This is the first and only time Wilsonville and Mountainview will meet this season, and it comes in the biggest game of the year on the biggest stage. Both teams have gone as far as there is to go, and only one can come out on top.

Wilsonville comes into this game hot, only losing one game to 6a powerhouse Tualatin, who finds themselves in a state championship of their own. The Wildcats look to avenge last year’s loss to Summit, which came as a heartbreaking defeat, in a comeback fashion.

Senior wide receiver and corner Kheller Larson is a two-year starter who was present for last year’s crushing loss in the state final. However, his mindset is one of confidence: “Our coaches have gotten us prepared, and … the team has prepared throughout the week.”

Wilsonville’s defense comes into this game rolling, as they took on Summit in the semifinals last week. Summit’s only points were self-inflicted by the Wildcats, as a snap flew over Roman Kealoha’s head and gave the Storm two points. The final score of that game ended up being 34-2 in favor of the Wildcats.

Although Wilsonville has such a strong defense, one cannot forget about what they can do when they have possession of the ball. Quarterback Kallen Gutridge leads the state in passing yards by over 400, with 3,482 pass yards on the season so far. Wilsonville is strong on both sides of the ball and hopefully strong enough to stop the Mountainview offense.

Junior wide receiver and safety Mark Wiepert has been a massive player in both the Wildcat offense and defense. Going into the biggest game of the season, Wiepert exerts, “[The] team looks prepared, so we’re just excited for another chance to compete and, on top of that, we get to play for some Wilsonville High School history.”

The Mountainview Cougars offense is led by running back Angel Valenzuela, who has the third most rush yards in the state with 1,611 as well as the third most total touchdowns with 25. The strong rushing attack for Mountainview will need to be firing on all cylinders against Wilsonville in this game.

The Cougars, with a perfect 12-0 record, hope to keep it perfect and fight off the Wildcats for the title of OSAA 5a State Championship and take the trophy back over the mountains. The Wildcats, in a familiar scene, hope to come out with a win this year and take the trophy back to Wilsonville.