Rangers Move Into Tie For Conference Lead, Cougars Claim Double OT Win

La Salle laid into North Marion for 34-7 win, and Estacada easily defeated the Eagles 33-14. Cascade came from two touchdowns down to get their first win over Molalla, 38-32 in double overtime.

This week, the Falcons visit the Eagles, in a game vital to both birds' playoff prospects, while Gladstone and Estacada look to stay on pace at the top.

Three of this weeks' games are on Thursday, due to the statewide in-service day on Friday, while Cascade visits Gladstone for the Gladiators' Homecoming on Friday.

I was 2-1, and 23-8 on the season.

#5 La Salle Falcons (4-1, 1-1) at Stayton Eagles (4-2, 2-1). The Falcons' Tommy O'Dell is growing into the quarterback role on a week by week basis. The Eagles' impressive early wins were at the expense of some lesser opponents. Estacada isn't an imaginative offense, and still they exposed the Eagles as vulnerable to physical teams. Which is exactly what the Falcons are.

Stayton is in the middle of a Capital Conference gauntlet, with Gladstone coming to town next week. It makes this an almost must win game if the Eagles expect to go to the playoffs. As a result, expect one of the better efforts of the year from Stayton. But don't expect it to be enough; Falcons fly off with the win, which will leave the Eagles behind in the standings, and the tie breakers.

Estacada Rangers (4-2, 2-0) at Molalla Indians (0-6, 0-3). This one game could see 600 rushing yards rolled up. Estacada essentially can't pass effectively, and Molalla isn't much better. The Rangers, led by Alex Pursel, can run, and they can run well. The Indians rely an awful lot on Jacob Moore, and that will allow the Rangers to focus defensively on containing him.

The result will be a curbed Indian offense, and a gradually growing Estacada advantage.

North Marion Huskies (3-3, 1-2) at Elmira Falcons (4-2, 1-2). The Huskies head down to the SkyEm for a non-conference contest at Elmira. The Falcons are coming off a 21-0 shutdown of the Pleasant Hill Billies. Carlos Real caught a touchdown pass, threw one, and ran for one for the Falcons. Meanwhile, the Falcons defense picked off the Billies four times.

The Huskies were down 27 before halftime, as the LS Falcons used a short field and a big play to get way up before the weather could ground them. That's a possibility again, as the Falcons have given up far fewer points than anyone who has played six games, so don't look for the Huskies to post the points to allow them any breathing room.

There is a theme emerging, that the Huskies can't keep up with high flying Falcons, especially on the road. And especially if and when they give their opponents opportunities.

The Huskies have weapons that can produce against anyone, but there is absolutely no margin of error with this group. For the second week in a row, the Huskies only managed 7 points, and that really squeezes the margin. And there will be errors, especially on the road. Watch for the theme, as Elmira emerges with the win.

Cascade Cougars (1-5, 1-2) at #2 Gladstone Gladiators (5-0, 2-0). The Cougars got a boost defensively as well as offensively with the return of Spencer Beeson, out since opening night, and Dillon Davidson, but are still vulnerable to the big play. And still pretty banged up.

The Gladiators are healthy, rested, prepared, and will be playing for a fired up homecoming crowd. With Taylor Taft conducting a balanced Gladiator offense, and Cascade struggling to supplement their passing game with very many rushing yards, look for a long evening for everyone. The difference is it will be one the Gladiators will celebrate, and one the Cougars will have to endure.

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