A team on the rise and sitting at (2-0) is the McMinnville Grizzlies. Former Sprague coach Robin Hill has taken over the group and he is no stranger to state championship games. To get a coach with his status was a huge pickup for the Pacific Conference school as they have looked good thus far.
McMinnville hasn’t really played anybody yet, but have come out polished in their first two games. They blasted Centennial 59-23 week 1 and 5A Madison last Friday 56-8. They are led by one of the state’s top QB’s in Gage Gubrud (6-2 190 Sr.), who we currently have ranked the #3 quarterback state wide. He accounted for 4 TD’s (3 passing, 1 rushing) while hitting on 5 of 8 passes for 108 yards and 0 Int’s last week.
He did the opposite in the season opener running for 3 TD’s and passing for 1, going 8 of 11 for 104 yards. He is an outstanding overall athlete (basketball), and will be a three year all league QB. Gage has the luxury of throwing to one of the better TE’s in Oregon in Grant Rubado (6-3 200 Sr.), who was a standout on the Barton Camp and Combine tour this off season, earning 2nd team all league honors in 2012.
Speaking with Rubado and referencing the season a few weeks back he says, “We have all been working hard together over the summer and feel good with Coach Hill taking over.” He continued, ” We don’t have a lot of size on the line, but I’m excited about the guys that we have coming back.”
McMinnville will venture into league play tomorrow against a Newberg team that looks to be much improved. The Grizzlies and Tualatin will most likely be Tigard’s toughest competition within conference, as the Tigers look super legit again this season, currently being ranked our #1 team state wide.
Tanner Scanlon (6-0 180 Jr. RB/DB), Cameron Fox (6-0 195 Jr. RB/DB), Zach Silver (5-8 185 Jr. RB/DE), and Josh Sorenson (6-4 260 Jr. OL) look to be four of the better underclassmen in the Pacific, but It will be tough for anyone to hang with Tigard. The Grizzlies have the potential to keep it close and could win a couple playoff games.
Gubrud is the real deal and Rubado is one of the more underrated players in Oregon. We wish legendary Oregon Head Coach Hill and all of the Grizzly athletes continued success this season and will bring you updates as they happen.
