LAKE OSWEGO Last season: 10-1, 8-0 league (first).

Coach: Steve Coury, 10th season.

Top players: Matthis Gehring, senior, nose tackle/lineman; Mark Maher, senior, running back/linebacker; Billy Andersen, junior, running back/defensive back; Andy Darkins, junior, linebacker; Caleb Schlesinger, senior, guard; Andrew Browning, senior, defensive end/tackle; Kyle Leber, senior, linebacker/lineman; Steve Hicks, senior, defensive back.

Outlook: The Lakers not only are talking about winning their second consecutive league title, they also are talking about winning a state championship.

Lake Oswego returns 15 starters. Maher (1,012 yards) and Andersen form one of the best running back duos in the state. Three players are competing at quarterback: senior John Dickinson, junior Michael Shoff and sophomore Michael Stutes.


LAKE OSWEGO (Three Rivers): The Lakers' strength will be their defense. Led by lineman Matthis Gehring (the Three Rivers League defensive player of the year), Lake Oswego has plenty of experience back from last year's team that went unbeaten in the regular season. Running back Mark Maher is expected to pick up where Cole Clasen left off, and the Lakers' front line is experienced and big. Quote: "I know (coach) Steve Coury has been saying for a few years that this senior class is the one that could compete for the state championship." -- Putnam coach Jon Wolf.

The Lowdown:

Coach Steve Coury is in his tenth year as the Lakers' head coach. He has built a great program, surrounding himself with quality assistants and now has the athletes to make a solid run for the state championship. Last year's league championship team had many juniors who had major playing time. In particular, the offensive and defensive lines are experienced, big, strong and quick.

Mark Maher (6-1 190, Sr, 2nd team All-League), a veteran RB, will lead the backfield with junior phenom Billy Anderson (5-7 185) starting in the backfield. Two players are vying for the QB spot, senior John Dickinson (6-2 190) and junior Michael Schoff (6-1 180). The Lakers undeniably have the best line in the league, if not the state. Offensive linemen Andrew Browning (6-3 250, Sr, HM All-State), Caleb Schlesinger (6-3 245, Sr) and Kyle Leber (6-4 215, Sr) all received first team All-League honors in 2000. They will be the driving force behind the Lakers. Matthis Gehring (6-1 255, Sr) and Matt Hutchinson (6-4 270, Sr) complete the all-senior line. Kyle Clark (6-2 250, Jr) will rotate on the line to keep everyone fresh.

Gehring was the League Defensive Player of the Year and will be one of the premier players in the state.

Players to watch:
OL Andrew Browning (6-3 250 Sr)
OL Kyle Leber (6-4 215, Sr)
OL Caleb Schlesinger (6-3 245, Sr)
OL Matthis Gehring (6-1 255, Sr)



Sleepers:
QB Michael Schoff (6-1 180, Jr)