Archive for September, 2008
Monday, September 29th, 2008
After a 2-2 week, I feel like I’m ready for league play coming this Friday (along with our first live game of the week: Jesuit @ Westview coverage begins on the FAN at 7pm). A couple of overriding themes this season. There are a lot of teams with very good offenses, but very few with outstanding defenses. Many of the deciding games in leagues this year will come down to which team can stop the other in the 4th quarter, and there are only a couple of teams I am confident in right now that can do that: Southridge, Lake Oswego, and South Medford. Young teams with excellent coaching staffs are going to be extremely difficult to beat come playoff time, these teams come in the form of West Salem, Sheldon and Canby. Five weeks to go until round 1 of the playoffs, here’s your key performers from Week 4:
Derek Bowen, QB Central Catholic- Bowen is starting to put it all together now for the Rams, making good adjustments as the game progresses as evidenced by his second half at Gresham where he went 6-7, 104 yds and 3tds. He has a huge offensive line and big athletic receivers. He understands his job to recognize coverage find the best matchup and get rid of it as soon as possible.
Zach Roberts, QB Oregon City- The Pioneers are now tied with Lake Oswego atop the Three Rivers League after a 30-8 shocker over Clackamas and Roberts is a dual threat signal caller guiding the young OC team. He had two more touchdowns against the Cavaliers (1 rush, 1 pass) after a huge night against the struggling Pacers. A win this week against longtime rival West Linn and they are looking at a home game in the playoffs.
Mikkel Smythe, RB Hillsboro- The Spartans looking to crash the party at the top of the NW Oregon Conference led by the junior rusher who had 3 touchdowns and over 200 yards against crosstown rival Glencoe. HillHi’s only loss this season came at the hands of #1 West Albany, and they were still able to put up 21 points, which is the most by any of the Bulldogs opponents this year.
Swag’s Top 5 Teams
1. Lake Oswego (4-0, 2-0)- Maybe O.C. can give them a game?
2. Southridge (4-0) - Could be the best defense in the State.
3. South Medford (4-1)- The end of the Sheldon league streak could be looming.
4. Jesuit (3-1)- A 3 point loss to L.O. all that’s keeping them from being #1
5. Sheldon (2-2)- As much talent on this team as any in the state.
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Friday, September 26th, 2008
A light schedule this week as the Metro League and most of the Pacific League takes a bye before beginning their league schedules, but still a few big non-league contests, and the crazy Mt. Hood starts to sort itself out. Key games for Week 4:
Clackamas (1-2, 0-1) @ Oregon City (1-3, 1-0)- 7pm, Oregon City HS
Normally a match up of two teams with losing records doesn’t catch my eye, but both these teams should make the playoffs out of the TRL. The five losses these teams share come from teams with a combined record of 16-3. The Pioneers have been on the verge of breaking through to the upper reaches of the TRL for the last couple of years, and this grudge match game could be the springboard to get there. The Cavaliers need to remind themselves that they are a good football team, and just quit making mistakes with turnovers and penalties. Their best two players are their linebackers Andrew Eads and Jack Goodwin. If they are making all the tackles on defense then it could be a long night for OC. Pick: Clackamas 34- Oregon City 19
#3 Sherwood (3-1, 1-0) @ #6 Century (4-0, 1-0)- 7pm, Hillsboro Stadium
The Northwest Oregon Conference is just loaded this year at the 5A level, and if anyone will threaten West Albany in the playoffs it will most likely be whoever survives this league. The Bowmen are like novocane, they just run it until you can’t take it anymore, but more importantly their defense is suffocating. They are working on three consecutive shutouts. Century meanwhile is finally breaking through, last week a gutty win over nemesis Glencoe with clutch plays down the stretch. They must play error free football and get points every time they get into the red zone, but I just don’t know how often that will be. Pick: Sherwood 22- Century 6
#4 South Medford (3-1) @ Lincoln (3-1)- 7pm Lincoln HS
Not sure if the bleachers are ready for bottoms yet over at Lincoln, but there won’t too much sitting in this one anyway with two teams who might throw it 40 times or more. Josh Milhollin is starting to settle in at quarterback for the Panthers, which is made easier by having Singler bookend recievers in E.J. and Mitch to catch his passes. Blake Rudolph also getting comfortable in Cardinals Coach Chad Carlson’s spread attack. This game is about turnovers and big plays. The difference may just be S.M. running back Patrick Thibeault. If they can establish enough of a running game to keep Lincoln honest it will open up the field for the Singlers and keep the blitzing to a minimum. Pick: South Medford 44- Lincoln 27
Central Catholic (3-1, 1-0) @ #9 Gresham (4-0, 1-0)- 7pm Gresham HS
I can’t remember the last time the Gophers were ranked, but it’s good to see head coach Mike Allison bring this once proud program back to power. It may not be pretty all the time, but it’s been effective and clutch late. The Rams have shaken off an embarassing loss to Bellevue in the Best of the West and have their high powered offense rolling behind quarterback Derek Bowen. The key for Gresham will be possessing the ball. Central Cathloic can strike quick with big plays, but the defense had a hard time getting off the field against the rushing attack of Bellevue on third downs. Now Gresham is a ways from Bellevue but the approach can work. Throw in a wild crowd tonight and it’s all the makin’s. Pick: Gresham 19- Central Cathloic 17.
