Clockwise from top left: Tanner Earhart, Stuart Aeschliman, Sebastian Ruelas, Brianna Anaya

Vote on the Statesman Journal Sports Facebook page by Thursday at noon.

Tanner Earhart, Dallas football: The senior running back rushed for 426 yards and seven touchdowns – including five in the second half – on 26 carries in Friday’s 63-25 win against North Eugene.

Dallas senior Tanner Earhart

Stuart Aeschliman, West Salem soccer: The senior midfielder scored a goal on a free kick in Tuesday’s 1-0 win against Clackamas and scored two goals and had one assist in Thursday’s 3-2 win against Woodburn.

Stuart Aeschliman

Brianna Anaya, Blanchet soccer: The sophomore forward scored three goals in Tuesday’s 9-0 win against Gervais and two goals in Thursday’s 3-0 win against Western Mennonite.

Blanchet’s Brianna Anaya

Sebastian Ruelas, South Salem soccer: The senior forward scored two goals in Tuesday’s 5-0 win against West Linn and two goals in Thursday’s 3-1 win against Central Catholic.

Sebastian Ruelas

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

Five soccer balls dot the top of the 18-yard box in a perfect line and Emily Collier moves with a ruthless efficiency to put each one in the goal.

She wasn’t satisfied with her targeting in shooting the ball over the past couple games for Blanchet Catholic School’s soccer team, so she corralled assistant coach Matt Pearson into staying after to help her work on this aspect of her game.

This is far from first time they’ve done this.

Defensive center midfielder Emily Collier juggles the ball at a practice for Blanchet Catholic School on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.

Collier, a junior midfielder, is aiming at a spot five feet to the left of the right goal post and five feet down from the crossbar.

She shoots one ball that skids along the ground into the goal, and without dwelling on it immediately backtracks and shoots the next ball to the exact spot at which she’s aiming.

Then she backtracks immediately and shoots the next three balls to within feet of her target.

For Collier to stay after one of Blanchet’s practice to get another 30 or 40 shots is not unusual.

“She likes to really train and do things afterwards,” Pearson said.

The rest of the Cavaliers’ players are gathering their things and going home, but Collier’s drive won’t let her leave until she nails each shot perfectly.

“That pushes me to work hard as well,” said sophomore forward Briana Anaya. “I don’t want her to be the only one working hard.”

For an all-star player with a quiet efficiency on the field – “As far as her personality when she’s with the girls, total goofball,” head coach Tina Pearson says – Collier’s demeanor on the field is as serious as one can be.

As a sophomore she scored 17 goals and had 16 assists, but more than the points she accrued was the way she did it.

Defensive center midfielder Emily Collier (right) dribbles past Trinity Phillips at a practice for Blanchet Catholic School on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.

Collier says she plays a defensive center midfielder position, but it’s a nice way of saying that she will appear in every spot on the field during each match.

She’s as capable dropping back to help the defense as she is leading attack and either distributing or finishing, much as she did while scoring a goal and recording four assists Sept. 6 in a 9-0 win against Gervais.

“That’s kind of why I’m all over the field,” she said. “You want to connect and play with everyone on the field, defenders, outside mids, forwards.”

Collier has a rare combination of speed and endurance to cover every inch of the field for 80 minutes.

“We always call her the Energizer Bunny because it seems like she never gets tired,” said senior forward Katarina Veliz. “She’s just sprinting all around the field non-stop. She’s like a train. A full on horse.”

Veliz looks over and sees Collier shooting goals after practice.

“See, that right there. That’s Emily,” Veliz continues.

As a freshman for Blanchet, Collier was a first-team all-league and second-team all-state selection and as a sophomore she was the league player of the year and first-team all-state.

Not that the accomplishments placated her.

She can’t remember a time – dating back to when she started playing the game at age 6 – when she went a full week without playing the sport.

“It’s like a lifestyle to me,” Collier said.

Collier played club soccer for Capitol FC most of her life, but got into the Olympic Development Program in middle school and played in that her sixth and seventh grade years and then again in her freshman year.

Her competitive drive is what took her to the next step.

Some of her teammates from the ODP teams were trying out for the Portland Thorns Academy team.

Emily Collier is a defensive center midfielder for Blanchet Catholic School on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.

So of course Collier had to, too.

Playing for the Thorns Academy last winter required her to travel to the Portland area two to three times a week for practices and to matches all over the country on the weekends.

Collier had to make a choice.

She could play for the Thorns Academy or play basketball for Blanchet, a team for which she was second-team all-PacWest Conference as a freshman.

She did both.

“I guess you have to sacrifice some things,” Collier said. “And that was like hanging out with friends on the weekend because I would be travelling to various states and tournaments.”

And she managed to squeeze in being one of the top middle distance runners in the state in track and field, too, placing fourth in the 400 and third in the 800 at the OSAA Class 3A state meet last spring.

Not that Collier has ever lacked the skills in soccer, but with all of this time and energy she has put in playing the game with the Thorns Academy, she expects to get better.

