No More Big-9 Conference?
Apparently, the Big-9 Conference is headed for this history books. According to the following article in the Tri-City Herald Sports Tri-Cities story, the Tri-City Schools, and Walla Walla will be formally creating their own conference on Friday.
This discussion has been going on for the last couple months with the basis of the conflict centered around travel expenses due to the decreased school funding. Being a traditionalist, I was hoping this could be resolved amicably but apparently that isn't going to happen.
Personally, I place the blame squarely on the shoulders of the WIAA. The reclassification has killed the conferences in the eastern part of the state. I can understand the need to do so in the Puget Sound area but that paradigm just doesn't work here.
If there is a bright side to this story it is that the Tri-City teams will actually get to start playing each other again. I've been looking at the records and the last time Richland played all of the teams from Pasco and Kennewick in the same season was in 2001. Ten years! The last time Richland played all of the Kennewick schools was 2005. It makes me wonder if this has anything to do with the relatively poor performance in the playoff and crossover games with the Greater Spokane League over the last few years.
I hope you are having a wonderful football off-season and I hope you are supporting the Bomber winter and spring sports.
Go Bombers!
Columbia Basin Big Nine league breaks apart
Mini-Playoff: Davis 21, Richland 20
 |
Richland Bombers |
20 |
 |
Davis Pirates |
21 |
November 1, 2011
The Richland Bombers battled the Davis Pirates for the right to enter the state playoffs and a date with the Mead Panthers. The Bombers played some of their best football of the year but an old nemesis returned in the form of a bad extra point snap and the Pirates came away with a 21-20 victory in double overtime at Lion's Field in Moses Lake.
A three-way tie for third in the Big-9 4A division was the reason for the playoff. In the first game (two 8-minute halves), Davis barely squeaked by the Wenatchee Panthers when Daniel Guzman clanked a 29 yard field goal off the cross bar for a 3-0 win.
After a 20 minute break, the Bombers took the field and started with the ball. The Bombers marched the ball down the field and the Pirates were having a tough time containing BK Robinson. In fact, they didn't stop him. A fumble did. After the Pirates recovered the ball on their own 37 yard line they passed their way to a touchdown on a 6-play drive that ended when Deion Wright found Cooper Kupp for a 23 yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead.
Richland would answer right back. Starting with only 4 minutes left in the first half BK and Cameron Simpson shared the load and got the Bombers to the Davis 44 yard line. Then Zach Whitby decided to make a family connection and hit tight end Ethan Whitby for a 44 yard touchdown pass.
Davis went three and out on their next posession and the Bombers quickly got the ball to the Davis 35 but the Pirates were able to get an interception that ended the half with the ballgame tied at 7.
Davis got the ball to start the second half and embarked on a 71 yard, 9 play drive that ended when Austin Wagner sauntered in from 9 yards out to make it 14-7 Pirates.
With only 4 minutes left in the game, the Bombers wasted no time. Davis was helpless to stop either Cameron or BK. Robinson got the drive started with a 35 yard kickoff return to the 46 yard line. It then took five plays with BK getting 33 yards on two carries and Cameron getting the other 21 including an 11 yard touchdown run that tied the game at 14.
On to the Kansas City overtime. Each team starts their drive on the 25 yard line and if it is still tied after each gets a turn, they start over again.
Richland got the ball in the first overtime and it looked very promising. BK had a 19 yard run down to the 6 yard line, and then a 1 yard run to the 5. Unfortunately on the next play the Bombers fumbled and the ball was recovered by the Pirates. On the first play of Davis' drive, Wright fumbled the ball and it was picked up by Tory Weitz who then proceeded to rumble 75 yards for the winning touchdown.
What, you say? Well, then the game got weird. The zebras congregated in the middle of the field for awhile and then three of them ran off into the locker room, presumably to either 1) find a rulebook, or 2) escape an angry mob of Bomber fans. Apparently, the rulebook theory was correct because they soon returned. After the umpire had a conference with each coach it turns out that Kansas City overtime acts much like an extra point. Once the ball changes hands, the ball is dead and cannot be returned. I know, none of the Bomber fans in the stadium were excited by that rule either.
