It would seem that Lake Oswego's 21-0 home win over Central Catholic on Sept. 12 would provide a window into what to expect when the teams clash again in the 6A football final at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Hillsboro Stadium.
But both sides caution against making too much of the result, considering the circumstances of that game and the changes both teams have undergone in the past 10 weeks.
“We really haven't gone back on that game much at all because it was so early in the season,” Lake Oswego coach Steve Coury said. “We're a different team, and they are, too.”
In that game, Central Catholic was missing its top receiver in senior Dayvion Curtis (ankle). Also standout senior linebackers Donnie Vercher III and Tyson Davis played sparingly due to injuries.
“Personnel-wise, we were a little limited that Week 2 game,” Rams coach Charlie Landgraf said. “We've got guys back now. You've seen the last few weeks how explosive Dayvion is. And Tyson and Donnie are that physical presence on the defensive side for us.”
From Lake Oswego's point of view, the Lakers had yet to gel and maximize their roles on offense. Since that time, the four new starters on the offensive line have gained experience and the team diversified its running game to complement senior tailback LaMarcus Bell, a Utah commit.
“We got beat by West Linn and that kind of helped us in a lot of ways to look at things a little more critically,” Coury said of a 38-16 loss to the No. 1 Lions on Oct. 17. “We've just been running the ball more effectively.”
In the Sept. 12 game, Central Catholic held Bell (15 carries, 87 yards) and Lake Oswego to 208 total yards, but the Lakers converted two interceptions into touchdowns, including a 41-yard pick-six by senior Jalen Bauman.
From the start of the season, No. 2 Lake Oswego (11-1) appeared destined to meet Three Rivers League rival West Linn in the 6A final and get a chance to avenge a 44-30 loss to the Lions in last year's championship game. That all changed in the semifinals, though, when No. 5 Central Catholic (10-2) knocked out West Linn 21-14.
“We really wanted our get-back, but it's not going to happen, so we know what we've got to do this week,” Lake Oswego senior tight end and linebacker Sam Vyhlidal said. “We've played Central Catholic, we've seen them before, but it's hard to beat a team twice. They're a good team, but we're going to be ready for them.”
The Lakers know that Central Catholic – coming off back-to-back wins over undefeated teams, No. 4 Willamette and West Linn – will demand their attention.
“A team can change in the past couple months since we played them,” Lake Oswego senior quarterback Hudson Kurland said. “We've got to game plan like they're a brand new team. We can't come into the state championship game like, 'We beat them 21-0 and it's just going to be like that all over again.'”
The Rams have the added motivation of redeeming last year's 33-24 semifinal loss to Lake Oswego.
“They're going to have a chip on their shoulder, so we've got to come out extra prepared,” Kurland said. “We've got to prepare like we've playing the best team in the state, because we are at this point.”
Central Catholic has found a second wind late in the season after a 26-6 loss to No. 2 Nelson on Oct. 24 ended the Rams' Mt. Hood Conference winning streak at 39.
“It's a confident group that is believing right now,” Landgraf said. “We just continue to focus on us and try to block out the outside noise. We kind of feel like no one really thinks we can get it done. It's that chip-on-the-shoulder mentality. Everyone in our building knows what we're capable of. We know we've got really talented players.”
Landgraf believes the Rams have benefited by simplifying their game plans.
“The kids are playing fast, they know what they're doing, and I think that's showing up,” he said.
Central Catholic's offense has received a jolt in the playoffs from senior Cole Thomas, a standout safety (five interceptions) who has had an expanded role at running back. Thomas scored three touchdowns against Willamette, including a 77-yard run and 90-yard kickoff return. He ran for two more scores against West Linn, one a 99-yarder.
Thomas, Davis and senior KK Sombe give the Rams an explosive backfield trio alongside senior quarterback Robbie Long (1,649 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, nine interceptions). Central Catholic rushed for 241 of its 337 yards against West Linn.
“They've got a bunch of backs,” Coury said. “You look at this game, man, there are five really good running backs, two on our team and three on their team. Probably as good as anybody has in the state, all five of those kids. The game might go quick, but you're going to see some pretty good running backs.”
Landgraf concurred.
“It's clear, you turn on the film from the last couple weeks, both teams want to run the football,” Landgraf said. “I think possessions are going to be limited. I think it will come down to who can win in the trenches.”
Lake Oswego rushed for 427 of its 481 yards in a 31-12 semifinal win over Nelson. The emergence of the Washington State-bound Kurland as a running threat late in the season (14 carries, 148 yards vs. Nelson) has given the Lakers' offense a new dimension alongside Bell (1,384 rushing yards, 24 toucdhowns) and senior Justin Craigwell (762 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns).
“Our quarterback has settled into a really good spot, running and throwing the ball,” Coury said of Kurland (15 touchdown passes).
Kurland's running ability will have the Rams on high alert.
“He's dynamic with his legs. We're treating him like a running back,” Landgraf said.