“She’s coached by really good coaches that just continue to help her on her skills and her maturity, too, which now that she’s a junior, it’s a different story right now,” Tina Pearson said.

Collier put all this work in for a reason.

She is going to play college soccer.

Where, and all of the technical stuff like that, is a long way from being determined.

But she’s approaching the recruiting game with the same drive she has in every other aspect of the game, making videos and getting her important information out there to college coaches.

“It’s like her dream to play, like not just D2, D3, but D1 soccer,” Veliz said. “The coaches, they realize that and she likes them to be hard on her.

“She’s just that type of person who has that drive to want to get better. She’s extremely coachable, and she leads our team. She’s a really good leader on and off the field. And she’s an amazing person inside and out.”

bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6701 or Twitter.com/bpoehler

Tanner Earhart is the definition of a three-sport athlete.

The 6-foot-1, 180 pound senior has proved his skill at wrestling (second place in 5A at 152 pounds as a junior) and baseball (first-team all-Mid-Willamette Conference and honorable mention all-state as a junior).

Now he’s becoming prolific at football.

As the lead running back for Dallas High School’s football team, Earhart helped bring Dallas back from a 29-15 halftime deficit Friday to North Eugene with five second half touchdowns and finished with 426 yards and seven touchdowns rushing.

Earhart was voted the athlete of the week by a poll of readers.

The Dirtbags’ Tanner Earhart (2) slides safely into home for a run in the DeMarini Dirtbags vs. BiMart Challengers baseball game in the first round of the American Legion Class AAA Tournament at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer in Salem on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The Dirtbags won 16-3 in seven innings.

News in brief.

Joan Rutschman, who was known as Mama Cat to generations of Linfield College athletes — died Sept. 9, her 84th birthday.

She was the wife and athletic department colleague of Ad Rutschman, the longtime Linfield football coach, athletic director and baseball coach. They were married 64 years. Both were inducted into the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame.

Services for her will be at 11 a.m. Friday in St. James Catholic Church, McMinnville.  A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday in Linfield’s Ted Wilson Gymnasium, with a reception to follow.

If you have a memory of Joan Rutschman, please type it up and bring it to the ceremony. If you are unable to attend in person, send it by email to jrutschmemorial@gmail.com.

Donations may be made to Rock of Ages, Legacy Hospice of McMinnville or Linfield College Athletic Department. To leave online condolences, visit www.macyandson.com.

West Albany at South Salem, 7:15 p.m.

On the air: Radio on KSHO 920 AM

It’s a surprise that West Albany is 2-0, but it’s not a surprise that South Salem (1-1 GVC) came back strong with a 34-29 win against McNary in week two. Quarterback Harrison Broadus was 12 for 21 passing for 193 yards and three touchdowns in the win and showed great improvement in his second game since transferring from Dallas.

McNary at Sprague, 7 p.m.

On the air: Radio on KBZY 1490 AM; Television on CCTV2 at 4 p.m. Saturday.

This is Sprague’s chance to answer after a difficult 36-29 loss to West Salem last week. Look for Sprague (1-1 GVC) running back Dane McKinney to have a big game as he rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns last week and fellow running back Noah Mellen was injured and didn’t carry the ball again in the game.

Forest Grove at McKay, 7 p.m.

The Royal Scots (0-2 GVC) have had solid efforts in each of the past two games, but have come up short each time, including last week’s 41-14 defeat against McMinnville. McKay needs a win and a 0-2 Forest Grove team is its best opportunity yet.

McMinnville at North Salem, 7 p.m.

On the air: Radio on http://www.KYLC.us

The Grizzlies (1-0 GVC) are 2-0 to start the season, but it’s not surprising. Senior quarterback Wyatt Smith has played well for McMinnville so far and will give the Vikings (1-1 GVC) a difficult defensive task.

Sprague’s Dane McKinney runs the ball as the Olympians fall to West Salem 36-29 in a Greater Valley Conference game on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Sprague High School.

No. 3 Sheldon at West Salem, 7 p.m.

On the air: Television on CCTV2 at 11:59 p.m.

West Salem (2-0 GVC) is coming off a huge 36-29 win that gave it sole possession of first place in the conference, but playing a Sheldon (2-0) team that is annually one of the best in the state will give the Titans a gauge of how they truly stack up among the state’s elite.

No. 8 Silverton at Dallas, 7 p.m.

It’s a surprise that both of these rivals come into this Mid-Willamette Conference game 2-0 on the season. But the Dragons have been formidable behind the rushing attack, especially from senior Tanner Earhart, who rushed for 426 yards and seven touchdown on 26 carries in last week’s 63-35 win against North Eugene.

Central at Glencoe, 7 p.m.

Where: Hare Field, Hillsboro

On the air: Radio on KAJO 90.1 FM

The tough preseason road of Central (0-2) has not been kind to a team that had state championship aspirations coming into the season, but will have an easier time with a 6A Glencoe (1-1) team that is playing an independent schedule.

