Game 12: Federal Way 41, Richland 34
 |
Richland Bombers |
34 |
 |
Federal Way Eagles |
41 |
November 22, 2013
The Richland Bombers were in uncharted territory playing their first state quarterfinal game since 1999 but were unable to contain the Federal Way dual threat of Keenan Curran and Chico McClatcher as the Eagles defeated the Bombers 41-34.
As has been their pattern, the Bombers came out with their hair on fire, taking the first drive of the game for a touchdown. Nathan Perry ran in from 18 yards for the score and a 7-0 lead.
The Eagles then went three and out on their first posession. Richland quickly moved the ball against the Federal Way defense and took at 14-0 lead when Zach Whitby connnected with Hayden Whitby for four yards and the touchdown.
Federal Way was finally able to get a sustained drive with Keenan Curran doing most of the damage and the Bomber defense not able to slow him down. Curran scored the Eagles first touchdown on a 19 yard run. Richland 14, Federal Way 7.
The Bombers played an excellent first half but were fighting themselves for most the time with seven false start penalties. On their third drive, the Bombers got the ball on the 29 yard line. Whitby connected on a long pass to Gibson McGeorge for 30 yards. A pass interference penalty on Federal Way brought the ball to the 13 yard line. After another false start, Whitby found Payton Radliff to get the Bombers inside the five. Nathan Perry then ran the ball in from 3 yards out and Richland was back up by two scores, 21-7.
Keenan Curran quickly got the Eagles back on the board with a 52 yard touchdown run to close the gap to 21-14. After holding the Bombers to a punt, Federal Way again started ripping off yards at a big clip, and tied up the game at 21 on Chico McClatcher's 13 yard touchdown run.
On their next drive, the Bombers moved the ball but were forced to punt. Zach Whitby's kick rolled down the field and Gibson McGeorge stopped the ball at the Federal Way 1 yard line. Richland then stuffed the Eagle offense and forced a punt of their own. Kicking from their own end zone, the punt gave the Bombers excellent field position on the Federal Way 30 with just over half a minute remaining in the first half.
A pass interference call on Federal Way brought the ball inside the 20. Zach Whitby then connected with Nathan Perry for 13 yards and the touchdown and at halftime, the Bombers led 28-21.
Much like their game last week against Skyline, Federal Way turned the momentum on its ear in the second half.
Federal Way came out and quickly scored on their first posession. Chico McClatcher tied the score at 28-28 with an 11-yard touchdown run. Then Richland started making mistakes.
After a flawless first half, Richland was not able to sustain a drive for their first five drives in the second half. Keenan Curran intercepted a Zach Whitby pass and returned the ball inside the Richland 35. Federal Way then pulled out the trick play when McClatcher threw a halfback pass to James Black for a 31 yard touchdown and took the lead for the first time at 35-28.
The next Bomber drive was cut short by another interception. After holding the Eagle offense to a punt, the second play of the Richland drive ended in a fumble that was recovered by Federal Way on the Richland 28 yard line. A few plays later, McClatcher scored from 4 yards out and the Eagles were up 41-28 with a lot of time remaining in the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately for the Bombers, the mistakes didn't stop. McClatcher intercepted another Whitby pass. The defense was able to hold and Jacob Devries blocked the punt to give the Bombers exceellent field position inside Federal Way territory. The Bomber drive quickly but Whitby's pass into the endzone on 4th and 11 was tipped and intercepted once more.
The Bomber offense didn't give up. Zach Whitby connected on a long pass to Payton Radliff down to the Eagle 20 yard line. Whitby then hit Radliff again for a 16 yard touchdown. Damian Ruiz then missed his first extra point of the year but with the previous Eagle PAT miss, the Bombers were still only behind by seven.
The Bombers attempted an onside kick and got their hands on the ball but Federal Way was able to recover. Keenan Currean put the final nail in the Bomber season when he tore off a 50 yard run and the Eagles were able to run out the clock to preserve with win and a date with the Chiawana/Wenatchee winner next week.
In closing, I have to say that this was the most entertaining Bomber team in several years, and not just because my nephew played on the team. Coach Neidhold and his coaches did an excellent job in taking the Bombers to their highest state position in 14 years. As with them, though, I was really hoping to see the Bombers take on Chiawana one more time.
Many thanks to all of you who have been reading my articles this year. Special thanks to Dana Vogel for all of the beautiful pictures. Thank you.
Go Bombers!
Richland v. Federal Way game details
The Richland Bombers will take on the Federal Way Eagles at 7:00PM at Memorial Stadium in Federal Way on Friday, November 22, 2013.
For directions to the stadium, go here.
