Tualatin enters the 2026 football season with a target on its back, and the endorsement came from across the rivalry divide: a head coach whose program has won two state championships in the past four years.
West Linn first-year head coach Anthony Newman named the Timberwolves the top threat in the Three Rivers League in a preview published Tuesday, Aug. 4.
"I think the team to beat this year in our league is Tualatin," Newman said. "I think that's the team. That's who everybody has to play their best to beat."
The declaration carries weight. Newman, who also continues as defensive coordinator, took over the Lions' head coaching role from Jon Eagle after seven years on staff. His West Linn squad returns 15 all-leaguers of its own, led by 2025 TRL Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Sloan Baker.
15 all-leaguers back for the Timberwolves
The numbers support Newman's assessment. Tualatin and West Linn are tied for the most returning all-league players in the TRL, each bringing back 15, according to a Lake Oswego Review preview published July 24. The Timberwolves return all-leaguers at eight offensive positions and seven on defense.
Leading the way is junior Iden Rule, a first-team selection at both running back and inside linebacker. Senior running back Cole Hachmeister (second team), senior quarterback Carter Powers (honorable mention) and first-team defensive lineman Zane Carley round out a deep returning core.
Junior safety Carter Lemon adds a two-sport dimension. The 5-foot-10, 150-pounder earned second-team all-TRL honors with 60 tackles and two interceptions last fall, then helped the Timberwolves win the 6A basketball state title in March, according to Sports Illustrated's preseason defensive back rankings.
Tualatin finished 6-4 in 2025 and lost in overtime to Jesuit in the playoffs. On3's preseason rankings slot the Timberwolves at No. 4 in Oregon, behind West Linn (No. 1), Lake Oswego (No. 2) and Central Catholic (No. 3).
Tigard rebuilds under Whitley
Down the road, Tigard faces a longer climb. First-year head coach Will Whitley inherits a program coming off a 1-8 season with just five returning all-leaguers, the fewest in the TRL. Four are on offense, including second-team running back Taison Cepeda and honorable-mention quarterback Aris Dimmick.
The Tigers' most versatile piece may be senior Jackson Morris, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound cornerback and wide receiver who can slide to safety or into the slot. On3 ranks Tigard No. 24 in Oregon.
A loaded league
The TRL posted the highest winning percentage (62%) among Oregon's six 6A leagues in 2025, producing three quarterfinalists, two semifinalists and the state champion (Lake Oswego) for the second consecutive year. But the defending champion Lakers graduated 50 seniors and return only eight all-leaguers, opening a window at the top.
TRL jamborees are set for Thursday, Aug. 27. West Linn opens its regular season against Central Catholic at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Pioneer Memorial Stadium. Tualatin's full 2026 schedule has not yet been published.
