Welcome to our 2023 high school football previews! We’ll be giving you a look at several local teams leading up to the start of the season. Today’s feature is the Chiloquin Panthers. Don’t forget to check out our Henley Hornets, Klamath Union Pelicans, Mazama Vikings and Crosspoint Christian Warriors previews too.
At a glance
Head coach: Brandon Hoaglen (first season)
Classification: 1A (8-player)
League: Special District 1
2022 record: 2-5 (1-4 SD1)
Playoffs: Did not qualify
Returning starters: 5 offensive, 5 defensive
State championships: None
Season outlook
No player on the Chiloquin football team was alive when the Panthers last made the playoffs.
The year was 2004. Haloti Ngata was an Oregon Duck, Jerry Rice was a Seattle Seahawk, and the Chiloquin Panthers were headed to the 2A playoffs after finishing the regular season 7-2. They hosted Bandon in the first round. They lost 40-0.
So began a drought that has persisted through almost two decades, a drop in classification, and now five coaching changes. Chiloquin has had just two winning seasons during this stretch, most recently in 2018.
When Ron Schroeder became the latest Panthers coach to leave the job after the 2022 season, Chiloquin gave the reins to his assistant, Brandon Hoaglen. Hoaglen attended Chiloquin from 2007-2011 and was a multi-sport star, excelling in football, basketball, baseball and track. He went on to play football at Haskell Indian Nations University, but his career was cut short when the school dropped the sport after the 2014 season.
Hoaglen joined the Chiloquin football staff in 2021, coaching under Schroeder for two seasons. Although the Panthers finished 2-5 in both of those seasons, Hoaglen said he learned a lot from Schroeder about how to lead a program.
“He taught me never to give up, no matter the odds, and always be a learner of the game and try to help these boys out not only in football, but in life,” Hoaglen said.
Hoaglen said Schroeder deserves credit for what he did for the Panthers. In 2019, Chiloquin was struggling to fill the head coach position, and the program was at risk of folding. Despite having no coaching experience, Schroeder took the job, keeping the team afloat.
Still, Schroeder’s lack of experience led to some problems. Hoaglen said the program suffered from a lack of organization, which he’s worked to address since taking over.
“When you come into a situation where everything’s everywhere, and there’s not really a set thing of what we’re supposed to do, I think that’s where the downfall was,” Hoaglen said. “It takes a lot of structure and a lot of discipline.”
Hoaglen’s approach to structure and discipline involves emphasizing some core values.
“One big thing that I tell them is ‘[when] you commit to something, you commit to it 100 percent’,” Hoaglen said. “I teach these boys…be patient, because it doesn’t happen overnight. Success isn’t overnight.”
Hoaglen said his ability to relate to his players–several of whom are, like him, members of the Klamath Tribes–combined with the credibility his accomplishments give him has been important in gaining their trust.
“Not to toot my own horn, but I think I bring…accolades behind what it is I’m talking about,” Hoaglen said. “I think that really resonates with the boys, especially being Native American…because a lot of their parents and aunts and uncles have those same accolades.”
In terms of tactical changes, Hoaglen said he plans to completely revamp the Panthers offense. He’s highly confident in his new quarterback, senior Horseman Weiser.
“This kid is lightning on his feet,” Hoaglen said. “He’s picking up the offense really, really fast. He can throw the ball really accurate.”
Weiser attended 4A Henley for his first three years of high school, playing for the Hornets as a freshman before missing the next two seasons. While rust doesn’t seem to be an issue for him, Weiser said he’s had to adjust to the dynamics of 8-player football.
“It’s…way different only having three linemen there and two receivers,” Weiser said. “But I don’t think it’ll be a challenge. [I have] way more room to work with.”
One of Weiser’s top targets should be senior wide receiver Micah Hescock, who played football for the first time last season. Hoaglen said it only took a few games for Hescock’s talent to become apparent.
“That kid has hands…like he’s been playing his whole life,” Hoaglen said. “He’s just an athlete.”
Chiloquin has some young talent, too. Freshman Lalan Wilder has already impressed Hoaglen enough to earn the starting slot receiver job.
“He can make any play out there that I need him to make,” Hoaglen said.
As he prepares for the season, Hoaglen said he’s benefited from a large personal network when it comes to getting advice on the various aspects of running a team.
“A lot of my teammates that I went to school with and played with at Haskell are now coaching,” Hoaglen said. “Having those connections right there has really been crucial for me in this transition into head coaching.”
In keeping with the patience he preaches to his players, Hoaglen said that while ending Chiloquin’s playoff drought would make for a great season, it isn’t something he’s thinking about right now. He does, however, believe that 2023 will be memorable for the Panthers–and their opponents.
“This year is going to be different,” Hoaglen said. “All those teams that we play this year, they’re going to find out that we’re different.”
To hear more from Brandon Hoaglen and Horseman Weiser as well as Micah Hescock and Austin Earle, check out the extended interview highlights on our YouTube page!
Players to watch
Austin Earle, RB/LB/K/P, senior
- Played much of 2022 with a shoulder injury
- Will be a two-way starter in addition to handling kicking and punting duties
- Has improved his agility significantly during the offseason
Horseman Weiser, QB/CB/KR, senior
- Played freshman year at 4A Henley…missed next two seasons
- Well-regarded for his speed and throwing accuracy
- Member of the Klamath Tribes
Micah Hescock, WR/CB/KR, senior
- Will be a two-way starter, return kicks, and serve as backup quarterback in his second year playing football
- Well-regarded for his hands and speed
- Member of the Klamath Tribes
Isaiah Reynolds, TE/DE, senior
- Will be a two-way starter
- Has improved his catching ability significantly during the offseason
Lalan Wilder, WR/LB, freshman
- Will start at slot receiver
- Well-regarded for his athleticism, hitting and playmaking ability
- Member of the Klamath Tribes
Schedule
All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
* denotes non-league games
*Aug. 31 @ Bonanza
*Sept. 7 @ Tulelake JV (Calif.) 5 p.m.
Sept. 15 vs Crosspoint Christian
Sept. 23 @ Myrtle Point 2 p.m.
Sept. 29 vs Mohawk
*Oct. 6 @ Perrydale 5 p.m.
Oct. 12 vs Lost River
Oct. 20 @ Camas Valley
Oct. 27 @ Bonanza
