EUGENE—In Thurston’s final test before the postseason, it traveled to Willamette to take on the 7-1 Wolverines. Last week, Thurston coach Justin Starck stressed the importance of beating Willamette, stating, “That’s all that matters.” Unfortunately for Starck and the Colts, the team stumbled out of the gate. Thurston gave up[Read More…]
Author: Seth Thompson
Pleasant Hill’s Davis rushes past Bulldogs, brings ‘veteran energy’
PLEASANT HILL – Friday night’s homecoming game was a big night for Pleasant Hill as it faced its crosstown rival, Creswell. The Billies were not very gracious hosts, blanking the Bulldogs 36-0. The victory was due in large part to freshman running back Kai Davis, who rushed for 116 yards[Read More…]
Cottage Grove Lions rally to remain perfect
COTTAGE GROVE – The threat was real. The undefeated Cottage Grove Lions, playing in Class 3A after moving from Class 4A, were riding high when Sisters came to town last Friday. However, they finished the first half of the game with only 8 points and trailed the Outlaws by 5[Read More…]
HSSZ: Pleasant Hill Billies edge out Valiants
It was a clash of the titans last Wednesday night as the final two undefeated girls volleyball teams in Class 3A faced off. The Valley Catholic Valiants took on the Pleasant Hill Billies in a five-set match that saw the Billies win 3-2 (25-21, 26-24, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12). Overall, middle[Read More…]
Embree, Drifters look to build off successes
SPRINGFIELD – The Drifters wrapped up their third season this week, and coach Alan Embree said the team sought to improve until the very end. While the team can’t improve on its win total from last season, Embree said his focus was on finishing strong. “I think you’ve gotta take[Read More…]
Drifters look to end on a high note
SPRINGFIELD – Entering July, the Springfield Drifters were 11-15 overall, riding a 9-6 stretch in their last 15 games. Hopes were high, and the team was optimistic about reaching their first playoff berth. As the month comes to a close, that hopeful outlook has dimmed, thanks in large measure to[Read More…]
Hometown hopes and dreams: Ferrari goes from Colts to Drifters
SPRINGFIELD – Representing your hometown is always an honor in sports – and when it comes to Thurston graduate and Drifters assistant coach Rocco Ferrari, Springfield is just in his DNA. “It’s a really cool thing in my opinion to have a team here. And to be able to be[Read More…]
Drifters having a blast on, off field
SPRINGFIELD – Fireworks? You want fireworks? The Springfield Drifters delivered on and off the field July 4 with an 18-4 victory over a college all-star team at Hamlin Sports Complex in front of the largest crowd in team history – 1,326. “This is the coolest – the atmosphere was great.[Read More…]
Youth movement: Drifters treat youth leagues, provide support to Kidsports
SPRINGFIELD – Many kids grow up with the desire to play sports. No matter what the sport is, the opportunity to compete is something no child should be denied. Recently, the Springfield Drifters partnered with Kidsports – a nonprofit that focuses on equal opportunities for children in sports – for[Read More…]
‘Embree Era’ underway: Franchise’s 2nd head coach stresses timely hitting
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Drifters wrapped up their first home stretch in the 2024 West Coast League season on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Bend, putting them at 3-6 on the season. Now going into their away series against the Elks, head coach Alan Embree is focused on one[Read More…]