Federal Way Mirror: FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Richland at Federal Way
Tri-City Herald: Playing for another Monday
Go Bombers!
Game 11: Richland 21, Skyview 9
 |
Skyview Storm |
9 |
|
Richland Bombers |
21 |
November 15, 2013
The Richland Bombers are headed to the quarterfinals after a hard-fought win over the Skyview Storm at Fran Rish Stadium. This will be the first foray into the second round of the playoffs since the state championship run in 1999.
The Bombers will now travel to Federal Way to take on the Eagles. As soon as we find out the final particulars I will post it to the site.
I was unable to attend last night's game because I am on my way to Disneyland so I have the Tri-City Herald article, below.
Federal Way Memorial Stadium in the Stadium Tour section
Tri-City Herald: Bombers advance to quarterfinals.
Vancouver Columbian: Richland defense keeps Skyview down, 21-9
Go Bombers!
Richland v. Skyview Storm Preview
Kevin Anthony from the Tri-City Herald has written and excellent article on the offensive line for your Richland Bombers. The Bombers are preparing for their first state playoff game against the Skyview Storm from Vancouver.
Check out Kevin's article. Once you have finished that, get your cold gear and the hot chocolate ready and head out to Fran Rish Stadium for tonight's game at 7:00PM.
Go Bombers!
Mid-Columbia Conference All-League Team
The Richland Bombers landed three players on the first team, five on the second team, and four honorable mentions on the 2013 Mid-Columbia Conference all-league team.
Game 10: Richland 35, Ferris 7
|
Richland Bombers |
35 |
 |
Ferris Saxons |
7 |
November 8, 2013
The Richland Bombers dominated the Ferris Saxons from the opening whistle enroute to a 35-7 victory at Joe Albi Stadium and a ticket to the WIAA State Playoffs for the first time since 2010. Ironically, that playoff run was ended by the same Ferris Saxons, but in 2013, it was all Richland Bombers.
The real star of the show was the Richland defense which forced four fumbles, four interceptions, and essentially stopped Ferris from getting any rhythm started on offense. Ferris foreshadowed their generosity when they muffed the Bomber punt after having held the offense to a three-and-out on defense. Holding the Bombers one more time, they then embarked on a 60 yard, 11-play drive getting down to the Richland 20 yard line. The Bomber defense rose to the occasion and the ball was turned over on downs.
Primarily using the running game, Anthony Galat and the Bombers ripped off a 80 yard drive. Galat ate up 60 of those yards and Nathan Perry scored on a four yard run on the 14th play of the drive to give Richland a 7-0 lead.
The next three minutes changed the game.
On Ferris' next drive they fumbled the ball on their third play and it was recovered by Jake Ellis on the Ferris 32. Five plays later, Zach Whitby found Mason Nelson all alone for a 13-yard touchdown upping the score to 14-0. On the ensuing kickoff, Cole Karstetter couldn't get a grip on the squib kick at the five. He tried in vain to pounce on the ball but it squirted into the endzone and was recovered by Lakota Wills for the touchdown. 21-0 Bombers.
Ferris then settled themselves and were able to right their ship. Taking the ball on their own 29, they moved the ball quickly down the field highlighted by a Karstetter to Jalen Hicks 31 yard halfback pass that knocked the Bombers on their heels and brought the ball to the Richland 15 yard line. Karstetter then finished the job with a 15 yard run and the Saxons were crawling out of their hole at 21-7.
On the Bombers first play after the kickoff, Zach Whitby couldn't get the screen pass over the Ferris defender and Devin Arguinchona intercepted the ball at the Richland 10 yard line. Then the Bomber defense took control. On the second play of the drive Richland sacked quarterback Christian Olson for a 10 yard loss. On fourth down, Matt Beaulaurier's 33 yard field goal sailed right and the final Saxon threat of the night was squelched with 3:20 left in the first half.
Starting the second half, Ferris was hoping to altar the momentum of the game but on their third play of the half, Jesse Malone intercepted an Olson pass, giving the Bombers a first down at the Saxon 38. The Bombers quickly covered that territory and on the ninth play, Nathan Perry scored from four yards away to give the Bombers a 28-7 lead.
Toward the end of the quarter the Bombers struck again. Zach Whitby found my favorite Bomber, Gibson McGeorge, on a crossing route and Gibson broke away for 57 yards and the final nail was pounded in the Ferris season with Richland ahead 35-7.
Without at doubt, the Bombers played their best game of the season at just the right time. Gone were the 100 yards in penalties that had plagued them for the last few weeks. The offense was clicking and the defense was stellar. Now, the Bombers are in the state playoffs and hopefully they can keep the momentum going.
