Wilsonville Football secured a tough pre-season schedule facing longtime rivals Thurston (W: 44-15), Westview (W: 49-14), 6A powerhouse Tualatin (L:13-22), and reigning State Champions, Summit.
Wilsonville and Summit matched up for last year’s State Championship. While Wilsonville took the lead near the beginning of the game, Summit was the victor in the end.
Summit was set to travel to Wilsonville High School on Friday, September 22, for a State Championship rematch. Wilsonville came into this game ranked higher than Summit and fully intended to show them why. “Honestly, the preparation for Summit started nine months ago after the championship loss. We knew we would see them again and worked all off-season and spring.” Said Head Coach Adam Guenther. “We did game film, practices, and coaches meetings all week. Our guys bought into the game plan and the preparation.” Added Guenther.
“Our coaches spent a lot of time in a meeting deciding how they wanted to scheme against Summit, and from there, we were trusting what they said and working to perfect it the best we could,” said junior Mark Wiepert. “There was a lot of intention and communication throughout the week, always trying to better ourselves each day,” added Wiepert.
As the student section trickled in, sported in their camouflage outfits, student spirit was at an all-time high as every Wildcat wanted revenge. “There was an edge to Summit week. We had more determination to have a good week and play a good game.” Said Guenther. Wilsonville got right to work with a touchdown from senior Kallen Gutridge, taking the early lead of 7-0. Wilsonville’s defense got stumped by a fake reverse off of the kickoff, which led to a long touchdown for Summit. Summit could not convert on the two-point conversion, leading to a score of 6-7 Wilsonville.
Wilsonville had a solid first half, firing on all cylinders. The Wildcats faced some adversity with a surprising 17 penalties during this game. “I stopped counting penalties once we hit ten,” said Guenther.
Wilsonville and Summit went back and forth for the whole game but ultimately ended with a Wildcat win and a final score of 35-20! “I couldn’t be more proud of the effort that was given. The first half was almost scripted. I was not personally happy with the second half. We played to their level rather than what we were capable of and let their actions dictate what we did. Overall, though, I am ecstatic with the outcome of that game.” Added Guenther.
“I think it was a decent game, but you always feel like you can do better. There are lots of things to work on as we move forward throughout the season, but a win is a win, and when you get it against Summit, who we have a short but well-known history with, it feels a little sweeter.” Said Wiepert.
Wilsonville will play their next game on Friday, October 6th, at Hillsboro.