A team on the rise within the state of Oregon is the Newberg Tigers. The school from the Pacific Conference will be making the transition to the always tough Three Rivers League in 2014.
The Tigers went (5-5) in 2013 but the younger classes feature some of the top up and coming athletes in the state. 1st team all league DB/ 2nd team WR Tyler Delashmutt (6-0 175 Jr.) had a monster year and is ranked among the top athletes at his position in Oregon. Grayson Oviatt (5-8 170 Jr. ATH/DB) returns after doing a good job at the quarterback position.
One of the top athletes to come through Newberg in some time is freshman Anthony Adams (6-0 160 ATH/DB). He will most likely play a prominent role as a sophomore, with his brother Darnell being a standout at Portland State.
Referencing this past season and the future DeLashmutt says,”2013 was good for our students and the overall program.. We had a different type of intensity this year, versus the previous two seasons”. He continued, “Our biggest contributors coming back will probably be our offensive and defensive line, with this year’s sophomores being a huge part of our team next year.”
Coach TJ Tomlin has done a great job of building from within and adding some talented new coaches to his staff. He was voted co conference coach of the year with Craig Ruecker of Tigard. 2nd team all league lineman Henry Kinney (5-10 200 Jr. OL) will lead an experienced returning group with depth, something the Tigers haven’t had in years past. Evan Smith (5-8 200 Jr. OL) will be another returning all league kid.
The challenge will come with the transition of league’s where Newberg went (4-3) in conference this season. The TRL is a completely different animal then the Pacific Conference and the kids will have to step up there game.
Oviatt stepped in and did well at the QB spot but projects as more of a DB or kicker. Speaking on next year he says, “We will be facing some of the best teams in the state next year and we are determined”. Adding, “I’m trying to encourage the team to get prepared as early as possible.”
Depending on what Adams does Oviatt can be used in multiple spots do to his overall athleticism saying, “I hope to contribute on both sides of the ball, with my forte being kicking which I would like to demonstrate in 2014.” Matt McCarthy (5-7 180 Jr. Utility) will be another all league kid coming back.
The younger athletes at Newberg are better then they have been in some time. Adams will be one of the best in the Northwest for the 2017 class , and Marcus Dufour LB (6-2 190 So.) is one of the top Sophomore backers in the state earning 2nd team all conference honors this past season.
Overall Newberg should compete in the Three Rivers League with some of the top ranked programs in Oregon. We look forward to seeing the Tiger athletes over the off season, as they should be well represented on the field in the coming year.
