Mountain View football ready to make another deep playoff run

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Mountain View football has been a dominant force in the 5A classification for years.

Since moving back to 5A in 2022, the Cougars have made four semifinal appearances and finished as state runners-up twice. This season, Mountain View is once again expected to be one of the top teams in the classification, returning plenty of talented players, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Each year, the Cougars adopt a motto, and this season's message is “Pressure’s a Privilege.”

As the team begins fall camp, players say the focus is on taking the season one week at a time while continuing to uphold the standard that has been established within the program.

“We want to win every week. Take it week by week, going 1-0 every week. That's kind of our mindset,” Senior Jettson Gillam said.

The Cougars also emphasized the importance of discipline and doing the little things right.

“Going through the program all these years, we have a standard," Senior QB Liam Wheir said, "and being able to embody that standard is really important. It's about being disciplined and doing every little thing right.”

For the players, wearing the Mountain View uniform also comes with a sense of pride, especially given the program's reputation across the state.

“The last four years, everybody around the state always knows Mountain View football is a powerhouse." Senior RB Ryder Carpenter said. "It's great to wear it with pride, wear it on my back with my boys, and do it one last time with them.”

That brotherhood could be one of the Cougars' biggest strengths this season. Players say they know they can rely on one another when adversity strikes.

“I feel like we're all going to be there to help each other during games or in adversity, and I think that's what makes us special.” Senior Brady Nichols said.

Last season, Mountain View's run came to an end in the semifinals with a loss to Silverton.

The Cougars will look to take the next step this season when they open the 2026 campaign on August 28 against West Albany.