Coaches reunite for playoff run

RITZVILLE – There is some irony to the makeup of the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague/Washtucna football coaching staff this year, irony which has some long-time local fans thinking back and looking ahead.

It was 2004 when the Lind-Ritzville Broncos, then an athletic combine, went unbeaten and won the state football championship in a late-game comeback, beating the DeSales (Walla Walla) Irish, 25-21.

There have been unbeaten teams since, along with back-to-back state championships over Morton-White Pass in 2012 and 2013.

But some Broncos football fans recall the magic of the 2004 championship.

Many of the current players were not even been born in 2004 when long-time head Coach Mike Lynch was on the Bronco sideline in his 31st and final season.

The Broncos under Lynch had won a state title in 1980, beating North Beach, 13-6.

But there were championship game disappointments, as well.

A loss to Morton in 1981, and then losses to league rivals Davenport and Reardan in 2000 and 2002 respectively. The 2004 season would be the last chance for another title, as Lynch had already announced his pending retirement.

Assistant Coach Greg Whitmore was offensive coordinator and heir apparent to the head coaching position. Whitmore was credited in 2004 with spotting a tendency in the DeSales defense; calling and making an adjustment on the 75-yard pass play that would score the winning touchdown.

Lind-Ritzville had been down 21-0 in the third quarter before the comeback started.

Vendors were printing DeSales state championship T-shirts in the outer concourse of the Tacoma Dome when Travis Dewald connected with Jake Phillips for the winning score with 2 minutes to go in the game.

It was an improbable comeback, and Lynch ended his coaching career on top, with a second state title.

In retirement, Lynch volunteered countess hours to Broncos athletics, even coaching the golf team for a while.

But in 2021, with an illness to Assistant Coach Jason Hilzer, Lynch stepped up and was once again on the Broncos football sideline - this time as assistant coach and defensive coordinator, under head Coach Whitmore. And the Broncos are again undefeated in the regular season.

Ironic.

In a Homecoming pep assembly, Oct.14, Whitmore noted Lynch's contributions.

"They ought to put up a statue outside the stadium" said Whitmore, who has two state championships of his own.

During fall afternoons, Lynch would be on the golf course, like a lot of retirees.

But by 3:30 the golf clubs were put away.

Lynch would walk across the 6th fairway, past the clubhouse, on his way to the football field, to take up his defensive coaching duties.

"He (Lynch) really answered the call stepping in as the defensive coordinator in the absence of Coach Hilzer," Whitmore said. "Our team would not be where it's at this year without Coach Lynch's contribution."

Lynch's defenses have been pretty good over the years.

While many remember the 75-yard pass play in 2004, the defense that year was very good.

The 2004 team, held opponents to under 9 points per game in the regular season, and recorded four shutouts. DeSales was held to minus-18 yards rushing in the championship game. Most of the DeSales scoring was on defense and special teams due to Bronco mistakes.

The 2021 team has a pretty good defense, as well.

The Broncos have held opponents to just 12½ points per game, recording 2 shutouts, and holding opponents to just 7 points in two other contests along the way. Will the combination of Lynch and Whitmore, now Whitmore and Lynch, bring another state title? Time will tell.

Meanwhile the 2021 broncos are a young team, with only one senior on the roster.

"We are still pretty inexperienced at key positions and still have a big upside." Whitmore said. "With more games like last night (Colfax, October 28), these kids will continue to improve."