Woodburn vs. Benson, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Jefferson High School

The Bulldogs (1-1) came back down to earth last week with a  41-12 loss to Milwaukie, but now play a 6A Benson (0-2) team that is similarly playing an independent schedule this season.

Cascade defeats Sisters 12-10 during a game on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Cascade High School in Turner.

No. 7 Cascade at No. 3 North Bend, 7 p.m.

Remember how the Cougars (1-1) are playing a difficult preseason? It doesn’t get any easier this week as they play a 1-0 North Bend team that had a bye last week as their game against Philomath was cancelled.

Sweet Home at Stayton, 7 p.m.

The Eagles (0-2) have had a rough start – including last Friday’s 62-16 loss to No. 1 Banks – but new starting quarterback Jacob Jungwirth has showed promise in going 25 for 43 passing for 376 yards and a touchdown.

Gladstone at North Marion, 7 p.m.           

North Marion (1-1) was humbled last week by rival Molalla and will look to take out their frustrations on a Gladstone team that is reeling from last week’s 49-42 loss to Astoria.

Dayton at Taft, 7 p.m.

The Pirates (2-0) were expected to be good, but not this good. Dayton has quality wins against Pleasant Hill and 2A Regis, including holding the Rams to 90 yards of offense in last week’s 16-13 win.

Willamina at Amity, 7 p.m.

This West Valley League opener will be a good chance to see if the Bulldogs (1-1) made progress in last week’s 51-20 win against Nestucca or if Amity (2-0) is for real after Friday’s 18-6 win against Reedsport in which the Warriors gained 358 yards of offense.

Sheridan at Santiam Christian, 7 p.m.

Any doubts that the Eagles (2-0) wouldn’t reload after last year’s second place finish in Class 3A have been erased by now, and Sheridan (1-1) has a tough task in this game.

Scio at Gervais, 7 p.m.

The Cougars’ 20-14 win last week was the program’s first win since 2014, but Scio (2-0) has proven it still belongs among the state’s 3A elite after last week’s 26-14 win against Estacada.

Blanchet defenders surround Regis’s Adair Pelayo during a game on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at McCulloch Stadium in Salem.

Blanchet Catholic at Salem Academy, 7 p.m.

On the air: Radio on KYKN 1430 AM

Salem’s two private schools are both 1-1 entering into the first PacWest Conference game of the season. But both teams put up impressive results in different ways last week. Blanchet beat Taft 41-0 Friday while Salem Academy defeated 4A Klamath Union 39-20 Saturday.

Colton at Jefferson, 7 p.m.

The Lions’ first win of the season, a 42-8 defeat of Sheridan last week was a good sign of a possible turnaround, but the conference opener against a 2-0 Colton team will be a greater challenge.

Gaston at Chemawa, 7 p.m.

This is the first game of the season for the Braves. Gaston (0-2) won’t be a great test, but it at least gives Chemawa a tune up before the PacWest Conference season starts next week.

Harrisburg at Kennedy, 7 p.m.

The Trojans (2-0) have gotten strong performances by Bishop Mitchell (21 carries, 331 yards, four TDs vs. Knappa) to start the season against good competition and have another tough test against Harrisburg.

Toledo at St. Paul, 7 p.m.

Toledo senior quarterback Kyle Otis (473 yards, 8 TDs passing, 170 yards, 3 TDs) has been prolific this season, but a much improved St. Paul (1-1) team wants to prove that last week’s 53-30 win against Monroe wasn’t a fluke.

Regis at Knappa, 7 p.m.

The Rams (1-1) are playing great on defense this year with an athletic group and should do well against a Knappa (1-1) team that was held to 14 points last week.

Culver at Santiam, 7 p.m.

The Wolverines (2-0) are off to a promising start, including a 42-0 shutout of Waldport Friday and look to continue that against a Culver team that lost 30-24 last Friday to La Pine in its only game this season.

Mapleton at Falls City, 7 p.m.

This is the 1A Special District 3 west division opener for both the Mountaineers (0-2) and Sailors (1-1). Falls City was brought back to earth in a 54-12 defeat at the hands of defending state champion Dufur.

Mitchell at Perrydale, 7 p.m.

This is the 1A Special District 4 opener for defending league champion Perrydale (1-1) and will be a good indication for the Pirates after giving up 36 first quarter points in a 66-22 loss to Lowell.

A look at the GVC football standings: West Salem out in front
Football Scoring offenses: Where does your school rank in the GVC?
Who has the best defense? Ranking GVC football teams by points allowed

South Salem players runs drills during football practice on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.

South Salem 27, West Albany 14: With the win, the Saxons improve to 2-1 this season.

South Salem next will face South Medford at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

West Salem defeats Sprague 36-29 in a Greater Valley Conference game on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Sprague High School.

Sprague 50, McNary 21: With the win, the Olympians improve to 2-1 this season. With the loss, McNary falls to 1-2.

Sprague next plays at McMinnville at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. McNary next plays McKay at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

North Salem running back Alex Vasquez (8) looks for a way through the line in the season opening-game on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at North Salem High School. McNary won the match-up 38-35.

