Cascade Christian Claims 3A Football Title in Thrilling Upset

Well, what a game, huh? High school football in Oregon just delivered a classic, a real nail-biter that folks will be talking about for years to come. In a stunning display of heart and determination, the Cascade Christian Challengers rolled into Cottage Grove and did what many thought was an incredibly tall order: they dethroned the reigning champions, the Burns Hilanders, claiming the 2025 OSAA Class 3A state football title with a hard-fought 28-21 victory.

Saturday, November 30, 2025, will forever be etched in the minds of Cascade Christian fans. You see, Burns wasn't just a champion; they were the champion, a dominant force in 3A football, and they arrived in Cottage Grove with every intention of repeating their triumph. They had that aura of invincibility, that quiet confidence that comes from knowing you've been there, done that. But the Challengers? They had a different kind of fire in their eyes, a hunger that simmered just beneath the surface, waiting for its moment to erupt.

From the very first whistle, it was clear this wouldn't be a walk in the park for either side. The energy on the field was palpable, a mix of fierce competition and sheer will. Cascade Christian, playing with a disciplined intensity, managed to answer every punch Burns threw. It wasn't always pretty football, but it was effective, strategic. Every yard gained felt earned, every defensive stop monumental. The crowd, a buzzing mix of maroon and gold and various shades of blue and white, swayed with every tackle, every pass, every crucial down.

As the game wore on, particularly into the crucial second half, you could just feel the momentum starting to shift. The Challengers, led by some truly inspiring plays – maybe a gutsy fourth-down conversion, perhaps a critical interception at just the right moment – began to believe, truly believe, that this was their day. They didn't just want it; they were actively taking it. And when that final whistle blew, signifying their 28-21 triumph, the eruption of joy from the Cascade Christian sideline was absolutely infectious. Players, coaches, and fans alike just let loose, celebrating a championship that, for many, had been a long time coming. Indeed, it's their first state title since 2018, making this victory all the sweeter, a true testament to their unwavering spirit and hard work throughout the entire season.

For Burns, the sting of defeat, of course, was evident. Their dreams of a repeat championship had been dashed, and that's always tough to swallow. But they played with honor and fought till the very end, embodying the spirit of champions themselves. For Cascade Christian, though, this victory isn't just about a trophy; it's about the culmination of countless hours of practice, the bonds forged, the lessons learned, and the pure, unadulterated joy of achieving something truly remarkable. What a way to cap off the 2025 high school football season!