Sheldon High School continued its strong postseason run on Friday, Nov. 6, when backup quarterback Keaton Welch stepped into the spotlight and helped the Irish edge No. 12 Lakeridge 35‑34 in a first‑round playoff showdown.
Welch’s breakout performance
Welch, a 6‑foot‑1, 190‑pound junior, has spent most of the season watching starter Ryker Rohaley manage the offense from the sideline. When Rohaley jogged off in the red‑zone, Welch took over and delivered exactly what the team needed. He rushed for two touchdowns – one on a 1‑yard plunge and another after a 40‑yard breakaway set up by running back Cody Hall – and finished with 125 yards on 21 carries.
“I think it’s just a mentality thing,” Welch said after the game. “Like, I’m going to score here. No one’s going to stop me.” His confidence proved well‑placed as he powered through a defensive pass‑interference call in the third quarter to give Sheldon a crucial lead.
Rohaley’s contribution and Lakeridge fight
Starter quarterback Ryker Rohaley still played a key role, throwing for 214 yards and three touchdowns, including a go‑ahead score to Barry Myles with 9:47 left in the fourth quarter. His third‑and‑7 completion to Jett Wong sealed the win.
Lakeridge kept the game within reach, with senior wide receiver Cam Thomas catching a 21‑yard touchdown and Myles adding two scores of his own. Running back Colby Owen also found the end zone, but the Pacers’ defense could not stop the Irish from pulling ahead late.
Key supporting players
Returning from a short‑term injury, Cody Hall contributed 125 rushing yards and several long receptions, echoing his admiration for NFL star Christian McCaffrey as a model all‑purpose back.
Freshman wide receiver Jett Wong added three catches for 55 yards, including the decisive third‑and‑7 reception that set up the final touchdown.
Coach Martell’s perspective
Head coach Tyler Martell praised his players for staying focused after a dramatic regular‑season finish. “You just have to continue to remind them that they’ve been really, really good,” Martell said. “When you get your opportunity, you make the most out of it.” He also noted that the team’s preparation often creates its own luck, a sentiment that resonated after the narrow victory.
Looking ahead
With the win, Sheldon advances to the quarterfinals and will face No. 4 Tualatin on Nov. 13. Tualatin entered the playoffs with an 8‑2 record and a dominant 40‑7 win over No. 13 Grant.
The game added another exciting chapter to Lane County’s high‑school football playoffs, which have already seen several close contests as teams vie for a spot in the state semifinals.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
