Hello hello, it’s Tuuuuuuuesday~ 

I’ve recently been re-obsessed with murder mystery novels. I am loving Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, and I’m on the third novel. Do you have any similar book recommendations? While I do enjoy this genre, I do also like non-murderous mysteries, romance, and contemporary fiction. (And always, books about food!) 

Switching to the polar opposite of reading: sports! This week I’m breaking down the various seasons of high school football, volleyball and a stab at cross country thus far. I’ve never been a huge traditional sports gal, but this was a fun challenge. Onward!

Throwing on another scarf,

Em Chan

The playoffs for the fall sports season are fast approaching. Here's where our local schools stand as teams gear up for postseason competition.

Girls' volleyball playoff brackets will be finalized October 25, and several Salem-area teams are positioned for postseason runs.

For the first time in program history, Sprague girls volleyball could win a state championship. Currently ranked #1 in the entire state, head coach Anne Olsen calls this team the best shot at a title in her 15-year tenure.

"It's been an exciting season and we have a team this year we're so happy about," Olsen said. "So far, it has been incredible to be #1 in the state."

The program has been consistently elite under Olsen—nine conference championships, state playoff appearances every year, and frequent state tournament berths. The closest they've come to a title was runner-up in 2018, losing to Jesuit.

Despite managing injuries this season, including a concussion and lingering knee issues for some players, the team remains focused on making history.

Outstanding Sprague players:

Olsen credits the community's support and competitive environment. "Having such a strong volleyball program and even rivalries with other schools like South Salem is great," she said. "It just shows the development of volleyball in the valley and increases the level of play around here."

Sprague (23-2, ranked 1st in state) leads the conference and state. Behind them: South Salem (18-4, ranked 3rd), West Salem (11-10, ranked 15th), McNary (11-11, ranked 25th), and North Salem (2-16, ranked 40th).

In the playoff format, the top teams from each league qualify based on overall record and league standing. Sprague and South Salem have secured playoff spots, with West Salem and McNary still in contention.

McKay (2-16, ranked 31st in state) is working to establish consistency in league play. While they've struggled in conference matches (0-11), the team secured two non-league victories this season—showing growth from last year.

Salem Academy (14-5, ranked 7th in state) leads Blanchet Catholic (13-8, ranked 20th) in the conference standings.

This season marks a significant shift for Salem Academy, which moved up from the 2A Tri-River Conference where they were ranked #2 in the state. The Crusaders have adapted well to the higher level of competition with a 12-2 league record and 47 sets won. They're playoff-bound.

Blanchet Catholic sits in the middle of the pack and faces an uphill battle for postseason qualification.

Chemawa (6-7, ranked 50th in state) has made impressive strides, posting a 6-6 league record after not participating in league-sanctioned matches last season. The program is clearly building momentum.

On October 5, boys volleyball was officially sanctioned as an OSAA activity with the first season launching in spring 2026. This is huge news for the sport's growth in Oregon.

Sprague launched their boys program two years ago and will be led by coach Jeremy Magnusson (currently an assistant for the girls program) starting next season.

"It's incredible to see it finally make waves and taken as a serious sport in Oregon," girls volleyball head coach Anne Olsen said. "It's one of the highest growing sports in the nation and fun to see it grow as a legitimate thing, for people to recognize how much growth it has."

Watch this space for updates on individual school programs as boys volleyball expands across Salem.

Round one of the state championship playoffs begins the first weekend of November, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Teams qualify based on league standings and overall records through the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA).

The bulk of Salem-based high schools compete in 6A Special District 1: North Salem, Sprague, South Salem, and West Salem.

West Salem (5-1, ranked 11th in state) The Titans are having their strongest season in years, currently ranked second in the league. After opening with wins against Sprague, Sheldon, and North Medford, they suffered their only loss to Willamette before bouncing back against North Salem. Last year, the team made it to the quarterfinals and lost by just one point to Jesuit. This year's squad looks poised to make another deep playoff run.

Keep an eye on running back Koen Campos, who carries the third most rushing yards in the league at 1,046 yards on 168 carries with 13 touchdowns. The defense is formidable, with Jack Level, Brendan Goodwin, and Deacon Shinkle each recording 4 sacks.

Sprague (4-3, ranked 16th in state) The Olympians sit fourth in the league after opening the season with a loss to West Salem. At 4-3, they're showing resilience compared to last year when a winning streak broke just before playoffs. Last season ended in the quarterfinals against Sheldon, and this year's team is working to build momentum heading into postseason play.

Running back Isaac Tindall has been instrumental with 881 yards on 146 carries (sixth in the league). The defense features linebacker Gabe Flynn with 61 total tackles and linebacker Paul Herb with 56.

North Salem (4-3, ranked 24th in state) The Vikings are experiencing a remarkable turnaround. After winning just one game all last season and missing the playoffs entirely, they've already matched their best recent performance with wins against South Salem and South Medford to open the season. Whether or not they make the playoffs, this represents significant progress for the program.

The Vikings have several standout performers: running back Jakai Phillips has rushed for 1,024 yards on 116 carries with 13 touchdowns, while wide receiver Braxton Singleton ranks in the top ten for receiving yards (554 yards, 29 receptions, 3 interceptions). The team has also been strong on defense with tight end Nary Nerio forcing 3 fumbles.

South Salem (0-6, ranked 40th in state) The Saxons are facing a rebuilding season, currently winless in league play. Despite the challenging record, the team features some of the league's top individual talent. Quarterback Kellen Bowman leads all of 6A in passing yards with 2,326 yards from 191 completions. Wide receiver Benjamin Greer ranks second in receiving yards (915 yards, 81 receptions), with Wongani Schlegal also cracking the top ten (555 yards, 43 receptions).

McNary (1-5, ranked 31st in state) The Celtics are showing improvement from last season's winless campaign, securing a victory against McKay. While the playoffs aren't in reach this year, the team is building toward future success.

McKay (0-6, ranked 36th in state) The Royal Scots are working through a difficult season, averaging approximately one touchdown per game. The team is focused on developing younger players and establishing a foundation for coming years.

Salem Academy (2-3, ranked 20th in state) The Crusaders sit fourth in their league, recently defeating Blanchet Catholic 35-7 during their homecoming game. While playoffs are unlikely, they're holding their own in the middle of the pack.

Blanchet Catholic (1-4, ranked 36th in state) The Cavaliers are working to find consistency this season. The program continues building experience for next year's campaign.

Note: Chemawa Indian School competes independently and is not part of OSAA.

With playoffs just around the corner, there's plenty of action ahead for our local athletes. Whether your school is chasing championships or building for the future, these students are putting in the work on and off the field.

Got a story tip or want to share something about your local school? Reach me at [email protected].

Finding my next cozy read, Em Chan

Have an idea you’d like to see us cover in a future Tuesday send?

Let us know by simply replying to this email.