Tigard high school has one of the top football programs in the State of Oregon, and in 2017 they should be powerful once again. On Friday, they play a crucial early-season tilt against Jesuit, the winner of which will stake a legitimate early claim to the title of No. 1 team in the state.

One of the best players for the Tigers is Oregon commit Braden Lenzy, the four-star rated athlete excelling on both sides of the ball for Craig Ruecker’s team.

This season another Lenzy will be in the starting lineup for Tigard as rising sophomore Max Lenzy will join his older brother making a run for the State Championship.

Last year for the younger Lenzy it was freshman football as a RB/DB. This year it is varsity cornerback for the rising sophomore.

“Freshman football was good for me,” said Lenzy. “It was a good experience. Last year I played safety, this year I will be playing corner.”

On the defensive side of the ball is also where Max Lenzy projects at the next level.

“I would prefer defense in college,” said Lenzy. “I think that is where I would fit in best.”

At 5-foot-10, 150-pounds, Lenzy is not big enough to play college football yet. But compared to the 125-pounds he weighed at this time last year, he is gaining mass quickly. In coverage and in run support, the extra 25 pounds of muscle gained in the last 12 months will come in handy as one of the Tigers' starting corners.

His big brother knows that he is ready for the challenge.

“He has great hands, he's always making a play on the ball,” said Braden Lenzy.

Though recruitment is just starting for the younger Lenzy, when Oregon does come calling he will have some interest, particularly with his brother planning to play in Eugene beginning next season.

“Yes it could have an influence,” said Lenzy. “I really like the Ducks and I will be a fan of them with my brother there.

“I went to two Duck games last year and have been to others in earlier years. Autzen is great.”

For this season however, the siblings are just going to enjoy being on the same team; Braden as an established senior, Max as a newcomer sophomore.

“We are close,” said the elder Lenzy. “It's been great to see him grow up and to play my last year of high school with him.”

This Saturday the Lenzy brothers will be in the stands for Oregon’s season-opener against Southern Utah as unofficial visitors.

And Duck fans can expect to see plenty of both of them over the next few years.