Document text
Mail Tribune football forecast Friday, Novemeber 20 Sprague (6-4) at Roseburg (7-2) Tonight, 7:30, at Finlay Field The runaway freight train known as the Roseburg Indians keeps steaming down the tracks, annihilating whatever gets in its path. Last week it was the previously unbeaten and No. 3-ranked Gresham Gophers that Roseburg flattened, 16-0. This week the victim will be the Sprague Olympians, who could manage only a fourth-place finish in the Valley League. Roseburg's defense is playing as well as any stopping force coach Thurman Bell has had in 29 years. Southern Oregon Conference defensive player of the year Byron Rinaker, linebacker Jamie Ryder and defensive backs Ryan Poe and Dustin Michalek spearhead a defense that has registered four shutouts in its past five games. The Indians' offense hasn't been as imposing, but QB Kevin Linderman, the offensive co-player of the year in the SOC, is having a superb season. Roseburg fans are already looking ahead to next week, when a showdown against No. 1-ranked Marshfield seems imminent. As everyone knows, to assume is dangerous, but go ahead and order those Marshfield-Roseburg ducats. Roseburg by 27. No. 6 Churchill (9-1) at No. 4 Ashland (10-0) Tonight, 7:30, at Walter A. Phillips Field Radio broadcast at 6:30 on KCMX (580-AM) Churchill very well could be the biggest team in the state and boast a ground attack that would make the U.S. Marines proud. No wonder the Ashland is battening down the hatches and bracing for a bruising night. The Lancers are big up front and nearly as big at the skill positions. Tight end Tim Euhus (6-6, 220), split end Mike Litten (6-4, 220) fullback Lewis Henry (6-1, 255), wingbacks Seth Lacey (6-2, 215) and Ryan McMillan (6-0, 220) and quarterback Jeff Rhode (6-5, 205) could all walk onto a college field and feel right at home. Lacey is the Lancers' go-to guy in their run-oriented, double wing offense. He has rushed for a school-record 1,463 yards. Ashland's cat-quick defense has gotten the job done all season long, but faces its stiffest test tonight. The Grizzly offense needs to control the ball to keep it away from Churchill, and QB Jimmy Werbin needs a big game passing. A lot of points could go up on the scoreboard in this one. Physical Lancers get the nod. Churchill by 7. Astoria (6-4) at No. 5 Hidden Valley (8-1) Saturday, 1 p.m., at Hidden Valley High in Murphy Hidden Valley, which had a bye last week, will have its hands full against a gritty Astoria squad that upset Baker, 47-6, in first-round action. The game should hinge on which defense is able to stop each team's top running threat. Astoria features the top Class 3A playoff scorer in Lyman Hiter, who rushed for six touchdowns in the rout of Baker. The Fishermen also are able to strike through the air, with Nathan Conoway taking advantage of concentration on Hiter by opposing defenders. Hidden Valley is led by running back Tim Orr and a strong defensive unit that has seen its share of tough runners. Hidden Valley has been able to stop its opponent's top running threat in most cases, and Saturday should be no different. Hidden Valley by 14. Oregon (8-2) at Oregon State (4-6) Saturday, 3:30 p.m., at OSU's Parker Stadium in Corvallis Radio Broadcast on KCMX (580-AM) and KTMT (880-AM) TV broadcast on KDRV (Ch. 12) at 3:30 p.m. Throw out the records, statistics and past Civil War skirmishes in this one. Rain and wind are expected to provide a great equalizer for the Beavers, who are capable of winning without inclement weather. Ducks and their high-powered offense would like to see dry conditions. But that's been a rarity in this game in recent years, especially at Parker Stadium. The Ducks' bid for a Holiday Bowl invitation are also at stake. Beavers have had a bye to heal up, rest up and prepare for the Ducks. OSU coach Mike Riley says the bye week worked miracles for the Beavers' physical and mental health. Ducks need a typical fast start, or they are in trouble. Coach Mike Bellotti says there's no chance of his players looking past the Beavers. One way or another, in wet or dry weather, Ducks will find a way. But it won't be easy. Oregon by 6. ELSEWHERE IN THE PAC-10 -- Washington by 10 over Washington State, California by 7 over Stanford, UCLA by 9 over USC. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford,