6A State Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Lake Oswego vs. #5 Central Catholic<br><strong>Friday, Nov. 28 — 12:30 p.m. @ Hillsboro Stadium</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've finally arrived at the pinnacle of Oregon high school football. After months of buildup, statement wins, breakout stars, and unforgettable playoff moments, the 2025 OSAA 6A State Championship is set: #5 Central Catholic vs. #3 Lake Oswego, two of the most tradition-rich and battle-tested programs in the state. Lake Oswego took the Week 2 meeting 21–0, but that was September, and the Rams look nothing like they did then. On Friday afternoon, one team will finish a remarkable postseason run with a blue trophy, while the other ends a historic season one step short. This one has all the makings of a classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#5 Central Catholic (10–2): The Toughest Out in Oregon</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Catholic is playing its best football at the perfect time, and last week's 21–14 semifinal upset over undefeated, defending state champion #1 West Linn proved it. The Rams walked into Sherwood and outlasted the Lions in one of the most dramatic semifinal finishes in recent memory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a game defined by toughness, resilience, and big-time moments. The Rams survived multiple West Linn scoring threats, including a potential tying score from the one-yard line with under a minute left. That's when a chaotic high snap ended the drive, sealing the win and sending Central Catholic to its third state title appearance in five years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585700' first='Cole' last='Thomas']</strong> was again the motor of the offense, following up last week's monster game with 142 rushing yards and two TDs, including one of the season's most iconic plays<span style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px">. </span>His 99-yard touchdown run completely flipped the momentum in the first half. He has been the tone-setter for this offense all postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rams' defense deserves equal praise. Defensive Coordinator <strong>John Guthrie</strong> dialed up a brilliant game plan, and Central Catholic's front seven repeatedly clogged rushing lanes, adjusted coverages, and forced West Linn into long, grinding drives. Linebackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402406' first='Donnie' last='Vercher III']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402427' first='Tyson' last='Davis']</strong> were everywhere, while <strong>DB</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1341967' first='Tayton' last='Promma-Harris']</strong> continued his incredible postseason with more strong play in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, the Rams leaned heavily on the ground game. Still, when they needed a dagger, <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='914302' first='Robbie' last='Long']</strong> delivered a perfect corner-shot to <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id='1660147' first='Dayvion' last='Curtis']</strong> for the game-winning touchdown with under three minutes to play. Curtis' contested catch will go down as one of the signature playoff moments of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Central Catholic team isn't flashy; it's physical, disciplined, battle-tested, and unafraid of the moment. They believe the team that Lake Oswego shut out in September is long gone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Rams to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402406"],"_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-6927983a11af5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vercher III is the emotional and physical tone-setter of the Rams' defense, thriving as a disruptive edge presence in big moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1585700"],"_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-6927983a11b7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas is carrying enormous momentum into the title game after back-to-back postseason performances that changed games on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1654734"],"_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-6927983a11c21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tautu may be young, but he's already one of the most impactful interior defenders in this game with his strength and leverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914302"],"_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-6927983a11c9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long is settling into his role perfectly, executing the offense efficiently and hitting key throws when the Rams need them most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1660147"],"_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-6927983a11d10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Curtis is the team's most dangerous target in the passing game and proved last week that he can deliver when the moment is most significant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402427"],"_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-6927983a11d83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davis gives Central Catholic a violent downhill presence and has been crucial in their run-heavy postseason approach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#3 Lake Oswego (11-1): </strong>A Mission With One Goal - Finish the Job</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other sideline, Lake Oswego is in peak form after a commanding 31–12 semifinal win over #2 Nelson, a game that was essentially over by the end of the first quarter. The Lakers came out with purpose, piling up 233 yards in the opening period and jumping to a 21–0 lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As head coach <strong>Steve Coury</strong> put it, his team had been “locked in” all week, and it showed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior <strong>RB [player_tooltip player_id='402416' first='Lamarcus' last='Bell']</strong> continued his dominant postseason with 156 yards and three touchdowns. At the same time, <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='402409' first='Hudson' last='Kurland']</strong> showcased why he's one of Oregon's most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, racking up 148 rushing yards and a 73-yard touchdown that left the stadium stunned.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lakers' run game is simply overwhelming. They finished with 427 rushing yards against one of the state's stingiest defenses, using a punishing combination of Bell, Kurland, and <strong>ATH</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1059015' first='Justin' last='Craigwell']</strong>, who added 83 yards on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What's most impressive about Lake Oswego is how complete they are. The offensive line, anchored by standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1232749' first='Adam' last='Williams']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1525160' first='Jackson' last='Graetz']</strong>, has become one of the most potent units in 6A. Defensively, <strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id='937338' first='Cash' last='Wilks']</strong> had the play of the night, chasing down a would-be Nelson touchdown from behind and forcing a strip near the goal line. Plays like that separate title contenders from title winners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Oswego already has one win over Central Catholic this season, but nobody inside the program is treating this like a repeat performance. After losing the 2024 title to West Linn, this senior class has been waiting an entire year for a shot at redemption.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And now they're 48 minutes away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Lakers to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402416"],"_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-6927983a11dff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bell continues to be one of the most explosive offensive players in Oregon, with elite vision and the ability to break games open on his own.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402409"],"_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-6927983a11e73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kurland has unlocked another level this postseason with his running ability, giving LO a true dual-threat dimension that defenses struggle to contain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["457009"],"_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-6927983a11ef2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vyhlidal brings toughness and versatility, impacting the game as a blocker, pass-catcher, and defensive playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1059015"],"_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-6927983a11f67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Craigwell adds speed and physicality in the run game, rounding out the Lakers' dangerous backfield trio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1232749"],"_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-6927983a11fcb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams paved the way for Lake Oswego's dominant rushing attack and will be central to the Lakers' game plan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1246545"],"_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-6927983a12015"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Christensen anchors the defensive front and will be critical in slowing Central Catholic's downhill rushing attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["937338"],"_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-6927983a1205d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilks is one of the Lakers' most essential defenders, a high-effort, high-instinct linebacker who delivered one of the plays of the postseason last week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Matchups</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1. Central Catholic's Run Game vs. Lake Oswego's Front Seven</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas and Davis have been unstoppable, but LO's defensive interior has been stout all postseason. Whoever controls the ground game likely controls the pace and the trophy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2. Lake Oswego's Rushing Attack vs. Central Catholic's Discipline</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell, Kurland, and Craigwell form the most explosive run trio in Oregon. Central Catholic will need its best tackling performance of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3. The Trenches</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams rely heavily on line play, and both offensive lines are thriving. This game could truly be won between the tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4. Explosive Playmakers</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curtis, Thomas, Bell, Kurland, Vyhlidal — both sides have athletes who can score from anywhere. The first explosive play may set the tone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup features the two hottest teams in Oregon football, both coming off semifinal wins that showed exactly who they are: Central Catholic is physical, relentless, and battle-tested; Lake Oswego is explosive, disciplined, and championship-or-bust.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Week 2 result means nothing now. That was a lifetime ago in high school football terms. These are two entirely different teams meeting at the absolute peak of their seasons. With contrasting styles, elite athletes on both sidelines, and coaching staffs that know precisely how to scheme for big games, this has all the ingredients to be one of the best 6A title games in recent memory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Friday afternoon at Hillsboro Stadium, only one will leave with a blue trophy, but both programs have already proven they belong on the sport's biggest stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->