FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
Cottage Grove Lions (1-3) at Cascade Cougars (3-1)
Game facts: Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m., 10226 Marion Rd. SE, Turner.
What2Know: The Lions got their first win in two years last week under new head coach Steve Turner. Now, Cottage Grove travels to No. 13 Cascade for the first of four straight games against top-15 teams.
Pierre’s take: The Sky-Em League is one of the deepest in Class 4A football, so the next month could be tough on the Lions. Last week’s win is sure to have the team riding high, though, as the weight of the losing streak is finally off their shoulders.
Creswell Bulldogs (1-3) at Siuslaw Vikings (3-1)
Game facts: Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m., 2975 Oak St., Florence.
What2Know: Creswell’s offense continued to struggle last week, scoring no points for the second straight game. Now, the Bulldogs head to No. 10 Siuslaw for their third straight road game.
Pierre’s take: After a loss against Elmira, Creswell likely needs to go 4-1 the rest of the season to grab an automatic playoff bid. While three wins are possible, the Bulldogs need an upset against Siuslaw or Sisters to grab that fourth win. Quarterback Darien Dewey has shown flashes, but will need to put together a full game of excellence in this one.
Elmira Falcons (2-2) at Pleasant Hill Billies (3-1)
Game facts: Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m., PHHS. Tickets Adults ($5), Students ($3), Seniors ($2)
What2Know: Pleasant Hill has a key Mountain Valley Conference matchup this week against Elmira. While Sisters and Siuslaw seem to have the top two slots in the MVC, the third and final automatic playoff bid is up for grabs, with both Elmira and Pleasant Hill fighting for that slot.
Pierre’s take: The Billies offense has been much improved this season, scoring 112 points through four games compared to 110 all of last season. Much of that is due to improved line play and running back Braedon Hazel, but quarterback Jacob Neely has also given the Billies a much-needed passing game that will help against Elmira.
FOOTBALL RECAPS
Elmira 14, Creswell 0
Recap: Creswell’s offense continued to struggle in the loss at Elmira. Despite the defense holding Elmira to its second-lowest scoring total of the season, Creswell wasn’t able to get enough going offensively and fell to 1-3 on the season.
Pleasant Hill 41, North Marion 34
Recap: Pleasant Hill hosted North Marion in its final non-league game of the season. The Billies offense continued to find success with 430 yards of total offense. Braedon Hazel led the way rushing with 9 rushes, 94 yards and one touchdown. Jacob Neely had a great game at quarterback, throwing for 191 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Cole Baker added 72 rushing yards and a score.
Springfield 35, South Eugene 0
Recap: Springfield used a heavy dose of running and stout defense to blank, and moving to 4-0 for the first time since 2015. Not only did Springfield’s defense hold South Eugene to 0 points, the Millers gave up 0 total yards of offense in the game, forced six three-and-outs, and didn’t allow a first down until the final possession of the third quarter. RB Connor Dye continued his stellar season, rushing for 132 yards and 2 scores.
Top Performers: Connor Dye, 25 carries, 132 yards, 2 touchdowns; Zack Sherman, 5/9, 84 yards, 1 TD; Lukas Babbitt, 1 catch, 40 yards, TD;
Thurston 64, Crater 21
Recap: Thurston was firing on all cylinders at Crater, leading 44-14 at the half. QB Noah Blair continued his stellar season, throwing for 331 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win. The big difference this week was Thurston got its run game going for the first time this season as Ethan Burkhead had touchdown runs of 44, 38, and 18 yards. Lombel Doreen added a 59-yard punt return for a touchdown as Thurston moved to 2-2 overall and 2-0 in Midwestern League play.
