Saxon Varsity Football Overview

The Saxon’s varsity football team has not dominated league in their 2016 season the way that they have in the past two seasons; it has been a rebuilding year for the team. Though the season was not what coaches and players may have hoped for, the junior-heavy team has had the opportunity to grow together and further develop their skills. Their current record in the league is 3-4, with a 3-5 record in state, putting them at 26 in the OSAA state rankings. After three conference wins, a team has the opportunity to compete in playoffs for the chance to play for the state title.  
The Saxon varsity team has faced many strong opponents this season. The Saxons played the Sprague Olympians to start off their 2016 season and suffered a tough loss at home. As the season has progressed, Sprague has continued to move up in state rankings, currently ranked third in OSAA. The West Salem Titans are undefeated in conference and have only one loss against Sheldon in their out of conference game. With West Salem and Sprague both ranked in the top ten in the state, South is competing against high level programs within their own conference.
On Oct. 22 the Saxons faced the Titans on Bennett field and faced a loss to the eighth ranked team in the state, but the Saxon spirit stayed alive throughout the battle as the student section continued to cheer through the pouring rain. South was utilizing 12 JV players during the game due to various injuries in previous weeks. “You gotta trust the next man up.” said Collin Vogt ‘18, prefacing the game. South had only one remaining starter on offensive line going into the game. West Salem walked away with a 45-9 victory against South and secured their spot as league champions for another week. They will play the McNary Celtics tonight at West for their last league game.   
Tonight, October 28th, the Saxons face Forest Grove in Viking territory for their final league game. Forest Grove goes into this game with zero wins so far this season and ranked 46 in the state. If the Saxons get a win tonight they will secure a better placement for playoffs.