Written by: Olivia Mock
This Friday, the Thurston Colts will take on the Dallas Dragons in the first round of the 2023 Oregon High School Football Playoffs. Both teams are coming off successful seasons and resounding Week Nine victories, making for an interesting matchup.
Thurston:
The Colts faced trouble early in the season, taking losses in their first two games to Wilsonville and Summit. Despite this, they finished undefeated in league play, capping off their 7-2 season with a dominant 48-28 win over Churchill. Sitting at first place in the league, Thurston aims to continue their seven game winning streak. “We’re just a very tight knit group,” says Coach Justin Starck, “I’m proud of the way they responded after the first two games. I’m happy for them and for our community.”
Thurston’s strengths stem from the offensive side of the ball. “We’re way more prolific offensively this year,” said Starck. Ranked at #2 in the league in passing yards, junior Quarterback Noah Blair sits at the helm, throwing for 2557 yards and a 74.6% completion rate this season. His favorite target seems to be senior wide receiver Walker Bonar, who gained 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns this past Friday against Churchill. Senior tight end Luke Newell is another reliable target, with five receptions and an average of 18.8 yards per catch last week.
Because this offense is so quick with the ball, it does create more pressure on the defense in key moments. This is something the Colts will have to address for this game and for the rest of a potential playoff run. “We’re gonna have to play out of our mind defense,” said Coach Starck. Finding an answer for Dallas’ explosive offense will be a vital component of the Colts’ game plan.
Dallas:
Dallas faced some difficulties at the beginning of the season, dealing with early losses and injuries. However, they seemed to have turned things around. The Dragons finished at 6-3 in league play, taking losses to Silverton, West Albany, and South Albany. They ended the regular season with a 42-8 victory on the road over Crescent Valley, creating some momentum going into the playoffs.
Dallas’ offense relies heavily on the running game. “We’ve got some guys at skill spots that are pretty dynamic,” says coach Andy Jackson. Senior running back Zayvian Webster has proven to be one of these difference makers. In last week’s game against Crescent Valley, Webster rushed for 250 yards and three touchdowns, averaging at 20.8 yards per carry. Senior quarterback Isaiah Mosely finds success in the passing game as well as on the ground. Ranked at #8 in the division for rushing yards, Moseley is a dual-threat player. This also derives from Dallas’s strong offensive line.
Coach Jackson has confidence in his team, but knows they will need to be at the top of their game. “It’s going to take a full effort,” he says. Dallas boasts a successful program with an established resume of playoff success, however Thurston will be a big opponent for them. In Coach Jackson’s words “guys putting it on the line for the team, unselfishness, and focus” will be the key.
The Verdict:
Since both teams are dynamic on offense, good defensive play will be the deciding factor in who moves on to the next round. In the last matchup between these two teams in 2022, Thurston came away with a 27-14 victory. A vengeful Dallas is itching to get after this familiar opponent, while Thurston aims to make a statement win.