Next week, the Bombers take on Skyview, a 38-10 winner over the Curtis Vikings. The game will be played on Friday, November 15, 2013 at 7:00PM at Fran Rish Stadium.
Tournament Brackets
Go Bombers!
Bombers/Saxons Historical Perspective
File this under insteresting facts that only I would care about.
I was doing some fiddling with numbers as they pertain to the history of Richland football and found that the 2013 Richland team is one of the most prolific in school history.
For instance, take a look at total points scored in the regular season:
- 2000 - 356 points
- 2013 - 350 points
- 1990 - 336 points
- 1989 - 321 points
- 1981 - 300 points
Now, numbers will tell you anything you would like but in this case, those other four teams were not slouches. The 1989 team went to the quarterfinals, 1989 went to the semi-finals, and the 1981 team won the state championship and the 2000 team wasn't bad either.
After a little more poking around I thought about point differential which really only has relevance in the old time pre-BCS college rankings but it's fun to ponder.
- 1981 - 250 points
- 1989 - 237 points
- 1990 - 232 points
- 1980 - 225 points
- 2013 - 205 points
Again, those are some pretty good teams to compare but it all comes down to how well you do when it counts and the Bombers do have their work cut out for them with the Ferris Saxons. Ferris is 8-1 and their only loss was to number two seed Gonzaga Prep. They are the only team to beat the Shadle Park Highlanders who feature some quarterback named Rypien who has thrown for just over a gazillion yards this season and enough touchdowns to make Payton Manning blush.
Historically, the only team in the top five from above, the 1990 Richland Bombers, also played Ferris in the first round and came away with a 28-0 victory. Of course, during the 1980's and 1990's the level of play between the Big Nine and the GSL was definitely tilted to the west. Since the early 2000's, the story has definitely changed.
Looking at Ferris' numbers for the year, they have scored 337 points and given up 124 for a differential of 213. Factor in the age old question of "how good is the GSL, this year?" and the answer to how well the Bombers will fare is "better show up on Friday and see for yourself."
Hope to see you at Joe Albi Stadium on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 5:30PM.
Go Bombers!
Game 9: Richland 63, Pasco 0
|
Richland Bombers |
63 |
 |
Pasco Bulldogs |
0 |
November 1, 2013
The Richland Bombers finished their regular Mid-Columbia Conference season against the Pasco Bulldogs at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium in Pasco and won going away, 63-0.
Anthony Galat started the show by running back the opening kickoff 57 yards to the Pasco 25-yard line and then finished the job four plays later when Zach Whitby tossed him a 1-yard touchdown pass to make it 7-0. After that, the game got out of hand. The Bombers held a 28-0 lead with just over 4 minutes remaining in the first quarter and were ahead 56-0 at halftime.
Mercy rules in high school football allow for a continuous clock after the lead reaches 45 points so the entire second half played out in roughly 25 real-time minutes. Long story short, Richland dominated in every way possible and scored in almost every way possible in rolling up 63 points.
Here are all of the scoring plays for tonight's game:
- First Quarter
- Anthony Galat, 1 yard run, 7-0.
- Bennet Peterson, 21 yard run, 14-0.
- Anthony Galat, 65 yard interception return, 21-0.
- Gibson McGeorge (favorite), 78 yard pass from Zach Whitby, 28-0.
- Second Quarter
- Nathan Perry, 9 yard run, 35-0.
- Kyle Whitby, 3 yard run, 42-0.
- Payton Radliff, 51 yard pass from Zach Whitby, 49-0.
- Jacob Devries recovers a Travis Seifert blocked punt in the endzone, 56-0.
- Third Quarter
- Josh Phillips, 1 yard run, 63-0
For a little Bomber trivia, this was not the largest shutout in school history. The 1913 team holds that distinction when they also defeated the Pasco Bulldogs 84-0. In 1990, Richland defeated the Moses Lake Chiefs 71-0 on their way to an 11-1 record and a trip to the state semi-finals. In 1926, the Richland Colts defeated the Hermistion Bulldogs JV 66-0. It must have been a whale of a game because Richland High School didn't play another football game until the fall of 1944.
One more record that may have been tied is most consecutive extra points in one game. Ryan Wolski, subbing in for my second-favorite and injured Bomber Damian Ruiz, and went 9 for 9 on his kicks. I don't know if that is the record but it doesn't happen very often so congratulations just the same.
Next week, the real party starts. The Richland Bombers will travel to Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane for a 5:30PM game against the GSL 4A Champion Ferris Saxons in a game that decides who gets into the state tournament. The Bombers hold a 3-2 series lead on the Saxons but Ferris won the last playoff tilt in 2010 so the boys in green have their work cut out for them. It would be great to have a large crowd at Albi next Friday night and remember, the game is at 5:30PM so don't be late. Albi also gets very, very cold so bundle up, bring a lot of hot chocolate, and enjoy the show.
