Defense shuts down Canby in a 30-14 win, now prepares for OSAA State Playoffs

Brittany Park

In the game against Tualatin, running back Elijah Molden, junior ran for over 100 yards. He continued this trend as he rushed for over 150 in the 30-14 victory. The Lions next face Roosevelt on Friday in the first round of the OSAA State Playoffs.

The West Linn Varsity football team (8-1, 6-1 Three Rivers League) defeated Canby (2-7, 1-6 TRL) 30-14, claiming second overall in the Three Rivers League.

Running back Elijah Molden, junior, ran over 150 yards and had two touchdowns, while quarterback Tim Tawa, junior, threw for two touchdowns.

The defense held the Cougars scoreless in the first three quarters, even backing them into their own end zone and scoring a safety.  

The Lions held off Canby’s two 4th quarter touchdowns, winning 30-14.

Seeded third overall in the OSAA 6A Football State Championship bracket, the Lions are set to take on 30th seeded Roosevelt (3-6, 3-4 Portland Interscholastic League) in the first round.

Coming off a three game win streak, the Lions hope to continue that trend into the playoffs.

“Winning really helps to keep the momentum going,” said wide receiver Qawi Ntsasa, sophomore, “It’s kind of like a snowball effect, and hopefully we will continue to win.”  

The Lions will also be holding a gold out on Friday in honor of Ryland Lampert, a student at Trillium Creek Primary who recently passed away from leukemia.

“ASB decided to do a gold out this week to honor Ryland and support his family,” said ASB officer Kylie Fretwell, sophomore, “We also want to raise awareness about childhood cancer.”

The Lions face Roosevelt at West Linn High School Friday, at 7 p.m.