Game Recap October 2, 2010
The final score does not truly reflect the nature of the game. We've heard this expression before but no game in my recent memory fits the bill more accurately than the contest between Richland and Chiawana in which the Riverhawks prevailed by a score of 17 - 7.
I have been doing the stats for Richland games since 1989 so I see the game unfold through the numbers. After this game, though, I had to pour back over my sheets to see if I could see what really happened. Here is the most telling statistic: Richland ran 29 total plays; Chiawana ran 63 total plays. From my vast array of knowledge gained from NFL color commentators over the years I can hear them saying another old cliche, "...sometimes the best defense is a really good offense."
The game started very well for the Bombers as they stuffed the Riverhawk offense on three straight plays and the offense received the ball on their own 33 yard line. Five plays later, Jake McKinney exploded through the line and ran 58 yards untouched for a 7-0 lead. Unbeknownst to the Bombers, those five plays would represent their longest drive of the night.
From that point on, Chiawana used a combination of the legs of Jordan Downey, the arm of Lucas Graff, and a really stiff defense to control the clock and move the ball. The Riverhawks next drive chewed up 78 yards on 11 plays, tying the game at 7 on a four yard pass from Graff to CJ Edrington for the touchdown.
Richland got the ball back but their second drive was not as successful and a short 16 yard punt gave Chiawana a short 49 yard field. Taking full advantage, the Riverhawks again marched down the field and took the lead for good on a one yard plunge by Downey. Chiawana 14, Richland 7.
The Bomber defense really played well and held the Riverhawks scoreless the rest of the way, save for a 34 yard field goal by Pilate Lopaya that put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter. The Chiawana defense, though, shut Richland down completely after the first series and the Bombers could just not get a sustained drive of any kind. These are two really good defensive teams and Chiawana's ability to keep the ball away from Jake McKinney and the Bomber offense was the difference in the game.
There are now four teams in the Big Nine 4A division with 4-1 records and the rubber hits the road next week when Davis plays Eisenhower and the Wenatchee Panthers come calling at Fran Rish Stadium. It will be another big game for the Bombers and hopefully, they will be ready for the challenge!
Set your calendars for next Friday night, Fran Rish Stadium, 7:30PM! See you then.
Go Bombers!
- YouTube 2010 Richland Bombers @ Chiawana Riverhawks
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October 1, 20101234Final
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Richland Bombers70007
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Chiawana Riverhawks770317
- 1st Quarter
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Touchdown: Jake McKinney 58 Yd Run (Kevin Garza kick) (8:03)
Richland 7, Chiawana 0 -
Touchdown: CJ Edrington 3 Yd Pass from Lucas Graff (Pilate Lopaya kick) (2:09)
Richland 7, Chiawana 7 - 2nd Quarter
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Touchdown: Jordan Downing 1 Yd Run (Lopaya kick) (8:58)
Chiawana 14, Richland 7 - 4th Quarter
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Field Goal: Lopaya 34 Yd Field Goal (10:07)
Chiawana 17, Richland 7