Go Bombers!
Game 8: Richland 28, Hanford 7
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Hanford Falcons |
7 |
|
Richland Bombers |
28 |
October 25, 2013
One year ago the Hanford Falcons were finally able to claim victory over their crosstown rivals. This year, the Falcons were looking for more of the same at Fran Rish Stadium but the Richland Bombers canceled those plans with a 28-7 victory.
These games are never easy. Both teams seem to find a little extra when playing each other and this year was no different. Richland received the opening kickoff but the Falcon defense held strong. The Bomber defense then returned the favor and Hanford was forced to punt. Derek Redden received the punt and raced 30 yards back to the Falcon 17 yard line. Three plays later, Anthony Galat scored on a 7-yard run and Richland was ahead 7-0.
Hanford marched right back. Starting on the 35 yard line after the kickoff sailed out of bounds, the Falcons embarked on a 9-play drive that took them deep into Bomber territory to the 9 yard line. The Bomber defense stiffened up and held Will Bishop to 1 yard on 4th and 2, and the Richland offense took over on downs.
On their next series, Hanford tried a fake punt inside their own 50 but were again stopped a yard short and relinquished the ball on their own 49 yard line. Six seconds later, Gibson McGeorge received a Zach Whitby pass outran several Falcon defenders to the far corner of the endzone for a 49 yard touchdown and a 14-0 Bomber lead.
The Falcons would not quit. Again receiving the ball on their own 35 yard line, Hanford ate up the rest of the first quarter and four minutes of the second on a 10 play, 65 yard drive. Will Bishop finished the job running straight through the Bomber line for a 15 yard touchdown. The Falcons were right back in it, down only 14-7.
The Hanford defense quickly forced a three and out and again chewed up four more minutes with an eleven play drive. Once again, though, the Bomber defense shut them down when they had to and Richland received the ball on their own 30 with only 2:16 left in the first half. They moved the ball rather quickly. Bennett Peterson ripped off runs of 12 and 10 yards, and Zach Whitby scrambled for another 10 to get the ball to the Falcon 18 yard line. Two sacks later, the Bombers were faced with fourth down and a ton of yards when Whitby again found McGeorge at the 5-yard line and Gibson plowed through his defender to score a touchdown and take the Bombers into halftime with a 21-7 lead.
After an extended halftime that included a band performance, princesses and BMWs, both teams took their time getting back into the game. Each of the first three series ended in punts until the Bomber received the ball on the Falcon 48 yard line with 4:40 left in the third quarter. Two plays later, Whitby connected with Garrett March and he streaked down the sideline for a 48 yard touchdown that gave the Bombers their final tally and ended the scoring at 28-7.
This could have been a trap game for the Bombers, what with homecoming, senior night, and fireworks scheduled for the postgame festivities. Fortunately for the Bombers they were able to shake off the distractions and deliver a very solid game against a tougher-than-their-record Hanford Falcons. The only real nitpik in their game at this time has been their recent ability to attract yellow handkerchiefs. This week's count was 14 penalties for 126 yards. Coach Neidhold knows they have to clean that up before the playoffs start but he is pretty pleased with how they have responded since their lone loss to Chiawana.
Next up for the Bombers will be the Pasco Bulldogs next Friday night, November 1, 2013 at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium in Pasco. The game starts at 7:00 so pack some blankets, hats and mittens and join the Bombers as they close out the Mid-Columbia League season against their longtime rivals.
Go Bombers!
Game 7: Richland 42, Post Falls, Idaho 13
|
Richland Bombers |
42 |
 |
Post Falls Trojans |
13 |
October 18, 2013
Start fast, finish strong. That is the mantra of Beau Baldwin, head coach of my beloved Eastern Eagles. I mention this because Richland head coach Mike Neidhold is also an Eastern graduate and apparently he has been paying attention as the Bombers struck early and often and had enough strength in the second half to finish off the Post Falls Trojans 42-13.
For the second week in a row, the opposing team won the coin toss and elected to kick the ball to Richland. This week, Anthony Galat took the opening kick at the 2 yard line and scampered 65 yards. Seven plays later, Galat finished off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run and a 7-0 Bomber lead.
The defense then took the field and forced the Trojans to punt. The Bombers took over the ball at the Post Falls 45 and less than a minute later, Galat powered in from 1 yard out to increase the lead to 14-0.
After exchanging punts, the Bombers were again blessed with excellent field position at the 39 yard line of Post Falls. Zach Whitby wasted little time and connected with Payton Radliff for the touchdown and a 21-0 lead.