McMinnville 35, North Salem 16: The Vikings fell to 1-2 this season with the loss.

North Salem’s Junior Sandoval rushed for 96 yards, and Hunter Sullivan scored two touchdowns.

North Salem next will face West Albany at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

The Regis Rams huddle up following a game against Dayton on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Regis High School in Stayton. Visiting team Dayton beat the Regis Rams 16-13.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES

Dallas 20, Silverton 13: With the win, Dallas improves to 3-0 this season. With the loss, Silverton falls to 2-1.

For the Dragons, Tanner Earhart rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Silverton next will face Lebanon at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Dallas next will face Glencoe at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Central 50, Glencoe 26: The Panthers improve to 1-2 this season with the victory.

Central next will face South Albany at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Benson 28, Woodburn 14: The Bulldogs fall to 1-2 this season with the loss.

Woodburn next will face Gladstone at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

North Bend 49, Cascade 7: The Cougars fall to 1-2 this season with the win.

Cascade next will face Yamhill-Carlton at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Stayton 6, Sweet Home 0: The Eagles improve to 1-2 this season with the victory.

Stayton is scheduled to face Philomath next week, but Philomath had to cancel its season. Stayton next will face Cascade at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Gladstone 21, North Marion 17: The Huskies fell to 1-2 this season with the loss.

North Marion next will face Newport at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Dayton 24, Taft 13: The Pirates improved to 3-0 with the victory.

Dayton next will face Horizon Christian at 7 p.m.

Amity 28, Willamina 0: With the win, Amity improves to 3-0 this season. With the loss, Willamina falls to 1-2.

Willamina next will face Santiam Christian at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Amity next will face Sheridan at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Santiam Christian 47, Sheridan 0: The Eagles improved to 3-0 with the victory. Sheridan falls to 1-2 with the loss.

Santiam Christian next will face Willamina at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Sheridan next will face Taft at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Scio 42, Gervais 20: The Loggers improve to 3-0 with the win. Gervais falls to 1-2 with the loss.

Scio next will face Salem Academy at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Gervais next will face Chemawa at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Colton at Jefferson, late

Gaston 62, Chemawa 0: The Braves fell to 0-1 with the loss.

Chemawa next will face Gervais at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Kennedy 32, Harrisburg 28: The Trojans improved to 3-0 with the victory.

Kennedy next will face Lost River at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

St. Paul 44, Toledo 28: The Buckaroos improve to 2-1 with the victory.

St. Paul next will face Creswell at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Regis 48, Knappa 0: The Rams improve to 2-1 with the win.

Regis next will face Stanfield at 6 p.m. Sept. 23.

Santiam 49, Culver 21: The Wolverines improve to 3-0 with the victory.

Santiam next will face Monroe at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Falls City 58, Mapleton 14: Jeremy Labrado and Noah Sickles combined for five rushing touchdowns Friday to lead the host Mountaineers.

Labrado ran 20 times for 119 yards and two scores, while Sickles finished with 99 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries. Austin Burgess led Falls City with 152 yards on 18 carries as the Mountaineers finished with 361 yards on the ground.

Falls City next will face Siletz Valley at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Perrydale 60, Mitchell 0: The Pirates improve to 2-1 with the victory.

Perrydale next will face Dufur at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Harrison Broadus

Harrison Broadus, South Salem football: The senior quarterback was rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries and was 9 for 17 passing for 149 yards and two touchdowns in Friday’s 27-14 win against West Albany.

Hassan Ibrahim.

Hassan Ibrahim, Jefferson cross country: The junior ran a personal record 15:55.2 in winning Wednesday’s Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational and led the Lions to the team championship at the meet.

Skyler Williams.

Skyler Williams, Salem Academy football: The senior receiver caught four passes for 110 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 17 yards on two carries in Friday’s 14-10 win against Blanchet.

Peter Mendazona.

Peter Mendazona, Central football: The junior quarterback was 19 for 27 passing for 327 yards and three touchdowns in Friday’s 50-26 win against Glencoe.

Vote for your favorite by Thursday at noon at StatesmanJournal.com/aow.

It was supposed to be a struggle to start the season for the Dallas High School football team.

The Dragons started the season with a roster depleted due to transfers and three of the team’s starters being out with injuries.

Yet following Friday’s 20-13 Mid-Willamette Conference opening win against perennial state power Silverton, Dallas is 3-0 to start the season – the team’s best start since 2007 – and has risen to No. 1 status in the OSAA’s power rankings.

It’s a lofty perch on which Dallas hasn’t resided in a long time.

“We have hopes, we have aspirations, that’s for sure,” fifth-year Dallas coach Tracy Jackson said. “And it’s a nice place to be right now. I hope that we can maintain that level of play.”

Friday’s game was the first time a Jackson coached team had defeated Silverton, his alma mater, since his 1993 Woodburn team defeated the Foxes.

“It’s kind of one of those things that can grind at you,” Jackson said. “But really the fact is that they’ve played at a high level.

