Early 6A Point Spreads + Analysis (Week 1)

A few weeks back we posted the top OR vs WA matchups for the preseason. Check out that breakdown with those predictions here.. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/08/preseason-or-vs-wa-predictions-other-top-matchups/">https://prepredzone.com/2023/08/preseason-or-vs-wa-predictions-other-top-matchups/</a>     Referenced below we see other week 1 matchups with teams ranked in the top 15. I will give point spreads + analysis for each contest and follow that up with predicted scores in the coming weeks. Have a look..     *NEXT: 5A Point Spreads & Predictions           Nelson @ #1 West Linn    WL-47   Nothing against Nelson, I just think West Linn is that good. I predict the Lions will blow out almost everyone, including the teams in the TRL. Unless it's Central Catholic I'm not sure who can stay within 20 points. We will find out quickly with games against the likes of Jesuit and a rematch versus WA 4A state champ Lake Stevens.    #4 Lake Oswego @ #11 Barlow   LO -6.5   Barlow returns a bunch of talent and has a good line as they could very well be a top 10 program. That said as the Lakers were extremely young last year, beating the Bruins 20-8 to start the season. Look for another close ball game with Steve Coury continuing to be the X factor.   #5 Tualatin @ Summit   TUAL -14.5   The T-Wolves beat 5A state champ Summit 19-12 at home last year in the season opener, as they bring back one of the top perimeters on the west coast. Summit graduates maybe their best class in school history, but do have super talented kids with size returning, who just lack experience. I could see the Storm hanging around and making a game of it but Tualatin's skill kids are the real deal and should pull away.   #6 Lakeridge @ Glencoe   LAK -29   Glencoe's Ian Reynoso is one of the top head coaches in the state as I could see the Crimson Tide competing in the Pacific Conference. When it comes to TRL competition, I see this being over by half. The Pacers are loaded on both sides of the football with USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='152356' first='Joey' last='Olsen'] and 4* RB [player_tooltip player_id='284119' first='Ansu' last='Sanoe'] being nationally ranked athletes. Lakeridge has numerous other top ranked individuals and they will need to back it up on the field this year.   #7 Sherwood @ West Salem   SHER -5.5   West has traditionally been one of the top programs in the state, making last year's 1-8 season extremely uncharacteristic. Their top athletes are back healthy as I expect the Titans to be in the mix . The Bowmen are always good. They will be led by Conference POY favorite [player_tooltip player_id='278398' first='Kasen' last='Covert'] and one of Oregon's top LB duo's in [player_tooltip player_id='278441' first='Keaten' last='Fried'] and [player_tooltip player_id='766200' first='Treyson' last='Eddleman']. I expect this game to be close.   #9 Oregon City @ Jefferson   O.C. -23.5   This could be an extremely tough year for Jeff and the PIL. O.C projects as a top 10 program and someone who could compete in the brutally tough TRL. Whether they are able to challenge Tualatin & Lake O for the 2nd/3rd spot is still a big question mark, but I would take them to undoubtedly cover this spread.    #10 Mountainside @ #15 South Medford    MSIDE -2   The Keanon Lowe era begins at Mountainside as they will travel to play one of Oregon's biggest sleepers in my opinion. The Mavericks graduated one of the top lines in the state, but will bring back three of the top underclassmen in the NW in [player_tooltip player_id='285850' first='Brayden' last='Boe'], [player_tooltip player_id='511859' first='Madden' last='Tanuvasa'], and top 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='457009' first='Sam' last='Vyhlidal']. That said as South Medford will be experienced and physical with 6-6 255 Idaho commit [player_tooltip player_id='152360' first='Gabe' last='Staszak'] and 1st team SWC DL [player_tooltip player_id='511297' first='Makani' last='Manuwai'] being a problem up front for Mountainside. This will be a close one.   Liberty, WA @ #13 South Salem    SSAL -11.5   South has a chance to be really good this year, although the Valley hasn't produced a top team in a while. Liberty of Washington had a respectable 7-3 record last season but didn't really play anyone. Very similar to the Saxons. I expect this to be a potential top 10 South Salem team and a group that doesn't get annihilated in the first round of the playoffs.     #14 North Medford @ #12 Tigard    TIG -4   There are a lot of questions marks as it relates to Tigard with a new coach and a talented senior class graduating. That being said as the Tigers are traditionally one of the top programs in the state, with a bunch of young talent returning. This will be another good ball game as North should pose challenges up front with the likes of Oregon commit [player_tooltip player_id='152358' first='AJ' last='Pugliano'] and D1 talent [player_tooltip player_id='206871' first='Terrell' last='Kim']. The Black Tornado have yet to prove themselves against top competition and this will be a game they need to win if they want that respect.