First of all let’s start by saying this game is a tribute to the Oregon Playoff system. After watching #5 in the Nation knock off #18 in the Nation in the round of 16 in Washington (Bellevue VS Lakes) we were left with an empty feeling that things were amiss in Washington.
So congrats to the OSAA and the power rankings and all of that because this game is the one that people hoped to see in many ways and today they are going to get it.
From a National perspective OregonPreps.com and Rivals.com have the Sheldon Irish at #21 in the Nation at their highest National ranking ever. Not far behind are the Lake Oswego Lakers at #41 in the Rivals.com Top 100 poll. Both teams are perfect and we will witness a battle for the ages.
One Paper this is a tie. You can talk out all the point and counter point stuff you want but we are getting an epic match up between two loaded rosters who both know how to win and both enjoy the finest High School coaching staffs around anywhere. These teams are akin to really well run collegiate programs and both have youth football programs with a full pipeline for years and years to come.
In a quick review here are the known Stars on these teams:
Lake Oswego: Star Power
- Alex Matthews SR QB: The quiet leader of this squad has legit size and skills to play at the highest levels. His ability to be patient and read the field as well as run when he needs too is notable. Alex just received a great offer from Penn and projects even higher.
- Steven Long SR RB: When he transferred from Sherwood a roar went up that this was not going to work out and critics were in abundance. Long worked hard and gained 20 pounds of muscle and will surpass 2000 yards potentially. He is on his way to Portland State.
- Zach Walen:SR The gifted linebacker-TE simply lays the wood and is always where the ball is. He landed 4 offers this past week and is in a great position to gain more.
- Stevie Coury: SR The WR runs crisp routes, has great hands, and is one of the smartest kids you could ever hope to meet. Only his size in stature have held offers away but he is college bound none the less.
- Grant Taylor: SR LB-RB; Taylor is a work horse who overcame a scary injury to return to the field for the playoffs. Collegiate talent.
- Mitch Lomax: JR The Junior is big and powerful as his LB spot and seems to be settled into the role he has as leader for next season and is doing a great job. A D-1 Body and skill to boot,
- Turner Young: SR OL-DL. You have to love this kid. In his 5 yards on the field he can dominate. He is headed to college and other then height is able to play at any level.
- Noah Peterson: JR OL: AT 6’5″, and 270 pounds Noah is a true big and his technical skill, as with all the LO linemen, is way above an average HS linemen.
- Jack Anderson: JR RB-OLB very very talented young guy with colleges looking close.
The Other Guys: Lesser known guys who are difference makers
- Harrison Greenberg: 12-The #1 kicker not only in Oregon but in the Region. He can play at the highest level. 84% of all his kicks go for touch backs. He could be the key to the win today for Lake Oswego. A potent Weapon.
- Nick Salita: 12- WR-Big target who is a collegiate level player.
- Neil Wagner: 11- Junior Wr at 6’2″, 195 pounds he could win the game today with his play.
- Jasper Yildrim-12- Good WR and a Better DB! We love him.
- Remi Rufai– 12-DE – Big agile and mobile. Remi is rising as an athlete and should be on a Collegeiate field next year.
- Marquis Royster: DT / OL Soph- at 6’2″, and 275 he is a powerhouse. Watch him!
- Alec Torkelson: Senio DB: Loves his play all year.
Sheldon Irish: Star Power
- Sam McCaskill: SR: The big guy has three offers. He sets the tone all game. He broke the school-league record for sacks with 15 so far. His size and strength is off the charts and he will likely play DE at the next level in the Big Sky at Montana or beyond.
- Dillon Miller: SR: We covered this amazing kid at QB this week. 3500 yards and 38 TD’s with 6 picks! Crafty, Patient, Smart, and a collegiate level QB like Matthews.
- Mitch Carman: SR : The WR is terrific. He is closing in on 1000 yards and has a Montana offer and skills to match. 8 Td’s
- Dawson Housely: SR The LB is a D-1 star. Leads his team with 135 tackles and has offers in hand.
- Kameron Canaday: SR- at 6’4.5″ and 240 he is perhaps the fastest rising player on the field rated #2 in the nation as a LS he has a PSU Offer.
- Tanner Zent: SR 6’2″, 230 pounds-Linebacker. Boy look out. This guy is tough and could be a game breaker today.
- Connor Strahm: JR- Could be the #1 ranked Junior in the State. 1400 yards and 17 TDs through the air, 317 yards and 7 TDs rushing, and is 4 for 6 passing and all 4 went for TD’s. 6’2″, and 210 pounds and one of the most electric players on the West Coast.
The Other Guys: Lesser known guys who are difference makers
- Ryan Land: SR- RB Speedy and smart he is a great athlete. 750 on the ground and 7 TD’s
- Mitch Lewis: JR RB-DB- 445 Rushing and 9 Tds
- Sean Bellotti– SR Next to WR-DB and Kicker. Great athlete and good talent.
- Jacob Foutz– SR OL 6’4″, 270 Pounds O’line. Collegiate talent.
- Chet Spears– JR: 6’2″, 300 pounds- 60 Tackles and a force