(Photo by Bob White)

by Sam Criscola | Special to MCLA.us

EUGENE, Ore. - For many teams, the rivalry game is marked on their calendar all year long, and for Oregon and Oregon State it’s no different.

These two teams both conclude their regular seasons on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Portland in a game that holds more weight than a win or loss.

The official name of this game is the Oregon Classic, but both teams have accepted the name of the Charlie Jackson Memorial Game.

Charlie Jackson, head coach of Oregon until his passing in 2020, had a passion for lacrosse that extended the lines on the field.,

“When Charlie was coaching at Chico State, he actually chose a house that could not only house him, but could house a complete coaching staff,” said current Oregon head coach Peter Harris, who was a former player for Jackson. “He had four other coaches living with him. Charlie found a way to foster lacrosse into his life.

"His life was fostering the game.”

It’s been two year since these teams have gone toe-to-toe in front of a packed stadium and had to worry about playoff implications. The build up to the end of the season and the atmosphere of the crowd make this a game that elicits major excitement from both teams.

In most instances there aren't a couple hundred fans showing up to MCLA games, but annually this game produces a larger crowd than normal.

“I got in my freshman year three or four times that game, and I drew a penalty and didn't think much of it, but guys were cheering me on,” said former Oregon player and current assistant coach Carter Boone. “It just means a little more. The atmosphere can definitely get guys going.”

The sheer amount of people can make any one player nervous and excited to take the field.

Like most years, this game determines playoff births and playoff seeding.

“It’s a pretty big game for both programs,” said Oregon State head coach Chris Miller. “A lot of years this game comes down to not only making it into the PNCLL playoffs, but also the standing in the top four. It has dramatic effects on who ends up where in the playoff seeding. It’s held quite a bit of meaning for our postseason and where things go from there.”

For Oregon, this game will determine whether the Ducks are the No. 2 or 3 seed in the PNCLL tournament. For Oregon State, this is win or go home. Either receiving the second seed or ending their season is the Beavers’ fate.

Playing with passion for a full four quarters is the true way Charlie Jackson would have wanted both teams to play in his honor.

Holding the Charlie Jackson Memorial Cup in the air at the end of the game will be on both teams minds, but there’s only one team that will be able to come away with the trophy.