The Trojans were finally able to unleash their quarterback Joey Pfennings. Last week, Pfennings single-handedly accounted for 300 yards against Hanford and was able to get some traction by rolling out to either run or find the open receiver. Starting at their own 35 yard line, Pfennings engineered a 7-play drive capped off by Seth McLeod's 4 yard run. The two-point conversion failed and the first quarter ended with Richland leading 21-6.
The Bombers did run into a little trouble in the second quarter with long drives ending with an interception and a punt and the score remained unchanged going into halftime.
The Trojans came out of an extended homecoming halftime with a great chance to get back within 7 points. They got as far as the Richland 10 yard line but the drive fizzled and the Bombers took over on downs. Whitby connected with Hayden Whitby for 17 yards, Garrett March for 34, and finally found Gibson McGeorge for 38 more down to the 5 yard line. Zach then found Hayden in the endzone for a touchdown and a much more comfortable 28-6 lead.
At the start of the fourth quarter it was getting very cold so the Bomber offense went into overdrive. A two-play drive consisting of a pass to Matthew Woodman for 23 yards was immediately followed by Bennet Peterson's 26 yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 35-6.
Unfortunatley for the Trojans, Pfennings went down with an injury and Post Falls was forced to pass. Derek Redden intercepted a Dalton Thompson pass, giving the ball to Richland at the 28 yard line. Taylor O'Toole came into the game for mop-up relief of Whitby. He must have been warming up in the bullpen for quite awhile because his first pass found a streaking Payton Radliff who carved up the Trojan defense for a 72-yard touchdown and the Bombers indeed finished strong, leading 42-6. The Trojans were able to muster up another touchdown late in the fourth quarter which made the final score 42-13.
Post Falls homecoming game ended with a firework show but in the end it was the Bombers who provided all the firepower for this night.
Next week is homecoming for the Bombers and a date with their hometown rival, the Hanford Falcons. Richland is still stinging from last year's 31-14 Falcon victory. I suspect that despite Hanford's record, they will be gunning for a repeat, especially in front of the homecoming crowd. Throw out the records and the cliche's, this one is going to be fun.
Coeur d'Alene Press: Early explosion leads Bombers past Post Falls
Tri-City Herald: Richland uses big plays to beat Post Falls on the road
Go Bombers!
Game 6: Richland 56, Kennewick 14
|
Richland Bombers |
56 |
 |
Kennewick Lions |
14 |
October 11, 2013
It's been three weeks since the Richland Bombers were manhandled by Chiawana and from the looks of things, none of their remaining opponents will be sending the Riverhawks "thank you" cards. The Bombers throroughly dominated a very young Kennewick Lion team 56-14 raising their cumulative offensive output since September 21 to 162 points.
Kennewick won the toss and elected to kick. Four plays later, Zach Whitby connected with Payton Radliff for a 42-yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead. Damian Ruiz then lifted the kickoff to just past the shortstop and Hayden Whitby recovered the ball. Four plays later, Anthony Galat ran in from 5 yards to give the Bombers a 14-0 lead before the Lions had a chance to touch the ball.
It didn't get any better when they did. After an excellent run back on the kickoff by Dwight Norwood, the Lions had great field position on the Bomber 39-yard line. Four plays later, Isaac Campbell intercepted Matthew Driver and returned it 18 yards to the 50 yard line. Breaking the four play pattern, the Bombers took 7 plays to make the score 21-0 on Josh Phillips 3 yard run.
Reading to this point might give you the impression that the offense was the key to the game. That would be mostly incorrect. The Bomber defense was nothing short of amazing. Kennewick couldn't establish any sort of running game and only managed 26 yards on 25 carries for the game forcing the Lions to go through the air, which yielded only 138 yards for the game.
After a Lions punt, Richland took only three plays to make it a 28-0 Bomber lead. Josh Phillips took the ball on the 35-yard line and ran it 65 yards to blow the game open as the first quarter ended.
The Bombers next possession at the start of the second quarter covered 74 yards in 6 plays highlighted by Zach Whitby's 47 yard touchdown pass to Payton Radliff and a 35-0 lead.Kennewick was finally able to sustain a drive at the end of the first half to make it a 35-7 ball game at the intermission.
The second half yielded much of the same. Here are the offensive highlights:
- Zach Whitby 39 yard pass to Gibson McGeorge: 42-7
- Anthony Galat 57 yard run: 49-14
- Nathan Perry 10 yard run: 56-14.
Damian Ruiz went 8 for 8 on kicking extra points for the second week in a row so he deserves a round of applause.
Next week, the Bombers travel to Idaho for the second time in three weeks to play Post Falls. The Trojans should be a tough opponent and just took out the Hanford Falcons 37-6. The Bombers did beat them at home last year 20-14 so we'll just have to see how this year's club fairs.
