Central Catholic Rams: A look at Oregon’s 6A semifinalists

The Central Catholic Rams take on the No. 1 West Linn Lions on Friday at 7 p.m. at Sherwood High School in a state semifinal matchup.   This week, PrepRedzone is taking a look at each of Oregon's 6A semifinalists.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/west-linn-lions-a-look-at-oregons-6a-semifinalists/">WEST LINN LIONS: A LOOK AT OREGON'S 6A SEMIFINALISTS</a>   Central Catholic finished the season 9-2 overall and 4-1 in league, outscoring opponents 349 to 135, both of which are interesting numbers in context.   The Rams' offense averaged 31.7 points per game and allowed 12.8 points per game, which is No. 1 in the state at the 6A level.   Offensively, however, Central Catholic hasn't been as potent, as it is the only semifinal team not to break the 400-point mark this season.   That checks out, as the Rams' reputation is that they have an elite defense and an offense that that has been inconsistent. Central Catholic posted just two players on the Mt. Hood first-team offensive - offensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id='1654734' first='PJ' last='Tautu'] (sophomore) and center [player_tooltip player_id='936855' first='Nate' last='Peau'] (junior).   Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='914302' first='Robbie' last='Long'] leads the offense and has had a solid start to the playoffs.   But the running back is the Rams' bread and butter.   Senior Killian “K.K.” Sombe (524 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns; second-team) and senior [player_tooltip player_id='402427' first='Tyson' last='Davis'] (229 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns; honorable mention) make up one of the best 1-2 punches in the state and both are capable of putting up big numbers.   Unsurprisingly, the talent-laden Rams have an athletic, explosive receiving corps, led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1660147' first='Dayvion' last='Curtis'] (second-team all-league) and emerging junior [player_tooltip player_id='1369697' first='Talon' last='Sosky'].    On the other side of the ball, Central Catholic boasts arguably the state's best defense.   The defensive line is led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1699759' first='Hudson' last='Coe'], a first-team all-league selection, while senior Matt Watson was an honorable mention selection.   That front holds it down and allows an athletic, speedy back half of the D to fly around.   Linebackers Donnie Vercher (two-time first-team all-league) and [player_tooltip player_id='402427' first='Tyson' last='Davis'] are two of best ‘backers in the state.   Safety [player_tooltip player_id='1585700' first='Cole' last='Thomas'] has been arguably the most explosive non-offensive weapon in the state.   He returned four kicks for touchdowns and also delivered two scores on defense, proving he's a big-play waiting to happen even while he's not on offense.   Thomas has had the type of season that gets a defensive player some consideration for Gatorade Player of the Year, especially now that he is playing some on the offensive side of things.   Senior cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='1341967' first='Tayton' last='Promma-Harris'] and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='402391' first='Asa' last='Lundberg'] have both had quality seasons and also deserve a nod.   Biggest win: Jesuit   If you're looking for a reason to believe in Central Catholic's chances of beating West Linn this week the game to highlight is Jesuit.   West Linn delivered a 14-point win last week, while the Rams blasted the Crusaders 35-6 in mid-September.   That was, unquestionably, the most impressive win - on paper - for Central Catholic this fall.   A 14-13 win over Lakeridge in Game 4 and a 27-20 victory over Willamette were quality victories, but neither of those point to “dominance.”   Make no mistake, this is a quality Central Catholic team with some special athletes.   But they aren't quite as dominant as the squads that won state titles in 2023, 2021, 2019, 2014 and 2013, particularly on offense.   Biggest loss: Lake Oswego, Nelson   Even in its 14-13 win over Lakeridge, Central Catholic's offense struggled and special teams touchdown put the Rams over the top.   In a battle against Lake Oswego - a team West Linn beat 38-16 - the Rams failed to score in a 21-0 loss.   A 26-6 loss to Nelson was another sign that against the state's best defenses Central Catholic has struggled to keep pace.   In its three biggest games - 2 wins and 1 loss - the Rams' offensive struggled were at center stage   If the Rams offense can find ways to put up points, their defense can do enough to keep them in the game.   That's proven to be a tall order, but that's the recipe.   Status: Underdog   Central Catholic could still find a way to win the state title, but that is likely going to be an uphill battle.   The Rams have already lost by three scores against the other two state semifinalists, and most people consider West Linn, Friday's opponent, the best of the bunch.    Simply put, this group doesn't quite have the depth of talent the Rams have had in recent years when they hoisted the trophy.    Some of the top players are absolutely jaw-dropping, particularly Donnie Vercher and [player_tooltip player_id='1585700' first='Cole' last='Thomas'], but those players will have to deliver monster performances to keep pace with the machine that is West Linn.

The Central Catholic Rams take on the No. 1 West Linn Lions on Friday at 7 p.m. at Sherwood High School in a state semifinal matchup.