Oregon high school football semifinals: Breaking down each of this week's playoff games, from 6A to 1A
Here's a look at every matchup in the third week of the Oregon high school football playoffs.
Photo by Dan Brood
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6A Championship semifinals | Bracket
No. 4 Central Catholic (11-0) vs. No. 1 West Linn (11-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, Pioneer Stadium, Oregon City
Last meeting: West Linn won 49-17 in the 2022 state semifinals.
Rams scouting report: The Rams’ dominance during the Mt. Hood Conference season (average winning margin: 50.4 points) means no player has put up big numbers except for senior quarterback Cru Newman, perhaps the state’s most underrated star who’s thrown for 2,161 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for 520 yards and 12 scores. “He is the straw that stirs the drink,” Lions coach Jon Eagle said. “I’m impressed with his ability to produce on and off script.” Sophomore Killian Sombe leads the team with 551 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, and junior Landon Kelsey is the top receiver (26-554-9). Senior safety Cade Gehlen, a top baseball recruit, has a team-high 65 tackles, and Timmy Mitchell has 53 tackles and seven interceptions. Oregon State commit Dexter Foster (13 tackles for loss, 6½ sacks) and Matix Carpenter (60 tackles, 12½ tackles for loss) also shine on defense.
Lions scouting report: The Lions have faced little resistance in their title defense, with an average winning margin of 35.9 points and only one game avoiding a running clock. Junior Baird Gilroy seamlessly took over for 6A offensive player of the year Sam Leavitt at quarterback, throwing for 2,857 yards and 28 touchdowns with six interceptions, and junior Danny Wideman (53-882-12) emerged as a WR1 after an injury to senior Wiley Donnerberg. But where Eagle says the team has improved the most during the season is with the fundamentals. “We miss fewer blocks and tackles,” he explained. “We’re more efficient with running our scheme. We sustain blocks and rarely make assignment errors. Defensively, we’re tighter on our coverages, able to pressure the quarterback better, and cause hurries and errant throws. We’re creating turnovers playing our style of ball.”
No. 3 Sherwood (11-0) vs. No. 2 Tualatin (10-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, Hillsboro Stadium
Last meeting: Tualaton won 27-17 in Week 8 of the 2017 season.
Bowmen scouting report: Sherwood has ridden 6A’s best scoring defense to the program’s first semifinal since 2015. The Bowmen allowed just 122 total yards in their 43-0 quarterfinal win over Tigard — their eighth shutout in a season in which they posted seven consecutive shutouts, the state’s longest such streak in the past 16 years. “Sherwood is a disciplined, hard-nosed football team,” Tualatin coach Dom Ferraro said. “They are aggressive on defense, and their offense is unique and a challenge to stop.” Senior quarterback Kasen Covert has thrown for 1,106 yards and 17 touchdowns directing that unique offense — part spread, part wing-T, but highly efficient (272.3 rushing yards per game) while spreading the ball among a bevy of running backs, led by junior Wilson Medina (620 yards, 14 touchdowns). Another senior, Evan Morris, leads the Bowmen in receiving (24-530-7) and interceptions (five, returning two for touchdowns). “Our seniors are leading the team the right way both on and off the field,” Sherwood coach Mark Gribble said. “These guys are very coachable and want to learn every detail they can. We’re excited for the opportunity to have our team be in this spot.”
Timberwolves scouting report: Tualatin entered the season as a state championship contender, and with the return of junior quarterback Nolan Keeney from a broken collarbone two weeks ago, the Timberwolves have looked the part in dominant playoff wins against Roosevelt and Nelson. “We had high expectations from the start with this group,” Ferraro said. “I think the biggest thing is we are healthy. Not having Nolan for five games was rough. He has shown in the last two games why he is a top quarterback prospect from the state.” Keeney has thrown for 609 yards and seven touchdowns since his return, completing 72.5% of his passes (29 of 40). Senior AJ Noland, who held the fort at quarterback in Keeney’s absence, has thrived in his return to wideout with nine catches for 288 yards and four touchdowns, and Arizona State commit Jayden Fortier (48-731-6 receiving; 52 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, five forced fumbles, four interceptions) has made his case as the state’s best two-way player. Senior Calvin Evans not only leads the team with 79 tackles (eight tackles for loss, four sacks, six fumble recoveries) but handles all kicking duties (7 for 8 on field goals, 30.5 yards per punt). “Tualatin is a great program and has some really good athletes,” Gribble said. “This is just a great opportunity for our kids to go out and have an opportunity to compete.”
