HERMISTON, Ore.-Hermiston hosted Southridge for homecoming at Kennison Field on October 2.
The Bulldogs and Suns came into the matchup of two teams near the top of the Mid-Columbia Conference (MCC) with identical (2-0 league, 3-1 overall) records.
The game featured two high-powered offenses, with Southridge’s vaunted rushing attack of Tayton Jackman and Jacob Korotkov, both averaging over seven yards a carry, while Hermiston, led by Junior dual-threat Quarterback Brayden Medelez, was averaging 32 points a game.
Hermiston started the game on offense and moved the ball to near midfield before turning it over on downs.
The Southridge running game went promptly to work on their first possession, punching it in for a touchdown after a quick three-play drive for the early 7-0 lead.
The Bulldogs weren’t fooled when Southridge attempted a rare pass on its second drive of the game, with Lane Simmons intercepting the ball near the goal line.
Following the Southridge turnover, Hermiston drove downfield to the Southridge 24-yard line before settling for a 42-yard field goal attempt.
The kick by Jose Tena-Guardado was blocked and Southridge marched downfield with a healthy dose of Jackman and Korotkov, before Jackman ran it in for a 14-0 Suns lead.
Korotkov punched another one in just before halftime to give Southridge a 21-0 lead at the break.
At halftime Hermiston’s Homecoming Court rode into the stadium in Corvettes and the crowd enjoyed a thrilling fireworks show.
Hermiston’s passing game got going in the third quarter, with Medelez finding Ryan Allen for his third receiving touchdown of the season, and James Young hauling in a 46-yard touchdown.
The Bulldogs played hard, but Southridge’s rushing attack was relentless, and the Suns went on to win 48-14.
Medelez finished 20/34 for 194 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception for Hermiston.
Young made 9 catches, good for 131 yards and a touchdown for the Bulldogs.
Despite the loss, Hermiston is still in the thick of things as one of five teams in the MCC with a 2-1 league record.
Hermiston (2-1 MCC, 3-2 overall) will take on Kennewick (2-1 MCC, 4-1 overall) at Lampson Stadium on October 9, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