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Thursday, September 25th, 2008
As league play begins for just about every team in the State this week, I thought it would be a good idea to help you know about some up and coming teams that don’t get the press that Lake Oswego and Jesuit enjoy. Take South Salem for instance, they are one of just five unbeaten 6A teams at this point in the season. Also, the 6A PIL race is completely up for grabs, and no one is talking about the Franklin Quakers.
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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
With league play beginning in some larger leagues, the high school season is beginning to take shape, and in some cases losing shape. The Three Rivers League may be over, while the PIL and Mt. Hood leagues look completely up for grabs. And the best league race this year, may be in 5A where four teams have legitimate thoughts about winning the Northwest Conference. We can’t wait for October to get going.
Key Perfromers Week 3-
Malcolm Johnson, RB- Barlow: The leading returning 6A rusher from last season finally turned it loose on Hood River Valley carrying 20 times for 286 yards and five touchdowns. All five TD’s coming in the first half. The road to Mt. Hood title still runs through these guys.
Laurence Calcagno, RB- Canby: One of the veterans on a young and improving Cougars team did everything in a huge upset of #6 Westview with 119 yards rushing, 52 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. Oh, and he is probably their best linebacker too. With Tualatin looking vulnerable Canby could seize another Pacific League Title.
Connor Lynch, QB- South Salem- The junior signal caller appears to have offiically won the starting job after a 14-17, 213 yd, 5 TD performance in a 41-21 win over Redmond. The Saxsons one of five undefeated 6A teams and in the mix for the Central Valley League crown.
Bowmen Defense- Sherwood: A little love for the guys on the other side of the ball. The Bowmen defense have allowed 14 points all season long, and all of them came against #1 West Albany. That’s three consecutive shutouts folks. Can’t wait to see them in person October 10th.
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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
League play beginning for the larger leagues around the state, with some huge match ups right out of the chute. None bigger than in the Three Rivers League, plus some interesting games in the Mt. Hood League. Plus a big showdown down South in a bragging rights battle between the Metro and Southwest leagues. Here are the key games for Week 3:
Tigard (2-1) @ Grant (1-2)- 4pm, Grant Bowl
Two teams going opposite directions early in the season, as the Generals started slow with a brutal non-league schedule but got on track with a big win over Barlow thanks to Junior Quarterback Ken Acker who has found his rhythm running the Generals spread option attack. Tigard meanwhile lost a double overtime thirller to West Salem last week that kept them from an undefeated record, the question in this one is who can stop the other team. Tigard may have more athletes but I think Grant’s are little better. Pick: Grant: 55- Tigard 49
Gresham (3-0) @ Sandy (2-1)- 7pm, Sandy HS
The Gophers look like they are back on the map with three gutty wins to start the season. Quarterback Mickey Inns is a veteran under center and can keep his cool late in games. He also has a stout defense to rely on which has allowed less than 13 points a game so far. Meanwhile Ray Baker has everyone in Sandy fired up about football again, off to a 2-1 start, but the most impressive game on their schedule is the one point loss to Forest Grove holding that high powered offense to just 16 points. This should be another nail biter, but the Gophers have proven to be clutch so far this year. Pick: Gresham 19- Sandy 15
#3 Southridge (3-0) @ #4 Sheldon (2-1)- 7pm, Sheldon HS
A possible state championship preview in Eugene tonight as the unstoppable force of the Irish offense meets the immovable object known as the Skyhawks defense. This one looks pretty simple on paper, whichever team is most effective passing the football will win. Southridge completely stuffed Canby’s running attack last week. Jordan Johnson, QB for Sheldon, has been more effective running early this year than throwing. Johnson has to get tight end Curtis White going in this one, as Southridge will need more than one guy to bring him down. For Southridge, their receivers need to help out quarterback Kellen Mastrud a little better than last week holding on to the football, and they can’t afford all the penalties and turnovers they had last week. Pick: Sheldon 28- Southridge 17
#1 Lake Oswego (2-0) @ Clackamas (1-1)- 7pm, Clackamas High School
Well, the Lakers showed they were for real last week with a hearstopping come from behind win over Jesuit 36-33. Jack Lomax is a legitmate big time high school quarterback and the defense was good enough to at least slow down all the speedy skill guys the Crusdaders threw at them. Now, can they come down off the high of that win and deal with their biggest threat in the TRL to open up league play? For the Cavaliers, they have looked very good since the second half of the Jesuit game. Ben Parsons has settled into the quarterback role nicely with Matt Nylen and Ben Adler as his main targets. Trevor Liske provides them good balance in the run game. This should be a game of big plays on both sides. Turnovers will be paid for dearly in this one. Pick: Lake Oswego 48- Clackamas 40.