The game is in Post Falls, Idaho next Friday night at 7:00PM. It should be an easier drive than Lewiston so bring the family and make a night of it!
Tri-City Herald: Bombers rout Lions 56-14
Go Bombers!
Game 5: Richland 56, Kamiakin 49 4OT
 |
Kamiakin Braves |
49 |
|
Richland Bombers |
56 |
October 4, 2013
The Kamiakin Braves and Richland Bombers must have been watching Congress this week because they couldn't resolve their differences in regulation and took four Kansas City overtime periods to finish their business as the Bombers outlasted the Braves in a 56-49 thriller at Fran Rish Stadium.
The Bombers started the game with a beautiful, efficient drive that covered 70 yards in 8 plays, finishing with an Anthony Galat 9 yard run for the touchdown and a 7-0 Richland lead. Kamiakin answered in similar fashion, carving up the Bomber defense for 80 yards on 12 plays ending when Kylle Robertson ran the ball in from 2 yards out, tying the game a 7-7.
After a Richland punt, Kamiakin kept rolling taking only 2 plays to cover 93 yards. After a short gain on first down, Robertson connected with a wide open Austin Gutierrez who proceeded to snake his way through the Bomber defense for 90 yards and the touchdown, giving the Braves a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter.
Both defenses held their own for the next few drives until Kamiakin was able to break through again when Umid Razimov scored from 1 yard out to cap a 7 play drive and the Braves looked like they were about to break the game open right before halftime, leading 21-7.
Richland recieved the ball with only 47 seconds left in the half, starting on their own 41 yard line after a nice kickoff return by Galat. The Bombers quickly advanced to the Kamiakin 28 yard line but Zach Whitby's first three pass attempts to Payton Radliff were off the mark, leaving the boys in green with a fourth down and almost no time left in the half. The fourth time was the charm though, and Payton hauled in a 28 yard pass and cut the Brave lead at halftime to 21-14.
After the intermission, the Bomber defense stiffened and Kamiakin was forced to punt. Whitby connected with Garrett March for a 42-yard touchdown pass and Richland was back in business, tying the game at 21.
The Bombers were really on a roll at this point, holding Kamiakin to a 3-and-out, forcing another punt. Richland took the ball on their own 42 and drove the distance with a methodical 13-play drive, taking the lead on Nathan Perry's 3 yard touchdown run. Richland now led the game 28-21 just as the third quarter was ending.
The Braves took very little time evening the game, marching 66 yards on 7 plays, tying the game for the third time when Kylle Robertson sliced through the Bomber line for a 1-yard touchdown. Kamiakin 28, Richland 28. Kamiakin did their best to end the game in regulation with a long, 12-play drive but the Bomber defense held and the game ended in a tie.
For those of you not familiar with high school football rules, tie games are decided by Kansas City Overtime rules. Each team gets one possession in each overtime period and whoever scores the most points wins. The first two periods start from the 25 yard line and move to the 10 yard line if the game is till tied after that point.
Kamiakin started the first overtime and scored on a Rasimov 6 yard run. Richland responded when Zach Whitby hit Payton Radliff for a 6-yard touchdown pass.
Richland took almost no time in the second overtime as Whitby connected with Gibson McGeorge (my nephew, not that I am bragging) on the first play for a 25-yard touchdown. Kamiakin then responded when Robertson found Brandon Larsen in the endzone to tie the game again at 42.
Kamiakin started the third overtime and once again, Robertson threw another touchdown pass to Larsen. Anthony Galat then took the ball and parked it on the one yard line on the first play of the Bombers' possession and decided that was pretty fun, running the rest of the way on the next play to tie the game at 49.
In the fourth overtime period, the Bombers were first up and again struck quickly when Whitby connected with Radliff for their third touchdown together. Damian Ruiz knocked in his 8th extra point of the evening and the Bombers led 56-49 with the Braves coming to bat.
The Braves started their journey with a 3-yard run by Ramizov to the seven. Robertson then ran the Braves to the 3 yard line. After an incomplete pass that was almost intercepted, Kamiakin was down to their last shot. Robertson found Brandon Larsen at the front of the endzone but the referee ruled the ball trapped and the Richland crowd erupted in joy.
Without sounding trite, both teams really did deserve to win this game as they played almost error-free football even after four overtimes taking almost an hour longer than usual. The Bomber faithful should be very proud of how their team fought back from an early deficit and take the victory.
Next week, the Bombers finish their tour of greater Kennewick when they travel to Lampson Stadium to take on the Kennewick Lions. The Lions have taken their lumps this year but never count them out when the Bombers are in town. Fall has definitely arrived so bundle up, bring the family, and enjoy some great high school football next Friday night at 7:00PM.
