As time ran out on the Sheldon Irish this year at the hands of their nemesis Lake Oswego one guy seemed to be trying to take it all in more then anyone. To come so close and fall short was a tough thing for them all.

But for Sam McCaskill it was leaving behind his team mates and brothers that had fought so valiantly that was going to be the hardest thing of all.

“This started when we were young. All of us began this together. And I know we will never have it this good,” he said lamenting with nothing but pride his Sheldon team mates and the incredible run they had.

No one can say he did not give his all. They all did. Those watching Sam saw the 6’3.5″ 240 pound star go down twice hard and come back up both times only to stay on the field of battle.

“In the first quarter on our second defensive stand I dislocated my thumb. We wrapped it but it made it hard to do too much with that hand,” said McCaskill.

Then came the blow he took from behind on an up-field play later in the quarter. That left him with a High Ankle Sprain and some tendon damage which he played on the balance of the game. Now in a cast he is working to heel those wounds but looks at the game and the season as a Victory. Nothing less.

“We could not have asked for a better match up. It was great you know. We waited the whole year to play Lake Oswego and while we kept it one week at a time we knew it could end up with both of us battling to the finish,” he said. “We would not have had it any other way. To just be out there and realize your playing for the Championship was a dream come true.”

Sam credited the Lake Oswego Defense for scheming well for their offense and neutralizing their high scoring team. He also felt that the Irish really never got on track and marvels too at powerhouse Running back Steven Long who was their undoing.

“Boy he is special. You can see why he is a top recruit. He has a lot of skill and he is STRONG!”

Big praise from a guy who broke his schools Power Clean record and the all time sack record with 15. That goes well with his 117 overall tackles.

Looking ahead he holds offer from Portland State and Montana. He seems to feel a strong draw to Montana and while some feel he is leaning that way he is happy to report some other developments.

“Oregon just offered me a preferred walk on. Being from Eugene that is very attractive for sure. Also Coach Locey of Oregon State is planning to come to do an in home visit with me and the family and I am excited for that too. They said they are very interested in me,” he offered.

Sam could easily play at Oregon State as his brother goes there and he knows some of the other recruits too. He says it feels “like home” when he is there and there is a comfort level for him in Corvallis.

There is also some discussions about Washington State looking at him again as well as EWU and others. No reason they should not. In Oregon and Washington he is a big recruit who is still available.

Time wise where is he at on a decision?

“I think after January 7th I will be ready. My decision is certainly not made but I should be ready by then.”

Sam will take an official to OSU on the 22nd either way as he has pre-committed to that.

He has no preference on where he plays and has been talked about as a linebacker, Guard, Center, Tight End, and many believe he is a big time defensive end who is fast enough to expose most tackles. Something he showcased in the Nike Football Training Camps against top recruits Zach Banner and Joshua Garnett.

We wish Sam well in his pursuits and just Named him Oregon 6A Defensive Player of the Year for Rivals.com and OregonPreps.com.