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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
OK…OK….I’ll start drinking the Kool-Aid over on the north side of the lake. What an unbelievable game between Lake Oswego and Jesuit. And yes, most of my questions were answered regarding the Lakers offensive line. Any remaining questions will be answered this week as they open the Three Rivers League schedule with what should be the league title matchup against Clackamas. If they can travel east and beat the Cavaliers on their home turf, there is nothing else on their schedule that looks ominous enough to keep them from an undefeated regular season. But, it’s no easy task with Ben Parsons starting to gain a rhythm with his receivers Ben Adler and Matt Nylen. Should be another fun one.
Key Performers of Week 2:
Patrick Acosta, K, Westview- Very rarely do kickers make this list, but when you have a clutch game winner one week then follow it up with four more including a 47 yarder to account for all of the team’s offensive production you get your name called. The Wildcats will need that leg later on in Metro action for a late game winner.
Darian Kauffman, RB McNary- Asked to fill in for the injured Steven Rodriguez, Kauffman slammed his way to 187 yards and four touchdowns on 16 carries to lead the Celtics to a 49-7 trouncing of Forest Grove. Rodriguez, an all state sprinter, expected to return this week now has a bruising mate in the backfield to make the Celtics a favorite in the CVL.
Southridge Defensive Line- Time to give some love to the big guys up front. This unit has led a defense that has allowed just seven points combined to Tualatin and Canby in the last two weeks. They are big, nasty, and hard hitters that anchor one of the most physical defenses in the state. They held Canby to just 117 yards rushing for the game on Friday, and this is a team that traditionally runs for over 200 a game.
Ken Acker, QB Grant- The Generals have quite a lineage of dual threat quarterbacks, but in junior Ken Acker, they may have found their most athletic. On their way to a 34-21 victory over Barlow, Acker racked up over 300 yards of total offense throwing for two touchdowns and running for another. Oh, and he anchors the defense at middle linebacker too.
Swag’s top 5 after week 2
1.) Lake Oswego- A win over the Cavs, and they should be number 1 the rest of the year
2.) Sheldon- 49-7 over Redmond is what we should expect every week
3.) South Medford- Milhollin starting to figure out the Panthers offense
4.) Southridge- Need the receivers to pick up the slack in Mathews’ absence
5.) Jesuit- Keanon Lowe and Anthony Blake are still scary, but secondary needs to get ready for Metro
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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
The spotlight of national television descending upon Lake Oswego tonight as the Jesuit Crusaders seek revenge for the 21-0 shutout at the hands of the Lakers last year. This game will be seen on CBS College Sports which requires a sports subscription on most cable and satellite providers. But since you live in the area, it’s worth ditching work early to head down to Club Resort Lake Oswego and take this one in. I guess I’m the only one that hasn’t bought into the hype of the Lakers. I know Jack Lomax is the real deal, but the win over Juneau-Douglas really didn’t prove anything except they don’t see much passing in Great White North. This week provides a much better assessment of how good this young team can be. While I expect Jesuit to run away with this one in the second half, there are several other big games in the area tonight.
