Standout lineman Jace Eveland representing his former school (Putnam) and his new school (Redmond) at this week’s Les Schwab Bowl

By Dan Brood 

At Saturday’s Les Schwab Bowl, Jace Eveland will be representing Team Columbia as he battles in the trenches at the high school football all-star game.

He’ll also be representing Rex Putnam High School at the contest that will feature many of the top players from Oregon.

But it doesn’t stop there.

He’ll also be representing Redmond High School.

How is that happening?

“My dad got a job in Redmond, so we’re moving out there,” the 6-foot-7, 305-pound Eveland said after Team Columbia’s practice session Tuesday. “I’m excited to be a part of Redmond’s program. They’re a good team, and we’ve got some great things coming this year.”

The powerhouse offensive lineman definitely seemed to do some great things when he played at Putnam as a freshman and sophomore.

Last fall, he helped lead the Kingsmen to an 8-2 record and a berth in the Class 5A state playoffs. As a sophomore, Eveland was tabbed the Northwest Oregon Conference lineman of the year and was a Class 5A all-state first-team pick. He has not allowed a sack through two seasons.

“It was good,” Eveland said of his time with the Kingsmen. “We had a great season last year. I learned a lot. Everyone did. We made some history there. I appreciate everything they’ve done for me.”

Eveland will be joining a Redmond team that went 2-7 last year with a very young squad, which included eight seniors.

Before suiting up for the Panthers, Eveland has Saturday’s Les Schwab Bowl — where he’ll be looking to do both his former school and his future school proud when he helps Team Columbia battle Team Willamette.

“I’m representing both teams this year,” he said. “I’m still a Kingsman on the (Les Schwab Bowl) roster, and I’m a Panther now, so I’ll be sure to rep both schools in this game.”

Eveland will be making his second appearance in the Les Schwab Bowl. Last year, when he played for Team Willamette, he became the second player to take part in the all-star game following his freshman season.

“It’s an honor,” he said of returning to the game. “I don’t know too many people that have played in this game a couple times. But I’m here again to make my mark, make some more history.”

He’s also fired up, and very motivated, entering Saturday’s contest.

“I’m going to do my job again,” Eveland said. “It’s looking like I’ll get more playing time than I did last year, so I’m excited to show people what I can do. I’ve got a lot to prove. A bunch of people are talking about how I’m playing just (Class) 5A, and how it’s not the same, so I’ve got to show them what’s up.”

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Proceeds from this year’s Les Schwab Bowl, presented by Express Employment Professionals, will benefit the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association general scholarship fund, the Brayden Bafaro Scholarship Fund, and various youth charities.

This is the 75th game in the series, but just the second that won’t be North vs. South. Instead, players were drafted by the Team Columbia coaching staff, with head coach Steve Pyne from Central Catholic, and by the Team Willamette coaching staff, with head coach Josh Line from Sheldon. In last year’s game, the first under this format, Team Columbia posted a 28-9 win over Team Willamette.

Gates will open at 3 p.m. Saturday, with food carts on site. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.

Tickets for the game can be purchased at lesschwabbowl.com/tickets. The game can also be streamed online, at a cost of $10, at lesschwabbowl.com.