Jeff Kraus
I'm a recent University of Oregon Journalism graduate, and sports fanatic, who also has a gentler side.
Sheldon Downs Southridge in Season Opener
Taylor Alie takes one in for 6.
Sheldon overcame a seven point halftime defect in a 35-28 shootout win against Southridge at Dennis Ludwig Stadium on Friday night.
Southridge (0-1) put the first points on the board with an 80-yard touchdown grab by receiver Jordan Morgan. The Southridge offense didn’t stop there, as running back Devin Martinez capitalized on a run up the sideline to make it 14-0 Skyhawks. The Irish (1-0) defense had no answer to the dual threat Skyhawk attack, but when the Sheldon defense couldn’t respond in the first quarter, do-it-all senior Connor Strahm did in the second.
Strahm scored two rushing touchdowns to quickly tie up the game in the second quarter. However, Southridge receiver Jordan Morgan struck again, hauling in a deflected pass for the 43 yard score, and a Skyhawk 21-14 lead at halftime.
“We didn’t need to make a lot of x’s and o’s adjustments going into the third quarter,” Strahm said. “Our guys just need to get used to playing varsity football.”
Southridge deferred the coin toss to start the game, and started the second half with the ball. In the second half the once potent Skyhawks’ passing game was tamed by a stellar Irish pass rush led by junior Mitchell Herbert. After forcing Southridge to punt from their own endzone, Irish quarterback Taylor Alie hit Dylan Lewis who scurred past defenders for the 41-yard game tying touchdown.
The Irish got the ball back, and quickly pulled ahead 28-21 with a 4-yard bootleg left by Taylor Alie with just under a minute to go in the third quarter.
The Skyhawks continued to struggle to reignite their passing game in the forth quarter, and a 20 yard interception return for a touchdown by Kellen Strahm all but sealed the deal for the Irish in the forth.
Connor Strahm was excited to see his little brother make huge play in his first game as a varsity football player, but knows in order to remain successful it will take more from young players in the weeks to come.“We have a lot guys who need to get used to the speed of the game, Central (Catholic) is a tough team, so next week’s practices we will need to work on our stamina and continue improving,” said Strahm.
Sheldon will face off of against traditional Portland powerhouse Central Catholic (0-1) next week 7 p.m. at home.
6A Football
Thurston: The Colts (0-1) could not have had a worst start to the 2012 season than playing Aloha, a favorite to win the state title in a 45-0 route. Running back Thomas Tyner, one of the top recruits nationally and an Oregon commit, returned from a tough leg injury that cost him most of the 2011 season for 217 yards and four touchdowns on just 10 carries (21.7 YPC).
South Eugene: The Axemen (0-1) also started off the season with a loss, falling to local Churchill 56-21. South’s defense was nowhere to be found, allowing junior Tyler Reid to rush for 412 yards and seven TDs. That’s right. Seven touchdowns!
5A Football
Churchill: The Lancers’ (1-0) huge 56-21 victory can be described in two words: Tyler Reid. Reid combined for a remarkable 412 yards offensively with seven touchdowns. Churchill will be a force to be reckoned with in 2012.
North Eugene: The Highlanders (0-1) opened with a road loss to Summit, 30-22. North’s loss is out-of-conference, and will not hurt their league standing.
Willamette: The Wolverines (0-1) dropped game one in a tough, gritty, game against Corvallis 33-20. The game was out of league, and Willamette is not hurt too much in their postseason hopes.
Marist: The Spartans (1-0) have to replace the do-it-all back/receiver Taylor Walcott is gone, but Kamerun Smith returned with four touchdowns in Marist’s 41-20 win over Bend.
Springfield: The Millers (0-1) completely collapsed against Silverton for an opening loss of 25-21. Springfield opened with a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, but squandered that by allowing 25 straight. The loss will certainly hurt, but the Millers will need to turn around quickly because they play a good Corvallis team next week.
