Reardan spoils Homecoming

RITZVILLE – The Reardan Screaming Eagles took home a crucial victory, shutting out the Broncos, 25-0, in a Homecoming matchup Friday, Oct. 13.

The high-octane Lind-Ritzville/Sprague (5-2) offense has sputtered in recent weeks because of injuries sustained by running backs Brody Boness and Brock Kinch, both of whom watched the game from the sidelines.

The Screaming Eagles (3-4) showed they were ready to play when Hunter Flaa returned the opening kickoff to the Broncos' 25-yard line. But the Bronco defense dug in and forced Reardan to turn the ball over on downs.

For the rest of the first quarter, the teams exchanged possession, neither scoring.

In the second quarter, Reardan marched the length of the field to the Broncos' 1-yard line. From there, Evan Krupke plowed over the goal line for the game's first score.

With 9:32 left in the half, Reardan led 7-0.

The Broncos could not move the ball on their next possession and turned the ball over to Reardan at their own 40-yard line.

Quarterback Rysen Soliday rifled a pass to Jakari Singleton, who made a fingertip catch at the 20-yard line. From there, Chilson and Krupke took turns carrying the ball downfield to the 3-yard line.

The Broncos' defense stiffened. But on fourth down, Soliday scored on a keeper off right tackle. The kick for extra point failed.

Reardan took a 13-0 lead into halftime.

At the start of the second half, Lind-Ritzville/Sprague fumbled on its own 40-yard line, giving the Screaming Eagles good field position.

On Reardan's ensuing drive, Soliday hit Singleton for a 3-yard TD pass to make the score 19-0 with 7:47 left in the third quarter.

Jonathan Holdway single-handedly shut down the Broncos' next drive with a sack for loss, forcing the Broncos to punt.

Then, Chilson broke through the line, blocked the punt, scooped up the ball and raced into the end zone to increase Reardan's lead to 25-0, which ended up being the final score.

Bronco Coach Brenden Bermea did not use the absence of Boness and Kinch as an excuse for the loss.

"We just have to play better," he said. "Losing key players means that other guys have to step up and maximize their opportunities.

"It's been tough and I feel for our guys, but we're going to keep working,"

"Our defense played extremely well," Reardan Coach Matt Clouse said. "They swarmed to the ball and forced several fumbles. Their huge plays set us up with great field position, allowing our offense to score points."

Clouse praised Holdway, Richard Boyd, Josiah Mendoza, Logan Valdez and Tate Nelson, a running back who gave up his spot in the backfield to help shore up the line.

"They did a great job opening holes for our running game," he said.

The Screaming Eagles dominated the ground game, out rushing Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, 233 yards to 14.

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague hosts Lake Roosevelt at 7 p.m. Friday night, Oct. 20.