Lake Oswego is going for its third state title, all under Coury (294-97 in 34 seasons). The Lakers are 2-6 in championship games under Coury, winning in 2011 and 2018.
“In all the ones we've been in, as I look back, there are probably two or three of them that we were the better team and didn't win,” Coury said. “The better team doesn't always win. When you get here, anything can happen. This team is good enough to win it. Central Catholic is good enough to win it. I think it'll be a classic.”
Central Catholic, 7-1 in championship games, is going for its first title under Landgraf. He took over last season for Steve Pyne, who coached the Rams to five titles (2013, 2014, 2019, 2021, 2023), including a 49-28 win over Lake Oswego in 2019.
Pyne sent a text message to Landgraf after the semifinal win.
“He told me that we needed to keep the odd-year streak alive,” Landgraf said.
A look at the other finals Friday and Saturday:
5A, Friday, 5 p.m., Hillsboro Stadtium
No 2 Silverton (11-1) vs No. 1 Summit (12-0): Silverton defeated the Storm in both meetings last year, including 36-23 at home in the quarterfinals. Summit, the 2022 champion, is going for its third title in 10 postseasons. The Storm features junior QB Andrew Guthrie (1,927 passing yards, 23 TDs, 4 INTs), a second-year starter. Senior RB Jude Anderson (1,377 rushing yards, 15 TDs), has been outstanding in the playoffs, rushing for 344 yards and five TDs in the last two games. Summit has an elite playmaker in senior WR/DB Connor Conneely (seven INTs), who has a knack for showing up in the clutch. He had a game-clinching interception in a 14-13 quarterfinal win over West Albany. Silverton, which won its first title in 30 years in 2021, reached the semifinals the last two seasons. In the quarterfinals, the Foxes ousted two-time reigning champion Wilsonville 35-32 behind four TD runs by junior Levi Schurter. Senior QB Chase Dominguez, a transfer from McKay, has passed for 1,672 yards and 20 TDs with five INTs despite missing two games with a collarbone injury. Logan Uitto, a 6-3 senior WR, has 44 catches for 719 yards and 13 TDs. The Foxes beat Mountain View 35-21 in the semifinals, amassing 438 yards against a defense that was yielding 168.1 yards per game. Silverton's only loss was 34-28 to Lebanon on a last-second TD pass.
4A, Saturday, 3 p.m., Cottage Grove HS
No. 3 Henley (9-2) vs. No. 2 Cascade (12-0): A rematch from last year's semifinals, when Henley rallied from a 14-0 deficit in the fourth quarter to tie with 19 seconds left and won 21-14 in overtime. The Hornets also defeated Cascade in nonleague games in 2022 and 2023. Cascade is appearing in its first final since winning its second title in 2015. It is the first championship game for Cougars coach Shane Hedrick, who is 193-122 in 29 seasons at five schools. Cascade has the top RB in 4A in senior Bryce Kuenzi, who has rushed for 2,156 yards and 32 TDs. He has rushed for 676 yards and 11 TDs in three playoff games, including a 259-yard, six-TD game against Scappoose in the semifinals. Senior QB Cade Coreson has been highly efficient, completing 69 of 87 passes for 1,241 yards and 20 TDs with one INT. Junior WR/CB Josiah Hawkins has 10 TD catches and four INTs. Senior FB/DL Matt Hinkle, a state champion wrestler, has eight sacks. Henley, the 2023 champion and 2024 runner-up, is in the final for the third year in a row. The Hornets have a dynamic dual threat QB in senior Joe Janney, who has passed for 1,815 yards and 17 TDs and rushed for 13 scores. Senior RB Jeremiah Brunick (903 rushing yards, 10 TDs) is Henley's top ground gainer. The Hornets have won eight in a row since losing to 5A Thurston 35-27 and 3A Cascade Christian 43-16.
3A, Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Summit HS
No. 3 Burns (11-1) vs. No. 1 Cascade Christian (12-0): No team in the state has been more dominant than Cascade Christian of Medford. The Challengers have outscored their foes 647-47, recording seven shutouts, including all three playoff games. What's even more remarkable is they are doing it with only four seniors on the roster. Sophomore LB Mikey Covey (14 TFL) sets the tone on defense. Senior QB Deryk Farmer has passed for 1,556 yards and 16 TDs with four INTs and rushed for 682 yards and 11 scores. Junior RB Bryson Walker has run for 986 yards and 27 TDs. Senior WR Caleb Scaglione has a team-high seven TD catches. The Challengers won titles in 2022 and 2023 – back-to-back 13-0 seasons – before losing to Banks in the quarterfinals last year. They have won five championships, all since 2006. Burns captured its first title since 2014 last season. The Hilanders have a prolific passing attack with senior QB Jack Wright, who has passed for 2,444 yards and 40 TDs with four INTs and rushed for 12 scores. Wright's top target is senior Coltin Miller (79 catches, 1,505 yards, 21 TDs). Senior DL Joe Weil has 37.5 TFL and 15 sacks. In the semifinals, Burns trailed Banks 14-0 in the second quarter but won 36-31 as Wright and Miller connected for three TD passes. The teams have not met since 2014, when Burns won 46-19.
