The Clackamas football team has got it going on.

After going 3-3 in last year's pandemic-shortened season, the Cavaliers bring back most of their starters, a ton of confidence, and a burning desire to finish on top.

"I think our expectation is to compete for the conference title. I think that we are fully capable of doing that," said Clackamas coach James Holan. "I think that Central Catholic will be leading the race, but one of the things I'm so proud of about this group … (is our ability to) and stay focused on process and focused on the journey not so much the destination."

Offense

This year's version of the Cavaliers will be led by junior quarterback Blake Baker (6-foot, 170 pounds), senior wide receiver Miles Williams (6-0, 180), junior running back Luke Ash (5-9, 170), senior wide receiver K.J. Johnson-Gibson (5-11, 175), senior offensive lineman Kage Casey (6-5, 275 and a Boise State commit), senior tight end Kaden Ludwick (6-4, 245 and a Colorado commit) and senior offensive lineman Logan Chastain (6-0, 270).

"Offensively, we are anchored by our running game and junior running back Luke Ash," Holan said, adding that Casey "anchors our (line and) is also a tremendous student," while Ludwick is "tough and explosive."

Williams, meanwhile, has offers from Oregon State, Nevada, and Eastern Washington, and is a "polished route runner who has the ability to take the top off," Holan said.

Now, the Cavaliers want to get out there and knock heads.

"Our guys are super ready to play," Holan said. "They're executing at a high level at practice, and they're holding each other accountable."

Clackamas

Head coach: James Holan

2020-21 record: 1-1 in Mt. Hood Conference play, 3-3 overall

2021 outlook: "I believe the Mt. Hood Conference title will come down to us and Central Catholic. I believe we both have tremendous teams this year, with us both returning most of our starters from last year. They've got great players, are well coached and we can't wait for the opportunity to play them." — James Holan

League contenders: Clackamas, Central Catholic

Defense

Some of those same athletes will play huge roles on defense, too, including Ludwick at linebacker, Williams at defensive back and Chastain on the defensive line. 

Also ready for prominent roles are junior noseguard Logan Wacker (6-1, 275), junior linebacker Tyler King (6-4, 225), senior linebacker Josh Murray (6-0, 170), junior linebacker Sully McDaniel (6-2, 210) and Johnson-Gibson at cornerback.

Ludwick is "a problem in the run and pass game for offenses," Holan said, adding that Chastain may be "one of the strongest kids in the state of Oregon who anchors our (defensive line)," while Johnson-Gibson was a "standout at (cornerback) last season with four picks in six games."

Now, the Cavaliers are ready to take their best shot against the state's best teams.

"I'm excited to see these guys play because they were all starters from last year," Holan added. "I'm a big believer in scheduling 'up.' If you want to be the best, you've got to play the best."