Three Siuslaw footballers compete in all-state game
Blankenship, Johnson and Mann participate in game
July 12, 2022 — Three athletes from Florence were chosen for the 2022 Oregon 8th Grade All-State Game at South Albany High School on July 2. Micah Blankenship, Will Johnson and Jacob Mann were chosen for the team and will all be freshman at Siuslaw next year.
The team was led by coaches from Florence — Mike Blankenship, John Rose, Elijah Blankenship and Dan Rankin.
“Got to work with some really great kids this week,” said Rose. “Lots of talent, but the one thing that I really enjoyed was how respectful and thankful these young men were. Didn’t deal with any egos or attitudes and made some good memories.”
Typically, simply getting chosen to play for or coach an all-star team is in an accomplishment in itself. Even better for these athletes from Siuslaw, they also got the victory, 36-26.
“I had such a fun experience coaching such a great group of kids,” said Coach Blankenship. “They are incredible athletes and great human beings. Parents are raising these kids well.”
These three football players, along with their teammates on the Siuslaw football team, have already begun preparations for the fall football season and the defense of their state championship. The Viking schedule kicks off Sept. 2 with a non-league home game against Newport at 7 p.m.