2022 Hypothetical 6A Quarterfinal Preview
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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…
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Continue ReadingIt’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..
QUARTERFINALS
#8 Sheldon vs #1 West Linn- 42-13 West Linn
One of Oregon’s traditional 6A powers has had back-to-back average seasons, but should be in the mix in 2022 with QB Brock Thomas Brock Thomas 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Sheldon | 2023 State OR 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 Luke Leighton Luke Leighton 6'5" | 195 lbs | ATH Sheldon | 2023 State OR , 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 Mark Hamper Mark Hamper 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH West Linn | 2023 State OR and Earl Ingle Earl Ingle 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB West Linn | 2023 State OR leading the way. They should handle teams relatively easy early in the playoffs after a tough TRL schedule.
#5 Tualatin vs #4 Lakeridge 28-26 Tualatin
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 Zac Waible Zac Waible 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Lakeridge | 2022 State OR , Jake Reichle Jake Reichle 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Lakeridge | 2022 State OR , and Nui Tovey Nui Tovey 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Lakeridge | 2022 State OR . That said as D1 prospect and POY candidate Ryan Oliver Ryan Oliver 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Lakeridge | 2023 State OR 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 Jayden Fortier Jayden Fortier 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Tualatin | 2024 State OR is the real deal along with fellow underclassmen AJ Noland AJ Noland 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB Tualatin | 2024 State OR .
The question becomes can Oregon 6A POY candidate Jack Wagner Jack Wagner 6'4" | 185 lbs | QB Tualatin | 2023 State OR out maneuver fellow QB Ryan Oliver Ryan Oliver 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Lakeridge | 2023 State OR ? Also are D1 D End Richie Anderson Richie Anderson 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Tualatin | 2023 State OR and 6-3 220-pound LB Will Wilson Will Wilson 6'3" | 225 lbs | LB Tualatin | 2023 State OR able to make up for the loss of an unreal senior class ( Cole Prusia Cole Prusia 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB Tualatin | 2022 State OR , Malik Ross Malik Ross 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Tualatin | 2022 State OR , Kellen Hale Kellen Hale 6'5" | 205 lbs | LB Tualatin | 2022 State OR , Peter Burke Peter Burke 6'5" | 215 lbs | TE Tualatin | 2022 State OR )? Give me Tualatin in a squeaker after Lakeridge wins their regular season matchup.
#6 Clackamas vs #3 Jesuit 35-20 Jesuit
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 Liam Cassidy Liam Cassidy 6'5" | 300 lbs | DL Jesuit | 2024 State OR is going to be a problem, with Oregon’s top center and future D1 lineman Roice Cleeland Roice Cleeland 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Jesuit | 2023 State OR leading an experienced offensive front.
RB Payton Roth Payton Roth 6'4" | 200 lbs | RB Jesuit | 2023 State OR might be the best player in the state you haven’t heard about yet and fellow back Lonnie Burt Lonnie Burt 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Jesuit | 2024 State OR could be Oregon’s breakout player of the year.
All of that said as the Cavs always have guys. 6-4 300 D1 recruit Devin Brooks Devin Brooks 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Clackamas | 2024 State OR , 6-5 235 pound DE Tyler King Tyler King 6'5" | 235 lbs | DL Clackamas | 2023 State OR , and 6-3 220-pound LB Sullivan McDaniel Sullivan McDaniel 6'3" | 225 lbs | LB Clackamas | 2023 State OR give Clack a shot of matching the Crusaders physicality after getting handled this past season. QB Blake Baker Blake Baker 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Clackamas | 2023 State OR and RB Luke Ash Luke Ash 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Tualatin | 2023 State OR will be the key variables if they are to hang.
#7 Tigard vs #2 Central Catholic 42-19 Central Catholic
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 Cru Newman Cru Newman 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Central Catholic | 2024 State OR 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, Zhaiel Smith Zhaiel Smith 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Central Catholic | 2025 State OR ) 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.
SLEEPERS: Lake Oswego, Roseburg, Sherwood, Liberty, North Medford