“The fact that we played at a high level against a team that’s playing at high level is the best thing for us. I think our kids matched their physical play snap for snap. That’s what we work for.”

Senior running back Tanner Earhart has been a force out of the single-wing offense this season.

He rushed for 426 yards and seven touchdowns in a 63-25 win against North Eugene Sept. 10.

Despite playing nearly every down at middle linebacker on defense, Earhart rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns against Silverton.

Dallas had Silverton at fourth and eight in the final minutes and while the Foxes were serious during their timeout, Dallas’ players were enjoying themselves.

“Tanner Earhart, he’s a man of very few words but plenty of action, he was standing behind the group laughing out loud,” Jackson said. “Instead of being afraid, our kids encouraged each other.

“I think that’s the kind of stuff that gets you through. They’ve made it easier on each other because they take care of each other.”

There is some good news on the injury front for Dallas as the team gets back senior tight end Zach Wallace this week.

But senior lineman Justin Ingram and junior running back Treve Earhart aren’t expected back until the middle of October.

There have been a lot of new faces filling in roles and made an impact against Silverton.

Senior cornerback Jason Richey had the unenviable task of covering Silverton’s star receiver, Spencer Clements, and limited him to three receptions.

Senior guard Tim Hensley broke his hand on the fifth play of the game, but played through the rest of the game.

And senior nose guard Josh Wilden recorded the game-clinching sack of Silverton sophomore quarterback Levi Nielsen in the final minute.

Dallas next hosts 6A Glencoe (1-2 overall) in a non-league game at 7 p.m. Friday then plays at Mid-Willamette power Central (1-2) at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Not that things get easier for Dallas after that with league games against ranked teams Crescent Valley and Lebanon still ahead in league play.

“We tell the kids this: don’t be looking too far in the future,” said Jackson, in his 27th season as a head coach. “Experience has told me that’s something that could happen if you don’t attend to this.

“Enjoy the good things we get. Work through the tough stuff we get.”

All-star games

Central senior Marlon Tuipulotu has been selected to play in the Polynesian Bowl to be held Jan. 21, 2017 at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii.

The team captains will be Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley.

Tuipulotu previously had been selected to play in the Jan. 7 U.S. All-American Game at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

OSAA

Dallas High School was fined $500 at the OSAA’s Executive Board meeting Sept. 12.

The school’s girls soccer coach worked with more than two students for 1.5 hours on two Saturdays. The coach, who wasn’t named, was suspended through the first contest of the 2016 season.

Dallas’ head girls soccer coach, Kirk Myrold was arrested Sept. 12 on charges of luring a minor and second-degree sexual abuse involving a 17-year-old student.

Also at the meeting Salem Academy was fined a total of $1,000 for violations of its football team by violating the three hour single practice session rule and for the football calendar being posted online listing available activities during the summer, including the Moratorium Week.

Camps

Willamette University’s baseball team will hold a baseball skills camp for high school players in the 2017 through 2019 graduating classes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 9 at John Lewis Field at Bush’s Pasture Park.

The cost is $75. Participants can register at wubearcats.com/camps.

bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6701 or Twitter.com/bpoehler

Head Coach Tracy Jackson talks to his players during football practice at Dallas High School on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.

Hassan Ibrahim was already one of the top cross country runners in the state.

Now the Jefferson High School junior is establishing himself as one of the elite.

The junior who was the state runner-up as a sophomore ran a personal record of 15:55.2 to win the Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational, the No. 12 fastest time in the state through all classifications.

Ibrahim was selected the athlete of the week by a vote of readers on StatesmanJournal.com.

What’s also daunting is that the rest of Ibrahim’s family is making an impact, too.

Sophomore Abdi Ibrahim placed fourth (16:43) at the meet, senior Sulieman Ibrahim placed seventh (17:07) and freshman Ahmed Ibrahim placed eighth (17:10) and put the Lions in contention for the 3A/2A/1A state team championship.

Jefferson sophomore Hassan Ibrahim was selected as the athlete of the week in a vote by readers.

Sprague at McMinnville, 7 p.m.

On the air: Radio on KYKN 1430 AM and http://www.KLYC.us.

McMinnville is the most surprising 3-0 teams in the state. The Grizzlies started the season 0-5 last year and didn’t make the postseason. But a 2-1 Sprague team, which is No. 9 in the OSAA’s power rankings, is by far the strongest opponent McMinnville has faced as the team’s previous games were against Wilson (No. 31 ranked), McKay (No. 35) and North Salem (No. 41).

West Salem at Forest Grove, 7 p.m.

The Titans (2-0 GVC, 2-1 overall) are coming off their first loss of the season, albeit one against a Sheldon team that is one of the top teams in the state. Senior receiver Cole Rumrill has become the go-to target for senior quarterback Jared Oliver, catching 22 passes for 320 yards and one touchdown.

North Salem at West Albany, 7 p.m.

On the air: Radio on KSHO 920 AM.

