From Class 4A to 1A, here is a player to watch on offense from every team representing Clark County

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

It. Is. Here.

High school football season.

The first Friday Night Lights session of the year is Sept. 6 in Washington, and surely there will be hundreds of highlights from Southwest Washington programs throughout the season.

Clark County Today is highlighting players to watch on offense and defense to advance the season. These are not necessarily the best players on each side of the ball from every team. Some might be players who have caught the eye of their coaches and/or have strong leadership skills. All are poised to make an impact for their teams.

The best of the best will be determined over the nine-week regular season, and then the playoffs. 

Will Clark County have a team playing in Husky Stadium in December for the state championship game? 

We’re about to find out.

Until then, here are some players to watch for the 2024 high school football season. Defense is posted here.

Class 4A

Battle Ground: Ethan Adams, QB

A three-sport athlete at Battle Ground, Adams is a ultra competitor and outstanding leader for the Tigers, according to coach Mike Woodward. “Every coach’s dream as the face of the program.”

Camas: Jake Davidson, QB

As a junior, he was voted first-team, all-league after leading Camas to another league championship. A dual-threat, he can make the throw and if the pass is not there, he can do damage with his legs. The quarterback is hoping to help the Papermakers win a fifth consecutive 4A GSHL title.

Skyview: Gavin Packer, WR

Seems like he has been around forever. That’s because he has been making big plays for years. Now a senior, Packer is stronger than ever. He will get plenty of attention from defenses. “If you don’t double him, he’ll score,” Skyview coach Steve Kizer said.

Union: Chase Lofton, WR

A “dynamic” player, according to coach Steve Pyne. “He’ll be a big part of what we do. Hopefully we can find ways to get him the ball creatively.” Lofton was first-team, all-league last year in a league that had a ton of talent at the position.

Class 3A

Evergreen: Terrance Saryon, WR

Might be one of the best route runners in the state, coach Christian Swain said. And when Saryon gets the ball, watch out. “Electric” in the open field. A junior, he is already being looked at by Big Ten schools.

Heritage: Luke Melvin, WR

A do-it-all receiver. He can beat the defense deep. He can take a short pass and turn it into a big play. And he will be the guy on fly sweeps, looking for rushing yards, too. 

Mountain View: Juan Pasillas-Stanton, OL 

One of the strongest football players in the state. And a great athlete. “Juan plays with a chip on his shoulder every snap,” coach Sean McDonald said. “He leads by example and continues to work on his craft despite being at an elite level already.”

Prairie: Deven Vigue, QB

A versatile quarterback with accuracy in the passing game and who can get it done in the rushing attack, as well. Coach Junior Miller says that when Vigue, a junior, is on top of his game with the weapons around him, the offense will be firing on all cylinders.

Class 2A

Columbia River: Ha’aheo Delarose, WR

Delarose has that great combination of talent and football IQ. This will be his third year as a starter for the Rapids. “He is a very explosive player,” said coach DeWayne Patterson.  

Hockinson: Madsen Richardson, WR

He has perfect route running ability and hands to make a defense pay. He is coming into his own, prepped for a dynamic senior season, coach Clint LeCount said.

Hudson’s Bay: Aqeel Bauman, RB

An impact player who is tough enough to get yards in between the tackles and elusive enough to break free on the outside. Also an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

Ridgefield: Cly Stephens, RB

All eyes will be on the dynamic Stephens, a returning all-league running back. He poses numerous threats to a defense on a play-by-play basis, according to coach Scott Rice. 

Washougal: Travis Lundberg, TE

The Panthers have a couple of tight ends/defensive linemen who stand out. For offense, let’s go with Travis Lundberg. He should be a destructive force, coach David Hajek said.

Woodland: Elijah Andersen, AP

The league MVP last year, we describe him as All-Purpose because he can line up anywhere on the field. And dominate. Great football IQ, coach Glen Flanagan said. “It’s like having another coach on the field.”

Class 1A

Fort Vancouver: Denis Zayets, RB

Big running back with strength and power. And faster than he looks. The Trappers have so much confidence in him when he has the ball. “He’s a hard guy to bring down,” coach Will Ephraim said. 

King’s Way Christian: Ryan Charlton, RB

A quiet leader, he has “incredible feel” for the position as a savvy, patient runner, according to coach Dale Rule. Charlton was all-league last year, and his coach said he is so much better going into this season.

La Center: Isaac Chromey, RB

Played all over the field last year. He has a wrestler’s mentality. In other words, he won’t stop. He doesn’t take plays off. He’s physical. He also understands the game, coach John Lambert said. 

Seton Catholic: Ryker Ruelas, WR

The Cougars have so many all-leaguers returning it is hard to pick one. Ruelas was all-league in 2023, but coach Dan Chase said he is primed for an even bigger season with his “big-play potential” every time he is targeted.