By: Mr. Herndon,
North Lake was coached by Barry Anderson and Chris
Herndon again this season. Ryan Williardt also helped coach
both the middle and high school Cowboys.
The team worked hard all summer and offseason, beginning
workouts in June or earlier for those who took weights. Almost
the entire team participated in extra workouts at some point,
and most attended football camp at the start of August.
As a team, the players worked hard and competed with each
other. They pushed one another every day to improve, creating
strong competition for starting roles. Coach Anderson reflected
on what made him the proudest this season, saying, “Our work
ethic and that every year we continue to work harder and
harder.”
Another aspect Coach Anderson highlighted was the team’s
physicality, stating, “In practice, probably the thing that sticks
out the most is just how physical we were. Every time we had
the opportunity to be physical, we literally took it up three, four
notches.”
A notable part of the season was a three-game stretch in
which the Cowboys defeated Gilchrist, Elkton, and Days Creek
consecutively, shutting out all three opponents while scoring a
combined 197 points.
The Cowboys reached the state quarterfinals for the second
straight season, improving their record to 7 wins and just 2
losses. Their only losses came against eventual state
champion and longtime rival Powers early in the season and to
South Wasco in the playoffs. South Wasco was later defeated
by Powers in the state championship game.
The season came to an end with a hard-fought 45-52 loss to
South Wasco in the second round of the playoffs.
The Cowboys had 18 players this season, consisting of 3
freshmen, 8 sophomores, 3 juniors, and 4 seniors. The seniors
played a crucial role in the team's success, with all four earning
league awards.
North Lake Football Makes the Second Round of Playoffs
The team and league awards were as follows: Ben Duffner
was named Offensive Line MVP, while Bryce Williardt received
Defensive Line MVP. Logen Grassman earned Iron Man Offense,
and Jack Roscoe was recognized as Iron Man Defense. Carter
Golson was awarded Impact Player, Landon McBroom was
named Utility Player, and Gavin Nofziger received the Silent
Leader award.
In all-league selections, Ben was honored as a 1st Team All-
League Defensive End and Offensive Guard. Bryce earned 2nd
Team All-League Defensive End and Offensive Guard. Jack was
named 1st Team All-League Returner and 2nd Team All-League
Utility Player. Logen received 1st Team All-League Running Back
and Honorable Mention Linebacker. Carter secured 2nd Team
All-League Running Back, while Wade Roscoe was named 2nd
Team All-League Defensive Back. Christian Good received
Honorable Mention Kicker, and Landon was recognized as an
Honorable Mention Defensive Utility Player. These awards
reflect the team's hard work and dedication throughout the
season.
Coach Anderson specifically praised the seniors, saying, “I'm
proud of how, especially the senior group over the last three
years, they've just stepped it up every year. And really, they've
helped—everybody's helped—build the program over the last
five years.”
Some stat leaders for the Cowboys included Logen Grassman,
who rushed for over 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns, adding
three receiving touchdowns while averaging over 17 yards per
carry. Jack Roscoe rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15
touchdowns, with two more receiving touchdowns. He also
recorded 66 tackles and 7 sacks while averaging over 15 yards
per carry. Carter Golson had 700 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns, 48
tackles, and 11 sacks. Bryce Williardt finished the season with 32
tackles and 13 sacks.