If the Vikings (1-2 GVC) are going to make the state playoffs, this is a game they are going to have to win. North Salem’s 35-16 loss last week to McMinnville was tough and the Vikings play a tough schedule of West Salem, South Salem and Sprague in the next three games.

McKay at McNary, 7 p.m.

On the air: Radio on KBZY 1490 AM, television on CCTV2 at 11:59 a.m.

The 43-0 win the Royal Scots posted on Forest Grove a week ago was a big step up, but this will be a real test of if the team is for real. McNary (1-2 GVC) has allowed 119 points this season, most among GVC teams, and McKay’s spread offense should make this a high-scoring affair.

South Salem at South Medford, 7 p.m.

Don’t let No. 6-ranked South Medford’s 1-2 record fool you. The team would have been 2-1 – with the one loss coming to state favorite West Linn – but had to forfeit the first two games for using an ineligible player. The Saxons (2-1 GVC) are playing one of the most storied football program in the state in their one non-league game.

Glencoe at Dallas, 7 p.m.

This is the most respect a Dallas football team has gotten in a decade. The Dragons are 3-0 overall, No. 1 in the OSAA’s power rankings and No. 7 in the oregonlive poll. A non-league game against 6A Glencoe gives the team a chance to add to that record before encountering a tough Mid-Willamette schedule.

Lebanon at Silverton, 7 p.m.

On the air: Radio on KGAL 1580 AM.

The Foxes (2-1 overall, 0-2 Mid-Willamette) slipped in a 20-13 loss to rival Dallas last week and now play one of the top teams in the state in 3-0 Lebanon, which is ranked No. 3 in the Oregonlive poll and is No. 5 in the OSAA power rankings.

South Albany at Central, 7 p.m.

On the air: Radio on KAJC 90.1 FM and WillametteValleySports.com

This is a matchup between two teams that split the conference championship a year ago features highly-regarded teams that started the preseason 0-2 against tough opponents. Central (1-2 overall) still has the pieces necessary to make a league championship run, but must prove itself tonight.

Gladstone at Woodburn, 7 p.m.

The independent 5A Bulldogs have lost two straight, and it doesn’t get easier against a 4A Gladstone team that is 1-2, but has played a tough non-league schedule.

North Marion at Newport, 7 p.m.

The Huskies (1-2) need to get the ball to Tanner Scanlan more often. The senior kicked a field goal and caught six passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in last week’s 21-17 loss to Gladstone.

Yamhill-Carlton at Cascade, 7 p.m.

The Cougars (1-2 overall) were No. 1 in the preseason Oregonlive poll, but have completely dropped out of it now. Cascade has the talent to win the Oregon West Conference championship, but must prove it in the league opener tonight.

Taft at Sheridan, 7 p.m.

Both of these teams have lost two straight since putting up impressive, but close wins in the first week.

Santiam Christian at Willamina, 7 p.m.

It’s of no surprise that Santiam Christian is 3-0 and has obliterated scoreboards this season. The Eagles (1-0 West Valley) have scored 143 points, second only to Coquille among 3A teams this season.

Dayton at Horizon Christian, 7 p.m.

The Pirates (3-0 overall, 1-0 West Valley) have been impressive on defense this season, including holding high-flying Taft to 13 points last week.

Gervais at Chemawa, 7 p.m.

The Braves’ brief, one-game preseason is over and now the work of the PacWest Conference season starts. Gervais was the only team Chemawa beat last season.

Salem Academy at Scio, 7 p.m.

Yes, Scio has started 3-0 and is again one of the top teams in the state, but now the Loggers get their best test against a Crusader (2-1 overall, 1-0 PacWest) team that is coming off its biggest win of the season.

Jefferson at Blanchet, 7:30 p.m.

Where: McCulloch Stadium.

The teams have identical 0-1 PacWest and 1-2 overall records, but a Cavalier team that suffered a devastating 14-10 loss to Salem Academy last Friday is in need of a win.

St. Paul at Creswell, 7 p.m.

It appears that the tough preseason St. Paul (2-1) is playing is paying off after Friday’s 44-28 win against Toledo and a 1-2 Creswell team should pose a bigger challenge.

Kennedy at Lost River, 7 p.m.

Where: Summit High School, Bend

The Trojans (3-0) have proved they can win in different ways, including Friday’s comeback 32-28 win against Harrisburg. Lost River hasn’t beat an Oregon team yet.

Monroe at Santiam, 7 p.m.

At 3-0, Santiam has exceeded expectations so far, but the preseason comes to a close with this game and the more important Tri-River season begins in a week.

Regis at Stanfield, 6 p.m.

This is one of the top 2A teams in the state tonight. The Rams (2-1) can improve a lot in the power rankings from their current No. 5 spot with a win against the Tigers (3-0).

Regis’s Brandon Piete collides with Dayton’s Braeden Nowlin (28) 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.

Falls City at Siletz Valley, 7 p.m.

The Mountaineers (1-2) started their league season strong with a 58-14 win last week against Mapleton, but the Warriors have the capability to keep up offensively.

