Class 3A Pleasant Hill Billies deafeated Douglas at home last week 40-27. The Billies offense was humming in this one. Jacob Neely led the way with 187 yards and four touchdowns on nine receptions – and season highs for total yards (458) and points (40). The Billies hadn’t scored 40+ since they did it against North Marion in 2023. The Pleasant Hill defense struggled for much of the game, but came up with turnovers in key moments.
In Class 5A, Churchill dominated Springfield 48-12 last Friday. The Lancers dominated the Millers, taking an early lead and never relinquishing it. The Lancers defense stymied Springfield, allowing only 146 total yards and 3.4 yards per play. Amar’e Viquelia’s kick return touchdown was the highlight of the game for the Millers. Churchill has defeated the Millers in back-to-back years by a combined score of 92-25.
PREVIEWS
SPRINGFIELD (0-3) AT NORTH EUGENE (3-1)
Game facts: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m. … The Millers are ranked No. 30 in Class 5A and the Highlanders are No. 19.
What2Know: The Millers are off to another tough start, with an 0-3 record for the second consecutive year. In last year’s matchup, the Millers mounted a second-half comeback but fell short 27-20. Millers quarterback Noah Solo had 132 yards rushing and two touchdowns in that game. The Highlanders are 3-1 for the first time since the 2015-16 season
WILLAMINA (2-1) AT CRESWELL (1-2)
Game facts: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m. … The Willamina Bulldogs are unranked in Class 3A and the Creswell Bulldogs are No. 20.
What2Know: Creswell is looking to build off its first win under first-year head coach Chase Beach. Beach will be looking for his team to continue the staunch defense they showed against Cottage Grove last week. Penalties and turnovers almost cost Creswell last week’s game, which is something that will need to be cleaned up before league starts next week. Willamina’s two victories already equal last year’s total, showing progression in the school’s second year back at the 3A level.
ROSEBURG (1-3) AT THURSTON (4-1)
Game facts: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m. … The Indians are No. 24 in Class 5A and the Colts are No. 21.
What2Know: These teams are headed in opposite directions. Thurston is on a three-game winning streak (one by forfeit), while Roseburg has dropped three in a row by an average margin of 32.3 points. Colts running back Justin Fisher has been a force for his team, with 314 yards and four touchdowns in the past two games. In Roseburg’s one victory, quarterback Ryland Glasser showed his dual-threat ability with 100+ yards through the air and on the ground.
