NO. 12 BURNS AT NO. 6 COTTAGE GROVE
■ Game facts: Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m…. Location: 1375 S. River Rd. … The Highlanders finished the regular season at 7-2 and the Lions are 9-0.
■ What2Know: The Lions have played their first playoff game since 2018 and earned a first-round host. The Hilanders have risen in their ‘24 season compared to their 4-5 record in ‘23. However, they were also eliminated in their first round of playoffs in ‘23 and go up against the imposing, perfect record of the Lions. With the Lions’ home turf advantage, they must display their usual rallying nature with their O-line of Clayton Dewitt, Kaeden Grogan, Terran Stewart, and John Paulo Delima.
NO. 15 THURSTON AT NO. 2 MOUNTAIN VIEW
■ Game facts: Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m….Location: 2755 NE 27th St. … The Colts are 7-2 heading into the postseason and the Cougars are 9-0.
■ What2Know: The Colts end with a tricky seed with their first round against the No. 2 5A team in the state. While the Colts have improved their physicality, an attribute they struggled with in last year’s playoffs, the Cougars’ perfectly polished 9-0 record coupled with the Cougars’ home turf advantage might prove to be challenging for the Colts. If they are to rally, QB Noah Blair, Ashden Weiler, David Macdonald, and Matt Newell will need to leave all their offensive talent on the field.