Perrydale at Dufur, 7 p.m.

This is a rematch of the game that decided the league championship last year – won by Perrydale (2-1) – and the 1A state semifinals – won by Dufur (3-0) – and should decide the league title again.

McNary Assistant Coach Scott Gragg, a former Silverton player and coach who played 11 seasons in the NFL, talks with his son, Brian, during practice on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, in Keizer.

​KEIZER — Scott Gragg is back coaching high school football in the Mid-Valley, and life is good.

The former Silverton head football coach, who left in 2010 to coach at the University of Montana, is now on McNary’s staff as a volunteer assistant lineman coach.

And there is an added bonus for the former NFL offensive lineman — he gets to coach his son, Brian.

“It was kind of a perfect fit,” Scott Gragg said. “I love the community of Keizer, the staff at McNary. Everything has been a great adjustment for Brian and for our family.”

In addition to his football coaching, Gragg works at McNary as an instructional coach.

“You teach teachers, or you help teachers,” Gragg said about his role at the school.

A life in football

After playing high school football at Silverton and college football at Montana, Gragg was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft.

Gragg played 11 seasons in the NFL for the Giants, San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets. During that time, he played in 172 games, including 149 starts, according to NFL.com.

As his playing career was winding down in 2005, Gragg began searching for options for life after the NFL.

“My last year with the Jets, I knew that was going to be my last year just because of a similar family dynamics I was in,” Gragg said. “It was a chance to continue playing, but it was going to be one-year contracts and bounce around and being mobile. And we had kids that were young, and we didn’t need to do that anymore.

“At that time, Tony Smith had resigned at Silverton around Christmastime,” Gragg added. “And I just thought then maybe that’s something I would be interested in pursuing. I had a degree in math, and had some introductory stuff into education. The further I looked into it, the more I got interested and found that it’s something I love.”

Coaching career begins

After coaching at Silverton, Gragg left in 2010 to join Montana’s coaching staff as a tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator. He worked his way up to co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach during his five seasons on the staff.

“I really enjoyed my time at Montana. When (head coach) Mick Delaney retired, they brought in Bob Stitt, and he brought in his staff, and that didn’t include me,” Gragg said. “That’s a part of collegiate football.”

Gragg said that they thought about moving back to Oregon at that time, but decided to stay in Montana so his daughter, Anna, could finish high school before playing volleyball at Liberty University in Virginia.

“At that time, our daughter was a senior in high school, and thought about making the move back to Oregon, but decided in the best interest of her aspirations to play collegiate volleyball, that we would stay put,” Gragg said. “So I took a job as a middle school/high school principal in Fort Benton, Montana.”

Gragg said he considered getting back into college coaching, but he had higher priorities.

“Collegiate athletics are a lot of fun. It’s a lot of work too,” said Gragg, whose wife is named Toni. “And we’re in a season of life where we want to be able to enjoy Anna playing athletics, enjoy Brian’s last two years of high school and get back to Oregon. So we made the decision in June to move back to Oregon.”

Back home in Oregon, and family first

McNary Assistant Coach Scott Gragg, a former Silverton player and coach who played 11 seasons in the NFL, talks with his son, Brian, during practice on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, in Keizer.

At McNary, Gragg is coaching alongside some familiar faces, including head coach Jeff Auvinen and assistant coach Brad Emmert.

“Brad Emmert was on my staff at Silverton,” Gragg said. “And I’m related to Jeff, he’s a cousin by marriage. And so, it’s an opportunity to work with them, people I know and am familiar with.”

As an instructional coach in the school, Gragg has some administrative duties, but the job still allows him to spend more time with family.

“Serve teachers as they need and see fit, or if I see an area where I can help out, I’ll do that as well,” Gragg said. “It’s got an administrative component to it, so I’m still filling that niche. But a big part of being an administrator is afterschool supervision, and meetings and things that take you away from your family. They’re all great things, but this allows me to go to Virginia three times this fall, it’ll allow me to watch Brian. I don’t feel like I’m missing it because of other commitments.”

Brian Gragg, a 6-foot-11 junior lineman for McNary, said it has been fun being a part of the same team as his father.

“He’s my coach on the field, and he’s my dad at home,” Brian Gragg said. “I don’t want to get that confused, I don’t want to get that mixed up. I don’t want players to see me as a coach’s son. I want them to see me as another player.”

Brian Gragg said he has enjoyed being back in Oregon after six years away.

“It’s a lot of nostalgia,” he said. “Just recently, I was down at Oktoberfest, and it was a lot of fun. I saw a bunch of people from my grade school. It took me back, and it was a lot of fun.”

Brian Gragg said the biggest difference between going to school at McNary and in Montana is the size of school.

“It was K through 12, and it was 180 students. That’s it, K through 12. Not a lot of people,” he said. “I feel a lot more shy than I have before.”

Brian Gragg said he is proud that his father was able to reach the NFL as a football player.

“Looking back, I think it’s a really cool achievement that he was able to get to that,” Brian Gragg said.

What does the future hold?

