Thurston (0-1) at Summit (0-1)
Game facts: 7:15 p.m. in Bend
What2Know:
The Colts lost a heartbreaker last week to Wilsonville, but they don’t have time to wallow over that loss as they have another tough matchup at Summit, a team that reached the 6A quarterfinals last season before moving down to 5A this year. The Storm also lost their first game last week, 19-12 against 6A Tualatin. One team will bounce back and get a win on the board, the other will start 0-2 and be in an early-season hole.
Quotable: “I’m very proud of our competitive spirit last week. Summit is supremely talented and we are looking forward to the challenge.” – Head coach Justin Starck
Springfield (1-0) at Marist Catholic (1-0)
Game facts: 7 p.m. in Eugene
What2Know:
The Millers got off to a great start with their win last week against Ridgeview, but they’ll have another tough test this week against Marist, reigning 4A finalists. The Spartans are favorites to do damage again this year, and both teams should feel confident after their week 1 wins. Springfield has an unforgiving schedule the next few weeks as it will face both Midwestern League favorites Crater (09/16) and rival Thurston (09/30). A 2-0 start could go a long way for the Millers’ playoff chances later in the season.
Cottage Grove (0-1) at Elmira (0-1)
Game facts: 7 p.m. at Elmira
What2Know:
The Lions were shut out last week at home. They threw two INTs, and had a lot of mistakes that head coach Joe Polamalu should be looking to shore up in practice this week. Cottage Grove has a good matchup this week against a beatable Elmira team that lost 41-6 to Junction City in week one.
Quotable:
“We shot ourselves in the foot, dropped passes, penalties, we can fix that.” – Coach Polamalu
Pleasant Hill (1-0) vs. Salem Academy (1-0)
Game facts:
2 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Hill High School
What2Know:
The Billies got their first win since 2020 in coach Jeremiah Heacock’s first game, and will look to make it two in a row on Saturday in their home opener. The Billies struggled on defense a lot last season, but should feel good about hiring a defensive-minded coach after last week’s shutout win. The offense was much improved as well, with assistant Dustin
Holmes helping Pleasant Hill to score 26 points, tied for the most they scored in a game all of last season.
Quotable:
“We are looking to have a good week of practice to prepare for another high quality opponent. They are multidimensional and will be a good challenge for our second game.” – Heacock
Creswell (1-0) at Santiam Christian (1-0)
Game facts: 7 p.m. in Adair Village
What2Know: The Bulldogs had a perfect start to the season, dominating Jefferson in every facet last week. They stay on the road this week against Santiam Christian, the ninth-ranked 3A team in the preseason coaches poll. The Eagles also rolled in their first game, 40-7 against Paradise High School from California. The Bulldogs look to keep the ball rolling on both sides after an efficient offensive performance and a dominant defensive showing.
Quotable:
“I’m sure it is going to be a great battle come Friday night. Santiam Christian usually has a great football team year in and year out. We’re looking to compete every play, be in the ball game or up late in the game and give ourselves the best possible chance to win a ball game. It’s going to take another great week of preparation from our guys.” –Coach Scott Worsham
