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About The Chronicle : Creswell & Cottage Grove. (Creswell, Ore.) 2019-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 29, 2019)
6 — THE CHRONICLE THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019 CHS SPORTS PREVIEW FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL League: 2A-4 Central Valley Conference 2018 record: 1-8 overall; 0-5 in league Coach: Scott Worsham begins his third year as head coach. Key departures: The graduation of Tayler Forsman – All-League First Team wide receiver and defensive back – leaves a big hole on both sides of the ball. Tyler Olson (Second Team linebacker), Levi Bones and Nick Mullen (both Honorable Mention defensive linemen), and Dean Howard (slot, outside linebacker) also graduated. Stepping up/stepping in: Dallton Dewey returns as quarterback, and at defensive back (Honorable Mention) frustrates opposing QBs’ attempts to throw his way; Logan Johnson (Second Team center, Honorable Mention linebacker) leads the O-line charge; Gabe Hastings returns as a defensive lineman (Second Team). Tyler Nicol worked hard in the off-season – expect big plays at safety; he and Tyler Atwood (OL/DL) are co-captains. Claiming bigger roles are Reece Germen (OL/DL) and Chance Leech (linebacker); freshman Alex Harrington is a solid, tough addition. Strengths: Experience at quarterback; five solid offensive linemen; several returning all-league defenders; and – if deemed eligible – a running back transfer student could potentially spark the Bulldogs’ passing/running game. Challenges: Despite dropping down a division, the Bulldogs were winless last year in their 2A league. Often undersized on the field and in roster depth, the Dawgs can’t afford many injuries and must stave off the “third quarter meltdown” that cost them last season. Toughest matchup: League champion Monroe (5-0, 10-2), 2A powerhouse and 2017 state champion, was top- ranked in 2018 before losing to 5th-ranked Santiam in the state semifinals. Monroe returns All-League Offensive Player of the Year Zach Young and are led by Coach of the Year Bill Crowson. The Dragons come to town Oct. 4. Did you know? The CHS Homecoming game will be on a Thursday this year – Oct. 10 (there’s no school Friday). Mark your calendar for the day Central Linn arrives. Outlook: Creswell has players with experience and athleticism, motivated team leaders and newcomers, and plenty of heart. If it can avoid injury and play four solid quarters, it could be rewarded: The Dawgs took Oakland to overtime in 2018 and Central Linn lost several key players, leaving openings for some league wins. Quote: “Seven of nine games last year, we were right in the ballgame, except for a rough quarter or a late play. I feel like we’ve got the potential to get the job done, and it’ll be nice to see how we match up this year.” – Coach Worsham League: 3A-4 Mountain Valley Conference 2018 record: 15-12 overall, 6-2 in league Season finish: 3rd in league; received an at-large bid to state playoffs; reached the conso- lation semifinals at 3A state championships. Coach: Anna Baltrusch enters her 23rd season as head coach; she’s currently 16th in all-time career coaching wins in Oregon high school volleyball history (1A-6A). Key departures: The graduation of All-State Second Team and All-League First Team setter/outside hitter Bailey Howell leaves a big hole to fill. Two other starters, right-side southpaw Macy Waller and defensive specialist Kailee Cooper also graduated. Stepping up/stepping in: Lots of offense will run through All-League First Team outside hitter Breanna Dapron, a junior. Second Team selections Jenessa Mallory – Howell’s partner in Creswell’s two-setter offense – and middle/outside hitter Kylee Whitson return, as do defensive specialists Jane Marquess, Sarah Lanz and Emme Whitson. Strengths: The stability of coach and program are invaluable; this year’s team inherits a legacy of long-term success that inspires further achievement. Hitting, setting and serve receive should all be very strong. Challenges: There aren’t many weaknesses on a team that routinely goes to state and usually brings home a trophy – as high as second place (2016, ’15, ’14). But there will be some new starters; blocking and defensive scheme are still developing. Toughest matchup: Defending 3A state and league champion Santiam Christian will be the team to beat. The Eagles return both powerhouse outside hitters that helped them claim the state title: Emily Bourne (3A State Player of the Year, All-Tournament First Team, League Player of the Year) and Kassie Staton (First Team All- State, All-Tournament and All-League). Creswell hosts the Eagles Oct. 3. Outlook: Needing an at-large bid to reach state playoffs was an aberration Creswell aims not to repeat. Har- risburg graduated its top player but has two All-League Second Team returners, and Pleasant Hill should be stronger this season; but the Lady Dawgs hope to secure a return bid to state by finishing at least second in league – and perhaps contending with Santiam Christian for the league title. Quote: “Santiam Christian is going to be really tough and we’ve got lots of strong teams to play against – but my team is looking super strong and we’re really excited for this season.” – Coach Baltrusch — Compiled by Gini Davis — Compiled by Gini Davis SCHEDULES FOOTBALL Aug. 30 at Sutherlin Jamboree, 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at Lost River, 7 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Warrenton, 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Illinois Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Bandon, 7 p.m. Oct. 4 vs. Monroe, 7 p.m. Oct. 10 vs. Central Linn, 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Oakland, 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Regis, 7 p.m. Nov. 1 vs. Jefferson, 7 p.m. VOLLEYBALL Aug. 29 Jamboree at Oregon Episcopal: vs. Blanchet Catholic, 3:30 p.m., vs. Ore. Epispocal, 5 p.m. Sept. 3 at Portland Chr., 4:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Douglas, 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at Cascade Tournament Sept. 10 Tournament at Coquille HS, vs. Marshfield, 5:30 p.m., vs. Coquille, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 Tournament at Toledo HS, vs. Warrenton, 2 p.m., vs. Toledo, 4 p.m. Sept. 17 vs. South Umpqua, 6 p.m. Sept. 21 Tournament at Salem Academy HS Sept. 24 at La Pine, 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at Pleasant Hill, 6 p.m. Oct. 3 vs. Santiam Christian, 6 p.m. Oct. 5 Creswell Tournament at Creswell HS: Salem Academy, South Umpqua, Harrisburg, Sutherlin, Cascade, Cascade Christian, Cottage Grove Oct. 8 at Harrisburg, 7 p.m. Oct. 10 vs. La Pine, 5 p.m. Oct. 17 vs. Pleasant Hill, 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at Cascade Chr., 1:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Santiam Christian, 6 p.m. Oct. 24 vs. Harrisburg, 6 p.m. BOYS’ SOCCER Sept. 3 vs. Elmira, 6 p.m. Sept. 5 vs. Westside Chr., 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Pleasant Hill, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at La Pine, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Santiam Chr., 6 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. East Linn Chr., 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Jefferson, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 3 vs. Central Linn, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Pleasant Hill, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 10 vs. La Pine, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 17 vs. Santiam Chr., 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at East Linn Chr., 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24 vs. Jefferson, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Central Linn, 4:30 p.m. GIRLS’ SOCCER Sept. 3 at Elmira, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Sutherlin, 6 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. Rogue River, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12 vs. Churchill (JV) at CMS, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Douglas, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24 vs. Santiam Chr., 4:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Westside Chr., 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1 vs. La Pine, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Central Linn / Mohawk, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Pleasant Hill, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Santiam Chr., 6 p.m. Oct. 22 vs. Pleasant Hill, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at La Pine, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 29 vs. Central Linn / Mohawk, 4:30 p.m. BOYS' & GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY Aug. 31 at 2-Mile Trial, Cottage Grove HS Sept. 7 at Ash Creek XC Festival (Western Oregon University Ash Creek Preserve) Sept. 14 at Northwest Classic (Lane Community College) Sept. 21 at Harrier's Challenge (Schwarz Park) Sept. 26 at King of the Hill (Oak Hill School) Sept. 28 at Springfield Invita- tional (SHS) Oct. 5 at Woahink Lake XC Invitational (East Woahink Lake, Honeyman State Park) Oct. 12 at Celtic Invite (Keizer Rapids) Oct. 23 at Country Fair Classic (Richardson Park) Oct. 29 at Special District 4 3A Boys, 2A/1A Boys, and 3A/2A/1A Girls XC Championships (Lane Community College) Nov. 9 at OSAA 3A/2A/1A State Championships (Lane Community College) RICK DANCER Join Rick and Kathy Dancer as they travel the state bringing you the stories you won't find on the “regular travel blogs.” This week, all week, Rick and Kathy are hosting ExplOregon shows from Wallowa County. On Facebook, Instagram or Youtube you can find these Adventures. ExplOregon The Backstories. Did you know? Baltrusch is poised to collect her 500th career win this season, needing only 14 more victories. GIRL S' SOCCER BOYS' SOCCER League: 3A/2A/1A-SD3 2018 record: 6-3-2 overall, 2-0-4 in league Season finish: 2nd in league; lost 8-0 to top- ranked Catlin Gabel in 3A/2A/1A state playoffs. Coach: Dan Smathers is the new head coach, replacing Janelle Sailer, who moved out of the district. Smathers brings experience as an assistant coach last year and a former youth and middle school coach; he grew up playing soccer in Germany while his father was stationed there with the Air Force. Key departures: Center midfielder Allison Smathers, a 2018 First Team All-State selection and league co-Player of the Year, and Tabetha Donovan, league Goalkeeper of the Year and All-State Honorable