Matthew Burgess has rushed for 449 yards and eight touchdowns in three playoff games. (Photo by Ben Cross)

Game-planning against Sheldon’s football team has become a little more complicated in the latter half of the season.

Everyone knows about senior quarterback Michael Johnson Jr. and senior receiver Patrick Herbert – who have committed to Penn State and Oregon, respectively – but the emergence of senior running back Matthew Burgess has given the Irish a new dimension.

“It’s been really good to have that consistent play in our backfield,” said coach Josh Line, who leads the third-seeded Irish (10-2) against No. 2 Clackamas (12-0) in a 6A semifinal Friday at Hillsboro Stadium. “It’s really opened things up for our passing game.”

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Burgess, a backup tailback and starting linebacker last year, started the season with a bang, rushing for 165 yards and four touchdowns in a loss to Graham-Kapowsin (Wash.). He did not hit the century mark again until Week 6 against Jesuit, but since has strung together seven consecutive 100-yard games.

In three playoff games, he has rushed for 449 yards and eight touchdowns, including 143 yards on a season-high 28 carries in the quarterfinals against West Linn. He has 1,405 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns for the season.

To start the season, Sheldon viewed Burgess as more of a downhill runner who could pound away at the heart of defenses. As the season has progressed, he has shown an ability to evade defenders and make big plays.

“Matthew is evolving,” Line said. “He’s really good at finding slivers, and just driving into the gaps and getting movement. If he can break one tackle, most likely he’s gone. He’s got breakaway speed. Most people can’t catch him from behind.

Burgess’ running style has changed since he was “trying to run over everybody” early in the season, according to Line.

“Now he’s turning into a guy that can move laterally and make some nice cuts,” Line said. “His vision is improving. He’s getting better every week. His last game I thought was his best.”

It helps that he’s running behind an offensive line that has developed excellent chemistry. The group includes tackles Taylor Johnson and Madden Salisbury, guards Austin Lasby and Max Meier and center Andy Adams. Herbert also has provided a lift when he lines up at tight end.

“With Michael Johnson and Matt in the backfield, it’s a real tough deal to try to control,” Line said. “We’ve been able to do some things with those two.”

Line said an overlooked aspect about Burgess is that he’s also contributing full-time at linebacker.

“He’s just taking a pounding, and he doesn’t ever seem to slow down,” Line said. “I think he’s one of the most underrated players in the state of Oregon. I’m a little confused as to why he’s not getting more attention from colleges.”