|
Blogs -
MWL/SWC Blog
|
|
Written by DRH
|
|
Wednesday, 23 September 2009 12:49 Hits: 203 |
North Eugene Highlanders (2-0) @ Springfield Millers (1-2)
Since 2000: Springfield, 8-1. Streak: Springfield, 2. Last Meeting: Springfield 34, North Eugene 14 (2008)
What We Know: We know that these two are going in opposite directions in accordance to last year, but how far they have to go to forge a middle ground won’t be decided until they play the game. Springfield held off Dallas at home in OT to open ’09, then lost a heartbreaker on a late special teams miscue at Silverton. They ran into 4A #1 Marist last week, and unfortunately got boat-raced 55-6. NE, on the other hand, has already won more games in ’09 than they did in all of ’08. They beat Crook County 29-18 in their opener, and beat former league rival North Bend 28-9. North is getting mega production on the ground thanks in large part to RB Michael Bibbee, and the aerial game is keeping defenses honest.
The Game: Springfield has owned this rivalry this decade, the only loss coming by a touchdown in 2006. I don’t think that domination will continue. Springfield junior QB Levi Green will be a big test for the Highlander defense, but, for once, it looks like NE might have more weapons than Springfield can contain. NE will be working hard to snap their 13 game MWL losing streak, which began the week after beating the Millers in ’06.
North Eugene 21, Springfield 18
South Eugene Axemen (2-0) @ #2 Thurston Colts (3-0)
Since 2000: Thurston, 5-2. Streak: Thurston, 2. Last Meeting: Thurston 49, South Eugene 35 (2008)
What We Know: While Thurston’s high-octane offense is keeping pace with last year’s record-setting scoring pace (46 PPG through 3 games this year), South Eugene has bounced back from an 0-9 2008 season by winning their first two games, and putting up big offensive numbers themselves. SE had already scored 20 points in the 2nd quarter of their opener against Gresham when the game was called due to a power outage. They followed that up a week later with a 54-30 win over Franklin, where they were up 42-0 at halftime and 49-0 before Franklin scored their first point.
The Game: It should be really fun. Neither team was able to stop the other very well last year, when QBs Tym Pearson and Dustin Haines put on a show at SEHS. The 35 points SE scored on the Colts was the most Thurston would give up until West Albany matched the total in the state championship game. With Thurston dealing with a rebuilt secondary, South QB Cameron Ofner and the Axemen offense should be able to score on the Colts again, meaning we’re probably looking at another good ol’ fashion shoot out. South WR Spencer Coleman (6-5, 200) is getting plenty of D-1 recruiting buzz, and senior RB Keenan Jordan is a talent. Freshmen RB Richard Ramsey rushed for 99 yards and a score against Franklin. All in all, that’s a lot of offensive skill talent for Thurston to try to contain. I’m sure most readers of this blog are aware of the various weapons Thurston has. Expect a fun, high-scoring game featuring two past and future league rivals. Thurston playing this one at home will be the difference.
Thurston 38, South Eugene 31
Ashland Grizzlies (1-2) @ Willamette Wolverines (0-3)
Since 2000: Willamette, 1-0. Streak: Willamette, 1. Last Meeting: Willamette 42, Ashland 35 (2008)
What We Know: We know that Will-Hi is probably better than their 0-3 start. Their season of near misses was extended last week, when they led 6A North Medford 27-21 late but allowed a go-ahead score with about 3 minutes to play. We also know that Ashland split a pair of games against some 4A schools, then got worked over by a struggling Marshfield team – at home – last Friday.
The Game: I think the Wolverines get in the win column after a trying first month. They found their offense down in Medford, and as odd as it sounds talking about a winless team, they seem to be settling into a groove. Ashland is struggling mightily, and Willamette is tough to beat at home – when they aren’t turning the ball over half a dozen times, as they did against Klamath Union two weeks back.
Willamette 30, Ashland 16
Marshfield (2-1) @ Grants Pass (2-1)
Since 2000: Grants Pass, 3-1. Streak: Grants Pass, 3. Last Meeting: Grants Pass 35, Marshfield 0 (2008)
What We Know: After blowing the doors off of Hood River Valley 61-6 during Zero Week, GP looked like they were gearing up for a deep playoff run. Then Sherwood blew into town, running all over the vaunted Cavemen D and posted a 35-18 win. GP got back to winning the following week, 23-14 over Oregon City, but they didn’t look like the same team they did prior to the Sherwood debacle. Marshfield bounced back from their 1-1 start by chopping down Ashland on the road. They’re going to need another big road showing to stay above .500.
The Game: After beating GP in a second round playoff game in 2001, Marshfield has struggled to keep up with them in recent years. GP shut them out last year in Coos Bay, and Marshfield could only manage a safety two years ago at Grants Pass. GP doesn’t look like a SWC contender this year, but Marshfield looks like they might have one too many holes to fill to win this game. I’d take GP in a home win.
Grants Pass 34, Marshfield 14
Mazama Vikings (3-0) @ Churchill Lancers (2-1)
Since 2000: Churchill, 1-0. Streak: Churchill, 1. Last Meeting: Churchill 34, Mazama 14 (2008)
What We Know: Churchill is reaping the benefit of a weak schedule following their Zero Week loss to Sheldon. They’ve beaten Summit 28-6 at home and Dallas 28-17 in the following weeks, taking a multi-QB approach to the offense and controlling their opponents with a smothering defense. WRs Sam Graham and Brandon Determan are almost impossible to match up with. Mazama is thus far undefeated, with a mutual opponent win against Summit (28-26) and downing Yreka (CA) 34-6 and Crook County 28-18.
The Game: At home, this should be all Churchill. They should be able to overwhelm the Vikes athletically on defense, and the offense has been methodically efficient since the Sheldon game. I guess we’ll see what kind of athletes Mazama has in the secondary. They’ll need them.
Churchill 28, Mazama 10
Last Week: 5-1
Season Total: 14-3
ALSO!
#1 Sheldon (3-0) is clown-stomping everybody in front of them, and the defending champs are up next – on national television. Southridge (2-1) hosts the Irish on a Thursday night ESPNU telecast, and figure to offer a better challenge than Sheldon’s early season schedule (not that destroying Central Catholic is anything to scoff about). The Skyhawks, winners of last season’s 6A state championship, downed West Linn and Tualatin to open up their title defense, but lost big (35-7) at Canby last Friday. Sheldon dismissed Redmond 71-10 the same night. South Eugene visits Thurston, as discussed above. #1 Marist is averaging 50 PPG after throttling Springfield 55-6 at Silke Field last week, and host Sutherlin (1-2) this week. Sutherlin gave up over 50 points in each of their losses (Pleasant Hill and Cascade Christian) before shutting down La Pine 37-8 last week.
Head over to OPS's recently returned forums to love or hate on this blog.
|
|
MWL/SWC Blog 
