The Keanon Lowe Effect: How Mountainside High School Football Became A 6A Metro League Powerhouse
The Mountainside High School Mavericks football program has undergone a stunning transformation, officially shedding its "new school" status to become a legitimate powerhouse in the competitive Oregon 6A classification. As of December 26, 2025, the Mavericks are firmly established as one of the teams to beat in the vaunted Metro League, a rise driven by a culture of brotherhood, dramatic on-field victories, and the inspiring leadership of their head coach.
This success is not just about wins and losses; it's about a complete shift in program identity, highlighted by their historic 2024 season that saw them capture their first-ever league title. The trajectory of the Mavericks under their current coaching staff promises sustained excellence, with the 2025 season cementing their place among the state's elite programs and setting new expectations for the years to come.
The Architect of the Mavericks: Coach Keanon Lowe’s Inspiring Biography
The foundation of Mountainside’s football renaissance is Head Coach Keanon Lowe, a figure whose life story is as inspiring as his coaching impact. His leadership transcends the playbook, instilling a sense of community, accountability, and resilience in the Mavericks program.
- Full Name: Keanon Lowe
- Role at Mountainside: Head Football Coach and Track Coach
- Hiring Date: Hired as Mountainside's Head Football Coach in 2023.
- Playing Career (College): Wide Receiver for the Oregon Ducks (University of Oregon).
- Playing Career (Professional): Brief stints in the NFL and CFL.
- Coaching Experience: Coached at the collegiate level with the UCLA Bruins and Nebraska Cornhuskers before returning to Oregon high school football.
- Notable Act of Heroism: Gained national attention for his heroic intervention at Parkrose High School, where he physically disarmed an armed student, preventing a potential tragedy. This act underscores his character and commitment to student welfare.
- Coaching Philosophy: Focuses on building a "brotherhood" and aiming to make the Mavericks a consistent powerhouse in Oregon high school football.
Lowe’s return to Oregon high school football after college coaching stops was a monumental hire for Mountainside, providing the young program with a high-profile, high-integrity leader. His ability to connect with players and his commitment to developing well-rounded athletes has been the catalyst for the Mavericks' recent success.
The Breakthrough: Mountainside's Historic 2024 Metro League Title Run
The 2024 season marked a seismic shift for the Mountainside Mavericks, culminating in their program-defining moment: clinching a share of their first-ever 6A Metro League title. This achievement was especially significant as the Metro League is historically dominated by programs like Jesuit High School and Beaverton High School.
Dominating the League Rivals
The Mavericks’ league success was built on two major statements. The most impactful was a massive 58-35 victory over the 10-time reigning league champion Jesuit Crusaders, a win that signaled a changing of the guard in the Metro League landscape. They followed this up by clinching the title with a decisive 41-0 shutout victory over the Beaverton Beavers on November 1, 2024. The Mavericks' offense was explosive, with players like Ballew, Hicks, and Vyhlidal doing significant damage on the ground behind an anchor offensive line led by center James Hartshorn.
A Dramatic OSAA Playoff Journey
The momentum carried into the 2024 OSAA 6A Open State Football Championships. The Mavericks, seeded No. 8, faced Tualatin in the first round and secured a thrilling, come-from-behind victory with a final score of 44-39. Standout quarterback Cade Mitchell was a key figure in the dramatic rally, showcasing the team's grit and clutch performance.
Their playoff run, however, came to an end in the quarterfinals. The Mavericks fell 35-0 to the No. 1 overall seed Lake Oswego Lakers on November 15, 2024, a tough loss that nevertheless solidified Mountainside's position as a top-tier program in the state. The 2024 season was a clear indicator that the Mountainside football program belongs "up with the big dogs" of Oregon high school football.
Key Players and the Current 2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season has been a testament to the program's ability to reload and remain competitive, even as they face the high expectations that come with being a league champion. The Mavericks continue to compete at the highest level of the 6A Metro League, with a roster featuring several key returning players and exciting new talent.
The Defensive Standout: Ryan Madson
One of the most decorated players to emerge from the recent success is Ryan Madson. Madson, who was a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball, split the prestigious Metro League Player of the Year honor for his exceptional performance. His impact was felt across the field, with plays including a blocked punt, a sack, and a forced fumble, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. Madson's leadership is a cornerstone of the Mavericks' defensive identity.
The 2025 Campaign: High-Stakes Rivalries
The 2025 season schedule featured several high-stakes matchups that tested the Mavericks' mettle. A key moment of the season was the rematch against the Jesuit Crusaders. In a highly anticipated contest, Jesuit managed to get their revenge, defeating Mountainside 28-23, a victory that put the Crusaders at No. 8 in the 2025 Oregon High School Football rankings. Despite the loss, the tight scoreline against a top-ranked rival demonstrates the program's continued competitiveness.
The team’s ability to "pile up the points" has remained a hallmark of the Keanon Lowe era, even as they adjust to new rosters and new challenges. Players like Victory Orikannu, Jacen Wilber, Andrew Ramtel, Jordan Hicks, and Sean Gerigk are among the key athletes listed on the 2024-2025 roster who are driving the current success and future potential of the program.
The Future of Mountainside Football
The Mountainside Mavericks are no longer a fledgling program. Under the dedicated and inspirational guidance of Coach Keanon Lowe, they have established a winning culture, secured a historic Metro League title, and proven they can compete with the most established teams in OSAA 6A football. The program is built on a strong sense of "brotherhood" and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
As the Mavericks look to the future, the focus will be on maintaining their league dominance and advancing deeper into the challenging OSAA playoffs. With a solid foundation, a championship pedigree, and a coach who is a true community hero, Mountainside High School football is poised to be a perennial contender in Oregon high school athletics for years to come.
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