By Joe Petshow
For Columbia Gorge News
HOOD RIVER — The more things change, the more they stay the same, and for Hood River Valley football that means a good number of new faces in the starting lineup will be expected to embrace the same standard of success.
Fifteen seniors — many of them two-way starters — graduated in June after a four-year state playoff run. Those seniors actually extended the program’s state playoff streak to a school-record five, which is where the 2026 team begins its season.
“I don’t think you change your expectations … you go in trying to be as successful as possible by preparing well and working your tail off and doing everything you can to be the best you can be,” said Coach Caleb Sperry. He begins his 18th season as head coach along with assistants Vinnie Schlosser and Jeremy Dyal, who have been with him every step of the way.
“You keep the standard the standard and expect the teams will do what they can to meet that standard,” Sperry said. “You hope that that comes out on game day. Like any year, that will be our goal to compete hard, win this league and make the playoffs.”
HRV finished the 2024 regular season at 7-3 and was 8-2 a year ago. Each season ended with a first-round loss in the 5A state playoffs.
“I think I’ve said this a bunch of times in the past but that’s kind of the beauty of high school football, but also high school football in a small town, where you get these years where new faces get to step up and show what they can do and become the next generation of varsity, Eagle football players,” Sperry added. “It’s an exciting time for a lot of people on our team.”
Up front, seniors Milo Bielen and Aaron Smith were full-time starters in 2025. Bielen was the co-offensive player of the year in Special District 1 and Smith was a second team choice. “Our offensive line actually is pretty good; we’re excited about it,” Sperry said. “We’ve got two and a half starters back.”
Senior Ronin Haglund started a couple of games on the line for the Eagles a season ago. He will be joined by senior Reese Reierson, who missed last season because of an injury. Kashman Morgan is the lone junior expected to start on the offensive front at center.
Sperry said: “Just looking at the landscape of 5A football, a lot of teams struggle to put five guys out there that they really trust. I don’t think that’s the case for us. I think they are five guys that we have a lot of faith in and know they can get the job done. They’re athletic, they can move, they’re strong.”
Sophomore Ian Wells is the starting quarterback. “He’s worked his tail off to get better as a thrower and understanding the nuances of the position,” Sperry said. Wells has one of the top 5A receivers in senior Davin Snyder, who also is a dangerous kick returner. Snyder was a first-team all-district receiver in 2025 and second team safety.
Senior Jose Betancourt-Valle, who has a penchant for seeking contact as a ball carrier, will be joined in the offensive backfield and at linebacker by junior transfer Jace Meyers. Sperry said Meyers will “help out quite a bit.” Brady Rice, known more locally for his basketball skills, is out for football as a receiver and defensive back. “He gets better and better [each practice]. He’s a great athlete,” Sperry said.
Sperry said the district outlook starts with newcomer Sandy High. The Pioneers, who rejoined Class 5A this fall, won a 6A playoff game last season and Coach Josh Dill’s team returns 16 seniors with varsity experience. The five-team district also includes 6A Gresham, a playoff team a season ago, 6A David Douglas of East Portland, and Centennial of Gresham.
Hood River Valley opens its season Aug. 28 in a jamboree at Hudsons Bay High School in Vancouver. The Eagles play their first full game on Sept. 4 — a nonleague test at Canby.
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