5A Midwestern recap Oct. 3, 2012
Springfield extended the longest winning streak in 5A Midwestern this week by beating Ashland, 42-14. The victory was the fourth in a row for the team.
Springfield made the biggest jump in the national rankings this week, rising to 3,272 from 4,383. The improvement was the result of 42-14 victory over the Grizzlies last week.
Marist's dynamic duo of Kamerun Smith and Josh Harper proved tough for Willamette to stop, as they were the top passer and receiver in the league this week. Smith threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns and Harper had 140 yards receiving. Kaelyn Byrum helped Marist's passing attack out by catching three balls for 71 yards.
Mitch Reese was the most productive running back in the league this week. He ran for 177 yards on 16 carries as Churchill beat the Wolverines. Weston Lamora also contributed to the rushing game with 63 yards on the ground.
Chad Gillam made the biggest impact on defense this week as North Eugene lost to Eagle Point. The junior recorded one fumble.
Marist's Smith and Harper have formed a dynamic duo this season, leading the league in both passing and receiving yards. Smith has thrown for 1240 yards this season, while Harper, a 6-foot-3 receiver, has 26 catches for 449 yards. Willamette's Samuel Aguirre leads the league in rushing yards with 637.
A big matchup in 5A Midwestern this week will be when the Eagles take on Frank Geske's team. Eagle Point is currently in fourth, while the Spartans are in second.
The top two defenses in the league will face off this season when Jacob Schauffler's team takes on Marist. The Eagles have allowed 91 points this season, while the Spartans have given up 84. Eagle Point allowed 6 points last week as it defeated the Highlanders.
The Eagles led the league in scoring this week after putting up 62 points on North Eugene. Caleb Ash ran for 122 yards in the win.
Story is based on stats entered in MaxPreps by Tuesday 5am PST each week.