Canby (2-0) @ Southrdige (2-0)- Southridge HS 7:00pm
I am heading out to Murray Hill to see two teams I am very intrigued by early in the season. Canby head coach Mike Doty was concerned about his inexperienced offensive line before the season started, but they have looked good so far in two games. But they will be tested tonight against one of the most experienced teams in the state. The Skyhawks didn’t miss beat after losing stud receiver Mitch Mathews in game one with a broken ankle. Quarterback Kellen Mastrud has displayed a poise and savvy that has eluded previous signal callers at Southridge. Kyle Werhane will be key in this game out of the backfield. The Cougars haven’t seen too many backs with his size. QB Brian Widing for Canby will have an opportunity to display his arm in this one, as a Cougar upset will come from big passing plays that catch the Skyhawks defense overcommitting to the run. Should be a slobberknocker. Pick: Southridge 24- Canby 13
Forest Grove (2-0) @ McNary (2-0)- McNary HS 7:00pm
The Celtics trying to recapture the glory days of Tom Smythe, could be in for CVL title run with a suffocating defense and solid ground game. Out in the western stretches of the Pacific League quarterback Aaron Huson is so good he got the coach to put his veer option attack on the shelf for the year and let him throw it. Tonight will prove one team is a legitimate threat this year. The concern for the Vikings is giving up a pair of touchdowns to lesser teams in each of their first two wins while the Celtics have allowed just 7 points combined in their first two. Huson will have to be perfect with the ball in this one for a win, any interceptions and McNary will make them pay. Pick: McNary 27- Forest Grove 17
Barlow (1-1) @ Grant (0-2)- Grant Park 4:30pm
Two teams that have been traditional powers in their own leagues have not had much luck against the better teams from the Metro league so far this season. The scoreboard in this one should resemble a basketball game more than a football game. Grant really showed growth from week 0 to week 1 holding Westview to 17 points last week after letting 5A Jefferson run wild on them in an overtime loss. Barlow has yet to Malcolm Johnson really rolling, and this could be the game to do it in. If the Bruins can crowd Ken Aker and not let him run loose out of the pocket they should be able to control the ball and the game. But that is easier said than done. Grant must tackle at first contact and not let Johnson get second and third effort yardage to keep the chains moving. Pick: Grant 42- Barlow 34.
Jesuit (2-0) @ Lake Oswego (1-0)- Lake Oswego HS 6:00pm
It’s so big it has an ESPN-like moniker: The Sequel. Jesuit fans have not forgotten the absolute beatdown they suffered last year when the Lakers shut them out for the first time since 1990. That won’t happen tonight. I didn’t see anyone in a blue and white jersey last Saturday at PGE Park that can stay with Keanon Lowe. Jeff Kremer, nose tackle for L.O., will be key for any chance the Lakers have. If he can get penetration off the snap and get into the Crusader backfield before Scott Williams has a chance to set up it could keep those big plays from happeneing. But if the very skilled offensive line of Jesuit has their way there are too many weapons in RB Anthony Blake, RB Dylan Jackson and Lowe to keep track of. L.O. will have to run the ball as well as Jesuit has experience in their seconday and the Lakers receivers will have to work to get open. Could be up to 15,000 crammed into L.O. District Field. Not sure how many will be left in the fourth quarter. Pick: Jesuit 35- Lake Oswego 17.
Big News, our first play by play call of the season on The FAN will be Friday October 3rd for Souithridge at Westview. Pregame at 7pm kickoff at 7:30pm. Join me, Brett Elloitt, Dusty Harrah and Travis Demers for all the live action on updates from the other big games in the area.
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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
Well a 4-0 week, but many games not going the manner in which I expected. But I did learn a few things seeing 4 games over the weekend. Keanon Lowe is really fast. Jack Lomax has a really good arm, and Sheldon will be fine once they all play together for a little bit. Jesuit is the real deal, watching them in person reminded me of their title teams in 2005 and 2006. While Lowe is indeed the headline attraction there is plenty of talent, starting with running back Anthony Blake who rushed for 205 yards on 21 carries. Dylan Jackson is no picnic for defenders either. The crusaders will look to run 75 percent of the time. They want to draw the safties up and just when teams think they have forgotten about Lowe, they get him one on one in space and Scott Williams can just loft it up for him to run under.
The other key performers from the week:
Jack Lomax, QB Lake Oswego- The senior is one of only four returning starters for the Lakers, but in just one half of football he was 12-14 for 215 yards and 4 touchdowns against Juneau-Douglas. Now, the Scarlet Bruins probably hadn’t seen a passing attack like that up in Alaska, but for a first game with mostly new receivers Lomax was very poised and in control. We’ll see what he can do against Jesuit next week on national TV.
