Eight games in the 2nd round of the 6A playoffs, all tomorrow night. While 1080 The FAN will be at Lincoln vs. Southridge, there is plenty of other action all over the state. Here’s a brief look at the key factors in each game.

Canby @ South Salem, 7pm- South Salem H.S.

The Saxons are probably the biggest mystery in the state tournament this year with senior quarterback Connor Lynch and running back Corey Bickler they have a balanced offensive attack that can put points on the board in a hurry, just ask Clackamas who was tied at 17 last week and ended up losing 45-17. Canby just continues to do what it’s always done. Line up in the Wing-T use all their players, try and hit the tight end for big plays and hit the snot out of their opponent on defense. Biggest question is can they outscore the Saxsons if they need to?

Grants Pass @ Jesuit, 7pm- Cronin Field

The Cavemen had to grind out a 7-3 win over a fiesty but undermanned Gresham team. Now, the Crusaders coming off a bye, Yikes! Biggest question will be can GP deal with the speed of Keanon Lowe, Anthony Blake and Dylan Jackson. Not sure they have seen anything like they are about to Friday in Beaverton.

Westview @ Sheldon, 7pm- Sheldon H.S.

Two teams that are mirror images of each other. Both use a form of the spread option with dynamic dual threat quarterbacks leading the offensive attack. The Wildcats do not have a player like Curtis White though. This game will come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes (turnovers, penalties, missed tackles, etc.)

Grant @ Lake Oswego, 7pm- Lake Oswego District Field

It seems like these two teams meet every year in the playoffs, but it’s only happened once. Grant has a couple of premiere athletes in the Aker Brothers. The Lakers have ten. As long as Jack Lomax has time to throw, the Generals can’t cover everybody for five to seven seconds. Grant has to play perfect and get at least three turnovers.

Southridge @ Lincoln, 7pm- Lincoln H.S.

We will be calling this one for you on 1080 The FAN, and it could be a track meet. The trick will be if the Cardinals can give Henry Furman enough time in the pocket to let his talented wide recievers De’Andre Taylor and Ryan Lacey get open. The Skyhawks are huge up front and hit hard in the secondary. RB Kirk Werhane will be key for Southridge who can control the game if they dominate time of possession. Should be a fun one.

David Douglas @ South Medford, 7pm- Spiegelberg Stadium

Not sure if the Scots know what they are in for. 15,000 people expected to jam Spiegelberg Stadium and watch the high flying offense of the Panthers with the catching Singler Cousins. Patrick Thiebeau gives them a productive ground game as well. The Scots have managed to win close games all season with a suffocating defense, but if it gets away from them early, not sure they can generate enough offense to keep up.

West Linn @ Beaverton, 7:30pm- Beaverton H.S.

This could be the most entertaining game of the second round. Two teams who will try anything on offense. Beavers QB Michael DeHaan did it with his legs last week. Josh Oltman did everything for the Lions in their opening round win over Barlow. That means whichever defense can create some turnovers and get some stops will decide it. This is a rematch of a first round game last year where DeHaan was hurt. This year Bryce Baker is still injured for the Lions, and you know what they say about paybacks.

McNary @ Tualatin, 7pm- Tualatin H.S.

If the Tualatin team we saw beat Tigard in the regular season finale shows up, then the Celtics are going to have their hands full. Taylor Hart leads a big and tough defensive line, and John Grill was a bulldozer of running back getting 5 to 7 yards every carry. The Celtics were fortunate to survive Roseburg in the first round, but won’t be able to get away with making so many mistakes against the Timberwolves. McNary has their own pounding running back in Darian Kauffman. It may come down to which Quarterback, Tualatin’s Levi Lavasa or McNary’s Grant Kessel, can make big plays through the air.

With the playoffs beginning tonight, click the links below to check out predictions from Jason Swygard, Travis Demers, and Dusty Harrah.  Don’t forget, this weeks Les Schwab Game of the Week features Sheldon @ Tigard, with 6:45 pregame on ESPN Sports Radio 1080 The FAN, followed by the Les Schwab High School Football Show.

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The season flew by, and the playoffs are finally here.  For the official brackets click below.

6A - 5A - 4A - 3A - 2A - 1A

Check back in later this week for the predictions from Jason Swygard, Travis Demers, and Dusty Harrah, and feel free to post your own predictions below. 

6A Observations:

Region 1 - Wilson @ Canby, Clackamas @ South Salem, Gresham @ Grants Pass,    Jesuit-BYE

Jesuit is clearly the team to beat in this region, with Grants pass the most likely team to upset the Crusaders, but even that is a longshot.  It looks like Jesuit will once again be playing at PGE Park in the semi-finals.  Most interesting first round matchup: Clackamas @ South Salem.  Most interesting potential matchup: Grants Pass @ Jesuit.

Region 2 - Sheldon @ Tigard, Westview @ Central Catholic, McKay @ Grant,               Lake Oswego - BYE

Lake Oswego has the toughest road of any of the bye week teams with the defending state champs, as well as 3 other very good teams, and two others that on a good day can beat anyone.  Most interesting first round matchup: Sheldon @ Tigard. Most interesting potential matchup: Sheldon vs Lake Oswego.

Region 3 - Oregon City @ Southridge, Centennial @ Lincoln, Newberg @ David Douglas,    South Medford - BYE

South Medford has struggled against the pass this year, but their offense can score at will, so they are a tough team to gauge.  Their toughest competition in this region appears to be a big, strong Southridge team, that is coming on strong with the return of Mitch Matthews.  They beat Lincoln once in a shootout, but can they do it again? Most interesting first round matchup: Oregon City @ Southridge. Most interesting potential matchup: Southridge vs South Medford.

Region 4 - Barlow @ West Linn, Sprague @ Beaverton, Roseberg @ McNary,         Tualatin - BYE

Tualatin is gaining momentum, and doing it quickly.  Beaverton might have the best pass offense in the state, but struggles agains the pass.  This region matches up very well for the Beavers, more than any other team.  Most interesting first round matchup: Barlow @ West Linn. Most interesting potential Matchup: Beaverton @ Tualatin.