Creswell Bulldogs at Sisters Outlaws
Game facts: 7 p.m. at Sisters HS, 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd. … Bulldogs (3-2); Outlaws (2-2)
What2Know: The Bulldogs suffered a hard-fought loss last week against the defending champion Siuslaw Vikings. The loss makes this week’s league matchup at Sisters an important one, as both teams want to avoid falling to 1-2 in league play. Creswell should look to continue riding the offensive prowess of quarterback Connor Hanson and running back Jack Nguyen. Meanwhile, the defense will look to bounce back after the Bulldogs allowed Siuslaw to score 46 points.
Churchill Lancers at Springfield Millers
Game facts: 7 p.m. at Springfield HS, 875 7th St. … Lancers (2-3); Millers (3-2)
What2Know: Springfield can’t afford to dwell on last week’s loss as it hosts Churchill this week. The Lancers have had a tough schedule and are better than their record. Springfield head coach Miles Haley faces the team he used to be an assistant for, and he’ll need a bounce-back performance from his team to avoid a losing streak. Dwayne Fotta had a monster game last week despite the loss, and should be utilized heavily again this week. Meanwhile, Churchill QB Tyler Mikel has yet to throw an INT this season, but the Millers defense has a propensity for causing turnovers.
Quotable: “I don’t think they’re happy losing games. So I think just their competitive nature is going to show up. We’re going to do what we do every week, attack every day, and see what happens on Friday.” – Haley
Cottage Grove Lions at Marist Catholic Spartanss
Game facts: 7 p.m. at Marist Catholic, 1900 Kingsley Rd., Eugene … Lions (0-5); Spartans (4-1)
What2Know: No rest for the weary this week as Cottage Grove’s brutal midseason schedule continues. The Lions travel to face Marist, the No. 3 team in class 4A football. With its 0-5 record, Cottage Grove’s season is now more about development and culture-building than anything else. The Lions will need to find a way to slow down a Spartans offense that’s averaging over 32 points a game. Marist quarterback Jackson Gibeau and wide receiver AJ Sargent will be a dynamic duo that could cause problems, as well as running back Drew Prickel.
La Pine Hawks at Pleasant Hill Billies
Game facts: 7 p.m. at Pleasant Hill HS, 36386 Hwy. 58. … Hawks (4-1); Billies (3-2)
What2Know: The Billies have been brought down to earth after a 3-0 start. First they lost to top-ranked Banks, and last week they were shut out at Elmira. Pleasant Hill now finds itself at 1-1 in the Mountain Valley Conference as they host a La Pine team that’s sitting in first in the conference. The Billies offense has struggled the last two games against good teams, and they’ll need big performances from quarterback Matthew Dutton and WRs Colton Kaiser and Kaden Howes to pull off the upset.
Quotable: “Look forward to having a good week of practice and improving while getting ready for a well-coached La Pine team.” – Head coach Jeremiah Heacock
Thurston Colts at Eagle Point Eagles
Game facts: 7 p.m. on Thursday in Eagle Point, 203 N. Platt Ave. … Colts (3-2); Eagles (4-1)
What2Know: After an 0-2 start, the Colts have righted the ship. Thurston’s rushing attack was unstoppable in its win last week against rival Springfield, but the Colts now face the team with the best rushing attack in 5A football. Eagle Point senior running back David Brown has over 900 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground already this year, including seven touchdowns in week one against Ashland. The Colts will need to keep Brown in check to take sole possession of first place in the Midwestern League.
Quotable: “Have to stop their run game and try to make them one-dimensional.” – Head coach Justin Starck
