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Churchill’s Historic Football Run Ends in Semifinals

Source: 'Beyond proud'; Churchill football's storybook run ends in semifinals (2025-11-23)

Churchill High School’s remarkable postseason journey in Oregon’s 5A football division has concluded with a hard-fought loss in the semifinals. The No. 13 seed Lancers, who defied expectations by defeating two top-ranked teams and reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2016, fell 28-14 to the undefeated No. 1 Summit. Churchill finished the season with an 8-4 record, marking a historic achievement for a double-digit seed in the state’s top classification. The team’s resilience and teamwork garnered widespread praise, with players like senior defensive end Charlie Dexter and senior safety Mikey Johnson earning recognition for their standout performances. Summit will now face No. 2 Silverton in the state championship, scheduled for Nov. 28 at Hillsboro Stadium. In addition to this exciting playoff run, Churchill’s success highlights several recent developments in high school football. The 2025 season saw a record number of underdog teams reaching advanced stages, emphasizing the growing competitiveness across Oregon’s high school leagues. The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) has implemented new safety protocols and coaching standards to enhance player health and game integrity. Furthermore, the rise of advanced analytics and video analysis tools has transformed coaching strategies, giving smaller schools like Churchill a competitive edge. The 2025 season also marked increased community engagement, with local support boosting team morale and attendance at games. As high school football continues to evolve, Churchill’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance, strategic innovation, and community spirit in achieving athletic excellence. This season’s achievements are expected to inspire future generations of student-athletes and contribute to the ongoing growth of high school sports in Oregon.

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