6A Week 2 Top Games Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Oregon 6A football season is in full swing, and every week brings matchups with playoff implications. As we move deeper into the schedule, the separation between contenders and pretenders becomes clearer, and Friday nights feel heavier with each passing week. This preview takes a look at some of the top 6A games on tap, the players who will be in the spotlight, and the storylines that could shape the playoff picture down the stretch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Central Catholic (1-0) @ #1 Lake Oswego (2-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Oswego has shown the ability to beat teams in a variety of ways, led by what might be the state's best quarterback–running back duo in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402409' first='Hudson' last='Kurland']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402416' first='Lamarcus' last='Bell']</strong>. If any team has the firepower to match the Lakers, it's Central Catholic, who bring elite athletes of their own. The real battle in this one will be in the trenches, where both programs feature Division I-level talent up front. With so many skilled players on both sidelines, whichever team establishes the run game first will be in control. Can the likes of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1525160' first='Jackson' last='Graetz']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1232749' first='Adam' last='Williams']</strong> control the line of scrimmage against <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402406' first='Donnie' last='Vercher III']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='936855' first='Nate' last='Peau']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654734' first='PJ' last='Tautu']</strong>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 West Linn (1-0) @ #8 Sherwood (1-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sherwood comes into this game with talent across the field, but they'll need a fast start if they want to avoid falling behind early against a well-oiled West Linn squad. The Bowmen will benefit from playing at home, but slowing down running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='769989' first='Viggo' last='Anderson']</strong> will be the key, forcing West Linn's young quarterback to beat them through the air. That's easier said than done, though, especially with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='937233' first='Sloan' last='Baker']</strong> turning in an impressive performance last week. If Sherwood can limit explosive plays, this one could stay tight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grants Pass (1-0) @ #5 Willamette (1-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willamette has loaded up its roster with talent this offseason, and it showed in their dominant 34-7 win over South Medford. They'll host a solid Grants Pass team in their home opener, led by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='796694' first='Jordan' last='Rossetta']</strong>, who is out to prove a point. Grants Pass has the skill to challenge anyone, but Willamette's physicality in the trenches may be the deciding factor with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='739439' first='Tony' last='Cumberland']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='791149' first='Kawai' last='Chamberlin']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1569372' first='Aiden' last='Lewey']</strong>. Wolverines quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904208' first='Zeke' last='Thomas']</strong> has proven he can sling it with the best of them, giving Willamette an explosive edge on offense that could overwhelm Grants Pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 Nelson (1-1) @ Newberg (1-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson started the season strong with an upset win over Lakeridge in Week 0, but came back down to earth in a lopsided road loss to Timberline (ID). The Hawks will need to regroup quickly as they travel again, this time to face a Newberg team fresh off a 50-point outburst against Canby. While Nelson is in a stronger spot than Canby, Newberg's offensive surge makes this an intriguing matchup. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110920' first='Parker' last='Sellner'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1569401' first='Ethan' last='Hein']</strong> will have to step up like they did last week. <strong>Danny Leary </strong>and the Hawks are looking to prove they can take care of business as favorites, while Newberg sees this as a chance to pull off a season-defining upset at home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sheldon (0-1) @ West Salem (1-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sheldon has long been one of Oregon's premier programs, and this week, they travel north to face a gritty West Salem squad. Sheldon's offensive execution will be key, especially against a West Salem defense that prides itself on discipline. For West Salem, this is a measuring-stick game; win, and they immediately gain momentum heading into the middle stretch of the season. If Sheldon can find rhythm early on offense with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1341531' first='Micah' last='Ritchie-Tuisue'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125042' first='Barry' last='Myles']</strong>, they'll be tough to stop, but West Salem has the talent in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='769995' first='Evan' last='Wusstig'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914281' first='Koen' last='Campos']</strong> to make this a closer game than many expect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->