5A Mid-Willamette Conference Week 9 Preview
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It’s the final week of the regular season for high school football in Oregon. By now, most teams have a good idea of where they stand – whether they’re poised to make it to the playoffs, or building for next…
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Continue ReadingIt’s the final week of the regular season for high school football in Oregon. By now, most teams have a good idea of where they stand – whether they’re poised to make it to the playoffs, or building for next year. However, there are still some teams hoping to prove their worth in the last week and secure a spot in the playoffs. I will be previewing each game for week 9 by conference for the 5A level. The Mid-Willamette Conference is up next. For each game, I’ll provide a prediction and highlight some players to watch for each team based on their recent performances.
#15 Lebanon (5-3) @ #2 Silverton (8-0)
Prediction: Silverton def. Lebanon 42-14.
It should be an exciting game since both teams are in the top fifteen and Lebanon is battling for a playoff spot. It might be a tough game for Silverton as Lebanon will come out highly motivated to secure a playoff spot, but I believe the Foxes will eventually pull ahead. Lebanon is a talented team that should make the playoffs, so hopefully, they won’t be punished too much if they lose this game and finish with a 5-4 record.
Players to watch:
Highlights
Highlights
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#8 West Albany (6-2) @ #10 McKay (6-2)
Prediction: West Albany def. McKay 42-35.
I am really looking forward to watching this game. Both teams seem to be strong contenders for the playoffs, regardless of the outcome this week. However, both teams would surely like to gain some momentum heading into the playoffs by defeating another top-ten team. I have been a bit disappointed in West Albany lately, so don’t be surprised if McKay comes out on top. Nevertheless, I am predicting that this is the week West Albany will turn things around.
Players to watch:
Highlights
#12 South Albany (4-4) @ Corvallis (2-6)
Prediction: South Albany def. Corvallis 42-20.
South Albany has climbed up the rankings in the last few weeks and seems likely to make the playoffs. They are the favorites in their upcoming game. However, if Corvallis wins this game, it would probably not be enough for them to secure a place in the tournament. Nevertheless, it always feels satisfying to defeat a division rival and kick them out as well. Corvallis will put up a strong fight, but I have been impressed with South Albany’s recent performances, and I cannot foresee them losing at this point.
Players to watch:
Highlights
Highlights
Gaje Nicholson
Gaje Nicholson
RJ Young
RJ Young
Highlights
#13 Dallas (5-3) @ Crescent Valley (2-6)
Prediction: Dallas def. Crescent Valley 49-22.
Watching Crescent Valley play is always enjoyable due to their high-powered offense, but it’s unfortunate that they couldn’t capitalize on having such a talented quarterback like Rocco McClave Rocco McClave 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Crescent Valley | 2024 State OR and secure a spot in the playoffs. Even if they do manage to win this game, which seems unlikely, it may not be sufficient to make it into the playoffs. While Dallas has had its fair share of ups and downs, they have looked impressive in certain games and have struggled against some of the top competition. They should come out on top this week, and they will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.
Players to watch:
Zayvian Webster
Zayvian Webster
Hunter Rivers
Hunter Rivers
Central (1-7) @ Woodburn (1-7)
Prediction: Central def. Woodburn 28-22.
Although this game doesn’t have any playoff implications, it still has the potential to be a good football game. Both teams are currently going through a rebuilding phase and have similar skill levels, so the game should be competitive. However, I believe that Central’s physicality and lineman will play a crucial role in their victory. Let’s hope that both teams have better seasons next year!
Players to watch: