Senior quarterback Andrew James threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another as the Hermiston Bulldogs came from behind to beat the Richland Bombers, 27-21, at Fran Rish Stadium Friday night.
The Bombers scored a pair of touchdowns early to take a 14-0 lead with around 9 minutes left in the second quarter. The Bulldogs, however, got their offense in gear and scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second quarter. Two came by air – touchdown passes to Jordan Ramirez and Cody Thacker – while James carried one in.
The Bulldogs took a 21-14 lead into halftime.
On two occasions in the second half, lightning caused the game to be delayed by 30 minutes each time. When play resumed after the first delay with 8:59 left in the fourth, the Bulldogs scored on a 9-yard touchdown pass from James to Ramirez to increase Hermiston’s lead to 27-14.
Minutes later, Richland scored on a 22-yard run to cut the Hermiston lead to 6. A second weather delay only served to delay the final outcome the Bulldogs held on to claim the 27-21 win.
Along with his three touchdown passes and rushing touchdown, James finished the night 17-22 and 189 yards passing with 16 rushes for 52 yards.
Wyatt Nolland ran the ball 22 times Friday night for 144 yards, while Ramirez caught 8 passes for 64 yards and 2 scores.
Hermiston improves to 2-0 in the Mid-Columbia Conference while defending Washington 6A Richland falls to 0-2.
Hermiston will host the Kennewick Lions on Friday at Kennison Field.