In the second overtime, Davis was given the first chance to score. Despite a holding penalty, the Pirates scored on Deion Wright to David Trimble touchdown pass after a 7-play drive. Guzman kicked the extra point making it a 21-14 game.
The Bombers then made short work of their second opportunity. BK ran for 7 yards to the 18. Whitby then completed a pass to Colter Quick for 10 more down to the 8, and then BK finished the job with a clean, 8 yard touchdown run. Unfortunately, that is where the story ends. The snap on the point after attempt sailed over Connor Egberts head. He picked up the ball and scrambled his way free and he was able to complete a short pass, but the Pirates stopped the Bombers on the one yard line to preserve the victory and a date with the Mead Panthers on Friday night in Spokane.
The Bombers will complete their season at home on Friday night at Fran Rish Stadium against the Lewis and Clark Tigers. After losing a heartbreaker, it's a nice little bonus to be able to finish the season at home. Let's all come out on Friday night and give the Bombers a nice sendoff for a good season of football.
Go Bombers!
Game 9: Richland 34, Moses Lake 26
 |
Moses Lake Chiefs |
26 |
|
Richland Bombers |
34 |
October 28, 2011
The Bombers had one mission in their game against Moses Lake. Win. Combine that with a Wenatchee loss to Chiawana and a Richland win would mean a three-way tied for the third and final playoff spot with Wenatchee and the Davis Pirates.
Well, the Bombers won and the Panthers lost so Tuesday night at Lion's Field in Moses Lake there will be a three-way playoff. Due to a coin-flip earlier in the week, Wenatchee and Davis will start, playing two eight-minute quarters. The winner of this mini-game will take on Richland for another round. If the Bombers can survive, they will then play in Spokane on Friday against the GSL number one team, the Mead Panthers.
I will be writing a more extensive review of the game tomorrow evening when I return from watching my Eastern Eagles take on the Vikings of Portland State. That should be a heck of a game as well.
Game 8: Eisenhower 40, Richland 31
 |
Eisenhower Cadets |
40 |
|
Richland Bombers |
31 |
October 21, 2011
The Richland Bombers came out of the chute with their hair on fire but it was the Eisenhower Cadets who were able to finish his horse race, disappointing the homecoming crowd with a 40-31 win.
Elijah Gardaya got the Bombers started with a 48 yard kickoff return to open the game returning the ball to the Eisenhower 41. BK Robinson then ran for 25, Zack Whitby threw to Connor Egbert for 10, and Cameron Simpson completed the job with a 6 yard run and a 7-0 Bomber lead.
The Richland defense then took over and forced the Cadets to punt on its first two posessions. The Bombers were able to answer each punt with a field goal from Q Taychack. The first from 32 yards and the second from 33. They were definitely crusing with a 13-0 lead.
It didn't take long for the Cadets to awake from their slumber. After the kickoff quarterback Jason Easter handed off to wide receiver ridge Harmon who then proceeded to pass the ball to Denzel Jones for a 65 yard touchdown. The Cadet defense was finally able to stiffen and forced a Bomber punt. Four plays and a missed extra point later and the fast start was eliminated and the game was tied at 13-13.
The Bombers took posession again after another excellent kickoff return. Starting on the Cadet 45, the offense made short work of those yards thanks mostly to a 17 yard pass from Whitby to Egbert and an Eisenhower late hit penalty. Whitby then found Elijah Gardaya for a 9-yard touchdown pass.
The defense then forced another Cadet punt but an ill-fated fake attempt fell one yard short. Q Taychack then hit his third field goal of the first half, this time from 35 yards. I haven't been able to check my history records but I cannot remember another game in recent Bomber history with three field goals on one half. It's got to be some sort of record anyway.
Eisenhower then finished off the first half with an 11-play, 61 yard drive that ended when Jason Easter found Denzel Jones in the end zone for a touchdown, making the halftime score Richland 23, Eisenhower 20.
As luck would have it, after a long homecoming halftime highlighted by a firework show, Eisenhower was the first up with the ball to start the second half. The Cadets then chanelled the playbook of Bill Parcells New York Giant teams and simply took their time. Eighty-three yards and 13 plays later Trevon Harris scored the first of his three touchdowns on a 3-yard sweep into the endzone. With half the third quarter consumed, the Cadets had their first lead at 27-23.
