The Lake Oswego High School football team showcased a potent offensive performance to secure a decisive 49-24 victory over Tualatin in their Three Rivers League opener. The win propelled the Lakers to a perfect 5-0 season record, signaling their strong contention in Oregon’s competitive 6A classification.
Bell’s Rushing Barrage Leads the Charge
Senior running back LaMarcus Bell was the undisputed star of the game, terrorizing the Tualatin defense for 248 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 17 carries. Bell’s explosive runs, including a 76-yard touchdown in the previous year’s matchup, once again proved too much for the Timberwolves. His performance builds on a season where he has been a consistent force for the Lakers, averaging 125 yards per game and scoring seven touchdowns before this contest. Bell, a highly-touted recruit committed to the University of Utah, has been a key component of Lake Oswego’s offensive success.
Kurland Directs Traffic with Precision
Quarterback Hudson Kurland orchestrated the Lakers’ offense effectively, completing 8 of 12 passes for 198 yards and one touchdown. Kurland, a second-year starter, has demonstrated growth in his senior season, contributing significantly to Lake Oswego’s high-powered attack. His ability to manage the game and make crucial throws was evident as the Lakers established an early lead and maintained pressure throughout the contest.
A Comprehensive Offensive Effort
The Lakers’ offense amassed 520 total yards, with 322 yards coming on the ground. Beyond Bell’s standout performance, other Lakers contributed to the scoring. Senior tight end Sam Vyhlidal was a significant threat, hauling in five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown, and also adding a one-yard scoring run. Senior Justin Craigwell also found the end zone on a 31-yard run, capping off a dominant offensive showing.
Season Context and League Aspirations
Lake Oswego entered the game having won their previous contests against Central Catholic (21-0) and Newberg (28-7). However, quarterback Kurland acknowledged that the offense had experienced some “shaky” performances in recent games, underscoring the importance of the bye week to tune up for league play. The victory over Tualatin not only marked the start of Three Rivers League play but also served as a significant statement win against a highly-ranked opponent. The Lakers are aiming for a state championship, fueled by the memory of their runner-up finish in the 2024 6A Open Football State Championship.
Tualatin’s Resilience
Despite the significant offensive output from Lake Oswego, Tualatin demonstrated resilience, amassing 428 total yards against a Lakers defense that had allowed only 17 points through its first four games. The Timberwolves’ offense showed flashes of capability, with junior Carter Powers throwing two touchdown passes. Tualatin, which entered the game with a 4-1 record, fought back multiple times, notably with a 32-yard touchdown run by Iden Rule that narrowed the score to 28-24 in the third quarter. Tualatin’s coach, Dom Ferraro, acknowledged the difficulty of facing Bell and the Lakers, noting the challenge of bringing down such an explosive player.
Looking Ahead
The win places Lake Oswego in a strong position early in the Three Rivers League standings. The Lakers’ potent offense and strong start to the season position them as key contenders in Oregon’s high school football landscape. This result underscores the Lakers’ ambition to contend for a state title in the current trending sports news cycle within Oregon.
