Riverhawks improve to 2-0 in football

Voodre said there’s nothing to complain about after a 2-0 start.

“Our offensive line has done a great job, and our receivers are getting open so that they can make big plays,” he said. “I have to hand it to our two running backs (Julian Moorehouse and Josh Brackenbury) right now, because they’re scoring most of the points for us. I just appreciate seeing how everyone on our team is coming out on the field and working hard to help us get the win.”

The Dalles, guided by first-year coach Nate Timmons, went ahead by two scores late in the first half. Junior linebacker Zak Greene intercepted a pass thrown by Hawk junior quarterback David Taylor. Greene returned the ball to the La Pine 20-yard line, where the Riverhawks scored on the next play on a run by Brackenbury. Leitz booted the PAT, giving The Dalles a 14-0 advantage with 54 seconds left in the second quarter.

Timmons said he was proud of his team’s start. “We have some great leaders on the team and they’re all doing a great job of just being like brothers to each other and getting each other going,” he said. “They all put in a good week of practice and the result showed on the scoreboard.”

In the third quarter, Riverhawk junior linebacker Camden Whipple recovered a Hawk fumble and returned it 10 yards for a touchdown. Leitz kicked the PAT, making it 21-0. The Riverhawks capitalized on a Hawk turnover in the fourth period to extend their lead. The Dalles junior linebacker Reese Kinslow intercepted a Taylor pass, and a short time later, Moorehouse scored on a 10-yard touchdown run.

La Pine avoided a shutout when Taylor kicked a 35-yard field goal with 5:39 left, making it 27-3.

Morehouse said his return to football has been satisfying. “I love having the great start to the season in my senior year, especially since I wasn’t on the football team last year,” he said. “It’s an unreal experience being able to come out and get a big win in front of our big hometown crowd.”