![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
West Linn to play in OSAA State Semifinals for first time in 21 years
Wide receiver Connor Berggren, senior, was a large contributor in the Lions 34-13 win over Oregon City. West Linn will face Sherwood in the OSAA State Semifinals Saturday at Providence Park.
The West Linn varsity football team (11-1, 6-1 Three Rivers League) advance to semifinals after defeating Oregon City (9-3, 6-1 Mt. Hood Conference), 34-13, in the second Battle of the Bridge. West Linn will make its first appearance in the OSAA 6A State Semifinal game since 1994.
The first quarter was a stiff fight between the rivals and didn’t produce points for either team. However, the Lions broke the ice when receiver Qawi Ntsasa, sophomore, scored a 34 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tawa, junior, in the second quarter. Running back Kahlil Monson, senior, was credited with the first rushing touchdown.
The Pioneers struck back with a 35 yard touchdown pass that put the score at 13-7, West Linn. The Lions didn’t allow another touchdown until the end of the game.
A crazy 89 yard touchdown pass to receiver Connor Berggren, senior, made the stands go wild.
“It felt great,” Berggren said. “It was a blessing and Tim through a great ball.”
Another touchdown pass to Berggren widened the lead, who was nominated for athlete of the week with voting open until Saturday afternoon. In the fourth quarter Ntsasa grabbed his second score bringing the lead to 34-7.
One last Oregon City score didn’t help much as the game ended with the Lions as victors, 34-13.
“I think they have been playing great,” Aidan Scott, junior, said. “Every week they come out ready to play and it’s fun watching them make this playoff run.”
The Lions have a tough week ahead as they prepare to face Sherwood (12-0, 7-0 TRL) who defeated them earlier in the season. The Lions will travel to Providence Park to play the Bowmen at 12:00 p.m.
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