Tri-City Herald: Bombers need 4OT to top Braves
Go Bombers!
Game 4: Richland 50, Lewiston, Idaho 7
|
Richland Bombers |
50 |
 |
Lewiston Bengals |
7 |
September 26, 2013
Wow!
Only one week removed from a tough loss to Chiawana, the Richland Bombers delivered about as perfect a game as you can play against Lewiston in a 50-7 route of the Bengals in the first meeting between these two schools since 1953.
After their first drive fizzled, Isaac Campbell's punt pinned the Bengals on their own five yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Lewiston quarterback Kade Woods had trouble with the shotgun snap and Jake Ralstin pounced on the ball in the endzone giving the Bombers quick 2-0 lead. Richland received the ball on offense after the safety in great field position at the 50 and chewed up the yards, capped off by Anthony Galat's first of four rushing touchdowns, this one from four yards out. Just like that the Bombers were leading 9-0 and Lewiston had only one play from scrimmage.
On the ensuing kickoff, though, Tyler Eberhardt from Lewistin gathered the ball at the 5 yard line, barely got through the congestion at the 15 and bolted the remaining distance for a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, narrowing the Bomber lead to 9-7. The Lewiston crowd was in a frenzy and it looked like a whale of a game was about to ensue. Unfortunately for the Bengal faithful, that would be the last they would see of the far side of the 50 yard line.
Richland's defense dominated the Bengals so thoroughly that they didn't have positive total yardage (minus the kicoff return) until well into the third quarter. In total, the Bomber defense only allowed 53 yards rushing on 19 carries and limited the Bengal air attack to 65 yards on six receptions out of 20 attempts. The Bengals fumbled six times and lost three as Richland scored 41 unanswered points.
The Bomber scoring drives came as follows:
- Anthony Galat - 8 yard run (16-7)
- Garrett March - 16 yard pass from Taylor O'Toole (23-7)
- Anthony Galat - 1 yard run (30-7)
- Anthony Galat - 1 yard run (37-7)
- Nathan Perry - 4 yard run (44-7)
- Taylor O'Toole - 1 yard run (50-7)
The Bombers rushed 53 times form 239 yards including 100 yards for Anthony Galat. Taylor O'Toole, subbing for the injured Zach Whitby, was 17 for 35 for 235 yards passing including 101 yards to Garrett March and a nice 44-yard pass to Gibson McGeorge.
This game was well worth the 2.5 hour drive and the inconvience of a game-long drizzle. Seeing the Bombers shake off any residue from the Chiawana game felt very good. Hopefully they carry the memories and momentum with them as the undefeated Kamiakin Braves invade Fran Rish Stadium next Friday, October 4th for what promises to be a great game. I hope you can make it!
Tough night in the valley (Lewiston Tribune)
Lewiston/Richland Video (SWX)
Go Bombers!
Game 3: Chiawana 42, Richland 7
|
Richland Bombers |
7 |
 |
Chiawana Riverhawks |
42 |
September 20, 2013
The Chiawana Riverhawks manhandled the Bombers in a 42-7 victory at Edgar Brown Memorial Field in Pasco.
Tri-City Herald: Riverhawks roll over Bombers
Game 2: Richland 21, Walla Walla 6
 |
Walla Walla Blue Devils |
6 |
|
Richland Bombers |
21 |
September 13, 2013
This much is true. Any win over Walla Walla is a good thing.
The Richland Bombers came out fast. After receiving the opening kickoff the offense ripped off a 12-play, 71 yard drive. Zach Whitby connected with Anthony Galat and the Bombers led 7-0.
The Blue Devils first posession ended with a high snap on a punt attempt and Richland got the ball back on the Wa-Hi 37 yard lne. Four plays later, Bennett Peterson scored a touchdown on a four-yard run and with 5 minutes left in the quarter the Bombers were poised for a blowout.
But Walla Walla wasn't reading the same script. After punting on their next posession, Braeden Boast intercepted Whitby's pass and returned it 37 yards to the Bomber 1 yard line. One play later Noah Porter ran for the touchdown. The extra point was missed but the Blue Devils were right back in the game at 14-6.
The rest of the game evoked memories of a habidashery with yellow handkerchiefs decorating much of the landscape. Walla Walla was flagged for 9 penalties for 97 yards and the Bombers were cited 11 times for 118 yards.
Much like last week, Richland spread the ball around among the four running backs. Bennett Peterson ran for 52 yards, Josh Phillips for 53, Nathan Perry for 55, and Anthony Galat got medalist honors with 57 yards on 13 carries. In the air, Zach Whitby through for 151 yards with all but 2 yards came in the first half. Whitby also spread the ball around, connecting with eight different receivers.
