This week, the spotlight shines on the Oregon 8-Man All Star Game, a highly-anticipated face-off featuring some of the most skilled high school football players from across Eastern Oregon. Set in the bustling Community Stadium in La Grande, the kickoff is slated for 7:00pm this Friday, June 23.
With this event, the game of football takes an exciting twist. The smaller schools across Oregon, which make up a significant part of the state’s football tapestry, often have limited player pools. As a result, they opt for 8-man football instead of the traditional 11-player game, which makes for dynamic and thrilling gameplay.
8-man football, with its smaller teams, is particularly well-suited to these schools. It provides an opportunity for the schools to field a competitive team without needing the extensive roster required for 11-man football. Furthermore, the game tends to be faster and higher-scoring, with more open space on the field leading to exciting plays and strategies.
East Team’s head coach Dave Doman, also the Offensive Coordinator for Crane Union High, emphasizes the unique qualities of 8-man football. He mentions that, “The communities that have schools that play 8-man football are special and hardworking. As a result, you get raw, hardworking, and tough kids that make great 8-man football players. When you get an all-star team of these players together, it’s magical.”
East Team Roster
Making up this year’s East team are the following standouts:
- Brock Bertalotto, Robert Garza, Jace Martin – Adrian High School
- Patrick Frisch – Cove High School
- Jake Doman, Emery Hammond, Jared Zander – Crane Union High School
- August Harvey – Dufur High School
- Joe Lathrop – Elgin High School
- Chase Duncan, Caden Fent – Enterprise High School
- Kellen Gronquist, Bryce Rollins – Ione High School
- Braxton Golar, Cade Lind, Cole Martin, Logan Profitt, Cooper Secl – Powder Valley High School
- Josiah Carlson, Kole Martin – Sherman County High School
Each of these players represents not just their school, but also the tenacity, grit, and dedication that is characteristic of 8-man football. Join us on Friday’s Oregon 8-Man All Star Game as we cheer on these promising athletes!