High School Sports Zone previews
The Main Event
Creswell Bulldogs (0-2) at Cottage Grove Lions (2-0)
Game facts: Friday, Sept 20 at 7 p.m. … 1375 S. River Rd,
What2Know: The Lions play host to the No. 37 Bulldogs for the first time in history. Whereas the Lions have found confidence and thrived in their new league in the season so far, the Bulldogs have had a rocky start to their season with the new restructures of 3A.
Girls Soccer
Cottage Grove Lions (1-1, #16)
Kicking off: Due to cancellations and lack of official games, the Lions have only two games under their belt. They hit the road this week to face No.9 Crook County on Thursday. Both teams will not know what to expect as they have not played each other in recent years. As the Lions’ non-league games dwindle, the team will need an improved offense if they want to be competitive in a talented Sky-Em League.
Creswell Bulldogs (4-0-1, #1)
Kicking off: The Bulldogs will face No. 58 Cascade Christian on Thursday. The Bulldogs are undefeated and ranked at the top in Class 3A. Offensively, they’ll continue to depend on Mila Nguyen, Elliette Kinney, and Kendal Durflinger. Defensively, Jordyn Marklin, Raelee Green, and 2023 1st-team all-league goalie Kylie Leonard.
Pleasant Billies (4-1) #7
Kicking off: The Billies will face No.25 Suislaw on their home turf next Monday. Junior striker Trinity Smead remains a key part of the offense as well as senior captain midfielder Tessa Hammond.
Springfield Millers (0-2, #31)
Kicking off: The Millers go up against local rival No. 28 Churchill Lancers on Tuesday. Both teams will be hungry this year since they finished with a 1-1 tie in 2023. The Millers still have several non-league games going forward, which would provide a great warm-up if Springfield wants to start Midwestern League play on a positive note.
Thurston Colts (3-2) #7
Kicking off: The Colts will face North Bend at their own home turf on Wednesday. The last time the Colts played against the Cougars was in 2022, in which they won 3-0. The Colts will continue to rely on senior goalkeeper Gabriella Montes and Lauren Kranzush, Amber Acocella, and Emmie Gerdrum.
Boys Soccer
Cottage Grove Lions (4-1, #3)
Kicking off: The Lions will play their last non-league game of the season against the No.9 Crook County Cowboys. They should feel confident after a win against rival Creswell last week. This will be the Lions’ first game vs. the Cowboys as they’ve never played against each other. Junior Emmanuel Rea continues to be key for CG’s offense.
Creswell Bulldogs (0-2-1, #53)
Kicking off: Creswell lost to Cottage Grove last week. So far, the Bulldogs are winless with one tied game under their belt. It is the teams’ first meeting. Senior GK Deacon Edwards has been steady this year, and much of the offense will continue to run through junior Brady Pratt.
Pleasant Hill Billies (2-2-1, #56)
Kicking off: Pleasant Hill is coming off a surprise 1-1 game against De Salle North Catholic last week, who they blew out 7-0 last year. Now, the Billies will open the Mountain Valley Conference against No.41 Central Linn on their home turf. The Billies will be looking for a competitive rematch as Central Linn ended their season last year, 2-1.
Springfield Millers (1-2, #11)
Kicking off: The Millers head to Marist Catholic this week. The No. 8 Spartans are 2-2 this season and beat the Millers 2-1 last season.
Thurston Colts (0-5, #30)
Kicking off: The Colts have a chance to right the ship after a shaky start when they travel to No. 28 North Bend. Last year, the Colts blew out the Bulldogs 5-0. This game might be their chance to turn around a winless season thus far.
Volleyball
Cottage Grove Lions (3-1, #13)
Setting up: The Lions will host Newport on Tuesday before going to South Umpqua on Thursday. After their first win against Creswell in years, the Lions will be amped going into the finalt two non-league games. In 2023, the Lions beat South Umpqua 3-0. In 2022, the Lions won against the ranked #28 Newport Cubs 2-1.
Creswell Bulldogs (6-5) #12
Setting up: The Bulldogs garner a winning streak. After their loss to Cottage Grove, Creswell went to their Sisters tournament last weekend winning one out of two of their games. On Monday night, they blew out Elmira 3-0. They bulldogs will continue to lean on Vika Gabrio, Piper Hanson and Teighlor Nunez.
Pleasant Hill Billies (9-0, #2)
Setting up: The Billies cruised past Sisters on Monday, winning, 3-1 after they had just come off their 3-2 win against their biggest competitor this year in the beginning season – Valley Catholic. The Billies hope to continue their domination through the finals while keeping improvement in mind as they transition into league play. After squeaking out a win against Valley Catholic, coach Jessica Crawford says she is “looking to limit these close games.”
Springfield Millers (3-3, #18)
Setting up: The Millers hope to turn their losing streak around with the returns of sophomore outside hitter Sailor Hall and senior middle Julissa Henderson. Next, they’ll hit the road to No.28 Ashland Grizzlies. The Millers have had a winning streak over the Grizzlies in the past couple of years and haven’t lost to them since 2021.
Thurston Colts (0-5, #31)Setting up: The Colts look to turn around their winless season against No.6 Crater this Thursday. Offensively, the Colts will continue to lean on junior outside hitter A