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6A Columbia Cup semifinals | Bracket
No. 24 Barlow (6-5) vs. No. 21 Sunset (7-4)
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, Wilsonville High School
Last meeting: Sunset won 51-17 in Week 2 of the 2013 season.
Bruins scouting report: Barlow’s four-game win streak has been fueled in part by a switch at quarterback to senior Karter Wilcox, who’s thrown for 805 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games, while senior Jett Fay moved to running back, where he’s run for 188 yards and two touchdowns in two playoff wins. Senior linebacker Koltyn Kenworthy leads the defense with 114 tackles, reaching double digits in each of the Bruins’ playoff games. “We started the season by losing four of our five best linemen,” said Barlow coach Tracy Jackson, who is set to retire after this season after 30 seasons coaching throughout the state. “It seemed like one every couple of days. It was next man up for us, and it took us a while to find combos that worked. Central Catholic was a turning point for us. They drubbed us, and our kids made some commitments to each other afterward. We have been a much better team that practices and plays to win.”
Apollos scouting report: Sunset might be playing the best of any of the remaining teams in the Columbia Cup. The Apollos have won four in a row since losing back-to-back games by five points apiece to Mountainside and Jesuit, and only one of their losses was by double digits. Senior quarterback Drew Nees has thrown for 1,847 yards and 22 touchdowns, with Blake Hurley (40-686-5) and Derek Craigwell (33-376-9) his favorite targets. Hurley (81 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three interceptions), Craigwell (87 tackles, three forced fumbles) and his younger brother Justin (91 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries; team-high 12 rushing touchdowns) lead a defense that is plus-10 in turnover margin. “I’d say our ability to run the ball effectively and stop the run are our areas of improvement this season,” said Sunset coach Damien Merrick, whose team has averaged 203 rushing yards during its win streak. “This was very noticeable in the Mountainside victory (last week), holding a predominantly running team to 66 yards on 19 carries.”
No. 22 Clackamas (7-4) vs. No. 18 South Medford (8-3)
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, Willamette High School, Eugene
Last meeting: Clackamas won 31-30 in the 2017 state championship game.
Cavaliers scouting report: Clackamas muddled through the regular season but has caught fire in its two playoff wins thanks to back-to-back 200-yard rushing performances by Jaxon Decker (113-885-8) and a defense that shut out Newberg in the second half to erase a 16-14 halftime deficit. Junior linebacker Maddox Maehara (87 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions) leads the Cavaliers defense. “We have definitely grown throughout the season,” Clackamas coach James Holan said. “Plenty of ups and downs, but the biggest improvement has honestly been the way we practice and prepare. After the Sandy game, we made some changes, then made more after Reynolds. I really appreciate our players and coaches’ willingness to get out of our comfort zone and embrace trying something new.”
Panthers scouting report: South Medford has leaned on its three-headed backfield throughout the season, with senior Ryder Scheid (132-871-6) leading the way alongside juniors Bridger Foss (87-756-8) and Kameron Rague (89-614-6) — although senior Colby Schwartz has a team-high nine rushing touchdowns. The Panthers have rushed for four times as many yards (2,822) as they’ve gained through the air (702). “They do what they do really well,” Holan said. “We will have to minimize our mistakes and capitalize on any opportunities we get.”
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5A semifinals | Bracket
No. 5 Summit (7-4) vs. No. 1 Wilsonville (10-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, Willamette University, Salem
Last meeting: Wilsonville won 35-20 in Week 4 this season.
Storm scouting report: Transfer quarterback Jimmy Hughes has had a solid senior season (2,071 yards, 16 touchdowns), but the defending champions will need a stronger game from him in the rematch after he went 12 of 23 for 99 yards in Week 4. All-state running back Sam Stephens has gained 742 yards with nine touchdowns and caught 28 passes out of the backfield, and he’s made a team-high 67 tackles. Arizona-bound tight end Charlie Crowell leads the team with 30 catches for 459 yards and six touchdowns. The Storm also integrated into their 11s “a number of players who had played last year but weren’t asked to be the guy,” as Summit coach Corben Hyatt described them. “That took some time to develop that cohesiveness. I’m pleased that this group took the challenge of facing one of the most difficult nonleague schedules in the state and put their head down and worked every day to improve.”
