The Hermiston Bulldogs are off to a rough start to the new season after falling to the Kennewick Lions, 28-17, at Lampson Stadium Friday night.
The loss drops Hermiston to 0-3 on the season following three straight conference losses.
Hermiston’s defense stymied the Lions’ offense early, forcing a punt on their first possession and recovering a fumble on their second drive. The Bulldogs’ offense, however, couldn’t do much better, missing a field goal attempt on their initial drive and turning the ball over on downs on their next possession.
Kennewick got on the board late in the first quarter on an 8-yard run by Myles Mayovsky. The Bulldogs, too, scored on their next drive on a 25-yard field goal by Trevor Wagnor.
Mayovsky scored his second rushing touchdown, an 11-yard run, with just over 2 minutes left in the half to give Kennewick a 14-3 halftime lead.
Hermiston came out firing on their first drive of the third quarter and found the end zone when Daniel Faaeteete scored on a 3-yard run. A successful 2-point conversion cut the Lions’ lead to 14-11.
Fortunes turned in Kennewick’s favor after a fake punt resulted in a first-down run, giving the Lions’ drive new life. Kennewick took advantage of their extended drive by scoring on a 2-yard run to take a 21-11 lead with 9:35 left in the fourth quarter.
The Lions put the game out of reach on a 5-yard touchdown pass with 3:51 left.
Sam Schwirse connected with Garrett Walchli late on a pass to wrap up the night’s scoring. Schwirse finished the night 18-for-22 and 183 yards through the air. Walchli led all Hermiston receivers with 6 catches for 108 yards.
Hermiston will host Walla Walla (1-2) in a conference game at Kennison Field on Friday. The 2-1 Lions face cross-town rivals Kamiakin (3-0) at Lampson Stadium.
