Beyond the Score: Episode 57
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- On Episode 57 of Beyond the Score, I give you my preseason predictions for the IMC conference in high school football. Plus, I highlight several other fall sports and spotlight the top players to watch in each sport.
2026 IMC Football Preseason Predictions
7. Redmond Panthers
Starting at the bottom, I have the Redmond Panthers finishing 0-6 in league play and 1-8 overall, good for 27th in the state.
The last two years, I have been higher on the Panthers, but this past season they graduated several key playmakers. For years, Redmond has been a hard-nosed team that likes to run the football, and I would like to see them continue that identity this season as players step into new roles.
The Panthers do have some talented players returning, including Gannon McNulty. It will also be interesting to see how they find different ways to get the ball to track star Carter Wachs, because he has the ability to make a big impact.
6. Crook County Cowboys
Finishing sixth, I have the Crook County Cowboys going 1-5 in league play and 1-8 overall.
The Cowboys had a difficult task last season, replacing key seniors while also joining the IMC. That challenge will continue heading into the new year.
Crook County lost some important skill-position players, but the defense should remain a strength. The Cowboys return several key defensive players, including Logan Griffin, Taven Deck and Garrett Nash.
If Crook County can win the battles up front, with offensive lineman Sawyer Orton leading the way, the Cowboys could potentially put together a few more wins than I am predicting.
5. Bend High Lava Bears
At number five, I have the Bend High Lava Bears going 2-4 in league play and 2-6 overall.
Bend High could finish higher or lower than this prediction. This is almost a brand-new team, making the Lava Bears one of the tougher teams in the conference to predict.
Bend High may have lost the most impact players in the IMC to graduation last season. Nearly a dozen All-IMC players graduated, leaving a younger group to step into new roles this season.
The Lava Bears do return some players along the offensive and defensive lines, along with breakout running back Trey Lawrence, who dominated as a freshman last season.
I expect Bend to run the football quite a bit this season, and it will be fun to watch a new group of players make a name for themselves on Friday nights.
4. Caldera Wolfpack
At number four, I have the Caldera Wolfpack going 3-3 in league play and 3-6 overall.
The Wolfpack had some players leave through transfers and graduation, but their defense was the strongest part of the team last season, and they return several key players on that side of the ball.
Their linebacker core is stacked with Cooper Hanson, DJ Bradley, Ian Calhoon and Ben Cox.
They also return several other defenders who should make an impact, but Caldera's success will likely rely heavily on its offensive group—and that means getting the ball to one of the most electric players in the state, Waylon Clarke.
Clarke was a first-team All-IMC selection last season. Not only is he fast, but he is also a physical runner who can be tough to stop once he gets going downhill.
If the Wolfpack can find balance on offense and get Clarke plenty of touches, they could surprise some teams this season.
3. Ridgeview Ravens
At number three, I have the Ridgeview Ravens going 4-2 in league play and 6-3 overall.
The Ravens have been an interesting team over the past few years and have done a good job filling the holes left by graduating seniors. This year will have to be more of the same if they want to contend for a league title.
On offense, Ridgeview returns key linemen Preston Temple and Grayson Rouse.
At wide receiver, the Ravens have a dangerous duo, with Finn Chambers leading the way and Callen Schaefer making an impact on the other side of the field.
On defense, key players such as Seraph Homann return, giving Ridgeview a balanced roster heading into the season.
If the Ravens can light it up through the passing game like they did a year ago and find ways to create turnovers on defense, they could be in line for another trip to the playoffs and a push toward the top of the IMC standings.
2. Summit Storm
Now we are down to the final two teams.
My prediction for the Intermountain Conference champion is... the Mountain View Cougars, which means Summit takes the second spot at 5-1 in league play and 7-2 overall.
The Storm had an undefeated regular season last year before falling in the state championship game.
The reason I have Summit at number two is because of the star-studded senior class they graduated. However, this team is going to be a threat in 5A yet again.
The Storm have everything you want at the line of scrimmage with Ben Goalen and Peter Stanley. They are more athletic than most teams and will show that with newcomers stepping into roles at wide receiver and running back.
