The decision by Philomath’s school board on Thursday to cancel its varsity season following an alleged hazing incident over the summer will impact the rest of the Oregon West Conference.
Stayton was to host Philomath Sept. 23, North Marion was to host Philomath Oct. 7 and Cascade was to host Philomath Oct. 13.
Three teams from the league that make the play-in round or the OSAA Class 4A state playoffs.
As there are now five teams competing in the league, and Philomath took up one of the state postseason spots each of the past five seasons, means the Mid-Valley teams have a better shot at making the state postseason.
Cascade wide receiver Michael Biddington (81) runs after a catch against Philomath during the quarterfinals of the OSAA Class 4A state playoffs, Friday, November 13, 2015, at Corvallis High School in Corvallis, Ore. Cascade won the game 35-34.
Athletes of the week
Paige Whipple and Teagan Quitoriano were selected as the athletes of the week by the Salem Sports & Breakfast Club on Sept. 9.
West Salem senior Paige Whipple
Whipple, a senior outside hitter at West Salem, had 25 kills against South Salem and 16 kills and nine digs against McNary. For the seasons he has 62 kills, four blocks and 17 digs.
Sprague junior Teagan Quitoriano
Quitoriano, a junior tight end and defensive end for Sprague, caught touchdown passes of 10 and 21 yards, intercepted a pass, broke up a pass, had a sack and two tackles for loss in the Olympians’ 48-7 win against South Salem.
The group meets most Friday mornings during the school year at Goudy Commons at Willamette University. For more information, contact Don Kerzel at don@kerzels.com
bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6701 or Twitter.com/bpoehler