The Phoenix football team opened its rebuilding effort with some definite highlights at Sutherlin on September 3.

A 68-yard scoring run by junior Will Greenwood was the biggest play for the Pirates who eventually fell to host Sutherlin 46-6 in a non-conference game in Sutherlin. The game was moved from Phoenix due to poor air quality.

Greenwood's run tied the game at 6-6 late in the first quarter. The host Bulldogs responded with two touchdowns to close the first quarter and added four more scores over the next two quarters to put the game away.

A lack of depth, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, was especially apparent for Phoenix, which had just six linemen for the game. 

The Pirates found themselves down early and often and trailed Stayton 35-0 at halftime in a game on September 11, which was played at South Umpqua High School to avoid possible air quality issues in Southern Oregon.

Jackson Selden made solid contributions on both sides of the ball for Phoenix. The junior came up with an interception while connecting with quarterback Hunter Everhart on a 20-yard reception in the second half of the game.

Phoenix returns to action Friday night when it visits Elmira.