In Springfield, Oregon, the landscape of high school football is set to change as the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) prepares to review a draft recommendation for updated district classifications. Following a meeting of the OSAA football ad hoc committee on December 19, a proposal has been laid out that could see several teams shifting divisions as the new season approaches.
One major highlight of the proposed changes is the potential return of the Willamette Wolverines to Special District 1 of Class 6A. Having concluded their last season with a solid 8-2 record, they ranked 42nd in the On3 Oregon Composite Team Rankings. If the reclassification is approved, they would compete against some of the state’s strongest teams like Sheldon, currently sitting fourth in the rankings, Sprague at 12th, and North Medford at 14th.
The proposed district rearrangement also affects Class 5A, where teams such as McNary, Gresham, David Douglas, and Cleveland could join Special District 2. This district would include Wilsonville, McKay, Hillsboro, Canby, and Aloha. Additionally, Forest Grove, despite its teams being in Class 6A for other sports, will remain within this district.
Meanwhile, the David Douglas Scots and Gresham Gophers will join Special District 1, competing alongside teams like Putnam, Parkrose, Milwaukie, La Salle Prep, Hood River Valley, and Centennial. The previous Special District 2 teams will undergo reclassification, with West Albany, South Albany, Silverton, Lebanon, Dallas, Corvallis, and Central forming a new Class 5A Special District 3. Notably, Silverton achieved a commendable ninth place in the On3 rankings.
Additional changes will see South Eugene, North Eugene, Thurston, Churchill, Springfield, Crater, Roseburg, and Eagle Point forming Special District 4. Moreover, Crook County is slated to move from Class 4A to 5A, joining the Intermountain Conference alongside Summit, Bend, Ridgeview, Caldera, and Mountain View.
The OSAA ad hoc committee is expected to convene further meetings to finalize these proposed changes. Following these discussions, they will recommend the updated classifications to the OSAA executive board for final approval. Football enthusiasts across Oregon will be eagerly awaiting the official decisions that could reshape the competitive high school football landscape.
