PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The high school football season officially starts in earnest on Friday, and that means we are on record watch.

Jesuit’s Ken Potter is one win away from tying the state’s all-time wins record, which was set by Dayton’s Dewey Sullivan at 352.

It’s not something Potter could have wildly comprehended when he became the head coach for the Crusaders back in 1987.

“I would’ve laughed at you and said, ‘Wow, that’s cool, but I don’t think that’s going to happen,’” said Potter of what his reaction would’ve been back then if he was told he would end up owning the state wins record.

Potter’s only ever been a head coach at the Catholic school just outside of Beaverton, who’s record entering the 2024 season stands at 351-86 overall.

That means quite literally generations of families have contributed to the moment—whenever it happens—when Potter breaks the state wins record.

“I think I’m really, really blessed,” said an earnest Potter. “I’m at a school where I can talk about religion and God, and God put me in a situation I’m just so thankful that he put me in.”

Ever the classic coach, there is one thing about this upcoming record that irks Potter.

“I continually look at so many games that we could’ve won and maybe if I’d done a better job we would’ve won earlier, and I wouldn’t be in this situation where it’d be two games to break the record. I’d already have it done,” said Potter.

Regardless of the losses, Ken’s passion for his gig is obvious when around him.

That passion has less to do with what happens on the field during those wins and losses than you would think though.

“What I’m put on this earth for is to help people grow and be better. I don’t think I was put on here to coach football,” said Potter, who’s also a counselor at the school. “I think it was just to be around people and challenge them and see what they can do in their lives and just help them just be better people.”

The obvious next question is how long does Ken plan on continuing to do that in his current position?

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KOIN Morning Digest

“I’m going one year at a time right now, and I’m enjoying myself this season as much as I’ve enjoyed myself in a long time,” said Potter.

Jesuit plays their first game of the season on Friday night at Tualatin at 7 PM.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.