The Bombers held their slim 8 point lead for almost three quarters despite several Blue Devil players battling cramps in the muggy, warm air. In the fourth quarter, Richland caught a break. Walla Walla had to punt out of their own endzone. Unfortunately for them, the punt only got to the 24 yard line. Richland kept the ball on the ground and Josh Phillips scored on a 5 yard run to give them the final cushion.
Next week comes the real test, the Chiawana Riverhawks. While it is only the third game of the season next week's game is effectively for the Conference 4A championship and the ticket to the playoffs. Crazy, I know, but that is the new world order in the 4A.
The Bombers had better come prepared. Chiawana has won their first two games by a combined score of 91 to 7. Obviously, they haven't played against a defense like Richland's but then again, the Bombers haven't played an offense like the Riverhawks. Next week is going to answer a lot of questions.
So, remember to update your Google Calendar for Friday, September 20 at 7:00PM at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium in Pasco for Richland versus Chiawana.
Of course, you can start your pregame warmups by grabbing a sausage for twelve at the annual Christ the King Sausage Fest being held on the 21st and 22nd. What a great weekend!
Tri-City Herald: Bombers hold on to top Blue Devils
Go Bombers!
Game 1: Richland 27, Southridge 7
 |
Southridge Suns |
7 |
|
Richland Bombers |
27 |
September 6, 2013
I don't know if Coach Neidhold spent the summer watching Karate Kid movies but after watching the game between the Southridge Suns and the Richland Bombers, Mr. Miyagi would have been proud. The Bombers have achieved balance. The Bombers through the ball for 183 yards and ran the ball for 237 with four different running backs tallying over 49 yards as the Bombers defeated the Suns 27-7.
The Bomber started off the season in quick fashion. After the opening kickoff, Richland marched 69 yards in two plays capped off by a Zach Whitby to Payton Radliff pass that covered the last 54 yards for the 6-0 lead.
Later in the first quarter, Southridge got their game going after Brenden Kelly recovered a Bomber fumble at the 49 yard line. The next play, Jair Ealy-Thomas connected with Kelly for a 46 yard pass that got the Suns to the Richland 2 yard line. Kadin Diaz then finished the drive with a two-yard run and a 7-6 Southridge lead.
Richland would not really feel threatened the rest of the night. Strong defense and that balanced offensive attack took over the game. After Gibson McGeorge intercepted a tipped Ealy-Thomas pass, the Bomber embarked on a 35 yard, 7 play drive to retake the lead at 14-7 going into halftime.
On their first drive in the second half, Richland extended their lead with a 10 play, 58 yard drive. Josh Phillips ran the ball in from the two to make the score 21-7 Bombers. On the next drive, they put the game out of reach with an 8 play, 69 yard drive when Anthony Galat hauled in a seven yard pass from Whitby for the final tally.
Again, balance was the key to the game and hopefully the Bombers can keep it going throughout the season. Anthony Galat lead the Bomber rushers with 71 yards followed by Bennett Peterson with 58, Nathan Perry with 50, and Josh Phillips rounding out the fearsome foursome with 48 yards for a Richland total of 237.Zach Whitby was 14 for 22 for 183 yards with three touchdown passes to one interception and a two-point conversion so for you high school fantasy players, Zach might be a good pickup for next week.
Speaking of next week, the green and gold stay home once again and entertain the Walla Walla Blue Devils at 7:00PM on Friday, September 13, 2013. The weather should still be gorgeous so bring the famliy and make an evening of it with the Richland Bombers!
Tri-City Herald: Bombers down Suns in opener
Go Bombers!
2013 August Camp Schedule
The Richland Bombers 2013 football season begins with Boot Camp on August 12 in preparation for the opening night showdown with the Southridge Suns at Fran Rish Stadium at 7:00PM on Friday, September 6, 2013.
Download the 2013 Camp Schedule now!
2013 Bomber Youth Football Camp
The Richland Bombers are holding their annual Bomber Youth Football Camp for all incoming 3rd through 8th graders. The camp will be taking place on June 25, 26, and 27, 2013 at the Richland High School practice just below Carmichael Middle School and across Lee Boulevard from Fran Rish Stadium.
The cost is $30 for the first player, $20 for additional family members, and $5 for walk-up registration.
Instruction includes age-appropriate football drills focusing on safe football techniques and the camp also include motivational guest speakers.
Download the registration form, fill out page two (2) and return it to:
- Bomber Youth Football Camp
- C/O Josh Jelinek
- 930 Long Avenue
- Richland, WA 99352
Registration Form
Go Bombers!
