On Thursday, May 14, the Crusaders will continue their pursuit of a sixth consecutive state title, facing the Wilsonville Wildcats in the second round of playoffs.

The Crusaders have been nothing but successful this season by beating the No. 2 seed the Grant Generals 16-15 back in mid-April. The team also beat the West Linn Lions at the very beginning of the season 11-6, who are currently ranked No. 3.

On Tuesday, the 12th, the Lincoln Cardinals faced off against the Wilsonville Wildcats to determine who the Crusaders will play on Thursday. Just recently, the Crusaders played the Wildcats on April 29, beating them 15-2.

Back in early April, the Crusaders played the Cardinals, beating them 19-8. This was one of the highest number of goals scored against them in a game.

“I think the game was so challenging for us because we were playing a different style of game– normally we play 11v11, but Lincoln didn’t have enough players, so we had to play 9v9, which we weren’t used to,” Taylor Young said. “Another reason it was so difficult for us might be that it was a back-to-back game with OES the day prior. They were a big game we were preparing for, so I think after we won that game, we pumped the brakes and maybe let up a little against Lincoln. But now looking forward, I think we’re ready for whatever team we face in the playoffs.”

“I think we have been preparing really well the last few weeks to get ready for playoffs and we have all been pushing each other really hard. We remind each other every day to play for each other and that another day is never guaranteed so we need to play every day, like it’s our last,” junior Gracie Stalick said.

Tonight the Crusaders get ready to face the Wildcats on their home field for one last night on Cronin. If they win they will play in the semifinals next Monday at Lakeridge High School.