This high school football coach refused to panic after 3 straight losses. Now his team is thriving in the playoffs

When West Albany dropped its third straight game 25-14 to Dallas in Week 6 to fall to 3-3, coach Brian Mehl knew not to panic.

The three teams that beat the Bulldogs were Lebanon, Silverton and the Dragons, who ended the year with a combined record of 22-5. So, despite going without an offensive touchdown against the Warriors and Foxes, he wasn’t about to deviate from a system that had led his program to reaching the 5A quarterfinals in five of the previous six seasons.

More Oregon high school sports

What we learned: Nelson finally fulfilling its promise as it bids to join 6A elite teams

Northwest Oregon Conference football (5A Special District 2) 2025: All-league teams, coach and players of the year

Vote: Who should be the football player of the week for the week of Nov. 3?