A nice thing about state finals, versus BCS votes, is that there really isn't any reason to debate who the best team in the state is. The best team won on the field. However, I actually heard a radio announcer say Jesuit outplayed Sheldon. Of course he said he didn't want to take anything away from Sheldon. Excuse me, but S-C-O-R-E-B-O-A-R-D.
6A: Sheldon led wire to wire. The final score consists of all phases of the game, not just one guys incredible running. What about Jesuit's special team muffed punt? What about Sheldon's long kickoffs and Jesuit's bobbling of most of them? Did Sheldon outplay Jesuit in special teams? What about the Sheldon defender stripping the ball out of a Jesuits player's hands? What about the incredible speed that Sheldon can put up points? What about Sheldon's O line not giving up a sack? Overall, it was close, but Sheldon outplayed Jesuit.
5A: I was once again impressed by Hillsboro's D. Their lateral motion to get to the ball was incredible, and their DB's were always close enough to bother the receivers. And there was almost always just enough pressure on the QB to take away the easy throws. As often times happens in the semi's or finals, the trailing team had to pass but wasn't really a passing team. The championship game was not the time for Jefferson to be forced into developing a passing game as Hillsboro D wasn't going to let the Jeff QB sit back and throw. Jeff's QB Elisonoa Aluesi was 7 for 25 with two picks and a TD. The Democrats longest pass went for just 20 yards. Jeff's explosive running game was held to 4.6 yards per carry. That would be great in the pros, but not in high school. Hopefully we will see Hillsboro and Marist face each other next year. Hillsboro's Colt Lyerla versus Logan Silver from Marist. That would be fantastic.
Marist's championship run was similar to Jesuits 6A season in 2006. Not much competition. Jesuit's closest 2006 playoff win was by 34 points in the first round that year. Jesuit beat Sheldon by 58 in the quarters, Canby by 42 in the semis and Southridge by 49 in the finals. Marist's 2009 playoff wins were by 62 over Cascade, just 8 over Central, then 35 over Ontario and 39 over Baker in the finals. Except for the Central game, you can say Marist was totally dominant this year. Marist graduates a ton of Sky-Em all leaguers, but they will be able to fill 9 slots with returning all stars. Some of the names you are probably already familiar with: RB Logan Silver, LB (and great baseball player) Will Swindling and Matt Devereux.
Other than finding out who makes all state in football, it's time for baseball to start. I'll watch a little hoops - I've already seen Springfield - but mostly I'll be driving by the cages at Swede hoping to hear that 'ping' of the ball coming off of the bat.
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