Not to be outdone, the Bombers then embarked on their own 12-play drive but unfortunately their journey ended with a fumble on the Eisenhower 10. After sharing punts on their next two posessions, the Cadets then started another methodical journey to the endzone. The drive actually almost didnt get started. After a false start on first down, Easter threw a pass right into the waiting arms of a Bomber defender but it just slipped through his hands and Ike had new life. Ten plays later Easter found Jones for their third touchdown pass together and Eisenhower's lead increased to 34-23.
The Bombers were far from done, though. Starting at their own 30, they marched down the field, highlighted by a 53-yard pass from Whitby to Egbert. Robinson scored three plays later on a 2-yard run. Whitby then passed to Gardaya for the two point conversion and Richland was within a field goal at 34-31.
The next Cadet drive started out with shaky intentions. First, the Cadets were lucky to recover a very effective Bomber onside kick. Then a holding penalty dropped them ten yards in reverse followed by Easter being sacked for another 9 yard loss. But Denzel Jones ripped through the Bomber line for 24 yards and on third and five a Bomber defender jumped off sides and the Cadets had a fresh set of downs on the Richland 42 yard line. Four plays later, Jones scored his hat trick with a 1 yard run and Ike had a 40-31 lead.
The Bombers tried their best but simply ran out of time. Fortunately, losing this game didn't necessarily know them out of playoff contention. Davis lost their third game in a row, this time to Wenatchee. The Panthers, while they have only two league losses, finish up their schedule against a well-rested Chiawana team coming off a bye and playing at home. Therefore, if the Bombers get a win next week against the Moses Lake Chiefs, and depending on math, there could be a tie for the last playoff spot coming out of the Big Nine.
Therefore, I expect all of you to make the trek to Fran Rish Stadium next Friday night to celebrate Senior Night and to root on the Bombers against the visiting Moses Lake Chiefs. It's almost Halloween so make it special and dress like your favorite Bomber fan! See you next week!
Go Bombers!
Game 7: Richland 31, Walla Walla 15
|
Richland Bombers |
31 |
 |
Walla Walla Blue Devils |
15 |
October 14, 2011
If there isn't such a thing as an uneasy-easy victory, then the Richland Bombers just invented it as they rolled over the Walla Walla Blue Devils 31-15 at Borleske Stadium.
From the opening kickoff, the Bombers were in control. Richland took that kick and marched down the field scoring when Zack Whitby ran in for a four yard touchdown. Defensively, Walla Walla just couldn't get the ball moving and if my stats are correct, the Blue Devils didn't get a first down until the very last play of the first half. Meanwhile, Richland scored two more times. The first coming on a 32-yard field goal by Q Taychack, and the second on another Whitby touchdown run, this time for 1 yard.
Going into halftime the Bombers were cruising with a 17-0 lead. But if you have ever encountered a game in Walla Walla, you know for a fact that nothing comes easy.
The Blue Devils took the opening kickoff of the second half determined to make the Bombers earn a victory. Behind the three-pronged attack of Moe Handcox, Jonah Hoe, and Dakota Turner, Walla Walla marched the ball down the field very effectively. The only thing that stopped them was Ellijah Gardaya who intercepted Handcox's pass to Hoe in the end zone. Then it got weird. At first, Ellijah saw enough daylight in front of him that he thought running the ball out of the end zone was a good idea, but what light he saw suddenly turned blue so he decided to take a step back and take a knee. Unfortuntely he had already cross the goal line so the referees awarded Walla Walla a safety. 17-2 Bombers.
The ensuing kickoff gave the Blue Devils excellent field position at their own 44 yard line and they were on the march again and a score could make the game more interesting than the Bombers wanted. Thanks to a massive penalty on an illegal reciever call and a stiffened defense, the Bombers were able to get the ball back before any damage could happen.
With the ball back, the Bombers struck quickly. Zack Whitby found Ellijah Gardaya running up the middle and for the next 83 yards it was just Ellijah and a sea of blue jerseys. It reminded me of a chase scene on an L.A. freeway, and it was the longest play from scrimmage all year. It couldn't have come at a better time.
