Sandy football sent off with celebration as it seeks playoff history

Published 1:36 pm Friday, November 15, 2024

Sandy sent off its historic football team with a celebration as the Pioneers set their eye on something they have never done before — winning a second round playoff game.

The 2024 Sandy football team has already draped itself in glory. On Friday, Nov. 8, the No. 20 Pioneers beat No. 21 McMinnville 39-16 in the first round of the 2024 OSAA 6A Football State Championship (formerly the Columbia Cup).

That was only the second playoff win ever for Sandy and the first one in 26 years.

“We have been so close — I read off to my guys all the captains that have been here in the last four years and the legacy they left,” Coach Dill said. “All the people, the family atmosphere we have created, and how close we have been for so long.”

“To break through that means the world, I love these kids,” he added. “They have overcome so much and earned this.”

But last week Sandy made it clear — no one wants to just settle for that single burst of historic joy. Thus all the pomp and circumstance Friday afternoon, Nov. 15, as the team boarded buses for the long drive to face No. 13 South Medford this afternoon.

“I am excited to see South Medford, I know they are good and the whole town goes to the game,” Dill said. “To win it is going to take us being about us and the family we have created.”

“These guys are hungry and want to keep winning — we think we can make a run,” he added.

Kickoff is 4 p.m. at South Medford High School.