Wildcats scouting report: As impressive as senior quarterback Kallen Gutridge has been this season, he’s raised his game another level in the past three games — the NWOC championship game against Canby and Wilsonville’s first two state playoff games, during which he’s thrown for 1,175 yards and 19 touchdowns, including a career-best 473 yards and seven scores against Thurston in last week’s quarterfinal. Juniors Mark Wiepert (56-1240-16) and Nick Crowley (48-889-12) have been his favorite targets. “We have a smart group of athletes, and every day they get to play, they understand what we’re trying to do a little bit better,” Wilsonville coach Adam Guenther said. “They see the field better, anticipate better, work together better — bottom line, they play better.”
No. 3 Mountain View (11-0) vs. No. 2 Silverton (11-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, McNary High School, Keizer
Last meeting: Mountain View won 46-42 in the 2017 state quarterfinals.
Cougars scouting report: Mountain View is back in the semifinals for the first time since that 2017 playoff run, led by sophomore running back Angel Valenzuela (208-1611-25) and senior quarterback Connor Crum, who’s thrown for 1,406 yards and 21 touchdowns, with junior Jack Foley (38-592-14) his favorite target. Senior Eli Clason (74 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, eight sacks) leads 5A’s top scoring defense (5.0 points per game), which Mountain View coach Brian Crum credits in part to simplifying their schemes a year ago “to let the kids play faster. This year, they have taken that base and been able to expand it with more complex looks and blitzes. Our secondary has made a big jump in its consistency, and it starts for us with a very athletic defensive line.” Indeed, what Foxes coach Dan Lever appreciates watching on film is “watching their offensive and defensive lines play — they are really something. That’s why they have one of the leading rushers in the state and one of the best defenses.”
Foxes scouting report: If this team reminds fans of its 2021 state titlists, there’s good reason. Both were led by a solid dual-threat quarterback — Jordan McCarty in 2021; junior Sawyer Teeney (1,850 passing yards, 562 rushing yards, 27 total touchdowns) this season — and feature stingy defenses that ranked No. 2 in 5A in points allowed. This year, they’re giving up just 12.2 points per game, behind only Mountain View. “We have been able to build some depth in some key areas,” Lever said. “Our biggest key improvement is that our offensive line has jelled over the past four weeks.” What Crum saw right away on film is that “Silverton doesn’t have a weak link, an area we think we can go attack. Offensively, they are simply explosive, and it starts with their quarterback, who is one of the best in the state and is so hard to pin down.”
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4A semifinals | Bracket
No. 4 Scappoose (10-1) vs. No. 1 Henley (11-0)
1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Willamette High School, Eugene
Last meeting: Scappoose won 34-28 in the 2000 state quarterfinals.
Scappoose scouting report: Scappoose has ridden the right arm of junior quarterback Max Nowlin to a second consecutive semifinal appearance. Nowlin has completed more than 70% of his passes for 2,829 yards and 26 touchdowns, with senior Eli Harrah (66-775-6) and junior Quinton Olson (48-653-8) his top targets. Harrah also is one of the state’s top ballhawks in the secondary with seven interceptions. “Scappoose has great athletes on both sides of the ball,” Henley coach Alex Stork said. “They can hurt you in a lot of different ways.” Scappoose has done this without senior linebacker Warren Haatia, who was lost before the season to a torn ACL. “That really changed the dynamic of our offense and defense,” Scappoose coach Sean McNabb said. “I’ve seen a huge improvement in guys stepping up each week. I feel our run game offensively and stopping the run defensively is also an area that we have gotten much better at.”
