Game Recap September 27, 2008
The Richland Bombers took care of business tonight with a 35-7 dismantling of the Eisenhower Cadets at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima. Though it took awhile for the Bomber offense to get on track, the defense and special teams were on the ball from the start.
Usual suspect, Jamison Rowe, got the Bombers on the scoreboard quickly with a dazzling 67 yard punt return for a touchdown and a 7-0 score. The defense forced the Cadets and high-powered quarterback Taylor Elmo to punt on their first three possessions of the game. Meanwhile, the Cadet defense was also putting the clamps on Richland on their first three drives, as well. To the Bombers' credit, they did have an 80 yard touchdown pass called back for a block in the back.
Another Richland mistake allowed Eisenhower to tie the game at 7-7 midway through the second quarter. After an 18 yard pass interference call, Taylor Elmo hit Jordan Gaut for a 19 yard touchdown.
Instead of letting that get them down, this new Mike Neidhold Bomber team simply decided to get to work. Starting on their own 20 with 2:32 left in the half, Richland drove the ball down the field like their hair was on fire. Hayden Hilty had a nice 23 yard run, and Brett Jacobs added a 33 yard catch on a Hilty pass and the Bombers were first and goal. Jamison "Slash" Rowe took over at quarterback and with the Cadets looking for the run, he went for the old school, 1950's jump pass to Jacobs for the touchdown.
Scoring so swiftly and decisively fired up the Bombers as they headed for halftime and let a little air our of Eisenhower's upset bid.
With the score only 14-7, Eisenhower had a chance to make a big statement at the start of the second half. Chad Brown ran the kickoff back 39 yards to the Richland 47 and the Ike sideline was fired up. The next two plays, though, trampled any hope of the Cadets getting back into the game. On the first play from scrimmage the snap sailed over Elmo's head for a 17 yard loss. Trying to get it all back on the next play, Elmo fumbled on the 36 and an alert Cody Shepard pounced and it was first and ten, Bombers
Richland struck quickly when Hunter Olveda ran 27 yards to the Eisenhower 12. Rowe then caught a pass from Hilty to the 1 yard line and ran it into the end zone on the next play. Threat eliminated, Bombers 21, Cadets 7.
The rest of the second half proved to be more frustrating for Taylor Elmo and the Cadets and you probably wouldn't blame him if he has to go for hypnosis to get Brett Jacobs out of his dreams. Jacobs' interceptions ended two of the Cadets four remaining drives in the second half and the rout was on. The Bombers score two more times in the fourth quarter; one on a 13 yard touchdown pass from Hayden Hilty to Cody Shepard, and the last one on a Jake McKinney 28 yard run after a 42 yard interception return by Jacobs.
Overall, this was a very fun game to watch. Nate Holdren's offense is adding new wrinkles every week and Hayden Hilty's confidence seems to be rising with every play. Hunter Olveda had three runs over 25 yards and finished the game with 89 yards rushing. Brett Jacobs had a great game receiving as well, hauling in 83 of Hilty and Rowe's 146 passing yards. Finally, Big Nine coaches have got to be shaking their heads wondering what they have to do to stop Jamison Rowe. Last year, you only needed to stop Marcelino Morales. This year if you focus too much attention on one player and you do so at your own peril.
Next week should be the game of the year, so far. The Hanford Falcons are coming off a very surprising, very convincing 30-20 drubbing of the previously undefeated Walla Walla Blue Devils and would like nothing more than to stop the Bombers as well. This will be the first game between the Falcons and the Bombers with something more than the "city championship" on the line. Mark your calendar for Friday night at 7:30 and get to Fran Rish Stadium early because this game is going to be wild!
See you on Friday. Go Bombers!
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September 26, 20081234Final
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Richland Bombers35
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Eisenhower Cadets7
