Former Tri-Valley heavyweights square off
North Marion and La Salle match up on Wednesday afternoon in the Huskies 2015 home opener, after their original home opener was moved to Sandy High School. Wednesday's contest will serve as the season opener for the Falcons. The Huskies are coming off of a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Sandy in their season opener on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 5:00pm from Bob Brack Stadium.
CONFERENCE RIVALS: A RECENT HISTORY
The Huskies and Falcons are very familliar with one another and have played their fair share of meaningful games. North Marion and La Salle have combined to win the last five Tri-Valley / Capital Conference titles, with the other not usually too far behind.
2014 (Tri-Valley) - North Marion (tied for 1st), La Salle (tied for 1st)
2013 (Tri-Valley) - North Marion (1st), La Salle (2nd)
2012 (Tri-Valley) - La Salle (1st), North Marion (tied for 3rd)
2011 (Tri-Valley) - La Salle (1st), North Marion (tied for 3rd)
2010 (Capital) - North Marion (1st), La Salle (tied for 3rd)
Over the past five seasons, North Marion went 7-8 in games vs. La Salle. Games between the two clubs have been separated by less than two runs on average. Both clubs posted a 54-24 record (.692) in conference play -- nine more wins than any other school in the conference.
LAST TIME OUT
North Marion traveled to Sandy High School for the season opener with the Pioneers, the reigning 5A State Champs. The Huskies sent three pitchers to the mound in starter Jordan Kendall (2.0 IP), Hunter Beachy (3.0 IP), and Andy Schmitz (1.0). North Marion could only muster five hits off of Pioneer starter Nick Schaffer who threw a complete game. Schmitz came around to score on an RBI single from Emry Patterson, representing the Huskies only run of the contest.
RECAPPING NORTH MARION'S 2014
The Huskies are coming off of their deepest playoff run since 2005, making an appearance in the semifinal round for the tenth time. However, North Marion couldn't improve on the program's 1-8 record in semifinal games, falling to top-seeded Sisters and ace Joey Morgan. Prior to the season-ending loss in Central Oregon, the Huskies were dominate in consecutive playoff victories over Hidden Valley and La Grande. North Marion trampled the Mustangs and Tigers by a combined score of 23-8. The Huskies earned the No. 1 seed in the Tri-Valley Conference for the program's 17th conference championship, after North Marion emerged victorious from a four-way tie atop the league standings with Gladstone, La Salle, and Estacada.
RECAPPING LA SALLE'S 2014
The Falcons looked poised for a deep postseason run, completing the first two rounds through conference play with a 9-1 record to lead the Tri-Valley Conference. La Salle, however, stumbled across the finish line -- losing four of their last five to finish 10-5, forcing the infamous four-team tie to end the season. The Falcons essentially dropped from first place to fourth place in a matter of hours, forced to travel to Cottage Grove for the play-in round. La Salle was upset by the Lions, abruptly ending their season.
SCOUTING LA SALLE IN 2015
Key Losses
La Salle loses six Tri-Valley Conference all-leaguers from 2014, including five first-team members. Losses include seniors Connor Shride, Sam Wade, Austin Vaughan, Kelly Krumm, Dane Maben, and Chris Dowhaniuk.
Key Returners
The Falcons return a pair of all-conference recognitions who will lead the team as seniors in 2015. Second teamers Ian Basile and Michael Duarte return for second-year head coach Jake Austin.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
After both teams exited the Tri-Valley Conference following the 2013-2014 school year, La Salle made the leap to the 5A Northwest Oregon Conference while the Huskies remained in 4A, transferring to the Oregon West. Both schools have had ups and downs in their first year of participation in new conferences. La Salle topped the Northwest Oregon Conference standings in volleyball and girls basketball, claiming the state title in lady's hoops. However, the Falcons finished last in football and in the bottom half of the league in boys basketball. North Marion has made a pair of state championship game appearances in 2014-2015, winning the boys soccer title and losing in boys basketball. The Huskies have struggled in their new conference in girls soccer and volleyball.
ANOTHER NORTH MARION - LA SALLE CONNECTION
Current La Salle Athletic Director, Glenn Elliott, served as both North Marion High School principal and varsity baseball assistant coach as recently as 2010.