The Hermiston Bulldogs used an explosive second quarter to dominate Hood River Valley Eagles Friday night at Kennison Field, chalking up a 40-14 victory.
After what was a lackluster first quarter, the Bulldogs wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard in the second quarter. On the first play of the quarter, junior quarterback Andrew James scored on an 11-yard keeper to make it 7-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, the wind wobbled the ball as Dayshawn Neal kicked it, causing it to bounce wildly with Hermiston recovering after a Hood River Valley player touched the ball. Two plays later, James scored on a 1-yard run to make it 13-0.
Hermiston scored three more times before halftime – once on a Jonathan Hinkle 19-yard run and twice on James’ touchdown passes to Neal and Tyler Rohrman giving Hermiston a 34-0 lead at intermission.
James was nearly perfect in the air on Friday, connecting on 10 of 11 passes for 200 yards. He also rushed for 45 yards on 7 carries with 2 touchdowns.
Neal ended the night with three catches for 71 yards. Hinkle led the Bulldogs on the ground with 61 yards on 8 carries. Hermiston totaled 200 yards on the ground and 401 total yards from scrimmage on the night.
Friday’s win comes on the heels of last week’s 34-14 win at Summit and sets up next week’s road game against the 0-5 Ridgeview Ravens from Bend. Ridgeview lost to the 4-1 Bend Lava Bears Friday night, 48-6.
Hermiston’s next home game will be on Oct. 13 when they take on the Lava Bears.