Scott Gragg has a passion for leadership, which is why he loves working in an education environment.

“I love opportunities to lead and guide others,” Gragg said. “Whether that be other teachers, students, players, that opportunity to lead in a transformational way and a positive way is something I really enjoy.”

Could he return to college coaching?

“I’ve learned to never say never because the second you say never is when those opportunities come up,” Gragg said. “I know what the next level looks like now, and I’ve seen coaches that do it really well, and I’ve seen coaches that don’t do it well. And I can probably count on one or two fingers the guys I would consider going back and working with, just because I know the environment would be right and they would be doing it for the right reasons. And my phone’s not ringing off the hook for those, and they’re happy in their positions. So I would highly doubt that.”

What about a role in the NFL?

“I’ve looked at other leadership opportunities, some in the NFL, and some collegiately, and politically, all different areas,” Gragg said. “And it seems like I’m always coming back to education and education leadership. And so if that’s where I’ll be five years from now, it’s tough to say. I hope so. I know after countless moves after every four or five years, we’re ready to be settled.”

North Salem senior running back Alex Vasquez runs past McNary defense in the second half of the season opening-game on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at North Salem High School. McNary won the match-up 38-35.

West Albany 37, North Salem 14: The Vikings fall to 1-3 overall and 1-3 in the Greater Valley Conference with the loss.

North Salem next will face West Salem at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

West Salem falls to Sheldon 35-8 in a non-league game on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016.

West Salem 51, Forest Grove 0: The Titans improve to 3-1 overall, including 3-0 in the Greater Valley Conference with the victory.

West Salem next will face North Salem at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

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McNary junior running back Lucas Garvey (23) tucks in the ball and looks for a way through North Salem’s defense in the season opening-game on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at North Salem High School. McNary won the match-up 38-35.

McNary 46, McKay 41 The Celtics improve to 2-2 overall and 2-2 in the Greater Valley Conference with the victory.

The Royal Scots fall to 1-3 overall and 1-3 in the conference with the loss.

McNary next will face Forest Grove at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

McKay next will face West Albany at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Sprague’s Jaymin Colvin takes down South Salem’s Harrison Broadus as the Olys defeat South Salem 48-7 in a Greater Valley Conference game on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at South Salem.

South Medford 52, South Salem 10: The Saxons fall to 2-2 overall with the nonconference loss.

South Salem remains 2-1 in the Greater Valley Conference and will face McMinnville at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Silverton High School plays it’s homecoming game against Lebanon High School in Friday Sept. 23, 2016.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Dallas 51, Glencoe 18: The Dragons improve to 4-0 this season with the nonconference victory.

Dallas remains 1-0 in the Mid-Willamette Conference and will face Central at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Lebanon 21, Silverton 20: The Foxes fall to 2-2 overall this season with the loss, including 0-2 in the Mid-Willamatte Conference.

Silverton next will face Crescent Valley at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Central 35, South Albany 28: The Panthers improve to 2-2 overall this season with the victory, including 1-0 in the Mid-Willamette Conference.

Central next will face Dallas at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Gladstone 56, Woodburn 0: The Bulldogs fall to 1-3 overall with the loss.

Woodburn next will face Crook County at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

North Marion 21, Newport 6: The Huskies improve to 2-2 overall with the win, including 1-0 in the Oregon West Conference.

North Marion next will face Yamhill-Carlton at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Taft 61, Sheridan 16: The Spartans fall to 1-3 overall with the loss, including 0-2 in the West Valley League.

Sheridan next will face Amity at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Santiam Christian 48, Willamina 7: The Eagles improve to 4-0 overall with the victory, including 2-0 in the West Valley League.

Santiam Christian next will face Dayton at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Willamina falls to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the league with the loss. They next will face Gervais at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Dayton at Horizon Christian, canceled

Gervais 70, Chemawa 0: The Cougars improve to 2-2 overall with the win, including 1-1 in the PacWest Conference.

Gervais next will face Willamina at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Chemawa falls to 0-2 overall this season with the loss, including 0-1 in the conference. They next will face Salem Academy at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Scio 52, Salem Academy 32: The Loggers improve to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the PacWest Conference with the victory.

Scio next will face Jefferson at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Salem Academy falls to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference with the loss. They next will face Chemawa at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Blanchet 46, Jefferson 0: The Cavaliers improve to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the PacWest Conference with the victory.

Blanchet next will face Colton at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Jefferson falls to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference with the loss. They next will face Scio at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

St. Paul at Creswell, late

Kennedy 49, Lost River 15: The Trojans improve to 4-0 overall this season.

Kennedy next will face Regis at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Santiam 29, Monroe 21: The Wolverines improve to 4-0 with the victory.

Santiam next will face Central Linn at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Stanfield 20, Regis 14: The Rams fall to 2-2 overall with the loss.

Regis next will face Kennedy at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Falls City at Siletz Valley, late

Dufur 56, Perrydale 14: The Pirates fall to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the league with the loss.

Perrydale next will face South Wasco County at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.