First - a big thanks to everyone for the kind words and positivity toward moving The 99 to local sports only at this point. It was a decision I really haggled over, but the last week has shown it was the right choice.
We'll have another 99 matchup this week with Sherwood hitting the road to take on McMinnville - a week after opening Pacific Conference play with an impressive 47-0 win over Newberg at home. The Bowmen looked strong in all facets and we'll see if that continues Friday at McMinnville - a game I plan on being at in the second half.
As for the first part of Friday night's football action, I'll be at another 99W Corridor matchup with Class 2A No. 2 St. Paul hosting Sheridan. I can honestly say I've never covered a game in a rodeo arena - kind of excited to see what that's like.
An interesting bit of football news came from the OSAA on Monday that girls flag football has been voted a sanctioned activity. Oregon is the 25th state to sanction the sport and it will begin its inaugural season as a sanctioned activity in Spring 2027 following two years as an emerging activity. Last year, 57 teams competed around the state (with a participation of 1,400 student-athletes), with Tualatin winning the event title and Amity taking fifth.
Sherwood (3-3, 1-0) at McMinnville (1-5, 0-2)
- 7 p.m. Friday | McMinnville High School
It's a matchup of teams heading in opposite directions as Sherwood looks for its fourth win in a row while McMinnville is looking to stop its five-game losing streak when the Bowmen and Grizzlies meet Friday at Wortman Stadium.
Sherwood - who received votes in this week's 6A coaches poll - opened Pacific Conference play with a bang last week, beating rival Newberg 47-0 at home. The Bowmen got an efficient performance from junior quarterback Kai Boatsman who finished 14-for-17 for 238 yards and a touchdown with Michael Brandt catching six passes for 127 yards to lead Sherwood (he also added an interception on defense). On the ground, 13 players totaled 111 yards rushing for the Bowmen with junior Jayden Wallace leading the way with three carries for 33 yards.
