News Summary

Salem-Keizer is buzzing with excitement as local high school football stars have been nominated for the Best Player Poll. With a decade-long tradition of athletic excellence, fans are urged to vote for their favorite player before the poll closes on July 25. Notable nominees include Jeremiah Earhart, Isaiah Gould, and Kaden McCarty, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game. As the community rallies to support its athletes, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable talent emerging from this vibrant region.

Exciting Times for Salem-Keizer Football Fans!

The buzz in Salem-Keizer is palpable as local high school football stars have been nominated for the prestigious Best Player Poll. Over the last decade, this vibrant area has produced an impressive lineup of football talent, making it a hotbed for athletic excellence. With the poll set to close at noon on Friday, July 25, there’s no time to waste for fans eager to support their favorite players. Simply head to the website for your chance to weigh in on who deserves the title of the best 6A/5A football player in this incredible area.

Meet the Contenders

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout nominees who have made their mark on the field:

Jeremiah Earhart

First up is Jeremiah Earhart, a name that echoes through the halls of Salem high school football. In 2016, he dazzled fans by rushing for over 2,000 yards and took home the coveted title of Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year in Oregon. This young star has committed to Linfield College, where he will continue to shine in both football and baseball.

Isaiah Gould

Next on the list is Isaiah Gould, a two-time all-state nominee from West Salem. With accolades including a 1,000-yard receiving season in 2018, Gould transitioned to play at Oregon State from 2019 to 2023. His journey didn’t stop there; he was drafted into the NFL by the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, making him a local hero.

Dylan Hurlburt

Another fierce competitor is Dylan Hurlburt, who earned back-to-back titles as the Greater Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018. His fierce dedication earned him a spot on the all-state first team in both years, leading him to play at the University of Montana post-high school.

Kaden McCarty

The incredible Kaden McCarty made headlines as the 2021 5A Offensive Player of the Year, guiding Silverton to a state championship. Accumulating over 3,000 passing yards across two seasons, he boasts a 3-star rating on 247sports and now plays for Western Oregon, where his future looks bright.

Jaden Rodriguez

Meet Jaden Rodriguez, whose versatility shines through as both an offensive and defensive all-state first team player in 2022. A 3-star recruit on 247sports, he committed to Colorado State, showcasing his athleticism by participating in all 13 games last season as a redshirt freshman linebacker.

Marlon Tuipulotu

Another name that demands recognition is Marlon Tuipulotu. With consecutive state Defensive Player of the Year awards for Central in 2015 and 2016, this powerhouse was also a first-team all-state performer on both sides of the ball. After college football at USC, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and joined the Kansas City Chiefs, reaching Super Bowl LIX in 2025.

Zach Walling

Zach Walling is another amazing talent, known for being a first-team all-state linebacker in 2019 and rushing for over 1,000 yards in his senior year. Wrapping up high school with more than 350 tackles and about 2,900 rushing yards, he played at Oregon State and then Nevada.

Cole Waples

Lastly, let’s spotlight Cole Waples, who lit up the field with a 1,000-yard receiving season in 2024. Garnering all-star first team spots as a wide receiver and defensive back, he’s set to continue his journey by committing to Portland State.

Supporting Local Football

Adding to the pride for Salem-Keizer is Linfield University’s ongoing postseason run in the NCAA Division III playoffs, where several former players from the area are contributing. Caleb Sell has made a name for himself as a defensive lineman from Cascade High, while Jackson Pfeifer and Ethan Hoppe have also made solid impacts on the team.

As the poll draws nearer to closing, don’t miss your chance to participate in celebrating our local football stars. They’ve shown exceptional talent, determination, and love for the game, and now it’s up to the community to decide who stands out as the best! Let’s rally together, support our athletes, and get those votes in!

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