Bomber Season Ended by #4 Ranked Kennedy Catholic - By Parker Schulz
On November 15, the Richland Bombers made the far trip to the west side to take on the Kennedy Catholic Lancers. Being the 1st round of playoffs, this game decided who would continue their season. The Bombers would topple to Kennedy Catholic, losing 49-7.
Kennedy Catholic showed an impressive running game. Their team combined for 371 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. Indiana Jones led the Lancers: he alone had 145 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Kael Copeland was also significant in the Lancer’s run game, as he had 69 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Kennedy Catholic’s quarterback, Devon Forehand, was able to make plays when the Lancers needed him, as he threw for 77 yards and a touchdown. Overall, the Lancers showed great ability to stay on the ground and produce drives by running the ball.
From the beginning of the game, the Bombers would be in an unfamiliar environment: the weather rained throughout the whole game and got worse as it went on. Richland received the ball to start the game. The Bombers weren’t able to produce anything from the first drive as Jake Brannon would fumble to put Kennedy Catholic 24 yards from the end zone. Kennedy Catholic would then fumble themselves on their 3rd down but luckily recovered the ball for the 1st down. Running back Indiana Jones #5 finished the job by running the ball in for the touchdown. Kennedy Catholic continued to make the PAT to put themselves up 7-0. Richland answered back quickly. On their next drive, the Bombers went for it on 4th and 15, where quarterback Jackson Woodard would find receiver Zach Rose in the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown. Sam Amaya followed up by making the PAT, tying the game 7-7. With 30 seconds left in the 1st quarter, #26, Biaggio Morella scored a touchdown for Kennedy Catholic. While kicking the extra point, the Bombers got a flag for offsides. Being on the 1-yard line, the Lancers would go for two. Jones ran the ball, putting Kennedy Catholic up 15-7.
On Richland’s 1st drive of the 2nd quarter, #32, Cannon Weikum fumbled the ball, setting Kennedy Catholic up 18 yards from the goal line. The Lancers made their way down to the Bomber’s 5, which gave #21 Kael Copeland the ability to run the ball into the end zone. Making the PAT, Kennedy Catholic would go up 22-7. Richland's struggles would continue into the drive right after and throughout the rest of the game. On the next drive, Woodard’s throw was picked off by #24, Jordan Noel. Making it down to the Bomber’s 1-yard line, Jones rushed the ball in for another touchdown, adding to the Lancer’s lead being up 29-7. For the last 7 minutes of the half, neither team was able to find the end zone.
To start the 2nd Half, Kennedy Catholic would go down to the Bomber’s 13-yard line, where they fumble and have Richland recover the ball. The Bombers didn’t find any momentum from this turnover and were forced to punt. The Lancers continued the game by getting 8 yards from the goal line on the next drive. Copeland then ran the ball into the end zone, extending their lead further to 36-7. On Richland’s 2nd drive of the half, they would go for it on 4th and 2, trying to keep their drive alive. The Bombers would have no luck turning it over on downs.
In the 4th quarter, Kennedy Catholic would again make their way downfield to put them right next to the end zone. On a 3-yard rush, Jones would get his 3rd touchdown of the night, putting the Lancers up 43-7. With 7:30 left in the 4th, the Bombers would be forced to punt. On Kennedy Catholic's 4th drive of the half, they would fumble the ball 19 yards from the goal line. Richland’s struggles would strike again in, the 1st play after recovering the fumble. Woodard threw a pick right into the defense. The Lancer’s last drive of the night would end with #8, Dante Saladino rushing the ball in for a touchdown. The Bombers then ran the rest of the time out. The final score was 49-7.
The Bombers had their struggles throughout the whole game, Stemming from the unfamiliar encounter with rain. Richland hadn’t played in an environment as such the whole season, leading to fumbles and bad throws. Kennedy Catholic was able to find success despite the pouring rain which will keep their season alive as they enter round 2 of the playoffs.
Richland’s final record was 7-4. Despite ending unlike anyone wanted, the Bombers had a great season with many great players helping bring success to the team. When asked what were some of your favorite parts of being a part of this team and what do you believe allowed the Bombers to make it this far into the season, senior receiver and captain of the Bombers, Colson Mackey, said, “My favorite part about this season was going out there and spending time with my friends and making more memories. I think our chemistry is what led us this far into the season.” Atomic TV commentator Rylan Hubbard said, “His favorite part of watching the Richland Bombers this season was announcing for Atomic TV while becoming close with the team, learning stats, and tracking the player’s progression. My absolute favorite part was watching all of my friends that I’ve grown up with since elementary school flourish into very sought-after players and leaders. I will always remember and be proud that they were my friends.” The season for the Richland Bombers came to an end in the 1st round of state, but the team and seniors are left with a winning record of 7-4 for the final season.
