THE DALLES — In a senior night season finale, host The Dalles had hoped to conclude their Class 4A football schedule with a win for Leighton Voodre, Julian Morehouse, Gabe Hoff, Trace Larson and Elijah Peko. Visiting Ontario was playing for a potential state playoff berth and won the high-scoring contest, 53-46 on Nov. 1.
The Riverhawks (1-3 SD2, 3-6 overall) held a 13-6 first quarter lead over the No. 15-ranked Tigers (1-3 SD5, 3-6 overall) of Special District 5 in Eastern Oregon. The Tigers had slim hopes of earning an at-large berth into the state playoffs, but that went to No. 8 ranked Stayton instead.
The Riverhawks, guided by first-year Coach Nate Timmons, produced their highest scoring output this season.
“It was a good way to send our seniors out on senior night,” said Timmons. “The guys played hard the whole time, and we made a nice comeback at the end of the game. The seniors are a great group of leaders and that’s what I’m really going to miss about them.
“It was nice seeing those guys score some points in their last game.”
The Dalles led 20-19 at halftime as Junior Reese Kenslow scored on a 37-yard touchdown run London Leitz added the point-after kick.
The Tigers scored a touchdown with 5:48 left in the third quarter for a 27-20 advantage and they never trailed again. It was 53-32 with 2:06 remaining in the contest before Morehouse scored on a 65-yard touchdown run. The Riverhawks added another score in the final minute of the game.
“Obviously, I would’ve liked it if we could’ve had some more wins this year, but I’m definitely super proud of the boys and they’re all just a great group of kids who I really enjoyed coaching this year,” said Timmons.
Larson had a two-point conversion during the contest and Voodre scored on a short touchdown run.
“Everybody left it all out there on the field and nobody really regretted how we played,” said Voodre. “I wish it would’ve been a better outcome, and I wish we could’ve made a couple of more key scoring plays, but we did everything we could.
“Hopefully, next year the juniors will be good role models and maybe they can help the team win some more games. We all came together and played as a family.”
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