Cade Nitzschke will lead the wide receiver room, and he will be catching passes from one of the best quarterbacks in the state, Andrew Guthrie.
Guthrie should have a big year, and I would like to see the Storm air it out more this season to showcase his talents.
The defense took a big hit with the graduation of several key players, but I have no doubt Summit will find players ready to fill those shoes.
Watch out for the Storm as they find their rhythm this season and push for back-to-back league titles—and a state championship.
1. Mountain View Cougars
For the Mountain View Cougars, I have them going 6-0 in league play and 8-1 overall.
The first thing you should think of when it comes to Mountain View this season is defense.
Not only did the Cougars have one of the best defenses in the state last year, but they also return eight of their 11 starters.
That defense is led by one of the best linebacker groups in the state, featuring Landon Wimmer, Carson Bottemiller and Tanner Loch. They will fly around the field, force turnovers and create problems for opposing offenses.
Mountain View also returns two of the best offensive players in Central Oregon in running back Ryder Carpenter and tight end Jettson Gillam.
Quarterback Liam Wheir brings experience, while the offensive line should once again be a strength, led by Brady Nichols.
If Mountain View can find balance on offense, the Cougars will have a legitimate chance to make a run at the state title.
Top 5 Volleyball Players to Watch in 2026
And now for the top five volleyball players to watch this season.
5. McKenna Maykut — Crook County
At number five, we have Crook County's McKenna Maykut.
Crook County joined the IMC last season, and Maykut immediately stood out for the Cowgirls. Crook County finished in the middle of the pack in the IMC last year, but the Cowgirls will look to push toward the top three this season, with Maykut making an impact both in the middle and on the outside.
4. Ellie Correa — Summit
At number four, I have Summit's Ellie Correa.
One of the most electric players on the court last season was Summit's Ellie Correa. Correa is poised for an even bigger breakout this year as she takes on the role of lead hitter for the Storm.
The senior helped lead Summit to a fourth-place finish at the state tournament last season, and with Correa on the court, the Storm will once again be a threat in 5A.
3. Kailyn Cooper — Bend High
At number three, we have Bend High's Kailyn Cooper.
As a freshman last season, Cooper earned first-team All-IMC honors and was named third-team All-State.
The now-sophomore hitter became one of the most dependable point scorers for the Lava Bears during their state runner-up run last season. Her skills should continue to improve, and she is set to make a big impact in her second season wearing a Lava Bears uniform.
2. Jessie Doorn — Summit
At number two, we have another Summit star, Jessie Doorn.
Doorn is one of the best setters in the state, and her skill set impacts nearly every area of the court.
Doorn was named first-team All-IMC and first-team All-State last season. Her ability to deliver accurate sets gives the Storm an advantage on offense, while her leadership will continue to be a major part of Summit's success this season.
1. Brooklyn Fobi — Bend High
And our number one player to watch this year is Bend High's Brooklyn Fobi.
New to town last season, Fobi quickly put not only Central Oregon on notice, but the entire state.
The senior was named IMC Player of the Year and earned first-team honors as a hitter for Bend High. When Fobi gets a clean hit, opposing defenders have their work cut out for them.
This season, she leads a loaded Bend High team. After finishing as the state runner-up a year ago, Fobi and the Lava Bears have plenty of motivation heading into the new season.
Top 5 Girls Soccer Players to Watch in 2026
Here are my top five girls soccer players to watch this season as the 2026 high school season gets underway.
5. Georgia Koch — Redmond
At number five, we have Redmond's Georgia Koch.
The senior has been one of the bright spots for the Panthers over the years. Koch can play several different positions, moving between midfield and forward depending on what Redmond needs.
With the Panthers returning a large group of players, Koch and company could make a push toward the top three in the IMC this season.
4. Piper Abrams — Bend High
At number four, we have our first Bend High Lava Bear, Piper Abrams.
Abrams has probably been one of the most underrated players in the Intermountain Conference over the past two years. She is a terrific team player who can score from almost anywhere on the field.
In the state championship game last season, it was Abrams who scored the lone goal to lead Bend High to the state title.
