Thurston Colts Football 20-17 Sheldon

Thurston's football team opened the 2026 season with a 20-17 road victory over Sheldon on Friday night, giving the Colts from Springfield, Oregon a confident start to their year. The Midwestern League (5A) program traveled to face the Irish in a non-conference opener, and came away with a three-point win that sets a winning tone early. Thurston controlled enough of the contest to secure the result, finishing with a 1-0 record heading into next week. The margin was slim, but the Colts earned it on the road against a familiar rival, which carries weight no matter the time of year. Non-conference games like this one serve as important early measuring sticks, and Thurston passed this first test. The Colts will look to build on this momentum as Midwestern League play approaches later in the season.