Walla Walla got on the board late in the third quarter on a 15 yard pass to Moe Handcox from Jonah Hoe but the damage had been done. Despite owning the third quarter for all but four plays, the Blue Devils found themselves behind 24-8.
The Bombers had one more nice, sustained drive in the fourth quarter. For most of the game, the Blue Devil defense had done a good job of bottling up the run, but Richland was determined to show that they could run the ball and proceeded to rely on B.K. Robinson and Cameron Simpson to take them home. Simpson completed the march with a 5 yard touchdown and a 31-8 lead.
Walla Walla scored one more time to make it 31-15 but the biggest highlight of the fourth quarter was the massive amount of yellow handkerchiefs flying around the field. Both teams ended up with an embarassing number of penalties (Richland with 10 for 101 and Wa-Hi with 12 for 91), so it did get a little ugly.
Next week, the Bombers play their most important game of the year when the 6-1 Eisenhower Cadets visit Fran Rish Stadium. For the Bombers to have any chance of a playoff berth, they need to beat the Cadets so this game is rather huge. I really hope you consider coming out next Friday night to cheer on the Bombers.
To take a line from current events, let's OCCUPY FRAN RISH STADIUM!
Go Bombers!
Game 6: Richland 24, Wenatchee 0
|
Richland Bombers |
24 |
 |
Wenatchee Panthers |
0 |
October 7, 2011
After two heartbreaking losses in the row, the Richland Bombers were looking to change their luck. So, they started a sophomore at quarterback in one of the toughest places to play in the Big Nine. As they say in the movies, "...it's just crazy enough to work!"
Zack Whitby, a sophomore who started for Pasco last year as a freshman, took the ball for the Bombers and helped them pitch a shutout. Wenatchee won the coin toss and elected to receive but quickly were forced to punt the ball to Richland. Zack took over and on the first drive at least, made it look easy, guding the offense on a ten play 54 yard drive that ended when Cameron Simpson ran 2 yards for the Bombers first touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
The Panthers looked to quickly return the favor. Starting from their own 33, Wenatchee passed their way into Bomber territory, landing on the 16. Ellijah Gardaya dashed their plans, intercepting the ball on the three and ending up at the 7. After an off sides penalty took them back to the three, Whitby tossed a short pass to Gardaya who took it safely out of Panther territory for a 59 yard gain. The Bombers were looking poised to score again but a fumbled snap ended their quest at the Wenatchee 15.
Fortunately, the Panthers were also in a giving mood. Sheldon Liikala gathered in a fumble of his own, just a few plays later and the Bombers were back in business at the Wenatchee 34. The ensuing drive fizzled quickly but Q Taychak was able to salvage it with a field goal from 36 yards out and a 10-0 Bomber lead.
Richland then went on to fumble away their next two posessions and were feeling very lucky that they had a 10 point lead heading into the long homecoming halftime. The first half saw the Bombers fumble four times total.
The second half didn't start out as well as hoped. The Bombers were penalized for a personal foul and holding and were forced to punt. Mason Baird brightened things up considerably when he recovered another fumble on Wenatchee's first play, giving Richland a first down on the Panther 25. The Bombers then countered by using the wildcat formation gaining 8 yards on their first carry, and then pitching the ball to Cameron Simpson for the next 23 for a touchdown. Now with the lead at 17-0 they were able to breathe a little. Then the defense took over.
Wenatchee's next two possessions were ended by interceptions. Connor Egbert end the first drive with an interception at the 38, and then Ellijah Gardaya hauled in his second of the night just as the third quarter came to a close.
After a Bomber punt to start the fourth quarter the Panthers were hoping to get something going. Isaiah Brandt-Sims penetrated the Richland line and rambled 22 yards down to the Bomber 10 but an alert defender was able to strip him. The ball flew directly into the waiting arms of Connor Egbert and he saw nothing but daylight. Thanks to a very opportune block by BK Robinson at the 30, Connor returned the fumble 90 yards for a touchdown. A devestating turn for the homecoming crowd but a perfect way for the Bombers to end a two-game losing streak.
