History says you can always bet on Camas to make the state playoffs.
That’s been the case for the last 19 years.
But this season will be Camas’ first without longtime coach Roland Minder at the helm. First-year head coach Dan Macaya, who spent the last two seasons waiting in the wings on Minder’s staff, is determined to continue the success of his predecessor.
Minder turned around a program that had not posted a winning season prior to his 1995 arrival. The Papermakers have since been a steady force in the 4A Greater St. Helens League.
Macaya is himself one of the standout players Minder produced over the years. A Camas grad in 2003, he of all people knows he has massive shoes to fill.
He has retooled the Papermakers’ offense and hopes one of the steadiest programs over the last two decades won’t miss a beat.
“Many of the Camas traditions are still in place, but I hope to bring a renewed sense of possession-oriented offense,” Macaya said.
The Papermakers replace five seniors from last season, most notably All-Region player of the year Danny Wing. They will also be without All-Region selection and Oregon State commit Dominic Fewel, who underwent season-ending ankle surgery before the start of the season.
Another thing Macaya has emphasized is the importance of the team’s bond to the Camas community. Before the Papermakers’ season-opener, he said as much in an impassioned speech for the team.
“He said we’re playing for Camas, this is for everyone who has played before us,” senior Josh Schneider said. “I really feel like that got to the guys.”
Some of the players said they enjoy playing for a coach they know well from being with the program.
“It’s been awesome,” senior midfielder Jake Fuller said. “He’s come in and has a lot of new views on things. … So far the team’s embraced what he has to say and everyone is really ready to go.”
The Papermakers will be battling in a competitive 4A GSHL where the only returning head coach is Heritage’s Brian Housley. Skyview promoted JV coach Colleen McKinney and Union and Battle Ground promoted former varsity assistants Jason Moore and Edward Reinhardt, respectively.
The Storm could be a force to be reckoned with, too. Multiple coaches tabbed Skyview, which returns All-Region senior forward Mike Kimbrell, as the team to beat.
3A — Some coaches believe Prairie is the league favorite, but don’t expect the Falcons to run away with the title. Defending league champ Mountain View lost three first-team all-league selections and the co-league MVP, but the Thunder field a senior-laden roster.
2A — After earning the top seed at last year’s state tournament before falling in the opening game, Columbia River returns all 11 starters and two first-team All-Region players from a team that went 17-2 and won the 2A Greater St. Helens League last season. For that, the Chieftains should be the 2A Greater St. Helens League favorite. Ridgefield will compete for the top spot in league, too. The Spudders have made 10 consecutive state appearances, but replace the majority of their starting lineup from last season. R.A. Long finished .500 in league last season, but the Lumberjacks return first-team all-league selections Jesus and Manuel Cabrera.
1A — Expect a battle between La Center and Toledo-Winlock for the top spot in Trico. The Wildcats roster features seven seniors and Toledo-Winlock, which went undefeated in league last season, should be strong again. Seton Catholic finished fifth in this Trico last season, but returns all but one starter.
