On to State - By Kage Ballard

   The Richland Bombers and the Eastmont Wildcats faced off in the first round of the district playoffs. The Bombers defeated the Wildcats in a back and fourth game by a score of 31-22. In a game of clashing offensive styles, the Bombers were able to prevail and move on to play in the state tournament.

   The Bombers were coming off of a heartbreaking 44-45 loss to Mountain View and needed to bounce back before making a potential run to state. Senior Tanner Schuster told me, “The loss motivated us to come out and be ready to make a statement,” and that they did. Having faced another wing-t offense earlier this year and struggling, there were certainly some question marks before the game. Those questions were answered, however, and the Bombers were able to hold on and clinch their spot in this year’s state tournament.

   The Wildcats started the game with the football and quickly had the Bombers on their heels. A few long runs set up a play-action pass that took them deep into the red zone. They were able to capitalize on the drive with a touchdown, although they missed the extra point, which would prove vital later in the game. The Bombers continued their fantastic special team play over the past few games and started this game with another long return. Runs from Seniors Landon Charlton and Kalani Steward kickstarted the Bomber offense, which brought them to the 23-yard line. In a game where the weather was supposed to be a factor, this did not stop the Bombers as junior Josh Woodard delivered a strike to freshman Brody Bocek for a touchdown.

   When the Wildcats got the ball back, they continued to run the ball very effectively. A series of misdirections allowed Eastmont to get the ball deep inside Richland territory. They were stopped on 3rd and goal, however, and were forced to kick a field goal, bringing the score to 7-9 in favor of the Wildcats. The Bombers responded again to Easmont’s offensive firepower and drove the ball right down the field. When the offensive looked like they were about to capitalize on the drive, everything seemed to go wrong. The Bombers scored, but it was called back for holding. On the very next play, Josh Woodard was scrambling while trying to convert a 3rd and goal from the 18-yard line, and his pass was deflected by an Eastmont defender and intercepted. 

   Luckily for the Bombers, this would be meaningless in the long run, as Easmont would quickly punt the ball back to them. The Bombers stayed aggressive through the wind and rain, as Josh Woodard would throw lazers to Senior Seth Shook to keep the drive alive. After converting on a crucial 4th down, the Bombers found themselves in another goal-to-go situation. This time they would be stopped on 3rd and goal on seemingly the 1-inch line. They would call a timeout to talk about their next play, as they knew a score here would be huge before the end of the first half. The Bombers would draw up a beautiful read option play, faking out everyone in the stadium, as Josh Woodard was able to simply walk into the endzone to cap off the drive. 

   With 30 seconds left in the half, there was little Eastmont could do. However, the Bombers would gain more momentum going into the half, as sophomore Zach Rose would obliterate an Eastmont lead blocker. This high-octane play would set the tone for the game while the score at the end of the first half was 14-9.

   The Bombers started the second half with the football and got off to a hot start, with multiple first-down runs by Landon Charlton. The Wildcats, anticipating the run, then allowed Josh Woodard to connect with Seth shook on a 35-yard pass to bring the Bombers to the 5-yard line. Unfortunately for the Bombers, they weren’t able to put another 7 points on the board, as they had to settle for a field goal bringing the score to 17-9. 

   The Wildcats continued to struggle to move the ball on offense. The Bomber defense, responding to the criticism, forced another punt early in the drive. Although this punt would put a stamp on how the game was going, as the Bombers blocked the punt and recovered the football on the 16-yard line. Starting in the red zone, the Bombers took a shot to the endzone early, forcing Eastmont to commit a pass interference penalty. Landon Charlton would cap off the short drive with an 8-yard touchdown run to give the Bombers a 15-point lead.

   Eastmont needed a big response, and they put together a strong drive ending in a rushing touchdown bringing the score to 24-16. Sadly for the Bombers, Linebacker Isaya Galvez was ejected from the game on the drive for “Throwing a punch.” Coach Mike Neidhold was livid, and the refs would continue to interfere with the flow of the game. The Bombers returned the ensuing kickoff to the 50-yard line, but the return was called back due to a holding penalty. Josh Woodard would take that personally and connect with Seth Shook on a deep pass, bringing the Bombers to where they were before the penalty. In order to hold off the Wildcat comeback attempt, the Bombers need to take time off the clock and end the drive with a touchdown. Landon Charlton put together three straight first-down runs, and Josh Woodard ended the drive with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Brody Bocek, his second of the game. 

   The Wildcats needed to respond after another pivotal Bomber drive. After running most of the game, Eastmont threw deep for the first time, and a Wildcat receiver made a beautiful diving catch. With the clock ticking, the Wildcats found themselves in the red zone yet again. Needing a touchdown, they found some luck as a fumbled snap ended up in the hands of Eastmont’s running back, and he plowed his way into the endzone. Being down 15, the Wildcats needed to score twice and covert a 2-point conversion. Unfortunately for them, another missed extra point seemingly sealed the deal for the Bombers due to Eastmont still needing two scores. The onside kick was recovered by the Bombers, and Eastmont would need a miracle to change the outcome of this game. The Wildcats did force a Bomber punt; however, it was too late, and Zach Rose capped it off with a game-sealing interception.

   The Bombers leave this game with a record of 6-4 and momentum going into the state tournament. Being matched up with a powerhouse in Kennedy Catholic, the Bombers will need to bring their best as they look to force an upset in the state this year.