Hornets scouting report: Henley has steadily built its program from Stork’s second season in 2018, when the Hornets went 2-7, to reach their first semifinal since 1990. Stork sounds like another No. 1 seed’s coach when he talks about his team’s improvement to its “attention to detail blocking and tackling” as the biggest key to their success this season. The result is senior Logan Whitlock running for a school-record 1,847 yards and 40 touchdowns, while sophomore Joe Janney seized the quarterback job vacated by Stork’s younger brother Shaw’s graduation to throw for 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns. “Henley will spread you out to create space for their playmakers,” McNabb said. “Defensively, they’re not as big as (quarterfinal opponent) Cascade but very fast and aggressive.”
No. 3 Seaside (8-3) vs. No. 2 Marist Catholic (10-1)
4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Hillsboro Stadium
Last meeting: Marist Catholic won 20-13 in the first round of the 2019 state playoffs.
Seagulls scouting report: The return of junior Jake White to Seaside’s run-oriented attack for the playoffs has helped propel the Seagulls to their first semifinal since 2018. He teams with sophomore Ryder Jackson (119-1112-15) to form one of the most talented backfield duos in the state regardless of classification. Seaside coach Aaron Tanabe cited the development of junior quarterback Zayden Anderson (492 yards, six touchdowns) as critical to the team’s current five-game win streak. “We’re much more functional in the passing game than we were in Week 1,” Tanabe said. “The buy-in from our kids has been the biggest reason for this improvement.” Marist Catholic coach Charles Landgraf saw that improvement on film as he prepared for Saturday’s game. “Seaside is a complete football team,” he said. “They have tremendous players at every position. We have got to be ready to defend the whole field and match their physicality.”
Spartans scouting report: The Spartans are back in the semifinals after a one-year absence with a first-year coach directing a high-flying passing attack directed by junior Nick Hudson, who’s thrown for a 4A-leading 3,234 yards and 42 touchdowns. “Our greatest area of improvement has been our level of execution in all three phases,” Landgraf said. “We’ve got a young team, so the reps over the course of a season have been invaluable.” Five receivers have caught 20 or more passes, led by senior Brady Bidwell (73-952-12), a Churchill transfer. “Marist has a lot of length and athleticism at the skill positions,” Tanabe said. “We’ll have to have a plan and execute that plan if we want to slow them down offensively.”
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3A semifinals | Bracket
No. 13 South Umpqua (8-3) vs. No. 1 Banks (11-0)
4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Cottage Grove High School
Last meeting: Banks won 20-7 in Week 3 of the 2015 season.
Lancers scouting report: South Umpqua became the lowest seed to reach the 3A semifinals since the OSAA began seeding the entire field in 2013 and the third-lowest semifinalist ever, bested only by Cascade (15-seed in 4A) and Tigard (14-seed in 6A) in 2016. South Umpqua coach Steve Stebbins, who led the Lancers to the 2021 final, said his team was able to shrug off its up-and-down regular season “and realize that it is a new season with new players and a new identity, and what was done the past two years means nothing this year.” He also credited the players with “realizing it is a team sport, not an individual sport, and putting personal achievements and accomplishments to the side for the greater good of the team.” Senior Jacob Logan has rushed for 1,340 yards and 19 touchdowns, and senior Elijah Earls has thrown for 1,409 yards and 12 touchdowns — more than half of those to senior Louden Cole (37-614-7). “We needed time to grow and jell with a new quarterback in Elijah,” Stebbins said. “As the season progressed, Elijah got more and more comfortable, and we figured out some of the other rotations that worked best for the team.”
Banks scouting report: Senior quarterback Kade Long, finally enjoying a run of good health after injuries hampered the past two seasons, has thrown for 1,935 yards and 22 touchdowns to help Banks reach 11-0 for the third time in the past five years and advance to its fourth semifinal in the past five OSAA postseasons. “One thing that stands out to me is our leadership and how we prepare,” Banks coach Cole Linehan said. “Every week, these guys show up ready to work, get better, and do whatever we ask. They are a really fun group to coach.” Four receivers have 18 or more catches, led by Brayden Bigsby (39-512-2) and Max Walker (37-456-11). Senior Ashton Crossen not only has 19 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups and 10 hurries, but he’s also rushed for a team-high 897 yards and 16 touchdowns. “We just hope midnight doesn’t strike and this Cinderella story can continue for another week,” Stebbins said.
