LRS wins homecoming 41-12

Scoring 27 points in the first quarter and a total of 41 unanswered points in the first half, the LRS Broncos dominated yet another league opponent, taking down Springdale 41-12.

Controlling their own league destiny, the Broncos have been rolling over opponents and remain unbeaten as they prepare to host a scrappy rival in the form of the Davenport Gorillas. The game will be played in Ritzville this Friday.

“From what I see on film, there are not very many numbers but they are physical,” head coach Greg Whitmore said. “They have got some kids who hit really hard. Davenport looks good on film playing Liberty. They do some things really well.”

The biggest concern for the Broncos’ defense will be the 210-pound Davenport running back.

“They run a single wing and the offensive line does a lot of pulling,” Whitmore said. “We have to really count on our defensive line not getting pushed back.”

If Davenport’s ground game gets going it will be because they found a way to run right at the Broncos.

“If their running back gets going downhill on you he’s going to get yards. We have to make him run laterally,” Whitmore said.

The Broncos’ varsity has been sidelined during the second half of the past two games. Efficient on offense and tenacious on defense, the team has held leads of 40 points or more during two consecutive games prior to halftime. Whitmore has been using his reserves and junior varsity players in the second half to avoid unnecessary injuries and embarrassing opposing teams.

He expects the varsity to see more time Friday as they work to contain Davenport.

“Our kids are looking forward to this rivalry,” he said.

Against Springdale the Broncos moved the ball at will, recording 277 yards of total offense.

The domination of Springdale began early and Connor O’Neill scored on a four-yard run. The two-point conversion came up short.

O’Neill scored again on a 17-yard pass play from quarterback Dylan Hartz. Matt Leffel’s extra point kick was good.

The third TD of the night came from Hartz who hauled the ball 18 yards for a score. Leffel’s kick was good as the Broncos moved out in front 20-0.

Cort Ruzicka scored the fourth touchdown of the first quarter on a two-yard run that was punctuated by Leffel’s extra point.

The second quarter was more of the same. Hartz scored on a 12-yard quarterback keeper and Leffel’s kick was good.

Andrew Witt scored the Broncos’ final touchdown of the game on a two-yard run. Leffel’s kick was good.

Springdale scored twice in the fourth quarter.

Three different LRS quarterbacks had passing statistics. Hartz was four of eight for 52 yards and a touchdown. Jacob Saetre was four of six for 56 yards. Dallas Killian was zero for one pass attempt. Peyton Kiel also spent time as quarterback.

On the ground, O’Neill led the team with 69 yards on eight carries. Hartz had 59 yards on three carries. Saetre collected 24 yards on two jaunts. Ruzicka gained 19 yards on three carries.

Among the receivers, O’Neill caught two passes for 44 yards. Ruzicka caught two for 30 and Logan Morley had two for 20. Ryan Whitmore grabbed one for 14 yards.

The Broncos’ defense grabbed one Springdale interception and recoveed two fumbles. Tackle statistics weren’t available at press time.

The defense held Springdale to just 117 yards of offense.