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MWL/SWC Blog
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Written by DRH
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Monday, 15 September 2008 16:42 Hits: 368 |
Another big MWL vs. SWC showdown, MWL play begins (Springfield @ North!), and a giant of a non-league 6A battle... welcome to Week Three.
MWL
Springfield Millers (3-0) @ North Eugene Highlanders (0-3)
Since 2000: Springfield 7-1. Streak: Springfield, 1. Last Meeting: Springfield 35, North Eugene 20 (2007)
The Millers have owned NE since the turn of the century, a 7 point loss in 2006 away from a perfect 8-0 streak against them since 2000. Look for that to continue into ’08, as the Millers look strong – and North Eugene looks anything but.
I’m just not seeing how a NE defense that’s giving up 34 points per game is going to handle Jarvis & Co. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Springfield has not been held under 34 points in any game this season. North Eugene has scored 28 points – combined – all year, never putting up more than 14 in a single game. Highlanders have almost no shot of keeping up.
It’s the MWL league opener and I wish I could say more, but there’s no reason this should be close. Millers have the bodies to contain RB Michael Bibbee, and the defensive secondary to make it a nightmarish evening for QB Tim Keller.
Springfield 40, North Eugene 7
#2 Thurston Colts (3-0) @ South Eugene Axemen (0-2)
Since 2000: Thurston 4-2. Streak: Thurston, 1. Last Meeting: Thurston 10, South Eugene 7 (2005)
Don’t let the rankings/records throw you – this should be a dandy. A revival of an old MWL rivalry that was suspended for two years after reclassification, the Colts and Axemen meet for the first time since Thurston won a game played in monsoon conditions in ’05.
Thurston has built a 3-0 record by blasting teams into submission (157-32 scoring advantage through three games), whereas South has lost a pair of games by 4 and 5 points, respectively. This will be the toughest test thus far for both teams. South might be winless, but QB Dustin Haines is a talent and the Axemen have the athletes to throw Thurston’s way to try to slow them down. My “individual match-up to watch” was RB Omar Jackson vs. MLB Boseko Lokombo before the season started, but neither are with their respective teams this year. But don’t fret – there’s still plenty of intrigue.
Thurston won their first game against a 6A school since 2005 last week, and of course, the Colts are the last MWL school to beat South – and that was a mighty fine SE team, still in their Chris Miller heyday. So, what to expect?
I don’t think Thurston will drop half a century again offensively, but I’m not sold on SE being able to keep them south of 28 to 31 points. When SE has the ball, just how much damage will Haines be able to spring against a fast, swarming Colt defense? The Axemen will score… but will it be enough?
Thurston 28, South Eugene 23
#10 Willamette Wolverines (3-0) @ #8 Ashland Grizzlies (2-1)
Since 2000: First Meeting. Streak: N/A. Last Meeting: N/A
This is a difficult game to call. Ashland probably isn’t as talented as it was last year, but they’ve looked good cutting down a pair of 4A schools, and even looked good down in Coos Bay last Friday (once the fumbles stopped…) despite the loss. Willamette struggled mightily at Klamath Union two weeks ago, a team that will likely finish below Ashland in the SSC. Is Craig Loper healthy? Can Willamette survive another long road trip?
Willamette’s defense was superb last Friday against 6A North Medford, and I look for the effort to continue over to this week. But on the road, with a hostile Ashland crowd looking to help their team avenge last week’s loss… I’m going with the upset.
Ashland 14, Willamette 13
#8 Grants Pass Cavemen (3-0) @ Marshfield Pirates (2-1)
Since 2000: Grants Pass 2-1. Streak: Grants Pass, 2. Last Meeting: Grants Pass 34, Marshfield 2 (2007)
After beating Grants Pass 21-7 in the second round of the 2001 playoffs, Marshfield has dropped two straight in this series. Last year’s game wasn’t even a contest.
So far in ’08, GP has been dominant on defense, allowing 7 points twice and 3 points last week against Oregon City. No one has been able to get anything going against the Cavemen D, and that should spell trouble for QB Kyle Tedder and the Marshfield offense. The Pirate O has been impressive the last six quarters of football, but they have yet to see anything like what GP will be bringing at them.
This one should be closer than last year’s debacle, but GP should win comfortably.
Grants Pass 27, Marshfield 10
Churchill Lancers (2-1) @ Mazama Vikings (3-0)
Since 2000: First Meeting. Streak: N/A. Last Meeting: N/A
Speaking of rolling on offense the last six quarters of football, Churchill has put up 70 points in the last game and a half. QB Eric Knapp is firing on all cylinders, and neither of Churchill’s 5A opponents have been able to slow down WR Blake Determan – on either side of the ball.
It’s a long road trip for CHS, but I just don’t see Mazama being able to keep up over 4 quarters of football. Churchill started slow on their last road trip (to Summit) before turning it on in the second half, but look for a quicker start and a bunch of points for the Lancers.
Churchill 35, Mazama 21
Last Week: 5-1
Season Total: 15-3
SWC
#5 Southridge Skyhawks (3-0) @ #4 Sheldon Irish (2-1)
Since 2000: First Meeting. Streak: N/A. Last Meeting: N/A
Wow. Now this is a non-league showdown to be proud of.
Southridge has been dominant against a trio of quality 6A schools (West Linn, Tualatin, Canby) and have looked every bit the part of a state championship contender. The Southridge D has been the story of the season thus far, and should pose a great challenge for Sheldon’s barrage of weapons on offense.
Sheldon rebounded from their loss to Skyline (WA) in a big way over Redmond on the road, and it should be noted that this will be the Irish’s home opener. Expect a wild and rowdy crowd. Will it be enough to pull out the win?
I think so. The game within the game in the trenches should be superb, and the overall athleticism on both defenses will probably control the game. But here’s thinking QB Jordan Johnson gives us one great drive at the end to pull out some more Irish magic.
Sheldon 17, Southridge 14
#2 Thurston Colts (3-0) @ South Eugene Axemen (0-2)
See MWL write-up.
#8 Grants Pass Cavemen (3-0) @ Marshfield Pirates (2-1)
See MWL write-up.
Roseburg Indians (0-3) @ Aloha Warriors (1-2)
After a surprisingly solid performance at Beaverton, where the game was lost for the Indians late in the 4th quarter, Roseburg is itchin’ for their first win and I think they might just get it at Aloha, who will probably finish last in the Metro.
QB Thaddeus Davis came on in a big way vs. Beaverton, and I believe they’ll be able to score enough on the Warriors to inflict some serious damage. The Roseburg D has been nothing short of awful thus far, but it may not matter in this one.
Roseburg 32, Aloha 21
McMinnville Grizzlies (2-1) @ North Medford Black Tornado (1-1)
After a tough week against 5A Willamette, North Medford is looking for a win to get themselves above .500 with only a few weeks left before SWC play begins. They may have found just the team to do that with – McMinnville might be 2-1, but they haven’t played the toughest of schedules as of yet.
North Medford 20, McMinnville 10
#3 South Medford Panthers (3-0) @ Foothill (CA) Cougars
Kind of like South Medford/Evergreen, I have no idea what to expect from Foothill. Sorry kids.
Last Week: 5-1
Season Total: 13-3
Combined Total (MWL + SWC): 28-5
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MWL/SWC Blog 