Mention, leave big shoes to fill; also lost to graduation: All-League First Team defender Hannah Bettis and midfielder Hallie Drago; and Second Team defender Kelsey Kuhnhausen, defender/ midfielder Aubrie Hatch and forward Morgan Janshen. Stepping up/stepping in: Freshman Maddie Boettcher, an expe- rienced, versatile club player, takes Smathers’ slot at center-mid; 2018 backup goalie Carley Wilkerson starts in the box this season; sophomore Brielle Brick steps into Kuhnhausen’s role; returning starter Jill Greenfield will be a key defender at left fullback; returning forward Anna Dahl will be a key on offense. Strengths: Strong fundamentals and attitude/teamwork. This group supports and encourages each other and can play with confidence. Challenges: The team is young and relatively inexperienced, returning only one All-League player (Dahl) and a few starters, so manufacturing offense may be difficult. Toughest matchups: The Lady Dawgs will have their hands full with defending league champ Santiam Christian (3-0-3) and an improved Pleasant Hill squad. Creswell hosts Santiam Christian Sept. 24 and travels to Pleasant Hill Oct. 8. Did you know? Allison Smathers is Creswell’s only girls’ soccer player to repeat as league co-Player of the Year (2017, ‘18). Jessica Moore twice won Goalkeeper of the Year (2009, ‘11). Outlook: With many of last season’s top stars gone, the Dawgs will focus on solid defense. With only three league opponents, they’ll need to sweep La Pine, beat or split with Pleasant Hill and battle for the upset against SC to return to the state playoffs. Quote: “I see a lot of potential, a lot of heart, and already a lot of improvement in these girls; I really believe we might surprise some people.” – Coach Smathers League: 3A/2A/1A-SD3 2018 record: 8-2-2 in league, 9-4-3 overall Season finish: 2nd in league; lost 6-0 to 2nd- ranked Catlin Gabel in 3A/2A/1A state playoffs. Coach: Brandi Wittenborn, a successful CHS girls’ soccer coach for nearly 15 years, is in her fourth season as boys’ head coach. Key departures: The Bulldogs graduated six All-League players: First Team selections Nick Bronson (defender) and Avel Garcia-Fetter (mid- fielder/forward); Second Team selections Julian Nuñez (forward) and Christian Tucker (midfielder/forward); and Honorable Mention selections Kobe Sanders (defender) and Jaxson Wilkerson (goalkeeper). Stepping up/stepping in: Senior defender Rogelio Legorreta (First Team) and junior midfielder/forward Cam Nguyen (Second Team) lead fellow returners Javier Fregoso, Dawson Sharkey, Brian Clowers, Grant Marshall, Sky Leech and Alex Metteer. Also expected to make immediate contributions are Jayden Pratt, Gerry Jimenez, Trevor Harrold and Jack Nguyen – the only freshman to make varsity. Strengths: Team cohesion and teamwork. Returning players and younger players stepping up this season are bonding and working well together as a team. Challenges: Down eight starters from last season, it’s a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs. Younger, inexperienced players called up to varsity may find the pace and higher skill level demanding. Toughest matchups: League champ Santiam Christian (9-2-1) made it to state quarterfinals in 2018 and returns All-League First Team forward/midfielder Ben Galceran, Josh Verdeyen (Second Team) and Chase Groome (Honorable Mention); Pleasant Hill and East Linn Christian each return several all-leaguers; the Bulldogs are at P-Hill Sept. 12 and at SC Sept. 24; they play host to ELC Sept. 26. Did you know? The Bulldogs allowed only 17 goals last season, tied for seventh best in 3A/2A/1A state. Outlook: With Santiam Christian, Pleasant Hill and East Linn Christian all returning veteran teams, Creswell may fight to finish fourth or third in league. But if Creswell beats ELC and wins the games they should, they could make league playoffs and contend for a return bid to state. Quote: “With losing the amount of varsity returners that we did, I’ve seen with these younger, less experienced players who are suddenly having to step up into key roles, a work ethic and positivity that I really like, and that should be reflected in the games we play.” – Coach Wittenborn. — Compiled by Gini Davis Proudly sponsoring weekly info about the happenings at The Cottage Grove Raceway! Get out and support local fun! 2150 N Douglas St. Cottage Grove, OR 541-942-7561 Racing and slate fired pizza goes hand-in-hand. Homemade crust, sauce & quality ingredients. www.myboyspizza.com or call 895-4504. 96 N. Mill St, Creswell August 31, 2019 ISCS CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND NIGHT #1 WITH A KART EXHIBITION IMCA Modifieds IMCA SportsMods September 1, 2019 ISCS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE * HORNET FROGGY 44 TRIBUTE TO MEL Limited Sprints - Winged: ISCS-Interstate Sprint Car Series (Limited) Late Models, Limited Sprints, Hornets — Compiled by Gini Davis Times: Pit Gate – 2 p.m. Front Gate – 3 p.m. Qualifying – 5:30 p.m. Racing – 6 p.m. Prices: Ages 5 and Under FREE. Ages 6-12 – $5. Juniors (13-17) $10, Seniors (62+), Military – $10. Adults – $13 Pit pass – $30 Family Passes (2 Adults, 4 Youth [6-12] ) – $35 Be sure to check our website at www.cottagegrovespeedway.com for more information and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.
