Canby is one of the 25 teams competing in the 6/5A Game Day division.

With just two weeks left before the OSAA cheerleading championships, a new obstacle has emerged for many teams: winter illnesses.

The flu and other winter illnesses have run rampant through many teams preventing them from competing for the last couple of weekends. As some teams have been sidelined due to these illnesses, other teams have emerged as contenders in some divisions. 

Westside Christian took the top spot over Scio this weekend in the 4/3/2/1A Game Day division. It is no longer just a battle between reigning champions, Baker, and former champions, Scio. Westside Christian looks to give both programs a challenge leading up to the State Championships.

The 6/5A Game Day front runners, Thurston and Central, have a new team to keep their eye on. Mountainside, who is new to the game day division, took the top spot this weekend. This is the largest division at the State Championships with 25 teams, and there may be more contenders hiding amongst these top teams.

In the 3/2/1A division, Delphian put up some impressive scores last weekend against one of the front runners, Santiam Christian. The Eagles remained on top in the final placings, but the Dragons look to give them a solid challenge.

With no sight of front runners, Crescent Valley and Lebanon, in the 5A division, Redmond emerged with some impressive scores last weekend. They could be another team to watch out for in this division.

Although Newberg remained on top in the 6A Small division last weekend, Aloha was only 3 points behind them. This is the closest that any team has come to the Tigers.

In the 6/5A Coed division, Oregon City and Hillsboro have proven to be contenders. These two programs continue to look stronger each time they take the mat.

As all teams are working to heal before the 2025 OSAA State Championships on February 14-15 at Oregon City High School, there is only one more weekend of qualifying competitions. Most teams will be taking the mat for their final chance at judge's feedback before the most important event of their season.