Game Recap September 14, 2018
The first MCC meeting between the Richland Bombers and the Hermiston Bulldogs was a wild ride, full of both great plays and puzzling events. Despite the Bombers coming out of the previous funk and showing some offensive weapons, they couldn't hold on and fell 21-27 to the newcomers.
Richland came out on fire, kicking off to the Bulldogs and immediately forcing a three-and-out. Linebacker play was much improved with the addition of sophomore Cameron Ball, who had two tackles and a deflected pass on the first series alone. One left side screen pass to Ryan Kriskovich got the offense within range, and on the second play from scrimmage Drew Daves found Cody Sanderson out-muscling a defender to make the catch for a 38 yard touchdown. With 9:30 still left in the first quarter it looked bad for Hermiston. Richland's aggressive attitude continued as Nathan Mitchell flew down the home sideline to pin the kick returner at his own 11 yard line. Sanderson reared his head again when he popped the runner just short of a first down, forcing another punt, and then came out of the backfield for an 8 yard gain. Hermiston stopped the next two runners just short of a first down to get the ball back at the 45. After a Hermiston punt, a Bomber fumble gave the Bulldogs the ball back.
After inching their way to the Richland 20, the Bomber D had the Bulldogs settling for a field goal, but a bobbled snap and harassment by Garret Gillespie and Brice Weaver gave the Bombers the ball at the 45. After seven plays, including a handful of good runs by Dhaunye Guice, QB Drew Daves found Kriskovich uncovered and streaking toward the end zone. Catching the pass just inside the five between two converging defenders, Kriskovich let his momentum take him across the plane and put the score at 14-0 just after the start of the second quarter. After a full quarter of domination by the Bombers, Hermiston made some adjustments and attempted to swing the momentum their way. Using long runs to get to the seven yard line, soft coverage allowed a slanting receiver to finally put Hermiston on the board. That was all the momentum they needed as they scored twice more before the half to take a 21-14 lead.
The second half was more frustration for Richland, despite good runs by Guice, Sanderson, and Sam Stanfield. After first downs on the ground, the Bombers faltered in the air, giving the Bulldogs more chances to score, finally finding the endzone again on a nine yard pass. A fumbled snap on the extra point attempt kept the score at 27-14 for the Bulldogs. An electric 70 yard return by Sanderson gave the Bombers the ball at the Bulldog 30, and three plays later Sanderson broke three tackles and raced by numerous other would-be tacklers to bring the bombers within six points. A defensive stand in the red zone and a blocked field goal by Nathan Mitchell gave Richland a shot at the win, but it was too little too late.
Despite the disappointment of starting the season 0-2, this game was a vast improvement for the offense and saw the Bombers getting into an occasional groove. The running game showed huge promise, with a variety of running styles to choose from and an O line who is proving capable of making space for those runners. Richland's love of the pass bit them this time around, as failed attempts slowed their momentum and left scoring opportunities on the field. This was a winnable game, and the Bombers have more athletic talent and probably should have won it, but the residuals from Josh Fonner's absence and the hiccups of a mostly new lineup let a disciplined and well-coached Hermiston squad get away with a win.
Next up is Sunnyside, which is probably still reeling from the 41-0 trouncing they got from the 2016 version of the Bombers in the state playoffs. Bomber fans will have a chance to see the Green & Gold take the field at a place called Clem Senn Field for the first time in a long time, so don't miss it.
Go Bombers!
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September 7, 20181234Final
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Hermiston Bulldogs0210627
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Richland Bombers770721
- 1st Quarter
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Touchdown: Cody Sanderson 38 yard pass from Drew Daves (Joey Weissenfels kick)
Richland 7, Hermiston 0 - 2nd Quarter
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Touchdown: Ryan Kriskovich 26 yard pass from Daves (Weissenfels kick)
Richland 14, Hermiston 0 -
Touchdown: Jordan Ramirez 7 yard pass from Andrew James (Juan Carlos Navarrete kick)
Richland 14, Hermiston 7 -
Touchdown: Cody Thacker 7 yard pass from James (Navarrete kick)
Richland 14, Hermiston 14 -
Touchdown: James 1 yard run (Navarrete kick)
Hermiston 21, Richland 14 - 4th Quarter
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Touchdown: Ramirez 9 yard pass from James (kick failed)
Hermiston 27, Richland 14 -
Touchdown: Sanderson 22 yard run (Weissenfels kick)
Hermiston 27, Richland 21
- News/Media
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Bulldogs ride the lightening to win
East Oregonian: Saturday September 8, 2018
Article by Annie Fowler in the September 8th edition of the East Oregonian.
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Hermiston shows conference that it is for real
Tri-City Herald: Sunday September 9, 2018
Article by Kevin Anthony in the Sunday, September 9, 2018 edition of the Tri-City Herald.
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