Week Eight Preview

Westview @ Jesuit
The Metro League title and a top seed in the playoffs is on the line Friday, in what could be the most meaningful game of the year.
Jesuit (6-1) hosts Westview (7-0) in a battle of the number two and number three ranked teams in the state.
Last year, both the Crusaders and Wildcats were 7-0 when the two teams met at the end of October. The result, a blowout win for Jesuit, who would go on to win the state title. This year however, Jesuit has not been as dominating, and this Westview team is better than last years.
The Wildcats defense will have to play their best game of the year. They've only allowed opponents to score more than 15 points once this year, and they'll have to do the same against an explosive Jesuit offense. The Crusaders only loss came against Lake Oswego, who owns perhaps the best defense in the state. Westview isn't going to win a shootout, so they'll have to hold Jesuit under 20 points.
Meantime, the Crusaders bounced back from their one loss, with a new resolve. They've outscored their opponents 169 to 20 in the past four games. That loss to the Lakers might be the best thing that ever happened to them, in their quest for another state title.
Prediction: Jesuit 31 Westview 21

Lincoln @ Grant (Thursday)
At this point, its too late for Lincoln to worry about winning the P.I.L., but an upset victory over Grant could go a long way in boosting the Cardinals confidence going into the playoffs. As it stands right now, Lincoln will likely go into the playoffs as a number three seed.
Grant on the other hand has been almost unstoppable. The Generals lost in week four to Canby, but since then, have been totally dominant.
The most impressive thing about Grant, is that they have spread the ball around, and not relied on star quarterback Andre Broadous to carry the load.
Expect Lincoln to put up a bigger fight than they did last year, but in the end, the result will be the same.
Prediction: Grant 35 Lincoln 27

Tualatin @ Tigard
The winner of this rivalry game will probably win the Pacific League, and take a top seed in the playoffs. While Tigard has struggled in non-league games, they haven't faltered yet when it counts the most.
The Tigers beat two of the league's top teams with relative ease, Canby by 17 points, and Forest Grove by 21.
Tualatins two league wins have come at the hands of McMinnville and Newberg, the two teams near the bottom of the standings.
Anything can happen in a rivalry game, but the Tigers will prove to be too much.
Prediction: Tigard 38 Tualatin 20

Beaverton @ Southridge
Both teams are a lock to make the playoffs, but the loser of this game could face a much stiffer test in the opening round of the playoffs. A win here could go a long way.
The Skyhawks (4-3) and Beavers (4-3) have both been a victim of playing in the state's toughest league.
This might be the state's most competitive game Friday, but I give the edge to Southridge at home.
Prediction: Southridge 24 Beaverton 21

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