2022 Hypothetical 6A Quarterfinal Preview

It’s never too early to check out who might be representing in next year’s playoffs. Have a look at a hypothetical set of quarterfinal matchups, based on who projects as the top eight 6A teams in Oregon. We will breakdown the semis and state title winner tomorrow.. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>QUARTERFINALS </strong> &nbsp; &nbsp; #8 Sheldon vs #1 West Linn-    <strong>42-13 West Linn</strong> One of Oregon’s traditional 6A powers has had back-to-back average seasons, but should be in the mix in 2022 with QB [player_tooltip player_id="110187" first="Brock" last="Thomas"] and a legit line returning. Thomas went off last season accounting for 43 TDs (21 passing, 22 rushing) and 3,691 total yards. Combine this with 6-5 190 pound, D1 projected recruit [player_tooltip player_id="147861" first="Luke" last="Leighton"], and I see Sheldon back in the state quarterfinals. If they run into #1 West Linn that could spell trouble, as it would for most teams. The Lions are loaded for years to come with the likes of senior POY candidates [player_tooltip player_id="110180" first="Mark" last="Hamper"] and [player_tooltip player_id="147247" first="Earl" last="Ingle"] leading the way. They should handle teams relatively easy early in the playoffs after a tough TRL schedule. &nbsp; #5 Tualatin vs #4 Lakeridge   <strong> 28-26 Tualatin</strong> Coach Spencer Phillips has done a great job, coming up a few points short to West Linn this past season in the playoffs. They will lose a special D, led by the likes of POY [player_tooltip player_id="28864" first="Zac" last="Waible"], [player_tooltip player_id="143911" first="Jake" last="Reichle"], and [player_tooltip player_id="28862" first="Nui" last="Tovey"]. That said as D1 prospect and POY candidate [player_tooltip player_id="110242" first="Ryan" last="Oliver"] returns, along with a litany of offensive talent, which most importantly includes an experienced O line. You can expect to see the T-Wolves back in the title hunt, after making it to the 6A title game this past season. They could be one of the only teams more balanced and talented at the skill positions then the Pacers. 6-5 205 WR/TE [player_tooltip player_id="152339" first="Jayden" last="Fortier"] is the real deal along with fellow underclassmen [player_tooltip player_id="152355" first="AJ" last="Noland"]. The question becomes can Oregon 6A POY candidate [player_tooltip player_id="110178" first="Jack" last="Wagner"] out maneuver fellow QB [player_tooltip player_id="110242" first="Ryan" last="Oliver"]? Also are D1 D End [player_tooltip player_id="147240" first="Richie" last="Anderson"] and 6-3 220-pound LB [player_tooltip player_id="206771" first="Will" last="Wilson"] able to make up for the loss of an unreal senior class ([player_tooltip player_id="28846" first="Cole" last="Prusia"], [player_tooltip player_id="28843" first="Malik" last="Ross"], [player_tooltip player_id="108147" first="Kellen" last="Hale"], [player_tooltip player_id="204568" first="Peter" last="Burke"])? Give me Tualatin in a squeaker after Lakeridge wins their regular season matchup. &nbsp; #6 Clackamas vs #3 Jesuit  <strong> 35-20 Jesuit </strong> Jesuit has a real shot to win it all next season. They return maybe the top line in the state on both sides of the football. 6-5 300-pound DT [player_tooltip player_id="152335" first="Liam" last="Cassidy"] is going to be a problem, with Oregon’s top center and future D1 lineman [player_tooltip player_id="238432" first="Roice" last="Cleeland"] leading an experienced offensive front. RB [player_tooltip player_id="205822" first="Payton" last="Roth"] might be the best player in the state you haven’t heard about yet and fellow back [player_tooltip player_id="152333" first="Lonnie" last="Burt"] could be Oregon’s breakout player of the year. All of that said as the Cavs always have guys. 6-4 300 D1 recruit [player_tooltip player_id="278369" first="Devin" last="Brooks"], 6-5 235 pound DE [player_tooltip player_id="208393" first="Tyler" last="King"], and 6-3 220-pound LB [player_tooltip player_id="110175" first="Sully" last="McDaniel"] give Clack a shot of matching the Crusaders physicality after getting handled this past season. QB [player_tooltip player_id="157615" first="Blake" last="Baker"] and RB [player_tooltip player_id="147244" first="Luke" last="Ash"] will be the key variables if they are to hang. &nbsp; #7 Tigard vs #2 Central Catholic  <strong> 42-19 Central Catholic</strong> The Rams have proven me wrong multiple times over the last few seasons, so It’s tough to give the #1 spot to anyone other than them. West Linn will be that team for the for seeable future in my opinion. PRZ Offensive POY [player_tooltip player_id="152354" first="Cru" last="Newman"] was lights out as a Sophomore, throwing 37 TDs/4 INTs on his way to helping CC to another state title. They graduate an incredibly talented group of seniors, but also feature some of the top young guys in Oregon (Timmy Mitchell Jr, [player_tooltip player_id="152653" first="Zhaiel" last="Smith"]) who will immediately step up. The Tigers went an uncharacteristic (3-7) playing one of the toughest schedules in the state. They return double digit all conference athletes, with an experienced line, and talented young guys all around. Look for them to do well come playoff time. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>SLEEPERS: Lake Oswego, Roseburg, Sherwood, Liberty, North Medford</strong> &nbsp;