The Class 4A state championship Stayton High soccer team dominated the all-state selections.
Junior Jayden Esparza was named player of the year and Chris Shields took home the coaching honor.
The Eagles were a perfect 12-0 in the COVID-truncated season and downed Phoenix 4-1 in the state title match in Sutherlin. Stayton outscored opponents 60-5.
Joining Esparza on the first team were senior Julian Flores, freshman Ishmael Esparza and senior goalkeeper Carlos Gomez.
On the second team for the Eagles were senior Omar Renteria and sophomore Omar Garcia. Also on the second team was senior Julian Lopez of Cascade.
Boys basketball: Cascade’s Carson Molan was named Oregon West Conference player of the year and coach Calvin Molan earned coaching honors for the Cougars, who won the OWC title.
Joining Molan on the first team was Jacob Axmaker of Stayton. Kellen Sande and Dominic Ball of Cascade were named to the second team, as was Gabriel Wigginton of Stayton. Jake Bertsch (Cascade) and Garrett Callsen (Stayton) received honorable mention.
Girls basketball: Stayton’s Karlee Tyler and Cascade’s Ariel Tobiasson and Kenna Coleman were named to the first team Oregon West Conference squad. Tori Nyquist and Miley Mitchell of Stayton were named to the second team, which also included Natalie Federico of Cascade. Kaylee Tyler of Stayton received honorable mention,
Fall sports: The leaves are starting to drop from my neighbor’s catalpa tree. So, it almost must be fall. Here we go. The first official practice date for the fall sports of football, soccer, volleyball and cross country is Aug. 16. First contest date for all but football is Aug. 26. The first football Friday is Sept. 3. Stayton hosts Estacada and Regis visits Blanchet Catholic on Friday, with Cascade opening Saturday, Sept. 4 at Baker.
Running: The annual Homer’s Classic races return at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8 in Silverton. On tap are a 2-mile run/walk and an 8K run that includes a pass through the Gallon House Bridge. For more information and a registration form, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Silverton/HomerClassic. The registration deadline is 10 p.m. Aug. 7, with packet pickup available on race day.
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