Seaside quarterback Zayden Anderson during the Les Schwab Bowl.

Zayden Anderson took advantage of the opportunity in front of him.

Anderson, the incoming senior quarterback for Seaside High School, got the chance to play in the 2024 Les Schwab Bowl on June 28 at Lewis & Clark College in Portland and impressed.

Anderson went 5-5 for 110 yards and three passing touchdowns, while rushing for 23 yards on four carries. Anderson and fellow Team Columbia quarterback Will Reid, of Franklin High School, combined for 183 yards and five touchdowns through the air in Team Columbia’s 39-26 victory.

Team Columbia raced out to a 33-7 lead and didn’t look back as their defense had multiple interceptions and a forced fumble to hold off the hard-charging Team Willamette led by fellow Cowapa League quarterback Max Nowlin, of Scappoose. Central Catholic High School wide receiver Landon Kelsey was named the MVP of the game.

“Oh, this is everything,” Anderson said to Sports Illustrated after the game. “We wanted this win so bad, and just the way we won was awesome. It’s not explainable. This whole week, just bonding with these guys and getting this big win, was just awesome.”

Anderson spent his week working under decorated former Central Catholic head coach Steve Pyne and is hoping that will help serve as a springboard for his final high school season.