5A Mid-Willamette Conference Week 3 Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first two weeks of high school football in Oregon have been full of excitement. We are now getting a better understanding of which teams are truly talented, which teams may have had a lucky first week, and which teams are looking to improve for next season. I will be providing a preview for each week three game by conference for the 5A level, starting with the Mid-Willamette Conference. Each game will have a prediction and highlight one player from each team to watch, based on their recent performances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Woodburn (0-2) @ #3 West Albany (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> West Albany def. Woodburn 49-7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Albany is considered to be among the top teams in 5A and is expected to have an easy victory against the struggling Woodburn team. TE/LB [player_tooltip player_id='407173' first='Austin' last='Simmons'], has been exceptional in the first two weeks and is likely to continue his dominance this week as well. I will be shocked if this is a close game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["407173"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["260100"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1216443' first='Cruz' last='Veliz']","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Woodburn","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ff70e436301"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Central (0-2) @ #4 Silverton (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Silverton def. Central 42-7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central has struggled in the early part of the season, and I don't think they will be able to turn things around this week as they face the #4 Silverton on the road. Silverton will win this game, especially since their quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='511861' first='Sawyer' last='Teeney'], has been performing exceptionally well in his junior campaign and will look to build on his impressive performances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["511861"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["738891"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["738894"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ff70e4363b7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lebanon (0-2) @ #8 Dallas (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Dallas def. Lebanon 28-21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lebanon had a tough game last week against a strong opponent in Silverton, losing 44-58. Despite this, they have some talented players who could help keep this week's game close, and they might even be able to secure a win. For that to happen, [player_tooltip player_id='442249' first='Hayden' last='George'] and [player_tooltip player_id='738890' first='Wyatt' last='Wessel'] will need to perform at their best. Dallas, on the other hand, is coming off a great win against McKay and will be looking to make it two wins in a row. I am going to roll with Dallas here at home. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["442249"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["738890"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["893372"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["738893"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ff70e436478"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#9 Crescent Valley (2-0) @ Corvallis</strong> <strong>(1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Crescent Valley def. Corvallis 49-35.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In last week's game, Crescent Valley managed to beat South Albany 63-50. According to some, the Raiders might just have the most exciting offense in the state, particularly at the 5A level. Their quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='511303' first='Rocco' last='McClave'], is the driving force behind the team's impressive offense, and he may just be the most underappreciated quarterback in the entire state. McClave was responsible for 575 all-purpose yards in the last game alone (375 passing, 200 rushing) and eight total touchdowns (four passing, four rushing), an impressive feat indeed. Meanwhile, Corvallis had a significant victory of their own against Central. However, it remains doubtful whether they can keep up with the Raiders' offense. My prediction for this week's game is that Crescent Valley will come out on top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["511303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["511310"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["438846"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["285872"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ff77b626cb6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Albany (1-1) @ McKay (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> South Albany def. McKay 34-28.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This upcoming conference game promises to be an entertaining one, as both teams have displayed impressive performances at the beginning of the season. South Albany held their ground against Crescent Valley's high-scoring offense last week, while McKay has exceeded expectations. Both teams have a great chance of winning and I am eagerly anticipating this match-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["336756"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["486002"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["207259"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["206874"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ff77b626dcd"} /-->