The Hermiston Bulldogs had reversal of fortune from a year ago by shutting out the Lewiston Bengals at Kennison Field Friday night, 26-0.
The win avenges last year’s 38-13 road loss to the Bengals. On Friday, the Bulldogs got off to a fast start by recovering a fumble on Lewiston’s first possession of the game and almost immediately scoring on a quarterback keeper by junior Andrew James to make it 7-0.
Hermiston scored again late in the first quarter on a 4-yard run by Jonathan Hinkle that was set up earlier when James eluded tacklers in the backfield on fourth-and-one to keep the drive alive. The extra point snap was fumbled and Hermiston led 13-0.
Hinkle, who had 121 yards on 14 carries, scored his second touchdown of the game near the end of the half to put Hermiston up 20-0.
Senior Joey Gutierrez had a pair of interceptions on the night, including one in the third quarter that set up Hermiston’s final score when James connected with Dayshawn Neal who scampered into the end zone.
James finished the night converting 12 of 27 passes for 178 yards. He also led the team with 129 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Neal caught 8 passes for 107 yards.
The Bulldogs dominated the Bengals across the board, running 82 plays, racking up 40 first downs and compiling 546 total yards, while Lewiston could muster just seven first downs on a mere 40 plays from scrimmage.
The win evens Hermiston’s record at 1-1. The Bulldogs will travel to Mountain View next week.
