosevelt of Portland.
SOUTH SALEM Coach: Scott Dufault (22nd season) Video Link
2021: (6-5); LOST in first round of 6A playoffs to West Linn 55-9
The Saxons will build upon last year’s young team with players that are a year wiser, and bigger and stronger in most cases. It could be a very successful year if the squad stays healthy.
Back at quarterback is senior Daschel Smith—who threw for 2800 yards in 2021. And also back are a an imprssive list of effective receivers—first team all-leaguer Tini Tinitalli—who had a state best 88 catches last season, up-and-coming junior wideout Parker Williams and athletic senior Jaxon Watson. New to the Saxon receiving corps is transfer Zach Wusstig, who was a key part of (southern Marion County’s) Jefferson High’s first appearance in the state football playoffs in decades. He was a first team all-conference pick as both a receiver and defensive back last year. At running back, senior Braedy Vogt returns some backfield experience, but the spot likely will be filled by committee with the likes of junior DJ James and sophomore Noah Scharer.
On the front line, junior Hatimu Letisi is coming back after an honorable mention-all conference season at tackle, and senior Tyler Takemoto returns after similar success on the defensive side of the ball. Other linemen on one or both sides of the ball include seniors Trevor Goldman and Levi Wilhite. Coach Scott Dufault hopes to bolster the line on both sides of the ball with newer faces from last year’s JV ranks.
Defensively, senior Braedy Vogt is coming off an honorable mention all-conference year at linebacker, as is senior Jaxson Watson at corner. Scharer is also expected to be a force at linebacker. The Saxon offensive linemen mentioned previously will also play significant minutes on defense as well.
On special teams, Smith is back to punt for South, and senior Jacob Mueller returns as place kicker.
South Salem’s first game is slated for Saturday, September third—at Liberty High of Renton, Washington.
SPRAGUE Coach: Jay Minyard (11th season) Video Link
2021: (6-4); LOST in first round of 6A playoffs to Mountainside 13-7.
The Olympians will be looking to fill the hole created by the loss of first teamer Riley Davis, who moved to Texas with his family. Davis ran for over 1000 yards last season (6.1/carry) with 13 TDs. It is a loss that will be hard to replace.
On the decidedly positive side, the Olys still have four-way all-conference performer Drew Rodriguez, who caught seven touchdowns and had 484 yards on 33 catches (14.7/receptions). He was also a first team defensive back with six interceptions, as well as the first team return man and second team punter. Rodriguez may get more touches this season ala the NFL’s Deebo Samuel. Look for him in the backfield at times.
Quarterback candidates include senior Will Hassoun, who had limited time under center behind Logan Smith last season—but brings a deep understanding of the Sprague offense to the table, and South Salem transfer Athan Palmateer who also has a strong arm and good footwork. Coach Jay Minyard says he could utilize the talents of both signal callers to expand the offensive playbook.
Top returning RBs include senior tailback Barik Hill (9-78/8.7 carry) and full back Casen Collins (6-61/10.2 carry). Juniors Isaiah Terrones and Preston Simmons—top JV running backs in 2021—could also see action this fall.
Top returning linemen: senior Cole Steketee returns after honorable mention honors at center in 2021, and Gavin Nguyen, who was a second team selection on the defensive line last season.
Rodriguez (1st team all-conference) will anchor the Olympian’s secondary. Linebackers Barik Hill, who had a sack and two INTs in eight games, and Casen Collins—who had three sacks in six games played, will be big parts of the linebacking corps. Nguyen’s all-conference experience on the defensive front will provide the foundation on the d-line.
The Sprague kicking game has Rodriguez back as a second team all-conference punter. The Olys are still seeking a place kicker for the year.
The Olympians begin the 2022 season on September second with a road game at Liberty High School of Hillsboro.
WEST SALEM Coach: Shawn Stanley (18th season) Video Link
2021: (9-2); LOST in the second round of the 6A playoffs to Sherwood 35-27
Coming off a conference championship in 2021, West Salem will be rebuilding in 2022 after losing the bulk of their top players—including all 11 offensive starters—to graduation. West also lost second team defensive lineman Dmitri Trofimchik, whose family moved to Florida. But the cupboard isn’t completely bare for the Titans. In fact, one could argue the Titans are simply reloading.
Top returnees include honorable mention all-conference tight end Wyatt Jenks, first team corner backs Roman Burrow and Jameson Lowery, and a key transfer from McNary in first team wide receiver Braiden Copeland, who comes to West for his senior season.
Offensively, sophomore Kaden Martirano is the front runner to replace Portland State-bound Brooks Ferguson at quarterback. He has a strong arm and solid leadership skills.
At running back, Coach Stanley has a long list of players vying for time in the backfield. Seniors Jimmy Lathen and Roman Burrow are top contenders, as are senior Cody Warren and junior Carson Evenson, who was a key part of the rushing attack for the 2021 unbeaten JV team.
There is an equally impressive list of wide receivers looking for attention on the field. Seniors Tommy Slack, Calaeb Hensley, Jaylin Nowickas, and the previously mentioned McNary transfer Copeland—as well as junior Connor Oertel, a basketball standout for the Titans—all have a chance to see minutes this season.
Front line players for both offense and defense are also numerous. Stanley cited (among others) senior Ty Amawattana, Jackson Colyer, and Mylin Dusenberry, and juniors David Jacobo, Isiah Ruiz, and Kameron Splonski. Also in camp is 6-7 basketball standout Trent Ferguson—looking to add football to his sports experience.
Tight ends are arguably numerous. Senior Wyatt Jenks is back, and will share time with the likes of senior Seth Foster, junior Carmelo Brown, and sophomore Hudson Whipple.
Defensively, Tommy Slack will be an anchor in the linebacking corps, which will also include the talents of Cody Warren. Junior Ugo Odoemelam is projected to be a key player in the West Salem secondary, along with seniors Burrow, Lowery, and Copeland. The defensive line will include most of the offensive line and another 4-6 additional teammates.
On special teams, Oertel is the odds-on favorite to be the Titan kicker. The punting competition is between Martirano and Hensley.
West Salem opens the season on the road September second against Sherwood.