Roseburg looks to build momentum against No. 5 Thurston
The expectations are changing for the Roseburg football team.
“The Crater game is the new standard. We won’t accept anything lower than that,” Roseburg coach Matt Watson said following practice this week.
Roseburg rolled up 499 yards of offense in a dominant 34-8 win over the Crater Comets last week in Central Point and senior Kaden Luther said the win has given the Indians confidence as they continue through their first season in Class 5A Special District 4.
“Morally it was really good for the team. But since Monday after practice, we’ve washed that and we’re on to Thurston,” Luther said. “Although it felt good, we’re no longer worried about that.”
Roseburg’s focus is now shifted to the No. 5-ranked Thurston Colts, who will stop at Finlay Field for the first time since 2014 on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
“We know Thurston’s a good program. They’ve been good in the past. We’re just getting ready in practice. Everything’s been pretty intense and it kind of all just starts mentally. We’re washing last week so we’re completely focused on Thurston,” Luther said.
Although Roseburg (2-1, 1-1 SD4) and Thurston (4-0, 3-0) haven’t been league opponents in nearly a decade, the Indians will try to end a lengthy streak for the Colts.
Thurston has won 39 consecutive league games, dating back to 2017. The Colts have won two state championships during that span under coach Justin Starck.
Starck has the Colts humming along again this year. Thurston is averaging 357 yards per game and is outscoring teams by an average of nearly 36 points per game.
“We’re coming along. We’ve got a nice mix of juniors and seniors and just pleased with their progress so far,” Starck said. “We feel like these next three weeks will be a great indicator of where we’re at and we feel like going down to Roseburg is going to be a huge test for us.”
Senior quarterback Noah Blair has powered the Colts with nine passing and three rushing touchdowns in three games. Blair missed last week’s 39-7 victory over rival Springfield and Starck said the team is closely evaluating his status for this week.
Blair was second-team all-state last year and Starck believes he could be the best quarterback in the state. His status at game time will be vitally important for both sides.
Roseburg’s defense will have its hands full no matter who is starting at QB for the Colts. Backup Kyle Miller passed for 246 yards and three touchdowns filling in last Friday.
Watson said the team has been watching film and the coaches are mentally preparing the players for adversity on Friday night.
“Teams like Thurston, they might make a big play but we’re not going to let one big play sour the drive. Be goldfish and short memory,” Watson said. “Get back and make the stop and trust that our D-line is going to be able to get pressure and get the ball back to our offense.”
If Roseburg can get the ball into the hands of its offense, there’s a chance they might not relinquish possession quickly. The Indians knocked off Crater with multiple comeback killing drives that lasted over five minutes of game time.
With the performance against Crater becoming the new standard for the Tribe, Luther explained why he thinks the offense can repeat last week’s accomplishments.
“A lot of work was put in last week. That’s why we did what we did. And a lot of work’s being put in this week and I think everyone is buying in a little bit and we’re going with the motions and we’re more disciplined,” Luther said.
Roseburg is currently among three SD4 teams with one league loss. Thurston is part of a three-team group that is still undefeated in league play.
Other SD4 matchups include Willamette at Eagle Point, Crater at Churchill and North Eugene at Springfield. South Eugene has a nonleague contest at Crescent Valley of Corvallis.
