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!