Top questions for Salem-area football teams heading into the 2024 season

High school football will make its long-awaited return to Salem-Keizer this week as programs across the area kick off the 2024 season.

As we head into the opener, here are some of the biggest questions facing teams in Marion and Polk counties.

Can South Salem’s passing attack remain dominant?

Last season, South Salem was one of the most prolific passing teams in the state. Led by star quarterback Athan Palmateer, the Saxons swept the conference and finished with a 7-0 league record.

Palmateer has graduated, and whoever wins the battle for South Salem’s starting quarterback position will get the keys to a talent-rich offense that features many standout players returning from last year’s team.

How will West Salem replace its transfer stars?

Since the end of last season, West Salem saw two of its top players transfer out of the program. All-conference quarterback Kaden Martirano is playing at West Albany this fall, and do-it-all junior DaMari Hall has transferred to Bishop Gorman in Nevada.

The Titans still have plenty of stars, though. Evan Wusstig is one of the state’s top receivers and defensive backs, and Hudson Whipple is a commanding presence at tight end.

Can North Salem build on its recent successes?

Since returning to the 6A level in 2022, North Salem has looked like a program on the rise. The Vikings reached the Columbia Cup final two seasons ago and qualified for the postseason once again last fall.

North will have to replace two of the league’s best players in Oregon quarterback TC Manumaleuna and Special District 1 co-offensive player of the year Jamahl Wilson. But with Braxton Singleton (WR/DB), Enrike Aguilar (OL/DL) and Jakai Phillips (RB/CB) on the team, among others, the future looks bright for the Vikings.

Can Silverton’s offensive line pave the way for another deep postseason run?

Silverton has reached the 5A state quarterfinals or better in each of the past six seasons and captured a state title in 2021. The Foxes were eliminated by Mountain View in the semifinals last season but are bringing back a ton of talent from that team.

Sawyer Teeney is one of the state’s top returning quarterbacks and could compete for 5A Offensive Player of the Year. He’ll play behind a loaded offensive line that includes a pair of All-State seniors in Eli Willis and Brash Henderson.

Where do Cascade and Stayton fit into the 4A landscape?

Cascade and Stayton had plenty of bright moments in 2023, and both programs boast exciting playmaking talent. But neither team will have an easy path to the postseason this fall, as 4A Special District 3 is stacked from top to bottom.

Marist Catholic reached the 4A title game last fall and features the return of all-state quarterback Nick Hudson. Junction City reached the quarterfinals and Philomath was on the cusp of making the postseason despite finishing the year with a 5-4 record.

Can St. Paul maintain its success at the 2A level?

St. Paul produced a sensational 2023 campaign. The Buckaroos went undefeated in league play, reached the 1A Eight-Man Semifinals and finished the year 10-2.

They’ll face a big test this fall as they make the jump to 2A and join a league that features several traditionally strong programs. St. Paul should get a big boost from star senior Clay Smith, who earned second-team all-state honors as both a running back and linebacker in 2023.

Jarrid Denney covers high school and Oregon State sports for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at [email protected] or X @jarrid_denney

Breaking

Top questions for Salem-area football teams heading into the 2024 season

ByS. Jacob

Can South Salem’s passing attack remain dominant?

How will West Salem replace its transfer stars?

Can North Salem build on its recent successes?

Can Silverton’s offensive line pave the way for another deep postseason run?

Where do Cascade and Stayton fit into the 4A landscape?

Can St. Paul maintain its success at the 2A level?

By S. Jacob

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