For this night the offensive standouts were Cameron Simpson with 79 yards on 13 carries and Zack Whitby who went 15 for 19 passing and 190 yards. But the overall star of the night had to go to Ellijah Gardaya who not only had two intereceptions but also hauled in 5 passes for 107 yards.
Overall, despite the four fumbles, the Bombers handled themselves very well. The defense was superb. You simply don't go to Wenatchee and shut them out. It was a very fun game to watch.
Speaking of fun, next Friday night the Richland Bombers are travelling to Walla Walla to take on the Blue Devils. It should be another fun game to watch and Borleske Stadium is always a tough place to play. So, take a road trip with us next Friday and let's...
Go Bombers!
Game 5: Chiawana 22, Richland 14
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Chiawana Riverhawks |
22 |
|
Richland Bombers |
14 |
September 30, 2011
For three quarters the Richland Bombers were confident and dominant, but the fourth quarter got away from them and the 4th ranked Chiawana Riverhawks came from behind to beat the Bombers 22 to 14.
The Bombers came out of the hangar on fire and with something to prove. After last week's disappointing loss in overtime to Davis, they did. The defense forced the Riverhawks to punt, and then embarked on a twelve play drive. Mixing up the run and the pass effectively, the Bombers marched 77 yards through the Chiawana defense. B.K. Robinson capped the drive with a nine yard run for the touchdown.
Almost as quickly as the scoreboard changed to 7-0 Richland, Matthew Chalmers recovered a fumble on the Riverhawk 35 yard line. The Bombers tried to strike quickly but couldn't take advantage and turned the ball back to Chiawana after a missed field goal.
Chiawana then caught a little fire of their own. Two quick passes from Joseph Zamora to CJ Edrington connected for 16 yards apiece but their drive also ended with a missed 34 yard field goal. The Bombers were hoping to take advantage but their drive fizzled and they were forced to punt. Unfortunately, an ugly old friend returned. For the fifth game in a row, the Bombers were victimized by an errant punt snap, this one sailing over Isaac Campbell's head and giving the Riverhawks a first down at the seven yard line. Two plays later Downing scored on a one yard run. A missed extra point, though, kept the Bombers in the lead 7-6.
Richland then decided to just not give the ball back. The Bombers kept the ball for the next 16 plays, grinding their way down the field and consuming the remainder of the second quarter. With 24 seconds left in the half, BK Robinson scored his second touchdown of the game on a run from six yards away. The Bombers entered halftime with a surprising 14-6 lead.
The Bombers were hoping to start the second half off like they ended the first and were well on their way after BK Robinson ripped off a 43 yard run from their own 35 yard line down to the Chiawana 22. But the next play saw CJ Edrington intercept a Colter Quick pass in the end zone for a touchback. The Riverhawks then kept the ball for a 13 play drive but the Richland defense held strong and the only thing the Hawks were left with was a 26 yard field goal. The Bombers bent a little but still held a 14-9 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
Oh, but the fourth quarter was not kind at all. Chiawana’s Jordan Downing intercepted another Quick pass on a beautiful diving play giving them the ball on the Richland 35. Eight plays later, Downing finished what he started, running in the ball from 2 yards out for the touchdown. The Riverhawks tried to pass for two points but it fell incomplete and for the first time in the game, they led 15-14.
The Bombers didn’t give up, either. They took possession at the 35 and marched down the field, chewing up yardage and the clock but they just couldn’t find the right punch through the defense and were forced to try a field goal. Q Taychak put a good foot on it, but the 46 yard field goal try came up a little short.
At this point, the boys in green and gold were pretty much spent. Jordan Downing capped off a 177 yard rushing night when he ripped of a 69 yard run that took the Riverhawks down to the Richland 7. Two plays later, he finished his work and ran the seven yards for his third touchdown and the last dagger in the Bombers hopes, giving Chiawana a 22-14 lead.
The Bombers did have some life left and quickly marched the ball down to the Chiawana 22, but they just couldn’t take it any further and the night ended on an incomplete pass in the end zone.
For the second week in a row, the Richland Bombers played their hearts out but just couldn’t find the right magic. Hopefully the magic will return when Richland travels to the Apple Bowl in Wenatchee next week to take on the Wenatchee Panthers. This is always a great game so I hope you can make the trip! See you next week.
