The perfect season continues for Oregon's reigning State 6 A Champs. In a year where many thought there would be a drop off they have actually surged. And we touched on this yesterday in our story about Laker Nation. When your a State Champion and powerhouse like Lake Oswego your going to be loaded year after year.
This season some new faces have stepped up to fill out some of the skill positions lost to a loaded 2012 group.
One of them who is most noteworthy is Senior Quarterback Justen Ruppe. The 5'11"-170 pound field general has been terrific in terms of his ability to start at the position and in terms of his game management.
Justen has been at camps and clinics working with the likes of Matt James (Nike Football-Elite 11) since he was a little guy. He is a total student of the game and is mechanically very sound. But it is his maturity and his poise that have been most impressive. Especially when you realize that he had to replace Alex Matthews (Penn) who led the team all of last season in stellar fashion.
While Matthews was a much publicized QB the low profile Ruppe is not. His physical stature and lack of Junior film have made that tough. But he cares not as he made it clear that this is about the team and their success and not his own.
"It was a battle just to earn this spot. So I feel blessed to be the starting QB for Lake Oswego," said Justen who has dreamed of being just that since he was a ball boy for Jack Lomax (OSU). "The college stuff will wait and I will find a home to play. I am very relaxed about that. But this is the only shot I have at being a LO QB so I am going to make the most of it."
And make the most of it he has.
So far he has thrown for 1,100 yards and has 11 TD's to just 1 interception. Which is great. But it is his 80% Pass completion ratio that is most impressive. That is leading the Region and just shows that he is super efficient.
That sort of leadership on a team that plays hard, is opportunistic, and can run the ball is the answer to the question. Why or How is Lake Oswego 8-0?
There is more to these Lakers and we asked Ruppe to tells us how it is all unfolding.
"I can not say enough about Senior Wide Receiver Connor Griffin. At 6'4" plus and with his speed he is so special. He has about 550 yards and 9 TD's and we are a great combination. He can not be covered and I have so much faith in him," said Ruppe. "He is our go to guy..our home run hitter…and we are starting to see him dominate more and more."
Griffin has 525 yards and is averaging 23.86 yards per catch. That is awesome. It is his length and exceptional hands that make him so hard to cover.
"Then look at JB Holmes. A great blocker who sees the field. He has 10 TD's and averages over 7 yards a carry," Ruppe added. "That is a tough pair of guys to defend."
Going through the roster Justen in QB fashion went down the list of RB Spencer Anderson (SR), Romello Washington (SR) a wide receiver, and Nick Palermini (SR) wide receiver. And with each kid he spoke about their best assets and how this group and many others have been together since a young age.
Add to that an amazing group of linemen who many feel are the State's most complete and "together" group. They are led by Seniors Noah Peterson (6'5"-275), Austin Faunce (6'2"-240) and Kyle Peterson (6'1"-215 Pounds).
"Without their incredible work we go nowhere. They are the engine that powers this team."
We spoke about several other Seniors including Mitch Lomax at linebacker who Ruppe has been so close to his entire life. That defense is #1 in the State in the 6A and the topic of a separate story. Just know they are an amazing bunch too.
So how is it that the Lakers are on the verge of another run deep into the playoffs? It lies with this super talented group of Seniors but at the core there is more to it.
"Obviously last year was amazing. This year is similar in many ways and different too. You know the locker room is a relaxed environment and there is no burden to go to practice. We are all excited to go ever day. Everyone is happy and we are having so much fun; and that has helped. All the guys are close for sure and together we have a special bond," said Justen.
Is anything different from last year?
"Not too much. But there is one thing that has helped. Last year the Seniors made an effort to connect the younger guys on the team with the older guys. That was huge. So this year now that we are Seniors we wanted to carry that forward and reached out to under classmen. And I believe that has been big. We all are on the same page and working together. There are no barriers between us at all."
As the Lakers look to close out the regular season 9-0 against a tough Oregon City team this sense of team will carry this special group of Seniors forward. And with them they carry the legacy of Laker Nation.
Best of luck guys.
