|
West Salem’s nail-biting 28-21 win over Lincoln in last Saturday’s 6A quarterfinal playoff game showed the Titans two important things: a) The competition in later playoff rounds poses a real challenge and b) West is up for the challenge. The fourth-ranked West Salem squad had their hands plenty full with Lincoln from start to finish. Cardinal receiver Jordan Polk showed off his Division-I speed and quarterback Jayson Hobby left Titan defenders plenty frustrated with his elusive running out of the shotgun. But despite being outgained by nearly 100 yards for the game, West won the real battle on the scoreboard thanks to the same defense that forced four turnovers, including the game-clinching interception at the goal line by Jordan Bishop with just over 30 seconds remaining. Up next is an opponent that could rightfully be called the Cinderella team of the semi-finals. Tualatin finished in a three way tie for the Pacific Conference championship with Tigard and Canby, but won the coin toss as the number one seed. The young Timberwolves—with a large crop of juniors—came into the playoffs unranked, but have been impressive with a 30 point victory in round one over South Medford, and a two touchdown win over second-ranked Westview. What will make West Salem’s task all the more difficult is Tualatin’s versatility. The T-Wolves rushed for 364 yards in overwhelming South Medford, then went to the air to the tune of 311 yards—including 175 yards to shifty receiver Danny Johnson—in upsetting Westview. Coach Craig Hastin, in his 16th season as a head coach, is not shy about adjusting to his oppostion. Tualatin has an impressive list of very physical athletes. First team all-conference quarterback Levi Levasa, a junior, threw for over 1300 yards and nine touchdowns in the regular season. Fellow first teamers on offense include running back Dennis Ranck, who had nearly 700 yards and 12 TDs, and receiver Matt Losli—third in receptions in the Pacific during the regular season with 477 yards and five touchdowns. Ranck, Losli, and lineman Woody Toms (6-3, 240) were two way first team all-conference selections. Other first team defensive standouts include two juniors—linebacker John Grill (5-10 200), and lineman Taylor Hart (6-6 240). Tualatin place kicker Wes Neary was also a first team pick. The Timberwolves emphasis on physical play was a key in the team’s quarterfinal victory two years ago over Sprague. But against West Salem, there should be no such advantage. Coach Shawn Stanley has preached toughness since taking over the program, and that mentality combined with an effective weight training program has produced results. Playing in game two of a double header at Portland’s PGE Park before an extra large crowd could produce some early jitters for West, but the maturity the senior-laden Titans have shown over the course of the season should take hold quickly. Many of these same players took part in state playoffs in basketball and baseball over the last two years as well, so the added post-season pressure will be a minor distraction. It will be no cakewalk against Tualatin, but the Titans are poised to play in their first ever state championship football game—with the goal of being the last team standing.
Mark Gilman can be contacted at mark@fullaccesssports.com
|