No. 3 Dayton (11-0) vs. No. 2 Cascade Christian (11-0)
1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Cottage Grove High School
Last meeting: Cascade Christian won 42-20 in the 2022 state semifinals.
Pirates scouting report: Dayton’s wing-T has been humming all season, averaging 382 rushing yards and 41.5 points per game. Senior fullback Zach Smith has run for 2,074 yards and 25 touchdowns, going over 100 yards in every game, and quarterback Boston Hodges has run for 1,079 yards and 18 scores and thrown for 605 yards and eight touchdowns. Smith also has 90 tackles, behind only senior Morgan Gallagher (103) on the team, and Hodges has broken up 19 passes in the secondary. It’s the complementary players and the depth they’ve added to the roster that coach Jacob Petersen identified as keying the Pirates’ return to the semifinals. “We have had many players continue to work and develop into varsity players,” he said. “When regular starters missed games, we have had multiple younger players step up and perform at an incredibly high level. I can’t emphasize enough how the success this season is a huge team effort.”
Challengers scouting report: Cascade Christian hasn’t missed a beat after 3A offensive player of the year Kameron Rague transferred to South Medford, scoring a 3A-leading 45.2 points per game. Senior quarterback Ashton Moody, who shined filling in for an injured Keith Reed for the first month last season, has had a full season to show his stuff this year, throwing for 1,805 yards and 26 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Senior Peyton Maurer (50-926-8) leads a deep receiving corps. “Heading into the year, we had to replace nine starters on offense and eight on defense,” coach Jon Gettman said. “So, there has been a lot of growth by both the players and coaches. As coaches, we needed to identify what our players did best, so it took us a while to find our identity.”
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2A semifinals | Bracket
No. 4 Regis (11-0) vs. No. 1 Weston-McEwen (10-0)
4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Hermiston High School
Last meeting: This is the first meeting between the teams.
Rams scouting report: Regis finally exorcized its playoff demons against Heppner, which eliminated the Rams each of the previous two years, and advanced to their first semifinal since 2016. Senior quarterback Kollin Schumacher has overcome 15 interceptions to rank among the state leaders with 2,907 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. Three receivers have double-digit touchdowns, led by Noah Koenig (52-1060-19), and Noah Richter has run for 10 touchdowns. As the season has worn on, coach Joe Manibusan found he had to provide less direction each week. “Now, they are playing without thinking and leaning on each other,” he said. “We became more and more a brotherhood that’s hard to break. Our seniors are great leaders teaching the younger kids right from wrong.”
TigerScots scouting report: Weston-McEwen survived the absence of all-state junior quarterback Easton Berry (1,355 passing yards, 20 touchdowns) and the second-half loss of junior Maddox King (860 rushing yards, nine touchdowns) to injuries last week, but coach Kenzie Hansell was optimistic Berry could return for Saturday’s game. Otherwise, he’ll start Bryson Choin at quarterback for a second consecutive week and lean on a defense that allows 10 points per game led by seniors Mazon Langford (86 tackles) and Sean Roggiero (64 tackles, five tackles for loss, three interceptions). “On the field, we do a lot of different formations running and throwing the ball, and having the knowledge and understanding on both sides of the ball has been huge for our success,” Hansell said. Manibusan sees all that on film and worries that playing on the artificial turf at Kennison Field will make a difference. “They are big and fast, and playing on turf, it’s going to be a very fast game on both sides,” he said. “With their misdirection and play-action stuff, we’ve got to be sound and limit our mistakes.”
No. 3 Lowell (10-1) vs. No. 2 Oakland (10-1)
4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Willamette High School, Eugene
Last meeting: Oakland won 26-18 during Week 1 of the 2021 spring season.
Devils scouting report: Junior JaMar Thurman is one of the state’s best players regardless of classification, following a 1,992-yard sophomore season by rushing for 2,513 yards and 35 touchdowns this year. But it’s the development of sophomore quarterback Carter Harris (1,453 passing yards, 27 total touchdowns) that has led to Lowell leading 2A in scoring at 49.2 points per game. “We came into the season hoping to be a little more diverse on offense, and Carter has worked so hard to improve his skills, make good reads and develop as a dual-threat athlete,” coach Ray Yarbrough said. “When you look at the film time he’s logged, I think the product on the field shows.” Senior Rowan Files (29-678-12 receiving; 93 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two interceptions) and JaMar’s older brother Brody (24 tackles for loss, 18 sacks) pace an underrated defense.
