2023 5A Midwestern League Preview
In this article:
We are rapidly approaching the return of high school football here in Oregon. Each team has high hopes for the season ahead and is excited to see the work they put in the offseason come to fruition. I will look…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe are rapidly approaching the return of high school football here in Oregon. Each team has high hopes for the season ahead and is excited to see the work they put in the offseason come to fruition. I will look at each 5A conference and predict how the race for the conference title will pan out. Up next is the Midwestern League.
1. Thurston Colts (1st, 9-3 record last season)
Thurston is the team most likely to win the division title this year, but they will face a tough challenge from a much-improved Springfield squad. While the Colts have an impressive group of skill players, their offensive line is not as talented. It will be difficult for Micah Hannah Micah Hannah 6'1" | 275 lbs | OL Thurston | 2024 State OR to block every defender, so other players will need to step up if they want to give junior QB Noah Blair Noah Blair 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Thurston | 2025 State OR enough time to pass to his teammates. Despite this, Thurston is confident in their abilities and believes they can compete for a state title. Here are Thurston’s top players:
Highlights
2. Springfield Millers (t-2nd, 6-4 record last season)
Springfield High School football team has a chance to overthrow Thurston as the top team this year. This is thanks to their exceptionally talented linemen. The school recently hired one of the best coaches in Oregon, Frank Geske, from Marist. Geske brought with him his former player, Sam Keen Sam Keen 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Springfield | 2024 State OR , who is now part of Springfield’s line-up alongside Nate Williams Nate Williams 6'5" | 265 lbs | OL Springfield | 2024 State OR . With Connor Dye Connor Dye 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Springfield | 2024 State OR as their talented running back, Springfield’s run game is expected to be the best in 5A, making it difficult for opposing teams to stop them. Springfield is definitely a team to watch out for this season, and here is a list of their top players:
Highlights
Highlights
Highlights
Highlights
3. Eagle Point Eagles (t-2nd, 6-4 record last season)
Eagle Point is a team that deserves attention from football enthusiasts. Although they have graduated their impressive running back from the last season, David Brown, they still have most of their key players intact for this year’s success. The team’s linemen are expected to be strong, and the run game will be vital for their performance. With their size and potential, they are likely to make it to the playoffs again this year. Check out this list of Eagle Point’s top players:
Alex Meadows
Alex Meadows
Bryton Livingston
Bryton Livingston
Garrett Matthews
Garrett Matthews
4. Churchill Lancers (5th, 3-6 record last season)
Churchill’s football team would have been a thrilling watch this year if some players hadn’t transferred. The absence of Brady Bidwell Brady Bidwell 6'4" | 185 lbs | ATH Marist | 2024 State OR and Aaron Bidwell Aaron Bidwell 6'4" | 185 lbs | WR Marist | 2025 State OR , the two brothers, is going to impact the Lancers adversely. However, there are a few bright spots that can make this team competitive. Senior QB Tyler Mikel is a joy to watch, and he is expected to have a successful season if some other players can step up. The team is expected to finish in the middle of the pack in the conference this year. Here is a list of Churchill’s top players:
Highlights
Tyler Mikel
Tyler Mikel
Isaiah Meashintubby
Isaiah Meashintubby
Aidan Pangelinan
Aidan Pangelinan
5. Willamette Wolverines (7th, 3-6 record last season)
The Willamette football team is poised to improve this year thanks to their team continuity and program development. The upperclassmen have remained dedicated to the program and should be exciting players to watch. Quarterback Blake Thornton had a solid season last year and is expected to perform even better this year. This team will be a tough opponent in every game. Keep an eye on this team as they are a sneaky one to watch out for. Here is a list of Willamette’s top players:
Highlights
Highlights
Brandon Thornton
Brandon Thornton
Blake Thornton
Blake Thornton
Alex Kalams-Jurak
Alex Kalams-Jurak
6. Crater Comets (6th, 3-6 record last season)
I am uncertain about how Crater will perform this season. They had difficulties with their offense, last year and their former quarterback, Shane Wood, is currently not listed on the roster. His replacement, sophomore Ben Higginson Ben Higginson 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Crater | 2025 State OR , performed well when given the opportunity to play. Despite returning their entire starting offensive line, I am still unsure about this team’s potential due to the numerous unknown variables. Therefore, I predict they will finish sixth in the conference this season. Below is a list of the top players on Crater’s team:
Ben Higginson Ben Higginson 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Crater | 2025 State OR
Ben Higginson Ben Higginson 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Crater | 2025 State OR
7. North Eugene Highlanders (4th, 5-5 record last season)
North Eugene has lost a significant amount of talent this season, and I am uncertain if they will perform as well as they did last year. While there are some untested players who may rise to the occasion, it is too early to make any predictions. The absence of QB Devon Anderson will undoubtedly be felt, but I am eager to see who will step up and take his place. Below is a list of North Eugene’s top players:
Cooper Birns
Cooper Birns
Justin DiTorrice
Justin DiTorrice
8. South Eugene Axe (8th, 1-8 record last season)
It appears that South Eugene may struggle to compete with most of the teams in their conference this season. I am only familiar with one player on their team, All-League Honorable Mention LB Ronan Schmidt Ronan Schmidt 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB South Eugene | 2024 State OR . I am unsure of who else will step up and contribute. However, I am hopeful that someone will prove me wrong and step up to the challenge. If not, it could be a difficult season for South Eugene. Here is a list of their top players: