The Hermiston Bulldogs got off to a quick start Friday night in Bend and used a potent running game to claim a 28-7 win over the Lava Bears in a matchup between Special District 1 rivals.
Quarterback Andrew James got Hermiston on the board first with a 49-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Running back Jonathan Hinkle scored on a 16-yard run to give Hermiston a 14-0 second quarter lead.
Hermiston (4-3, 4-1) tallied 257 rushing yards on the night, led by James’ 114 yards on 15 carries and Hinkle’s 103 yards on 15 carries.
The Bulldogs pushed the lead to 21-0 heading into halftime when James hit Dayshawn Neal on a third-and-long. After making the catch, Neal sprinted 64 yards for the score.
After Bend cut the lead to 21-7, Hermiston put a cap on the night’s scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run by John-Henry Lee late in the fourth quarter.
James finished the night with 12 completions on 24 attempts for 195 passing yards. Neal finished the night with four catches and 109 yards.
Bend could muster just 193 total yards on offense, while Hermiston piled up 452 total yards.
The loss drops Bend to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play.
The Bulldogs hit the road again next Friday for a matchup with Redmond (3-4, 3-2). Hermiston returns home on Oct. 28 for its game against Pendleton.
