5A State Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#2 Silverton vs. #1 Summit<br>Friday, Nov. 28 — 5:00 p.m. @ Hillsboro Stadium</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 5A season comes down to two of the division's most consistent and tradition-rich powers: #2 Silverton and #1 Summit. Both programs have spent the past two months proving they belong on the sport's biggest stage, and now they'll meet under the lights in Hillsboro with a state title on the line. Silverton is hunting its first championship since 2021, while Summit aims to capture its third 5A crown in the past decade. With elite coaching, star power on both sides, and contrasting styles of play, this matchup has everything a championship game should offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#2 Silverton (11-1): Balanced, Physical, &amp; Battle-Tested</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Silverton earned its trip to Hillsboro with a 35–21 victory over #3 Mountain View, a team known for its suffocating defense and back-to-back semifinal appearances. Instead of shying away from that challenge, the Foxes attacked the Cougars' structure, mixing the run and pass effectively and taking full advantage of their strength in the trenches. Their offensive and defensive lines controlled much of the night, helping Silverton jump out to a 21–7 lead and set the tone for the rest of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687846' first='Chase' last='Dominguez']</strong> delivered a poised performance, throwing for 175 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing score. Silverton's run game took over after halftime, with TDs from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2067918' first='Levi' last='Schurter']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2067926' first='Ryder' last='VanDeweghe']</strong> extending the advantage and allowing the Foxes to dictate pace. Mountain View pushed late, but Silverton's physicality, depth, and discipline secured its return to the state championship for the first time since their 2021 title run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Foxes arrive at the championship matchup confident, tested by one of the hardest schedules in 5A, and playing their best football of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Foxes to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1687846"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db4ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dominguez is a dual-threat leader who makes the offense go, capable of punishing defenses through the air or on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["770007"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db574"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Uitto is a versatile athlete who impacts multiple phases of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["937036"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db5de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Teeney is the top playmaker in the secondary, tasked with tracking Summit's perimeter weapons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1585710"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db63e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kuenzi is a smart, instinctive defender who keeps plays in front of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2067921"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db6a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mack is one of the linemen who anchors Silverton's physical identity in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2067922"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db706"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Collier is a foundational piece in the trenches who helped drive the semifinal win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2067926"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db766"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">VanDeweghe is emerging as a downhill force on both sides of the ball, critical in the run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 Summit (12-0): Trenches, Toughness, &amp; Run Game</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summit punched its ticket to the title game with a 28–14 win over a surging #13 Churchill team, a victory built around physicality and one of the best offensive lines in Oregon, regardless of classification. Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1864133' first='Jude' last='Anderson'] carried the Storm with 171 yards and all four of Summit's touchdowns, including three in the second half to take control of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Storm also leaned heavily on their defensive front after a shaky start, limiting Churchill's rushing attack and forcing mistakes after halftime. On offense, quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1358896' first='Andrew' last='Guthrie']</strong> managed the game efficiently, spreading the ball to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1528942' first='Connor' last='Conneely']</strong>, <strong>Cade Nitzschke</strong>, and the rest of Summit's perimeter group when needed. But the tone was set by Summit's massive offensive line, a unit their coaching staff believes is one of the best in the state at any level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summit enters the championship riding a twelve-game winning streak and playing with the physical dominance that has long defined their best teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Storm to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1358896"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db7ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Guthrie has been a calm, efficient passer who distributes well and limits mistakes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1864133"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db82b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anderson has been the heart of the offense and one of the state's toughest runners, fresh off a four-TD performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1609771"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db88c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Centerpiece of a massive, overpowering offensive line that can take over games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2067939"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db8e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burke, along with Stanley, is also a centerpiece of the overpowering offensive line that can take over games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1528942"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db945"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Conneely is a dependable target who can spark Summit's passing game when defenses overload the box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1528941"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0db9e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elliott is a disruptive defender who thrives in Summit's aggressive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2067940"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0dba40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Skuse is a strong pass-rusher who will be vital in keeping Dominguez in the pocket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2067941"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6928c2e0dba9f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ryan is a high-motor lineman who helps control gaps and stuff the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final Thoughts: A Classic Strength-on-Strength Championship Matchup</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 5A championship has all the makings of a heavyweight fight. Silverton's smart, balanced offense and disciplined defense will meet Summit's power running game and dominant offensive line head-on. Dominguez vs. Anderson brings two of the classification's best offensive players to center stage, and both defenses have shown the ability to adjust and take over games when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Silverton wants to reclaim its throne. Summit is chasing a third title in ten years. Something has to give, and Friday evening at Hillsboro Stadium, we'll find out which powerhouse closes the season with the blue trophy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->