Go Bombers!
Game 4: Davis 34, Richland 27 OT
|
Richland Bombers |
27 |
|
Davis Pirates |
34 |
September 23, 2011
Not to overstate the obvious but Davis is for real. The Bombers and Pirates traded touchdowns from the first quarter to the fourth in a very exciting, very evenly played game but Davis got the better end of the Kansas City overtime and clinced the victory with an interception in the end zone to preserve the 34-27 Pirate win. It was the first win for Davis over Richland since 1998 and only the third victory since 1969.
There were many heroes on both side of the ball with each team running up 400 yards in total offense. The Bombers had plenty of opportunities to win this game but in the end were done in by a bad snap on the extra point that might have won the game. Overall, though, both teams should be proud of their performance in a tight, well-fought game.
Next up, the Chiawana Riverhawks.
Go Bombers!
Game 3: Richland 31, Evergreen 12
 |
Evergreen Plainsmen |
12 |
|
Richland Bombers |
31 |
September 16, 2011
Evergreen of Vancouver came over for a visit and the Richland Bombers were in a giving mood. The Bombers gave away three fumbles, had two touchdowns called back while being penalized 14 times for 116 yards but the Plainsmen couldn’t solve the combination of Colter Quick’s arm and Cameron Simpson’s legs as the Bombers walked away with a 31-12 non-league win.
The Bombers were able to get on the board quickly. After going three and out, the Evergreen punter’s knee hit the turf while ielding the snap. Colter Quick then threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Sheldon Liikala for a 6-0 lead. A few minutes later, the Bombers started a new drive on their own 49 yard line. Simpson, replacing the injured BK Robinson, shouldered the majority of the burden on the road to the end zone. Robinson's last run of 17 yards was negated when an opportunistic Plainsman was able to strip the ball at the goal line tumbled effortlessly out of the end zone for a touchback.
The first quarter ended with the same 6-0 score but early in the second, Colter Quick shredded the Plainsmen defense including two passes to Ellijah Gardaya for 63 of the 72 yards they needed. Simpson then rumbled in from three yards for the touchdown. He followed that with an encore run for the extra point. 14-0 Bombers.
Evergreen tried to answer back and had a good start with a 40 yard run on the first play from scrimmage by Justin Stroup. The promising drive ended though when Timur Zhividze’s 37 yard field goal try fell short.
The Bombers then drove 80 yards on 12 plays to make the score a more comfortable 21-0. The drive was highlighted by another 28 yard catch by Gardaya and punctuated by Connor Egbert’s 16 yard touchdown pass from Quick. The Bombers entered the locker room with the same 21-0 lead when Q Taychak’s 47 yard field goal try rattled the goal post but just wouldn’t go in. Either way, it was a beautiful kick.
Evergreen finally got points on the scoreboard early in the second half when a bad punt snap flew over the Bomber punter's head and sailed to the five yard line. After a bit of Oakland Raider fumblerooski, the Plainsmen had first and ten on the Richland five. One play later, Jamaree Jones scampered across the goal line for six points. The PAT was blocked.
The Plainsmen are a very young team with only three senior starters but they showed a lot of fight an played a nice game. The Bombers, though, just had too many horses to stop. Colter Quick ended up with 203 yards passing, Cameron Simpson ran for another 126, and Ellijah Gardaya caught eight passes for 144 as Richland amassed 391 yards in total. While it was a very nice game for the Bombers, they had better tighten up the mistakes as they move into the conference portion of the schedule.
Next Friday night, they get a very large test when they invade Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima to take on the 3-0 Davis Pirates. Davis looks to be very good so I hope you make the trip and join us for football and Miner burgers. See you next week.
Go Bombers!
Game 2: Richland 35, Hanford 21
 |
Hanford Falcons |
21 |
|
Richland Bombers |
35 |
September 9, 2011
The Richland Bombers and Hanford Falcons renewed their home town rivalry tonight at Fran Rish Stadium and though it's a tale about one city, this game was a tale of two distinct ballgames.
