Each Wednesday during the Fall I find myself in limbo, I can feel game day approaching but it still feels so far away. So, since there’s still 5 days until I start classes again, and currently all Sportscenter wants to talk about is Adrian Peterson, why not over-analyze the upcoming week of games for the members of the PIL?
We will be doing this each Wednesday throughout the PIL season and through the playoffs as long as the PIL is involved. We will also make a pick on what we feel is an intriguing match-up in the area, as well as the state game of the week as decided by The Oregonian. Feel free to leave your comments, thoughts on picks, or your own picks for the week with your name and we’ll keep track throughout the year. Enough of the small talk, let’s make some picks!
PIL Games:
Wilson (0-2) over Franklin (0-2) (at Franklin):
Both teams limp into this game coming off of consecutive losses to 5A teams. As a result of that, both will be hungry to break through in the win column, which could make for a heated contest on the West side. Wilson’s offense is led by senior running back Sam Ketter, who is averaging 136 yards/game so far this year. Junior Jack Dixon is the Trojans signal caller and looks to lead the team in what should be a big-game atmosphere with the dedication of a new turf field and it being the first home game of the year.
For the Quakers, their offense starts and stops with their quarterback, junior Max Hawkins. In the Cleveland jamboree at the beginning of the year, Hawkins made defenders look like they were on skates multiple times and showed the ability to hit a wide open receiver. If Franklin wants to win this game, it’ll have to be in a shoot out as the defense has shown little ability to make a stop.
I’ll take Wilson: WHS 35 FHS 14
Jefferson (0-2) over Cleveland (0-2) (at Cleveland):
Jefferson is coming into this game with something to prove as they feel underrated in the new-look PIL. Senior QB Brandon Flake leads the Demos into league play hoping to earn an automatic berth into the state tournament by finishing in the top 4 in the standings.
Cleveland is lead by senior quarterback Scott Brant. The Warriors will be trying to start a resurgence among their community to gain support for their team. Cleveland has one of the better settings to watch a football game in the PIL so it should be a great opening week for both teams.
Give me Jeff: JHS 31 CHS 17
Roosevelt (0-2) over Madison (0-2) (at Madison):
Roosevelt looks to assert their dominance of the PIL at the 6A level after winning a league title last year in 5A. They are lead by quarterback Kimane Domena, a legit D1 prospect that is a threat with his arm and legs. Based on what this kid accomplished last season, it’s safe to say that Madison is in for a world of hurt this week.
I’ve got Roosevelt: RHS 45 MHS 14
West Salem (2-0) over Lincoln (1-1) (at West Salem): f
West Salem’s offense is just too powerful for Lincoln to keep up with. the Cards will have to get off to a fast start if they stand any chance against the Titans.
West Salem, BIG: WSHS 49 LHS 28
Grant (0-2) over Benson (0-2) (at Marshall):
Don’t need to go into too much detail as I gave my preview of this game yesterday. I picked Grant, I’ll pick Grant every week.
Grant: GHS 45 BHS 7
Interesting Game in Area:
Southridge (1-1) over Westview (2-0) (at Southridge):
While this use to be a marquee match-up in the metro league, Westview had fallen out of the top teams in the league, but they look to be back this year with two impressive victories already.
Southridge comes off of a strong offensive performance against Lincoln, and is looking to grab ahold of the top Metro spot this year in what seems to be a down year in the league. While Westview should be favored, I can tell you from personal experience that Southridge isn’t the easiest place to travel too. Strange auras seem to fill the air each fall in Beaverton and it leads to crazy Friday nights for those visiting the Skyhawks.
Give me Southridge: SRHS 31 WHS 21
Oregonian Game of the Week:
#2 Tigard (2-0) over Sherwood (1-1) (at Tigard):
After seeing both of these teams play against Grant the last two weeks, it’s easy to see why The Oregonian chose them as Game of the Week. Tigard comes into the game rolling on offense as they have scored at will the first two weeks of the season. If they continue to dominate on the offensive side of the ball, we could see them playing in December for the first time in over a decade.
Sherwood comes into the game after blasting Grant 61-21 last week and looking to make a statement in the TRL this year. Both offense and defense will have to play sharp as there is little room for error against the Tigers. If this were at Sherwood it would be a different story, but Tigard at home, with those fans? I have to pick them.
Tigard: THS 35 SHS 21
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