Playoff preview: Eagles prepare for rematch against Panthers

Published 9:56 am Thursday, November 16, 2023

JOSEPH — The Joseph Charter School Eagles face off against a familiar foe on Saturday, when they battle the Prairie City/Burnt River Panthers in the semifinals of the 1A 6-man state championship tournament.

Here’s what you need to know about the game:

When and where: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Hermiston High School.

Records: Joseph 8-1 overall; Prairie City/Burnt River 7-1 overall.

It says a lot for the strength of a district when two teams representing the 1A 6-man Special District 1 meet in the state playoffs in semifinal action. That is exactly what is taking place on the artificial turf of Hermiston High School as Joseph and Prairie City/Burnt River meet for the second time this season.

The fourth-seeded Eagles are looking for payback for the single blemish on their season record, a game on Sept. 8 when the Panthers downed Joseph 18-6. Coach Damian Huff said that game featured a stellar defensive performance by the Eagles, holding Panthers’ potent offense to just 18 points. But, he noted, the Eagles’ offense sputtered that day, generating just six points.

The rules of this game could be in the Eagles’ favor. Per Oregon School Activities Association rules, semifinal and final games for the playoffs are to be played on artificial turf. Huff believes the speed of the Joseph team can be used against the Panther defense on this quicker surface.

The Eagles make the trip to Hermiston after a 44-6 victory over Eddyville Charter on Nov. 10, rolling over a team that was pass-oriented.

Prairie City/Burnt River also sports a single loss on their season, a 46-38 defeat on Oct. 14 to South Wasco County. Even with the loss, the Panthers come into the playoffs as the top seed.

The tale of the tape is very similar for the two teams. The Eagles can place points on the board with 322 scored this season. The Panthers a are almost as prolific, scoring 300 points this season.

Both teams also feature stingy defenses.  Prairie City/Burnt River has allowed 112 points. The Eagle defense has allowed just 92 points.

While keeping their eyes glued to the game in the stands of Hermiston High School, fans of both Joseph and Prairie City/Burnt River will be checking their phones during timeouts to keep an eye on the other semifinal game, being played at the same time in Hillsboro.

That game features third-seed Elkton taking on the surprise of the playoffs, 10th seed Echo.