Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Oregon Observer Entry Title: Leaf a good impression; Dig this; Panthers shine at state Entry Credit: Scott DeLaruelle, Brad Allen Judge Comment: One and three are extremely good in my opinion. Combining the headline with a photo catches the eye and gives just enough context to get reading while not enough for the reader to skip. 2nd has some nice alliteration as well. Overall an extremely strong submission
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Courier Sentinel Entry Title: Hornets take the howl right out of the Wolves; Move over Jimmie Johnson; Coffee shop helps patrons Rise and Shone Entry Credit: Courier Sentinel Staff Judge Comment: Solid and eye catching headlines. Good positioning and like most of the high scoring entries it gives just the right amount of information grab the reader's interest as well. I am also a sucker for puns in sports headlines.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Hillsboro Sentry-Enterprise Entry Title: Earning Stripes; 3 Wins For Th3 Wolv3s; A Friend in Knee-D Entry Credit: Logan Everson Judge Comment: More than solid 1st submission, the headline being worked into what looks like a kind of sidebar attracts the eye. The other two are solid but perhaps a bit forced, I wasn't the biggest fan of the "3 Wins For Th3 Wolv3s" as it may confuse the reader but I can not deny that it sparks interest in the article itself.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Valley Sentinel Entry Title: We're suing Lone Rock over public records, here's why; Arena board hears tenure of current Arena clerk audited in Monticello, discrepancies found in water bills; Lake Louie Brewing announces 'major water relocation project' with the move of Lake Louie... Entry Credit: Valley Sentinel Judge Comment: I was pleasantly surprised by the 1st submission. While the more informal style can certainly be overused, I thought it worked really well in this case, especially since the paper itself is a part of this story and made me want to read it.
Competition Comment: An enjoyable series of headlines but I would say that the first place pick really does stand out. The other options, both 2nd, 3rd and the honorable mention, all also show a lot of skill in well worded and eye-catching headlines.