Her ball control, leadership and experience will be key as she helps guide a talented Bend High roster back toward another deep playoff run.
3. Brooklyn Mettler — Bend High
At number three, we have the second Lava Bear on the list, Bend High goalkeeper Brooklyn Mettler.
One of the most memorable quotes I've gotten from any sport came from Bend High coach Scott Sagar, who said, "It's one thing to get past my defense, but when you have to score on Brooklyn Mettler, good luck."
The Bend High junior is, in my eyes, the best goalkeeper in the state.
Mettler recorded a shutout in the state championship game last season, and in 18 games, she allowed one goal or fewer in 17 of them.
Mettler consistently shows up in the biggest moments, and that's a major reason she comes in at number three on this list.
2. Coco Skovborg — Summit
At number two, I have another top player in the state, Summit's Coco Skovborg.
Skovborg has been an elite player for the Storm for years. As she heads into her final season, she hopes to lead Summit farther than it has ever gone—to a state title appearance.
Skovborg is an excellent facilitator from the midfield and is also a top-tier goal scorer.
Her experience and talent should once again help lead the Storm toward a deep playoff run.
1. Shea Manfredi — Bend High
And for my number one player to watch, we have Bend High's Shea Manfredi.
Manfredi is the third player from the reigning state champions to make this list, which shows just how talented this Bend High team really is.
And Manfredi Mania is something spectacular to watch.
Heading into her senior year, Manfredi is coming off a season in which she scored 22 goals and added 13 assists. She dismantled defenses throughout the season and consistently showed up in the biggest games.
Manfredi won the 5A Player of the Year award and committed to New Mexico this past year.
Be on the lookout for Shea Manfredi to be one of the most dominant players in the state this season.
Top 5 Boys Soccer Players to Watch in 2026
Here are my top five boys soccer players to watch as the 2026 high school season gets underway.
5. Adrian Rosales — Crook County
At number five, we have Adrian Rosales from Crook County.
The Crook County senior has impressed during his time with the Cowboys and has helped lead the program through its transition to the 5A classification.
The Cowboys have found success in 4A and competed well in 5A last season. With Rosales leading the way, Crook County will look to take another step forward this year.
4. Jack Thrasher — Redmond
At number four, we have Redmond's Jack Thrasher.
Redmond had plenty of talent on the field last season, and Thrasher was one of the Panthers' biggest stars.
Redmond finished 9-3 in the IMC last year, and with Thrasher leading the way, the Panthers could be closer to the top of the conference than some teams might expect.
Thrasher was also named first-team All-IMC last season.
3. Bentley Malacon Deal — Bend High
At number three, I have one of the best goalkeepers in the state, Bentley Malacon Deal.
Bentley has played for a Caldera team that has struggled over the past couple of seasons, but his ability in the net has been well known by coaches throughout Central Oregon.
The goalkeeper recorded 124 saves last season with a 78 percent save percentage.
Now, Malacon Deal has transferred to Bend High, making the third-place team in the IMC from a year ago even stronger.
The matchups between Bend High and Summit just became a lot more interesting with Bentley in net.
2. Will Newton — Summit
At number two, I have, in my opinion, the best forward in the IMC and one of the best in the state, Summit's Will Newton.
Every time Newton gets possession of the ball, opposing defenses have to worry and the crowd is on the edge of its seat.
Newton is one of the most electric players in Oregon high school soccer, and he's only a junior.
Last season, Newton scored 19 goals and added six assists.
He will draw plenty of attention from opposing defenses all season long and will lead a loaded Summit roster on the offensive end.
1. Quentin Swanston — Summit
And my number one player to watch this season is Newton's teammate, Quentin Swanston.
Swanston is one of the best defenders in the state and a leader for the Summit Storm.
The senior won IMC Player of the Year a season ago and anchors Summit's defense.
Swanston helped lead the Storm to 14 straight shutouts, and his skill set is on par with anyone in the state.
Not only can he lock down opposing forwards, but he can also make an impact in Summit's attack, giving the Storm another offensive threat that opponents have to deal with.
