McMinnville at South Salem, 7 p.m.
On the air: Audio on http://www.KLYC.us; video streaming on http://www.Clypian.com.
This is a critical game for both teams. Both the Grizzlies and Saxons are 2-1 in the GVC and are at important junctures in the season. McMinnville is coming off its first loss of the season, a 49-27 defeat to Sprague in which its offensive line was brutalized to the tune of giving up six sacks. South Salem suffered a humbling 52-10 non-league loss to South Medford and isn’t at full strength. The Saxons will induct Lee Watson, Adam Albrich, Kyle Carlson, Elliot Mueller, Joey August, Sari-Jane (Jenkins) August and Mike Stortz into their hall of fame before the game.
Forest Grove at McNary, 7 p.m.
The Celtics (2-2 GVC) have been in a lot of close games this far, but this shouldn’t be one of them as the Grizzlies (0-4) haven’t scored the past two games.
North Salem at West Salem, 7 p.m.
On the air: Radio on KBZY 1490 AM, television on CCTV2 at 11:59 a.m.
The Vikings (1-3 GVC) have lost two straight and the road gets tougher with a West Salem (3-0 GVC, 3-1 overall) team that put up 51 points against Forest Grove last week.
West Albany at McKay, 7 p.m.
On the air: Radio on KSHO 920 AM
The Royal Scots (1-3 GVC) struggled against a lot of teams the past few years, but West Albany is the one team against who they have played consistently: McKay won 24-21 in 2014 and lost 39-20 last year.
Grants Pass at Sprague, 7 p.m.
On the air: Television on CCTV2 at 7 p.m. Saturday.
This game will tell if the Olympians (3-1 GVC) can have success in the state playoffs. Sprague is No. 4 in the OSAA’s power rankings; Grants Pass (4-0 overall) is No. 22 in the power rankings, but the Cavemen are ranked No. 10 in the Oregonlive media poll.
Dallas at Central, 7 p.m.
On the air: Radio on KYKN 1430 AM and KAJC 90.1 FM
The Dragons are 4-0 for the first time in a decade and ranked No. 6 in the Oregonlive media poll, but this is going to be the team’s greatest challenge yet. Central (1-0 Mid-Willamette, 1-3 overall) has won two straight and the defending league champions.
Crescent Valley at Silverton, 7 p.m.
The Foxes (2-2 overall) have lost their first two Mid-Willamette games and a high-scoring Crescent Valley (1-1 MWC, 3-1 overall) team featuring do-everything Talona Hufanga is going to be a big challenge to Silverton’s defense.
Crook County at Woodburn, 7 p.m.
The independent Bulldogs (1-3 overall) have lost three straight, but a 0-4 Class 4A Crook County team should be a team with whom Woodburn can compete.
North Marion at Yamhill-Carlton, 7 p.m.
The Huskies (1-0 Oregon West, 2-2 overall) 21-6 win against Newport last week was a good sign, and a win in this game could all but guarantee the team makes the state postseason.
Stayton at Cascade, 7 p.m.
This rivalry game is the Oregon West opener for Stayton. The Eagles had a bye week last week as Philomath forfeited to them, but Cascade (1-0 OWC, 2-2 overall) is not only coming off a big 60-8 win against Yamhill-Carlton and is battle tested.
Dayton at Santiam Christian, 7 p.m.
Dayton (2-0 West Valley, 4-0 overall) should rested after its game against Horizon Christian was cancelled last week due to forfeit, but Santiam Christian (2-0 WVL, 4-0) provides the team its best challenge yet with a high-flying offense (191 points, No. 3 in 3A).
Regis’s Brandon Piete carries the ball through Dayton defense in the second half of a game on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Regis High School in Stayton. Visiting team Dayton beat the Regis Rams 16-13.
Amity at Sheridan, 7 p.m.
The Warriors (1-0 WVL, 3-0 overall) have been dominant defensively, holding opponents to 19 points this season, the second fewest points among Class 3A teams.
Scio at Jefferson, 7 p.m.
Scio (2-0 PacWest, 4-0 overall) proved any doubters wrong with last week’s 52-32 win against Salem Academy and has the outright league lead.
Blanchet Catholic at Colton, 7 p.m.
This game will go a long way in deciding the third playoff spot from the league. Blanchet (1-1 PacWest, 2-2 overall) faces a Colton (4-0) team that has momentum on its side.
Chemawa at Salem Academy, 7 p.m.
This is the game where Salem Academy (1-1 PacWest, 2-2 overall) has to rebound. The Crusaders lost a tough 52-32 game to Scio last week and needs to get momentum back on their side.
Willamina at Gervais, 7 p.m.
The Cougars (2-2) are coming off their biggest win in years – a 70-0 victory against Chemawa – and face a Willamina (1-3) team that has scored seven points in its past two games combined.
Santiam at Central Linn, 7 p.m.
Yes, Santiam is 4-0, it’s best start in a long time. And the Wolverines are No. 7 in the OSAA’s power rankings. But Central Linn has won a share of the league championship each of the past two years and the Tri-River opener will be Santiam’s truest test.
Kennedy at Regis, 7 p.m.
This game between two of last season’s co-league champions – Kennedy is 4-0 and Regis is 2-2 – and with athletic rosters on both sides, including Regis’ Brandon Piete and Kennedy’s Bishop Mitchell, could turn into a barnburner.
South Wasco County at Perrydale, 7 p.m.
This is when Perrydale has to answer. A humbling 56-16 loss to defending 1A state champion Dufur last week (quarterback Daniel Domes rushed for both of the Pirates’ touchdowns) put the team at 1-1 in the league, and South Wasco is a good game for the Pirates to take out their frustrations.
Lowell at Falls City, 7 p.m.
The Mountaineers (2-0 1A Special District 3, 2-2 overall) are leading the West half of the league, but this is one of the crossover games with the tough East half and is a game Falls City needs to win if it’s finally going to break its state playoff drought.
A look at the GVC football race: West Salem alone in first place