Oakers scouting report: Oakland has won nine in a row since losing to Weston-McEwen in a Week 2 rematch of their state final. The key to the Oakers’ success is a defense that leads 2A in scoring (9.3 points per game) and thrives on making big plays, led by seniors Jake Chenoweth (101 tackles) and Brayden Webb (nine interceptions) and juniors Gabe Williamson (83 tackles) and Coen Egner (15 sacks). Williamson also leads the Oakers with 1,326 rushing yards (10.5 per carry) and 16 touchdowns, although he played defense only in last week’s win against Gervais after breaking his left hand in practice. Chenoweth (771 rushing yards, eight touchdowns) and Webb (729 yards, eight touchdowns) picked up the slack in Williamson’s absence, and freshman Ryan Fullerton has thrown for 632 yards and 13 touchdowns, including five in two playoff games. “Oakland plays like a team wanting to be two-time state champs,” Yarbrough said. “They play old-school football and do it well. They come downhill on defense and run right at you on offense. We just need to meet that physicality and return it in kind.”
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1A 8-Man semifinals | Bracket
No. 5 St. Paul (10-1) vs. No. 1 Lost River (9-0)
1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Caldera High School, Bend
Last meeting: Lost River won 40-36 in Week 1 this season.
Buckaroos scouting report: St. Paul coach Tony Smith said the improvement of a young offensive line following the graduation of five starters up front has keyed their 10-game win streak since an opening loss to Lost River. “Early on, we were very inexperienced, but they have worked very hard and shown great improvement throughout the season,” he said. They’ve helped the Pohlschneider twins — quarterback George (1,844 yards, 23 touchdowns) and receiver Ralph (39-793-15) — lead a dynamic offense, while a trio of backs (juniors Diego Medina and Clay Smith and sophomore Branson Cook) have combined for 2,027 yards and 35 touchdowns. Smith has a team-high 140 tackles (12½ for loss), and Medina has a team-high five interceptions and 11 pass breakups. “We know St. Paul very well,” Raiders coach Dennis Dunlea said. “Their speed and ability to throw the ball are our biggest concern. They put pressure on your offense to keep pace with them.”
Raiders scouting report: Lost River graduated four starters on offense and defense from last year’s team that beat St. Paul in the state final, and Dunlea worried how his thinned-out roster would fare. But the development of his younger players around stalwarts Chase McAullife (551 passing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns) and Connor Dunlea (1,201 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, seven interceptions) encourages him as the Raiders prepare for a sixth meeting with the Buckaroos in the past four seasons. “The way they’ve developed and stepped up has just been remarkable,” Dennis Dunlea said. “Coupled with the returners that we have has made us pretty successful. We’re not very deep, but it’s a pretty good little group.”
No. 3 Myrtle Point (8-1) vs. No. 2 Crane (9-0)
4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Caldera High School, Bend
Last meeting: Myrtle Point won 38-22 in the 2022 state quarterfinals.
Bobcats scouting report: A year ago, Myrtle Point was the No. 5 seed that traveled east to knock off the Mustangs. The Bobcats haven’t been to a state final since sharing the 1961 Class A-2 title, and to get there, they’ll need big games from senior quarterback Logan Backman (2,347 yards, 35 touchdowns), senior all-state running back Billy Reynolds (1,787 total yards, 14 touchdowns) and junior receiver Evin Warner (1,023 receiving yards, 22 touchdowns). Myrtle Point’s big-play capability is fueled by a line that averages 229 pounds and features all-league center Mason Detzler, a senior who won the state shot put title in May, and junior all-league guard Dylan Jones — both of whom missed time because of injuries this season but returned for the Bobcats’ Week 8 game against Crosspoint Christian. “They take pride in keeping Logan on his two feet,” coach Jamil Wynn said. “They have worked incredibly hard to improve and protect Logan.” Crane coach Matt Hawley acknowledged that “their size is going to be a challenge for us. Some matchups we may have will be their 265-pound athlete on our 140-pounder. That can make for a long day if you play 140 snaps during a game.”
