No. 12 Sisters Outlaws (3-1) at No.11 Cottage Grove Lions (4-0)
Game facts: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. … Location: 1375 S. River Rd.
What2Know: The Lions play host to the Outlaws in their biggest test of the season. These teams have a similar history with both having recently dropped down to Class 3A after struggling in 4A for years. The last time these two teams met was when they were both in 4A in 2017. The Lions blew them out 44-14. However, after experiencing only six wins in four years, the Outlaws dropped down to 3A in 2022 and quickly raised their record from 6-4 that season to 8-2 in ’23 – ending the year ranked No. 6 in Class 3A.
No. 24 Madras White Buffaloes (2-2) at No. 23 Creswell Bulldogs (1-3)
Game facts: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m … Location: 33390 Niblock Ln.
What2Know: The Bulldogs play host to the White Buffaloes, who are a Class 4A team. It’s the first time the teams have met in the past 10 years. Hunter Mustin remains a key aspect of the Bulldogs’ offense.
No.12 Churchill Lancers (3-1) at No. 22 Thurston Colts (5-0)
Game facts: Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. … Stadium is at 333 58th St.
What2Know: The Lancers have won three straight games by at least 24 points or more and are coming off the adrenaline of bulldozing Crater 34-0, having scored in each quarter. Meanwhile, the Colts won their third straight game on the road and continued to have an imposing offense of QB Noah Blair, Ashden Weiler, David Macdonald, and Matt Newel. The Lancers lost 48-28 last year to Thurston.
No. 27 Pleasant Hill (1-3) at No. 37 Elmira Falcons (0-4)
Game facts: Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m….Location: 24936 Fir Grove Ln.
What2Know: The Billies hit the road to face the Falcons. The Falcons currently have a two-time winning streak with the Billies (2-0) when they dropped down to 3A in 2022. However, the Billies might still be hurting from their loss with Cottage Grove and can use a win to raise their score. Junior Quarterback Steven Bounds, leading rusher freshman Kai Davis and receivers Jacob Neely and Cota Aanrud continue to be important assets to the Billies.
No. 31 Springfield Millers (0-5) at No. 11 Willamette Wolverines (4-0)
Game facts: Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m….Stadium: 1801 Echo Hollow Rd.
What2Know: Last year, the Millers bulldozed the Wolverines 54-0 on the Milers’ home turf. However, the circumstances are different this year, as the Millers struggle with an inexperienced team. The Wolverines have won four straight games so far.