2A, Saturday, 1 p.m., Summit HS
No. 2 Lost River (11-1) vs. No. 1 Heppner (12-0): Heppner coach Rob Wilson has led the Mustangs to the final after replacing a legend in Greg Grant, who won 313 games and three state titles (1992, 2015, 2019) in 35 seasons at the school. Heppner defeated Lost River 16-12 in the quarterfinals last season and 43-8 on Sept. 12 of this year. In the latter, the Mustangs led 28-0 at half and held the Raiders to 84 total yards. Heppner thumped reigning champion St. Paul 56-16 in the semifinals, avenging an 18-12 loss in last year's final four. The Mustangs rushed for 467 of their 528 yards in the semifinals, with junior Alakae Rodriguez going for 187 yards and four TDs. Rodriguez has rushed for 1,170 yards and 17 TDs this season. Junior QB Caylan Proudfoot has completed 46 of 71 passes for 1,147 yards and 21 TDs with two INTs. The Mustangs rush for 341.4 yards per game. Lost River won 1A-8 titles in 2022 and 2023, giving the Raiders four overall, before making the 2A quarterfinals last year. Senior Kellen Dunlea, son of coach Dennis Dunlea, moved from TE to RB this season and has flourished, running for 1,417 yards and 17 TDs. He also leads the team in tackles (68.5) at LB. Senior QB Kyle Diaz has passed for 999 yards and 21 TDs with five INTs and run for 734 yards and seven TDs. Senior TE Drew McDonald has nine TD catches.
1A-8, Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Redmond HS
No. 4 Crosspoint Christian (9-2) vs. No. 2 Adrian (11-0): Adrian, which won its fourth title since 2014 last season, has one of its most dominant teams. No foe has come closer than 30 points to the Antelopes, who earned their spot in the final by rolling Union 56-14 in the semifinals, their 23rd consecutive win. Adrian's defense is limiting opponents to 117.9 yards per game and has posted six shutouts. Junior LB Mannie Mulrony has 98 tackles, junior DL Braysen Jordan has nine sacks and senior DB Silvestre Rico Jr. had 7 INTs. Adrian's leading rushers are jumior RB Kash Morford (973 yards, 22 TDs) and Mulrony (703 yards, 10 TDs). Junior QB Trey Bayes is 43 of 72 for 1,021 yards and 19 TDs with no INTs. Senior TE Chase Franklin has nine TD catches. The Antelopes beat Crosspoint Christian 44-0 in a Sept. 6 nonleague game at Dufur. They led 36-0 at half and finished with five INTs, three by Rico. The Warriors – who beat top-seeded Dufur 44-8 in the semifinals, avenging their other loss – are in the final for the first time. They needed a late score to defeat Elgin 22-20 in the quarterfinals. Senior Chris Kelly (883 rushing yards, 12 TDs) and sophomore Isaac Root (859 rushing yards, 6 TDs) are their leading rushers. Sophomore QB Baylon Cundall has thrown 11 TD passes, six to junior Trey Johnston. Root and Johnston each have six INTs.
1A-6, Saturday, 1 p.m., Redmond HS
No. 9 Crow (9-2) vs. No. 2 Harper Charter (11-0): Crow, on a Cinderalla playoff run, collides with the state's six-man powerhouse in Harper Charter, which is outscoring opponents by 59.6 points per game. The Hornets were similarly dominant last year before losing to Powers 32-13 in their first state final. Harper Charter senior RB Cope Christensen, the 1A-6 player of the year in 2024, missed six games with a broken scapula but has returned for the playoffs, rushing for a team-high 103 yards in a 27-6 semifinal win over Sherman. The Hornets are averaging 13.4 yards per carry, led by junior QB Madoxx Martinez (1,226 yards, 32 TDs). Martinez also has passed for 17 TDs and returned three kicks for scores. Harper Charter is allowing 5.9 points per game. Senior Isaac Walker and junior Richard Joyce have eight and seven INTs, respectively. Crow took down No. 1 Triangle Lake 32-20 in the quarterfinals behind senior Cayden Hernandez, who rushed for 228 yards and two TDs and passed for three scores. In the semifinals, the Cougars avenged a 34-0 loss to Elkton by winning 45-39, getting a 47-yard TD pass from Hernandez to freshman Levi Betts as time expired. In that game, Hernandez rushed for 270 yards and five TDs and returned a kickoff for a score. For the season, Hernandez has rushed for 1,332 yards and 22 TDs, passed for 10 scores and has eight sacks on defense. Freshman RB Aiden DeLeon has rushed for 944 yards and 13 TDs and has four TD catches. In Crow's only other final in 1993, it lost to Vale 20-6 for the 2A title.
jerryu@osaa.org
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