Decision to return to football pays off for Lakeridge kicker headed to the Les Schwab Bowl

It’s satisfying when patience, perseverance, and difficult choices all pay off.

Adam Farrell is well aware of that.

Farrell, who graduated from Lakeridge High School in 2025, made a difficult choice, put in a lot of effort, and waited for his opportunity, and this year it paid off.

After being given the chance at last, Farrell had a stellar final season kicking for the Pacers, scoring 49 points and going 5 for 5 on field goal attempts in 2024. He now has another opportunity to shine as he will kick for Team Willamette in the Les Schwab Bowl, a high school football all-star game that will take place at Lewis & Clark College in Portland on Friday. The game will feature many of the best players from southwest Washington and the state of Oregon.

When I learned that I had been selected, I was ecstatic. I’ve never played in it before. I wanted to know what the bowl game was about. I couldn’t wait to meet all of the guys. Farrell remarked, “I’ve already made some great connections.” This competition is fierce. The best is playing with me. Being here is truly an honor, and I consider myself fortunate. I put a lot of effort into getting here.

Farrell’s football career began more than a few years ago, even though it might come to an end in Friday’s all-star game.

In sixth grade, I began playing football. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound wide receiver claimed, “I was a fairly undersized wide receiver.” I eventually lost interest in the game when COVID struck. I changed to soccer. Since I was around five years old, I had been playing soccer.

Adam Farrell kicked for Lakeridge High School in his senior year and went 5 for 5 on field goals.For the Oregonian/OregonLive, Dan Brood

When Farrell enrolled in Lakeridge High School, he was still playing soccer.

“I decided I wanted something more after playing soccer my freshman year,” he stated. During my freshman year, I observed all of the football players and how well they connected with one another. I had to decide because I wanted something more. I made the decision to try out as a kicker for the football team, and I never turned back.

Farrell kicked a soccer ball for many years, but kicking a football is different and something he had never really tried before.

“Before my freshman season, I hadn’t really done any kicking,” Farrell remarked. Without a doubt, I’ve fallen in love with it. I’m really happy that I decided to move to football.

Farrell made the choice, but he still had to wait for his opportunity.

In my junior year, I was on JV. Keeton Emmett, a skilled kicker, was ahead of me. According to Farrell, he is currently kicking at the University of Nevada. My senior year was my opportunity to shine, and I demonstrated my worth for a spot. I took advantage of every chance.

He appeared to, as he made all five of his field goal attempts this season.

According to Farrell, that was truly unique. I didn’t have any varsity experience coming off JV, so being 5 for 5 on field goals and so consistent meant a lot to me and validated all of my hard work.

Farrell particularly remembers a 39-yard field goal against Lake Oswego in the rain, one of his five field goals.

Farrell grinned and remarked, “That was a big one against our rivals, 39-yarder, right hash.” I have created some lifelong experiences and relationships that I will carry with me forever.

This week, Farrell is creating more memories in the Les Schwab Bowl.

The connections have been the nicest part. I’ve developed a number of relationships with my teammates. “Playing football out here has been a lot of fun,” Farrell remarked. As a senior who has graduated, this is essentially my final performance here. Being out here with all the guys means a lot.

Farrell stated that he wants to end on a high note and stated that he intends to enroll as a student at Boise State University.

“It’s crucial,” he remarked. Winning this game would be extremely meaningful, especially considering it might be my final time wearing a helmet and pads. Winning this game would signify a great deal.

Additionally, Farrell says he will be prepared if Friday’s game depends on a last-second field goal try.

“I hope we’re winning by a significant margin and I don’t have to step in,” Farrell said, adding that there’s always hope for both himself and his squad. However, I will take advantage of the opportunity and destroy it if the time comes.

The Brayden Bafaro Scholarship Fund, the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association general scholarship fund, and other youth organizations will also profit from this year’s Les Schwab Bowl.

Though it will only be the fourth game that isn’t a North vs. South match, Friday’s game will be the 77th in the series. Rather, players were selected by the coaching staffs of Team Columbia, led by Aaron Hazel of Nelson, and Team Willamette, led by Dominic Ferraro of Tualatin. The last three games played in this style have been won by Team Columbia, including a 39-26 triumph last year.

On Friday, gates will open at 4 p.m., and there will be food carts and a wine and beer garden available. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Online ticket sales for the game are available at lesschwabbowl.com/tickets, with prices starting at $15.75 (general admission is $21).

More Oregon high school sports

• Central Catholic linebacker announces Big Sky commitment

• Sprague quarterback turns disappointment into motivation at Les Schwab Bowl

• This West Linn freshman is The Oregonian/OregonLive girls tennis player of the year

About The Author