The first half was just plain fun.After trading three-and-outs to start the game, Hanford caught their first break when the Bombers center shot a low worm burner through the legs of Joe Payne. The 31 yard loss gave the Falcons the ball at the Richland nine. Jalen DeVine made short work of those nine yards and Hanford jumped ahead 7-0.
Richland settled down on the next posession and sustained a nice 8 play, 69-yard drive of their own, highlighted by two BK Robinson runs of 18 and 30 yards. Colter Quick capped the drive with a 1-yard sneak to tie the game at 7-7. Hanford wasn't appreciative of the Bombers trying to spoil their party and struck quickly. Austin Forsyth hit Kyle Lafon for a short gain but Kyle had a different agenda and shrugged off a few tackles and ran untouched for a 59-yard touchdown. Hanford 14, Richland 7.
Once again, though, Richland answered Hanford's call and marched down the field quickly and tied the score when Colter Quick found Ellijah Gardaya in the endzone for a 19-yard touchdown. Midway through the second quarter the Falcon's Josh Tayamen hauled in what would be the first of three interceptions off Quick and gave Hanford excellent field position on the Bomber 35 yard line. Two plays later, Forsyth threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Sanchez and the Hanford faithful were smelling upset as the Falcons seized a 21-14 halftime lead.
The Bombers, though, made a couple key adjustments at halftime: 1) stop giving the ball away; and 2) don't throw, just run. The latter adjustment was very evident on the first drive of the second half. Eight out of the ten plays in the drive were running plays with BK Robinson and Cameron Simpson sharing the commute. Focusing on establishing the run allowed Colter Quick to finish off the 74 yard drive with a nice 21-yard touchdown pass to Connor Egbert and tied the game at 21.
A short punt after the next Hanford posession gave the Bombers great field position at the Hanford 37. Taking a page out of the Falcon's first half playbook, the Bombers struck quickly finishing off a four play drive when Quick found Egbert again for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Finally, with 4:04 left in the third quarter, Richland had the lead.
Hanford wanted to answer quickly and did when Jalen DeVine scampered 27 yards for a first down inside the Bomber 50. Unfortunately, the drive stalled and then the wheels came off. Will Bishop's rollout rugby punt was blocked and Sawyer Powell chased the ball down at the 36 yard line and found himself with an open playground and Richland was finally able to get some breathing room. The Bombers were able to snuff any other hopes of a Hanford rally and the Bombers won the battle of Richland 35-21.
Hanford's stars of the night were Jalen DeVine with 111 yards rushing and a touchdown, and Josh Tayamen with his three interceptions. The Bombers offensive stars were BK Robinson with 136 yards rushing, Camerson Simpson with 90 yards rushing, and Connor Egbert with 3 catches for 55 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Next week, the Bombers take on the Evergreen Plainsmen. Last year the Bombers traveled to Vancouver and came away with a 34-14 win. So let me be your entertainment advisor for next Friday night. Why don't you start by visiting the Christ the King Sausage Fest, have a sausage or a bierrock and maybe some corn on the cob. Then, bring your family to the Richland/Evergreen football game at 7:30, finishing your night back at Sausage Fest for pie or funnel cakes. The weather is going to be beautiful so let's make a night of it! See you next week!
Go Bombers!
Game 1: Richland 44, Pasco 10
|
Richland Bombers |
44 |
 |
Pasco Bulldogs |
10 |
September 2, 2011
One word describes tonight's Richland Pasco football game. Yowza!
The Bombers lost the coin toss and then spent the rest of the first half seeking retribution. Richland took the opening kickoff and started at the 35 yard line. Seven plays later, Costner Quick hit Ellijah Gardaya on a short pass at the Pasco 36 and Ellijah took it home from there for a 6-0 lead. Two minutes later, Quick threw a touchdown pass to Deric Samples. B.K. Robinson ran in the point after, 14-0 Richland. One play after the kickoff, T.J. Avery's pitch/pass sailed over Luis Murillo's head and B.K. picked it up off the bounce and returned it twelve yards. 21-0. With just under three minutes left in the first quarter, B.K. ripped off a 48 yard run. Richland 28, Pasco 0.