Mustangs scouting report: Fans of the 2014 Vale state championship team that Hawley led should see plenty of similarities this season with the Mustangs in their first season under his tutelage. Both depended on hard-hitting defenses — Crane is No. 2 in the eight-man division allowing 11.8 points per game — and offenses that limit mistakes. “The key has been creating a culture of ‘team’ and a philosophy that giving your absolute best for six seconds on every play matters,” Hawley said. “Being physical, playing fast, and understanding why the little things matter. The leaders on this team have raised the expectations for everyone.” Those leaders include juniors Cody Siegner, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound tight end who has an offer from Oregon State, and quarterback Josh Zander, who directs an attack that scores 41.4 points per game, as well as junior two-way lineman Keegan Sallee and senior running back Carter Nichols.
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1A 6-Man semifinals | Bracket
No. 4 Joseph (8-1) vs. No. 1 Prairie City/Burnt River (7-1)
1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Hermiston High School
Last meeting: Prairie City/Burnt River won 18-6 in Week 2 this season.
Eagles scouting report: Joseph coach Damian Huff sees the team’s improvement on offense since that Week 2 loss to the Panthers as key to the Eagles’ first semifinal appearance since they made the 2008 final. “We have been able to diversify what we run and get the ball into several different players’ hands,” said Huff, who had seven players involved in their scoring in a 44-6 quarterfinal win over Eddyville Charter. The Eagles also have the top defense remaining in the postseason, allowing just 10.2 points per game, but Huff said, “We need our offense to be playing at a high level on Saturday. Prairie City has a very tough defense and held us to one score the first time we played. This is a rematch, so that adds a lot into the game.”
Panthers scouting report: Prairie City/Burnt River’s only hiccup this season came in its league finale against South Wasco County that cost the Panthers a chance at the district title. Last week’s 47-0 win against North Lake marked their second shutout and fifth game allowing fewer than 10 points this season and earned them their first semifinal berth since 1990. Senior Tucker Wright has run for 13 scores and caught three touchdown passes. Another senior, Wes Voigt, has thrown for 12 touchdowns and made a team-high 43 tackles and seven pass breakups. Classmate Cody Reagan has tormented opposing backfields with 14 sacks and six forced fumbles, and Trey Brown has eight sacks and five fumble recoveries. That quartet of seniors has led the program’s revival and helped develop youngsters such as Maison Teel, a sophomore who has a team-high 1,326 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. “Our younger kids have made our team better each week as they help prepare us for our next opponent,” coach Nick Thompson said.
No. 10 Echo (7-3) vs. No. 3 Elkton (8-1)
1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Hillsboro Stadium
Last meeting: Echo won 26-0 in Week 1 of the 2011 season.
Cougars scouting report: Echo has only one first-team all-league selection — senior Dom Curiel (2,314 all-purpose yards, 36 touchdowns) — but has come together after a 1-3 start to win six in a row and reach the semifinals for the first time since 1987. Sophomore quarterback Kohlvin Wyse, a second-team all-leaguer, has thrown for 398 yards and five touchdowns in the playoffs. The Cougars boast eight seniors, and coach Thomas VanNice credits their leadership with helping them overcome their slow start. “Building trust with the kids is the key to this,” VanNice said. “They had three different head coaches in four years before I took over the program three years ago, and we as a staff have worked hard to get them to believe in themselves since then.”
Elks scouting report: Elkton’s semifinal drought was even longer than Echo’s — the Elks’ previous trip came during the first year of the Reagan Administration in 1981. Coach Jeremy Lockhart credits “selfless football” as the key to their turnaround. “Guys working for each other and not for themselves,” he said. “A buy-in to our scheme and playing complementary football. Players understanding that doing your job is critical for success, even when not getting the ball.” Senior Anthony Alimenti (1,532 passing yards, 24 touchdowns) directs the show, and juniors Tyler Pritchard (56-552-6) and Jordyn Nederhood (63-570-9) share the load in the backfield. Pritchard also has a team-high 29 catches, and sophomore Andrew Houx (24-518-9) is a deep threat. “The thing that concerns me the most is their ability to throw and catch the deep ball,” VanNice said.
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