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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 6, 2019)
SEPTEMBER 6, 2019, KEIZERTIMES FOOTBALL PREVIEW, PAGE B3 Sept. 6 Lake Oswego at West Salem Sept. 20 Tualatin at McNary McNary will be challenged for the second straight week when they host the Timberwolves, who trounced the Celtics 50-6 last season. Like West Linn, Tualatin also lost 10 all-league players from the 2018 team. But McNary's offensive line will have their hands full trying to contain Tualatin linebacker John Miller — an Oregon State commit who was the co-defensive player of the year last season in the Three Rivers League. of the more dynamic attacks in the Metro League. However, the Beavers defense went through their struggles last year, surrendering more than 36 points per game. It's safe to say fans should expect a shootout in this one. Oct. 4 McKay at North Salem The game between Salem's two 5A schools wasn't competitive last season as North Salem had their highest scoring output since 2011, routing the Royal Scots 52-31. But McKay will have more team experience coming into 2019, which should make this a more competitive contest. advantage of West Salem's relative inexperience this time around. Oct. 18 Mountain View at W. Salem Mountain View made a fairly seamless transition into the 6A level last year as they fi nished the regular season with a 5-4 record and qualifi ed for the playoffs. West Salem defeated Mountain View 46-28 last year and will need a similar defensive effort to stop the Mountain View attack — the Cougars scored more than 40 points fi ve times last season and return a signifi cant portion of their offense. West Salem faces the tough test of hosting the defending state champions to begin the season. This will be the second straight year that the Titans will face off against Lake Oswego — they fell to the Lakers 48-21 last season. The number one goal for West Salem coming into this game is to somehow slow down Lake Oswego's Casey Filkins, one of the best players in the Northwest. Filkins had 1,160 yards rushing to go along with his 869 receiving yards and had a combined 39 touchdowns last season. He also recently committed to the University of California (Berkley). Sept. 13 West Linn at McNary McNary will take on perennial football power West Linn for the third consecutive season in their home opener. The Celtics got demolished by West Linn 41-6 in the second round of the playoffs in 2017 and also lost to to the Lions 55-27 last season. However, this will be the fi rst time that West Linn will make the trip down to Keizer. The Lions also will have to replace 10 all-league players from last season, including quarterback Ethan Long, who now plays at Arizona State University and was selected as a team captain. With McNary's experience, look for this to be a closer game than it has been in years past. Sept. 13 Sunset at South Salem The Saxons will have a chance to redeem themselves after suffering a 36-3 drubbing at the hands of Sunset last season. It will be no easy task as the Apollos are projected to be a top-15 team once again this season with returning fi rst-team all- Metro quarterback Callum Craig, and his top target Nate Archibald. that struggled in their move up to 6A, going 2-7 last year — despite having Henry Bledsoe — son of former NFL great Drew Bledsoe — as the starting quarterback. Fortunately for the Storm, they have the majority of their roster coming back in 2019 as they try to beat a Sprague team that defeated them 49-14 in 2018. Oct. 25 West Salem at McNary A contest that could determine the league champion in the MVC. While the Titans looked to be the best team in the conference for the majority of last season, they were knocked off by McNary by a score of 35-23 — the Celtics would go on to win the league title. It was only the second time in the last three seasons that West Salem had lost a conference game at home. Sept. 27 Sprague at South Salem One of the oldest rivalries in the Salem area. The series has been evenly matched in recent years with Sprague winning four of the last seven head-to-head match-ups. However, South Salem won a 21- 20 thriller last season. Oct. 10 Corvallis at McKay McKay spoiled a shot at the postseason for Corvallis last season, knocking off the Spartans 17-15 for their only win of the year. With a senior-led roster, Corvallis will be looking for revenge against the Royal Scots in 2019. Oct. 4 Beaverton at West Salem The Beavers pulled off the 35-33 upset against West Salem last season. Despite fi nishing with a losing record, Beaverton averaged nearly 30 points per game in 2018 and had one Oct. 11 West Salem at South Salem The Titans have had South Salem's number for the last three seasons — winning all three games by a combined score of 125-12. The Saxons will hoping to be able to take Oct. 18 Bend at McNary Similar to Mountain View, Bend also faired well in their inaugural season at the 6A level, reaching the fi ve-win mark and making the playoffs. But after beginning the season with a 5-1 record, the Lava Bears dropped their remaining four games to end the year. Making the trip over the mountain to face McNary late in the season will provide a good barometer as to where this team is at. Oct. 18 Summit at Sprague Summit was the one Bend school Nov. 1 McNary at South Salem For the second straight season, these two teams will meet in the regular season fi nale. The Saxons gave McNary all they could handle in last year's contest, but the Celtics still prevailed with a 40-33 victory. South Salem could potentially put themselves in position for a playoff spot if they are able to pull off the upset in this one. Nov. 1 Lebanon at North Salem This will be a chance for Salem fans to watch one of the best football players in the country — yes, you read that right — in Lebanon junior Keith Brown. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Brown is considered the number four inside linebacker in the country for the class of 2021. Sports Medicine for our elite athletes and everyone else Our doctors are proud to serve on the sidelines, providing care and reassurance to players and their families. ® Hope Orthopedics of Oregon is a comprehensive resource for treating injured competitors, but the scope of our center’s sports medicine care extends far beyond elite athletes. The Hope sports medicine specialists are committed to helping individuals of all ages and activity levels regain their highest level of functioning after an injury. From local school and college athletes who have been injured playing organized sports to the fi tness enthusiast who has pulled a muscle in a spin class, Hope’s sports medicine specialists can get you back to your formal level of functioning as quickly and safely as possible. 5825 Shoreview Lane, Keizer • 503-540-6471 1600 State Street, Salem • 503-540-6300 No need to travel all the way across town. Both of our Salem and Keizer locations are now FULL SERVICE CLINICS.
