It took some key defensive plays and a pair of overtimes, but the Hermiston Bulldogs notched their first win of the season Friday with a 13-7 win over the visiting Sandy Pioneers.
Hermiston junior defensive back Vaemuvete Ena returned an interception 70 yards in the second overtime to set up the winning 3-yard touchdown run by senior running back Omar Garcia. Ena returned another interception for 85 yards in the first overtime, but Hermiston missed a potential game-winning field goal.
The Bulldogs (1-5) opened the scoring late in the first quarter on a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nathan Hunsaker to Jerry Ramirez to give Hermiston a 7-0 lead. The first quarter was marred by a seemingly unending series of penalty flags before both teams settled down. Hermiston had 15 penalties called for 92 yards, while Sandy had 10 flags for 63 yards.
The Pioneers tied the game in the fourth quarter when quarterback Kelly Sanders connected with Grayson Fenwick on an 11-yard touchdown pass.
Hunsaker finished the game completing 10 of 20 passes for 149 yards and a pair of interceptions. Garcia led the Bulldogs in rushing with 75 yards on 18 carries.
The Bulldogs will try to make it two in a row this coming Friday when they open conference play on the road against The Dalles (1-4).
