Register-Guard Game of the Week: Can Thurston football get a win against North Eugene?
Each week throughout the 2023 high school football season, The Register-Guard will highlight a local game of the week.
Week 3 will open up league play in the OSAA when the Thurston Colts (0-2) host the North Eugene Highlanders (1-1) at 7 p.m. in a 5A Special District 2 league matchup.
Highlanders head coach Rick Raish said the team was focused on two big tasks during practices this week.
"Try to defend their (Colts) high-powered offense and try to establish the run game on offense," Raish said.
Colts head coach Justin Starck said the team learned from watching film the Highlanders' aggressive defense and defensive tackle has created problems for opponents so far this season.
"Their offense has been very productive this year," Starch said. "They've struggled a little bit defensively as of we, so we're similar in that regard. We'll just see who can play better defense on Friday."
In 2022, the Colts went undefeated in league and defeated the Highlanders 35-0 in Week 3.
Here's what you need to know about Friday night's game.
Thurston adds 4 new starters on defense
After starting the season 0-2, it is no surprise that significant changes have been set in motion for the Colts.
Walker Bonar will get the start at safety after being out the first two games. Sophomore Matt Newell, who previously held the position, will be moved to center back alongside junior David MacDonald.
"Those two will rotate and compete at that position," Starck said.
Senior wide receiver Lombel Doreen will get more defensive action as a starter at corner alongside senior Caleb Phillips.
Luke Newell will shift from tight end to outside linebacker, which Starck hopes will give the senior more experience.
Junior Tristen Collins will be looking to play more free safety on varsity after his performance in the JV game against Sheldon in Week 1.
The Colts will be without sophomore Cruz Gray, allowing for competition between sophomore Jackson Thomas and junior Brennan Dubell for the inside linebacker spot.
"We learned that it's really hard to throw a lot of sophomores out on the field because it can be overwhelming emotionally for them," Starck said of the first two weeks of games. "We're learning which ones are adapting well and which ones aren't quite ready, which is fine, and some of the sophomores will wind up playing some JV next week."
Thurston, North Eugene quarterback matchup
The Colts' junior quarterback, Noah Blair, is ranked fifth in the state with 533 passing yards and completed 51 of 71 pass attempts, according to MaxPreps.
"We want him to continue to take more ownership and control of the offense, which will come with time," Starck said.
Highlanders' senior quarterback Kelin Knutson has 122 passing yards and has completed seven of 15 pass attempts in two games.
Edith Noriega is a sports reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at ENoriega@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter at @Noriega_Edith.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Thurston Colts face North Eugene Highlanders in game of the week
