Richland Wins Home Opener Against Hermiston - By Aubrey Hunter

After an eventful game, many questions surrounding Bomber football were answered. Richland defeated Hermiston for the fifth straight appearance with a dominant score of 60-0.

Before the game, the Bombers celebrated coach Neidhold's retirement after 16 years of bomber football. His wife and family accompanied him. By Colson Mackey and Jake Brannon, Richland’s captains, Neid was gifted a shadow box of his jersey from his years playing football—number 11. Josh Jelinek (Jels) replaced Neidhold and led the Bombers to their first victory of the year. After speaking to Ethan Vanbeek, he shared with me the trust and comfortability the players already have in their new coach, Mr. Jelinek. Vanbeek said, "I think Jells has done an incredible job stepping in, and the team enjoys his presence as the new head coach." He continues by saying they might have lost some seniors and Neid last year, but the season's goal remains to win every opportunity given to them. And they will do just that. 

Photo courtesy of: Ian Reardon

Only losing by six last year, the Bulldogs thought they had a chance to give the Bombers another tough time, but Richland knew they had to bring the heat. Bomber tight end Ethan Vanbeek claimed leading up to the game, the Bombers prepared by staying extra focused during practice and taking no days off. Both sides losing their starting quarterback from the 2023 season, Josh Woodard and Issac Corey, would bring a massive question. Who would step up to the plate for these MCC teams? Keeping up the Woodard legacy after his brother, Richland’s sophomore quarterback Jackson Woodard threw for 177 yards and four touchdowns. He is not slowing down anytime soon, which answers our question.

Photo courtesy of: Ian Reardon

Why was this game crucial to the Richland Bombers? Besides their winning legacy, the school spirit and pride at RHS are unlike any other in the MCC. Easily the biggest and best student section. Kids love being a bomber; part is watching their teams win. Crowds of kids lined up by the gate at the stadium at 3:00 pm, planning to cheer their classmates to a victory. I know one thing. Bombers do not mess around. And the Bombers love football. I spoke to Brooklynn Boyce about her student section experience and what it means to her to be a bomber. She explained how important this year is for her as a senior. She was among the many waiting multiple hours to get a good seat. She is the epitome of what it means to be a bomber. "There's nothing I look forward to more than being on the sidelines watching my fellow students do what they love for our school that they love even more." She stated. She confirmed that throughout the whole season, the Richland Bomber student section will be filled with passion and support. She enjoys going to the games with her friends and fellow classmates as these Richland games are what she looks forward to the most in school. “My experience here would be nowhere the same without bomber sports and community”. Boyce shared with me. 

Photo courtesy of: Ian Reardon

When asked what this game meant to the team, Vanbeek explained the importance of the chemistry and confidence gained from this game in the future. Lots of fans and opposing teams had many doubts going into this season. Senior Preston Bryant showed up with 67 yards and 2 touchdowns on the night. Senior Colson Mackey and junior Sylen Kisel-Kauhane each with one touchdown to help get the Bombers to 60 points. Senior Jake Brannon did measures for the Bombers Friday night, with 49 rushing yards. Along with Ethan, the defense allowed an impressive score of 0 points gained by the Hermiston Bulldogs. A total of 6 interceptions, one blocked punt and one pick-six. Undoubtedly, the bomber defense has taken a step up from their 2023 season. Zach Rose and Cannon Weikum have two interceptions each, and Vanbeek, with a blocked kick, says it all. Vanbeek says, "The win helped our confidence and silenced some of our haters." There is still much more for this team to prove throughout their season. 

Photo courtesy of: Ian Reardon

Regardless of the team, the Bombers will continue fighting and showing grit throughout the season. They have some tough competition coming up, but they will never go down without a tough fight. They will work hard and show teamwork as they continue with their new coach, whom they respect as much as any other. Down by 60, or up by 60, the fellow students at Richland will continue to support their team as a family. Some good games are coming up versus Richlands' rival school, Hanford, and cross-town rival, Kamiakan. It will be super exciting to see what these boys do. The season has just begun, and it looks incredibly bright for this 4A high school.