Current state champs have difficult choice to make

It was just a few short weeks ago the fans of Jordan Valley and Adrian were celebrating the Antelope’s state title in football on the field in Hermiston. In a co-op joining the two schools for football only, the combination culminated with the hosting of a state trophy.

This year’s state title could be the first and only time Adrian and Jordan Valley student athletes will take the field together.

The Oregon School Activities Association has notified both schools a decision is necessary by January 22-the combined Antelopes need to jump to the 2A level in football or dissolve the co-op and return back to separate teams.

The problem is enrollment numbers. The combined students of Adrian and Jordan Valley has arisen to exceed the 1A threshold. This is not just a problem with the Lopes. The co-op of Pilot Rock and Nixyaawii have the same decision to make by January 22.

Easternoregonsports.com has yet to receive word from any of the schools on the upcoming decision.

While not up to date with Pilot Rock and Nixyaawii, we are knowledgeable with the Adrian and Jordan Valley issue.

The co-op originally started due to low numbers of student athletes in Jordan Valley. Adrian, having no problem with numbers, graciously offered to co-op a football team. Players practiced at their own schools before joining a few times a week together as a team. Although not always ideal, this set up worked as evidenced by this year’s record and state title.

If the co-op is dissolved, the original problem from a few years ago still stands. Adrian will be able to compete in the 1A ranks on its own. Jordan Valley student athletes will again face years where no team will take the field due to lack of players.

The alternative is the jump to the 2A ranks. If this is the way the co-op chooses, the Antelopes would probably play in the Special District 6, a league including Heppner, Grant Union, Stanfield, Weston-McEwen and Riverside.

While Adrian contemplates the move, Pilot Rock is doing the same-drop Nixyaawii and stay in 1A or move up to 2A while keeping the co-op.

The run for the Lopes has been great to watch. The team brings in two special towns with great athletic histories and fans.

Whatever way the Antelopes go by January 22, one thing is certain. This year’s Adrian/Jordan Valley football team was special and the memories of a state title can never be erased.

Related: Action Photos – Adrian Jordan ValleyNixyaawii Pilot Rock