The Bombers offense was quite impressive but the defense was equally solid. Pasco had three first downs in the first half and were not able to produce anything positive until late in the first half when Ryan Gibson put the Bulldogs on the board with a 29 yard field goal. Richland had already scored on an eleven yard pass from Quick to Sheldon LIkkala, and another B.K. Robinson touchdown on a 3 yard run.
The second half was pretty much a blur. Literally. A new mercy rule instituted recently allows the officials to run the game clock at real speed wtih no stops and thus the Bombers only had a handful of plays. The good part of this rule is that an ugly game didn't get any uglier, the negative part is that some juniors and sophomores didn't get a few minutes of varsity experience they may have gotten in previous years. Either way, the Bombers came away with an impressive 44-10 victory on a beatiful, warm night at Edgar Brown Stadium.
Next week, it's time to throw the records out the window because the home town Hanford Falcons are invading the home town Richland Bombers. This game is always fun so I would suggest you clear your schedule for Friday, September 9 and fill the stadium in celebration of football in Richland. See you next week.
Go Bombers!
Tri-City Herald Features Big-9 Players
The Tri-City Heral is running a series of articles on players from all seven Tri-City schools. Follow the links and check out some of the players you'll be seeing on Friday nights this fall.
Get ready for football, this Friday night!
Catch the Bombers LIVE on TV twice in 2011
SWX TV out of Spokane will be broadcasting two Richland Bomber games this season. The first game is on September 9 when Richland takes on the cross-town rival Hanford Falcons and the second game will be the season finale on October 28 with the Bombers battling the Moses Lake Chiefs.
If you are not familiar with SWX, this channel can be found over the air on channel 25.3 and on Charter Cable on Channel 287. Of course, I am only telling you this so you can set your TiVo or DVR because I fully expect each of you to come to the game and get yourself on television!
Remember the Pasco game is just a few weeks away on September 2, 2011 at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium in Pasco.
Go Bombers!
Fall Practice Schedule 2011
I know we really haven't had summer yet, but August is only a few short days away and it's the start of Bomber football season. Coach Neidhold has released the August practice schedule.
Go Bombers!
August Practice Schedule
Message from an "All American"
Over the last few weeks I have received some messages from George (Frenchy) Franceschini, a member of the 1944 Richland Bomber football team. The 1944 team was referred to as the All Americans because the team had representatives from 26 different states due to the height of the Manhattan Project construction.
George would like to get in touch with any of the remaining members of the team and sent along a message:
I was a member of the 1944 football team.I am 83 now. Had so much fun that year. There still must be some classmates alive. I would like to hear from any of my old friends. WWII was in full bloom and many of my classmates were there for a short time. I live in Arcadia, Ca. I was a Junior in 1944. My memories of that time are still vivid in my mind. My love to all of you.
If you would like to get in touch with George, please drop a note in the Contact Us mailbox.
Sawyer Powell Named Top Rising Senior at Nike Sparq
The final Nike SPARQ Combine of the year hit Portland, Oregon with close to 600 players in attendance. Five special talents put up SPARQ ratings over 100 including the top rating by a linebacker all year.
Top Rising Senior
Sawyer Powell, LB, Richland
Powell attended a Nike Combine for the third year in a row and scored almost 40 points higher than a year ago. His 43-inch vertical jump was the second best on the combine circuit this year and his 124.44 SPARQ Rating is the seventh-best for any player, and the top score for all linebackers. Powell will be a three-year starter next season and had close to 100 tackles and collected one interception last season. He’s hearing from Missouri, Oregon State, Utah, BYU and Idaho and will camp with the Cougars, Utes and Boise State.
rise.espn.go.com/football/articles/2011/06/Portland-Combine-Recap.aspx
2011 Summer Football Calendar
Coach Neidhold has released the summer calendar for 2011.
Summer 2011 Football Calendar
Spring Football Meeting Wednesday May 4th
All players interested in playing football for the Richand Bombers please plan on attending an important meeting on Wednesday May 4th, 2011 during your lunch in Coach Neidhold's room, 1224.
Important camp dates will be announced and football camp sign up will begin and fees will be discussed.
Plan on attending. If you cannot attend this information meeting you must contact Coach Neidhold to get this important information!
Spring Football Meeting Flyer
