Fall Sports Update: High School Teams Face Challenges and Triumphs

As the regular season for high school fall sports enters its final stretch, teams are encountering both challenges and successes. With the end of October upon us, significant developments have emerged in football, volleyball, and soccer across various schools in the region.

Culver Bulldogs Aim for Playoffs

The Culver Bulldogs are on track for a solid finish in the Class 2A football season. Currently boasting a record of 6-1, their only defeat came from Lost River. Transitioning from a pass-heavy offense to a more ground-focused strategy, the Bulldogs have managed to maintain their scoring average from the previous year. A crucial match against Illinois Valley looms ahead, with a win needed to secure one of the automatic playoff berths. This would mark their second consecutive postseason appearance, a significant achievement considering they only made three playoff trips from 2013 to 2022.

The shift in competition level has posed a challenge for Crook County’s athletic programs, which recently moved from Class 4A to 5A. This transition introduces them to the more competitive Intermountain Conference. Last year, Crook County teams excelled, with football, volleyball, boys soccer, and boys cross-country all claiming league titles. Both boys soccer and volleyball advanced to the state semifinals, and the cross-country team secured a state trophy.

Crook County’s Struggles

Despite last year’s successes, the adjustment to the new conference has resulted in a decline in performance this season. Football’s victories have plummeted from four to one, while volleyball has dropped from nine to three wins. The boys soccer team has seen a significant dip, going from eight wins to just three, and the girls soccer team has yet to score a goal this season. With just weeks left in the regular season, the prospects for Crook County teams reaching the playoffs appear slim, a stark contrast to last year’s achievements.

In contrast, the Summit Storm boys soccer team is making waves in the Intermountain Conference. After a competitive non-league schedule, they have dominated their conference opponents, outscoring them 51-0. With three matches remaining, the Storm is poised to capture the IMC title, needing only to secure a second win against Redmond to solidify their status as one of the top seeds in the upcoming playoffs.

The Bend Lava Bears, last year’s state championship runners-up, are also asserting their dominance this season. Remaining undefeated, they have positioned themselves as strong contenders for the title once again. Their upcoming clash with Summit on October 27, 2025, at 16:00 at Bend’s 15th Street Field, is anticipated as a pivotal moment in the season. The teams previously tied 1-1, making this match critical for determining the IMC champion.

As high school fall sports approach the postseason, the stories of triumph and struggle from local teams underscore the dynamic nature of competition in the region. The coming weeks promise to deliver more excitement as teams vie for playoff positions and championship aspirations.