The West Linn (OR) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Sheldon (Eugene, OR) on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 6A Open tournament.
West Linn vs Sheldon Football Game Info:
What: Oregon High School Football
Who: West Linn vs Sheldon
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 6A Open
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Game preview: West Linn vs Sheldon
As the high school football season reaches its climax, all eyes are on the highly anticipated matchup between the undefeated Sheldon Irish and the powerhouse West Linn Lions. With both teams boasting impressive records, fans are in for an exciting showdown that will highlight the strengths and strategies of two elite squads.
Sheldon’s Perfect Season
The Sheldon Irish come into this game with an unblemished record of 10-0, dominating their opponents across all aspects of the game. Their league play has been just as impressive, with an 8-0 record within the league, and a perfect 6-0 at home. Not only have they showcased incredible defense, allowing just 86 points throughout the season, but their offense has been explosive, averaging 52.3 points per game.
The Irish’s success is largely attributed to standout performances from key players like Mana Tuioti, who leads the team with 71.5 rushing yards per game and has racked up 13.2 points per game. Quarterback Kelsen Sperry has also been exceptional, throwing for 158.3 passing yards per game and leading the team with 171 total yards per game.
Defensively, Sheldon is formidable, averaging 49 tackles per game, with Tuioti also contributing heavily to the defensive effort, averaging 8.4 tackles per game. This balance between offense and defense has been a key factor in Sheldon’s perfect season.
West Linn’s Strong Showing
West Linn, with a record of 9-1, is no stranger to success. The Lions have been equally impressive in their league play, with a 4-1 record, and a perfect 4-0 mark in away games. Despite their one loss, they’ve been a consistent force in Oregon football, averaging 41.8 points per game and dominating opponents in a similar fashion.
While West Linn’s offensive game isn’t as explosive as Sheldon’s, they’ve been highly efficient, especially in the passing game. Quarterback Kelsen Sperry, the same name as Sheldon’s star QB, has been a key leader for the Lions, averaging 158.3 passing yards per game. The Lions’ defense has also been solid, with 50.6 tackles per game and a strong 5.6 points allowed per game in the fourth quarter, signaling their ability to finish strong.
Key Matchups and Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Tigard in non-league play, and both have come out victorious. Sheldon defeated Tigard 43-13 on September 6, while West Linn crushed them 55-0 on October 4. While both teams have shown their strength against this common opponent, the upcoming match is expected to be much more competitive, as they have each dominated their leagues throughout the season.
Offensive and Defensive Comparison
When comparing team statistics, Sheldon’s offense has outpaced West Linn in several categories. The Irish average 333.1 total yards per game, with a potent rushing attack led by Tuioti. In contrast, West Linn has been more balanced but less explosive overall. Both teams excel in their respective areas, with Sheldon leading the charge in total yards and West Linn showing resilience in tight contests, particularly with their passing game.
On defense, Sheldon edges out West Linn in tackles per game (49.0 versus 50.6), with Tuioti also playing a dual role in both defense and offense. The Lions, however, have a slight edge in pass defense, while Sheldon’s defense has been more aggressive in forcing turnovers and sacks.
A Head-to-Head Look
In terms of head-to-head matchups, neither team has faced each other yet this season, but both are well-prepared for the clash. Sheldon’s perfect 10-0 record stands as a testament to their ability to dominate in every aspect of the game, but West Linn’s 9-1 record shows they are more than capable of hanging with the best.
The stage is set for an exciting battle between two of Oregon’s finest teams. Fans can expect a high-octane game that could come down to which team can make key stops in critical moments. Whether Sheldon’s explosive offense will overpower West Linn’s stout defense, or if the Lions can use their experience and efficiency to take down the Irish, one thing is for sure: this game will be one to remember.