By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.–  After being slowed down by injuries and ended their season with a 21-0 victory over McKay High School last Friday, West Salem enters the OSAA 6A playoffs as the 14^th-seed after a third-place finish in the Greater Valley Conference.

Being in the top 16 gives the Titans a home game and will be hosting Franklin, who finished the 2015 regular season with a 5-4 overall record and 5-2 in the Portland Interscholastic League, just two games behind PIL-Champions Lincoln.

Despite the injuries; the Titans are happy to host a playoff game, yes, but only know that once that the whistle blows to start the game, it’s just another field that they are playing on.

“We are still not healthy and will need guys to continue to step up,” West Salem Head Coach Shawn Stanley.  “We may start as many as five sophomores.  We have never started more than one that I can recall.

“(A) home game is great for our fans etc. but when the game starts it is just a field,”

As for Franklin, the Quakers are riding a high after an sound 50-6 victory over Cleveland last Friday to rebound from a 41-14 loss to the Cardinals two weeks ago.

“They are talented and have a size advantage in some spots,” said Stanley on Franklin.  “We need to play clean and not worry about “style” points.

“We have not won a “pretty” game since week two (against Forest Grove).  (Having) one more point than them when the clock runs out is all that matters.”

Kick off for the game is slated for 7pm at West Salem High School.

Jeremy McDonald is a professional sports journalist in the Salem/Portland area and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalist in Oregon with B.S. degrees from Southern Oregon University in Journalism (2011) and Health/PE (2013).  Got a story idea? Email him at jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com or on Twitter at @J_McDonald81!

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