Rivals now find themselves as teammates this football season.

Days Creek and Riddle have been opponents on the gridiron for the past five seasons, dating back to when the Irish switched to 8-man football. 

Shortly before the beginning of the 2021 season (moved to this spring from fall of 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic), Riddle High School found itself without the necessary number of players to field a football team on its own. 

Co-operative agreements are made between schools in close proximity and who cannot meet the minimum requirement for participation, if approved by the OSAA. Days Creek and Riddle have co-op agreements in baseball, wrestling and cross country.

The merger came two weeks into Days Creek’s season, which caused the team to make some adjustments.

“They should work for their starting job, and it shouldn’t be given to them,” said senior running back Rhyse Williams. “Both teams should have to work for starting jobs.”

Coincidentally, Days Creek hosts a combined Yoncalla-North Douglas team Friday at 4:30. Those North County Schools chose to enter a co-op due to lack of players as well.

“It’s the biggest game so far,” head coach Travis Fuller said. “I think it’s very evenly matched. They match up well with us and we match up well with them.”

Riddle players participating are Justin Jenks, Tanner Dobeck, Tyler Dobeck, Hunter Buchanan, Christian DeBaca, Colin Hoolihan and Peyton Miller. Tanner Dobeck have assumed starting roles for the Wolves already.

The Irish commute to Days Creek for practice four days a week, driven by Riddle’s first-year head coach Clark Wozich. Wozich helps with defense and tight ends as an assistant for Fuller.

Days Creek-Riddle defeated Myrtle Point, 40-12 in its season opener on Friday.