Bombers Take Heartbreaking Fall to the Eagles - By Alex Billings
Four hours away in Graham Washington, the bombers took on the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles in an exhilarating match that had you sitting on the end of your seat. The Richland Bombers, coming off a stunning win against the Eastmont Wildcats, who were previously ranked #1 in the state, were ready to battle. The Graham-Kapowsin Eagles, having an astonishing 11-0 record this season, game out fighting just as hard.
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| Photo: Andre Stump (Stumpy Photography) |
While the Bombers put their blood, sweat, and tears into this match, the Eagles took home the 56-35 win. Richland took the first touchdown just under two minutes into the first quarter, stunning the Eagles.
The GK Eagles kick-off to the Bombers to start the game. Quarterback Josh Woodard finds Junior running back Jake Brannon for a first down. That connection was just what the bombers needed to find their first touchdown of the night. On the next play, Woodard throws a 68-yard touchdown to Brody Bocek. This will be one of three touchdowns for the sophomore wide receiver and will set the tone for the outstanding game he is about to play.
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| Photo: Andre Stump (Stumpy Photography) |
The Eagles bounced back right off the bat with a touchdown of their own. The Eagles started the drive with a 35-yard carry, leaving them at the one-yard line. Graham-Kapowsin Quarterback Daveon Superales finds senior wide receiver Alele Fa'apito-leao in the endzone for the Eagles' first touchdown of the game.
The Bomber fought the Eagles the entire half, coming right back and scoring their second touchdown. Bocek's second touchdown of the night. The Eagles wouldn't take it and scored on the Bombers shortly after, with a 47-yard pass from quarterback Superales to Oregon State Commit Malachi Durant, who would have a stunning game for the Eagles. After multiple attempts at stopping the Eagles' extra point, Junior Zach Rose for the Bombers stops the kick, leaving the Eagles down by one point in the first quarter. This back-and-forth fight continued, both teams brawling the duration of the half, leaving the halftime score to be 21-35, Graham-Kapowsin Eagles in the lead.
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| Photo: Andre Stump (Stumpy Photography) |
The second half kick-started with the Eagles having a 20-yard screen pass to senior wide receiver Jabez Woods, setting them up for what they hoped would be their fourth touchdown of the game. But the Bombers wouldn't let that happen. Superales attempts to find Durant, but thanks to senior cornerback Rayce Reeves for the bombers, the ball slips through Durant's hands, which then makes it second down for the Eagles. On the Eagles' third down, the ball is intercepted by the Bombers' own senior Chris Daniels. The Bombers were ready to go. Woodard throws an eye-catching 30-yard touchdown pass to wide-open Rayce Reeves for the first Bomber touchdown of the half.
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| Photo: Andre Stump (Stumpy Photography) |
The Eagles would have no more; they were ready to fight. The Eagles line up on the 30-yard line, and after two failed attempts, Jabez Woods runs the ball in for another GK touchdown. This would be the start of a three-touchdown streak from the Eagles. The Bomber defense had many amazing stops, and the Bombers had one more touchdown of their own in this second half. While one look at the scoreboard might make you think it was a blowout, this game was hard fought, and everyone watching was sitting on the edge of their seats. The Bombers are the #16 seed in the state playoffs but are up a significant fight against #1 ranked Graham-Kapowsin. The Eagles head coach, Jeff Logan, casually said to the coaching staff at Richland, “We never want to play Richland again. You guys scared us.”
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| Photo: Andre Stump (Stumpy Photography) |
With Bomber football coming to an end this Saturday after a tough loss, many seniors felt strong emotions toward their last game in the green and gold. I spoke with Senior Nathan McClelland about his final game as a Bomber. “The main thing for me is cherishing the memories I have had with each and every one the past four years.” When speaking with McClelland about this game, he mentioned how tough it is to play in what could be your last game. “It's never easy knowing it could be your last game. Near the end of the game, you look up at the scoreboard and see the clock ticking; it hits you. This will be the last of everything you do on the field.” I was also able to speak with senior quarterback Josh Woodard, who is not only a stud on the football field but also on the basketball court. Woodard had heartwarming words to say about his last Bomber football game, “Bomber football will always have a special place in my heart, but I'm excited to start my senior basketball season.”
Bomber football means so much not only to the players and coaches but also to the students and fans of the game. It's heartbreaking to see 2023 Bomber football come to an end.