Anthony LaCoste, RB West Albany- Now we could probably put this kid on the list every week but when you go for 335 yards and 5 long TDs in two and a half quarters you’ve earned it. Honorable mention goes to his offensive line as I don’t think LaCoste had to wash his jersey after the game.
Sean Bergland, QB Barlow- The Bruins are supposed to be rolling up the rushing yards with Malcolm Johnson and the wing T, but the experienced Bergland threw four touchdown passes to lead Barlow past Wilson 42-14. The Bruins should go far this season with enough passing to balance the run and keep teams honest.
Top 5 after Week 1
1. Jesuit- Sheldon looked mortal against Skyline, the crusader still look to good to be true
2. Southridge- When does the Metro League season start?
3. Shledon- Some first game jitters will be a distant memory come November
4. Westview- Josh Hill just gets his team to win
5. South Medford- A shutout for the defense against Evergreen, imagine when the offense gets in synch?
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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
Everyone gets it going this week around the State of Oregon and SW Washington and there are plenty of intriguing matchups in all parts of the Metro area.
Jesuit @ Clackamas- 7:00pm Clackamas H.S.
After the performance the Crusaders had in their opener against Tualatin the story is whether or not they can sustain it all year long and stir up comparisons to the 2005 and 2006 teams. Keanon Lowe was the headliner for Jesuit in game one, but Scott Williams should not be overlooked at quarterback. He doesn’t come with the hype of some of the other signal callers this season, but he has a decent enough arm and makes good decisions. As for the Cavaliers, it’s their opener with new quarterback Ben Parsons replacing Ryan Cook. Parson was catching passes last year, but he won the Top Gun competition this summer and will have Ben Adler as his main target. Joe Bushman likes it wide open so don’t expect Jesuit to be able to put 8 and 9 in the box like they did against Tualatin. Still, having a game under their belt will be a big advantage for the Crusaders in this one. Pick: Jesuit 42- Clackamas27
South Medford @ Evergreen- 5:00pm McKenzie Stadium
What a great early season matchup, as the biggest threat to Sheldon’s 56 game league winning streak takes a shot at the best of the Greater St. Helen’s League in a twilight kickoff. The only question the Panthers really had to answer was could new quarterback Josh Milhollin could pick up wher A.J. Palazzolo left off last year. I think they answered that question against West Salem. The biggest question for the Plainsmen this year is whether or not Tom Smythe will leave to rebuild his once proud Lakeridge program after the season. Will it be a rallying point or a distraction this year. Either way the Panthers should have plenty. Pick: South Medford 44- Evergreen 31
Grant @ Westview- 7:30pm Westview H.S.
The Wildcats made a big statement with an easier than expected win over Barlow in week zero keeping Malcolm Johnson under control. Quarterback Josh Hill doing it with his feet and arm. David Agguilar overcoming an early fumble to anchor the running game. The goal this week, avoid giving up the big play from Ken and Karl Aker of Grant. While the Generals have more skill guys to replace Andre Broudas and Paul McCoy, they only have one retruning offensive lineman from last year’s semifinal team. As long as the front seven of Westview doesn’t get too anxious rushing Aker and allow him room to scramble they should be able to control the game. Pick: Westview 51- Grant 27
Jefferson @ West Albany- 7:00pm Jefferson H.S.
Yes, giving the 5A kids some love, but let’s face it, both of these schools could beat quite a few 6A schools this year. West Albany has lost one game since reclassification and that was the 2006 title game to Corvallis. Jefferson last week knocked off 6A Grant in overtime. You have two of the best running backs in the state in Anthony LaCoste of West Albany and Marlon Miles of Jefferson. Just go out and watch this one if you are looking for an entertaining evening. This game might come down to depth and the Bulldogs just have more. Pick: West Albany 27- Jefferson 20
Go out and enjoy a great week of High School football tonight and then be sure and join me tomorrow morning at 8am for a complete recap of all the action with the Les Schwab High School Football Show. Plus a preview of the Best of the West tripleheader at PGE Park on Saturday featuring Lake Oswego, Central Catholic and Sheldon.
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Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
Just talked with Southridge head coach Brad Mastrud and top wide receiver Mitch Mathews is out for the year with a broken ankle. The senior receiver is headed to BYU next year, but he went down in the first quarter of the season opening game against West Linn and will be missed for the remainder of the year. Coach Mastrud is quite confident in the rest of his receivers and expects them to pick up the slack. It will be very difficult, though to replace the speed and hands and size of Mathews. The Skyhawks travel to Tualatin to face the Timberwolves this week, still reeling from the 52-20 loss to Jesuit.
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