Tualatin and Mountainside clash in first round playoff matchup

Update 10:20 p.m. 11/8/24: Mountainside defeats Tualatin, 44-39.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The OSAA playoffs have arrived as Tualatin (6-3, 2-3) and Mountainside (7-2, 5-0) prepare to face off in the first round. The reward for the victor: a meeting with top-ranked Lake Oswego.

Following spectacular shutout wins last week, both teams are feeling exceptionally strong. Mountainside defeated Beaverton 41-0, while Tualatin cruised past Tigard 44-0.

Tualatin quarterback Nolan Keeney, who is committed to BYU, is known for being a game changer, and will continue to lead the attack for the Timberwolves. Their hopes of advancing in the playoffs will depend heavily on Keeney's dual-threat skills.

As he leads the Timberwolves for the final time into the playoffs, he is poised to make an impression before leaving for BYU.

Conversely, Mountainside will rely on a powerful rushing combination in Reece Ballew and Jordan Hicks, who will be essential to the Mavericks attack. Mountainside wants to reverse the result of their most recent meeting when Tualatin won convincingly in the 2022 playoffs. 

Be sure to follow us on social media @gameonsports and tune into KOIN's high school Blitz show on Friday to get game recaps!