• Silverton is coached by John Mannion, the father of Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion.
• Hermiston has never won a state football championship and is playing in its first-ever state football title game.
• Silverton last won a state football championship in 1991, under coach Robby Robinson.
• The two teams are a combined 23-1 this season, with Hermiston’s only loss coming to Coeur d’Alene of Idaho 31-27 on the road.
• Silverton lost to state-champion West Albany 17-0 in last year’s semifinals.
• Hermiston running back Samuel Colbray is a beast! I remember first hearing about this kid a few years ago from friends in Hermiston… wow, he’s impressive!