OSAA 6A Matchup’s for AP Top 10 Schools

#1 Sheldon Irish (4-0) @ North Medford Black Tornados (1-3)

Although Sheldon is (4-0) and ranked #1 by the AP, they have yet to truly prove their metal.  After the first four games of the season the combined record of the Irish’s opponents are (5-11), and they have yet to play a team with a record better then .500. After the first four games their signature win was against the Jesuit Crusaders who manage to stay in the AP top 10 after two straight losses. This week should be no different for the Irish as they take on the North Medford Black Tornados. The Tornados have played two top 10 teams at this point in the season and were crushed in both games. Although the Tornados are coming off of their first win of the season, I would expect the Irish to look crisp as they get ready for the meaty part of their schedule. This will be an easy win for the Irish.

#2 Lake Oswego Lakers (4-0) VS Canby Cougars (1-3)

The Lake Oswego Lakers are coming off of their biggest win of the season against the #8 Jesuit Crusaders, which they won by four touchdowns. This week should prove to be a much easier task for the Lakers as they take on the Canby Cougars. Right now the Cougars are giving up 40pts. a game, just one touchdown shy of what the Lakers have come accustomed to scoring. On the defensive side of the ball the Lakers are not great, but the Cougars should not have enough firepower to hang with the Lakers offense. The Lakers should be moving to (5-0).

#3 Roseburg Indians (4-0) VS #4 South Medford Panthers (4-0)

At this point in the season, there may be no other team that has been more impressive in the OSAA then the Roseburg Indians (4-0).  Roseburg’s opponents have a combine record of (8-8), and have a knack for scoring, except when they play the Indians. Roseburg has held their opponents to 5pts. a game, while scoring 36 in the process. Now the road gets even harder with #4 the South Medford Panthers (4-0) visiting the Indians. The Panthers have another high-powered offense that will try to break through the Indians defensive wall, as well as a defense that should slow down Roseburg’s formidable offense. Look for this to be the game of the week.

#4 South Medford Panthers (4-0) @ #3 Roseburg Indians (4-0)

The #4 South Medford Panthers (4-0) have their hands full having to travel to the home of the perennial football power house #3 Roseburg Indians (4-0). This game has huge implications and should decide who is going to go on to challenge Sheldon for the 6A southwest conference title. The Panthers are going to hope that their high-powered offense, that is scoring 46pts. a game, is going to be able to continue against a Roseburg defense that has only given up five points a game. Look for this to be the game of the week as the OSAA 6A playoff picture begins to unfold.

#5 Tigard Tigers (4-0) @ Forest Grove Vikings (1-3)

The odds of the Tigard Tigers moving to (5-0) this season look good despite having to go on the road to Forest Grove. The Vikings are coming off their first win, but they snatched it from a winless Hillsboro team who has only scored 35pts. in their first four games. It will take an extreme lack of concentration for the Tigers to lose this game. The Tigers lead their league in offense averaging just under 50pts. a game, and I would look for those numbers to improve after this weekend. This game should be over by halftime.

#6 Lakeridge Pacers (4-0) @ Clackamas Cavaliers (1-3)

The Lakeridge Pacers have decimated all the teams in their way with their high powered offense, and have earned their #6 ranking in this weeks AP poll with 4-0 record. The pacers lead their league in offense (averaging 52 points a game), as well as defense (only allowing 18.5pts. a game). This week should be another win for the Pacers facing a Clackamas team that has given up more points then they have scored in their first four games. Look for the Pacers to move up in the polls, and get ready for a face off between two possible (5-0) teams when the Lakers come in next week.

#7 Grant Generals (3-1) @ Heritage Timberwolves (WA)

The Grant Generals come out of the smallest conference in the OSAA 6A class. This means they have one of the biggest out of conference schedules. At this point in the season most teams are at least opening conference play, but Grant will not do so until week seven. This week they get a Heritage team that only has one win to this point in the season. Although it looks good for Grant to walk away with a win, they do have to go to McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver for the Timberwolves Homecoming game. If the Generals don’t come to this game focused they may just find themselves in a dogfight.

#8 Jesuit Crusaders (2-2) @ #12 Sunset Apollo’s (4-0)

The Jesuit Crusaders find themselves in the eighth spot of the AP top 10 after week 4 despite two losses in the first four weeks. Now the Crusaders have to take their #8 ranking to the Sunset Apollo’s. The Apollo’s may just feel a little snubbed after not making the top 10 despite a 4-0 start and decimating half of the Mt. Hood Conference in three of their four out of conference games. This game should prove to be one of the great games of the week, and we will soon find out if Grant does indeed deserve a top ten ranking, or if the Sunset Apollo’s will soon take their place.

#9 Tualatin Timberwolves (3-1) VS McMinnville Grizzlies (2-2)

Tualatin is running on all cylinders after their 45-0 win over the Newberg Tigers. However, the Timberwolves have yet to prove themselves against a top ten team with their one loss coming to Aloha in week 2. Other then Aloha they have yet to play a legitimate team. At this point in the season Tualatin’s opponents have a combine record of (4-12). The schedule will only get tougher from this point with three of their next five opponents having a .500 winning percentage or better starting with the Grizzlies tomorrow night. Although Tualatin’s postseason hopes look good at this point in the season, the second half of the season could have the Timberwolves on the outside looking in.

#10 Aloha Warriors (2-2) @ Westview Wildcats (0-4)

With Aloha scrambling after two straight losses to AP top 10 teams they get a “trap” game at Westview. The Wolverines are a team who are still trying to find an identity, but do have the ability to play with top 10 teams losing to the #7 Grant Generals 31-34 in double overtime in week one. Despite Aloha’s two game losing streak they still manage to squeak into the AP top 10 in the tenth spot. This being the halfway point of the season every game is of upmost importance for the Aloha Warriors who have postseason aspirations.

Jesse James, NWPreps