The Jesuit Crusaders are ready to make another run at the Metro League title as they kick off the high school football season. The team, fresh off securing their 10th consecutive Metro League championship last year, is determined to continue their dominant streak and claim their 11th title.
Head coach Ken Potter, who has played a major role in the Crusaders’ success, is also on the edge of making history. With just two more wins, Potter will break the record for the most victories by a high school football coach in Oregon. His impressive career record and ability to lead this team to consistent success has solidified his reputation as one of the state’s top coaches.
“It’s an honor to have coached so many really good athletes and people,” said Potter. “It’s having a belief that it’s not about wins and loses, it’s about doing things right all the time”
Senior quarterback and captain Treynor Cleeland, coming off a strong previous season, making it to the Quarterfinals last year, is set to lead the Crusaders’ offense. “It’s a great responsibility to have. I’m looking forward to it and I’m really glad I’m in this position and at the high school I am,” Cleeland said.
Cleeland feels both offense and defense have developed well. With the same offensive coach as last year, Cleeland is confident. There is, however, a different but familiar face on the defensive side. Coach Martenik has returned back as the defensive coordinator for the crusaders this year.
“I feel like offense is coming along nicely like it was last year, and defense is new this year, but coach is doing a great job and we’re getting stuff down.” Cleeland comments.
Senior captains Grant Valley and Soren Gasteon anchor a young defense that promises to be as mean as ever. With the team losing many of their senior starters, the younger players are more than ready to step up and hold this defense.
Valley, coming off a tragic injury last season, is electrified to get back onto the field. During last year’s game against West Linn, he went up for a catch, came down with the ball secured, but at the price of his leg. Valley was unable to play for the rest of the season and has spent the last year getting ready for this season
“Through practice over the summer I’ve been feeling prepared. I feel good as a team and I think we’ll do really great,” Valley said about his recovery.
The Crusaders’ schedule includes several high-stakes matchups, including last year’s state champions Tualatin Timberwolves. As the Crusaders prepare for their season opener on September 6th at 7 PM at Tualatin, anticipation is building. In the meantime, the team played a jamboree at West Linn on August 29th. Will the team be able to secure their 11th Metro League Championship? Will Coach Potter break the record for most victories as a coach in the state of Oregon? Those questions and more will be answered under the Friday night lights.