Riverhawks are back for business

Then he was hit with a stark reality that his career may be over, not by injury, but by cancellation.

After a week off, The Dalles High School announced Monday that Friday’s game would be played as scheduled, so the seniors will have its chance to shine on the Sid White turf at 7 p.m. this Friday.

“I really thought it was over. It was so frustrating to deal with to be honest. We had fought so hard for so long and to see that it was taken away from us, made me angry,” Morris said. “We were all emotional about it. I was so mad and furious, I didn’t know what to do.”

Now the seniors have three opportunities to break through and pick up a playoff berth.

All they need is two wins to make the postseason.

It all starts against the defending 5A state champions, Hermiston.

“We have been given a second chance. I am so happy I get to wear this uniform again,” Morris said. “We are going to play for pride. We are going to play for our football family. We are going to make it the best three league games in our history. We are ready to bring the storm to everyone.”

The Bulldogs (1-5 overall) lost their first five games of the season by a 245-93 margin.

Last week in Hermiston, the Bulldogs won their first game, 13-7, over winless Sandy – Sandy has lost six straight and has been outscored, 208-60 overall.

“Hermiston won a game they probably should have lost last week, but they won and have a little momentum coming in against us,” said TD coach Steve Sugg. “They still have weapons and they come in licking their wounds, so we have to be ready to go. Like I have said before, records don’t matter. Everyone starts league 0-0, we have to be focused for every team.”

The Dalles has 20 healthy bodies in place, and the core of Colton Walker, Devin Wilson, Morris and quarterback Dominique Seufalemua are returning for a Riverhawk offense that averages 21.6 points a game.

Aside from a 43-0 blowout win on Sept. 18, TD (1-4) has been within reach of victories, trailing by a small margin or leading entering the fourth quarter in losses to Molalla, Fort Vancouver, La Salle Prep and La Grande.

The biggest caveat to those games is untimely penalties, turnovers, injuries and other aspects coming back to bite TD.

“If we could play four quarters and limit those things that hurt us, we can compete against anyone,” Sugg said. “We have to play smart football and execute on both sides to give ourselves a chance. I feel like we can do this. I believe in this team and the players we have here.”

Hermiston plays a four-man front on defense, led by all-state lineman Tre Neal, and will blitz to try to pressure The Dalles.

The Bulldog defense ranks 30th in the 32-team 5A classification, allowing 42 points a game, including more than 50 three times.

TD is missing several receivers, but will have Bryce Belanger, Denzel Arellano, Izaac Tapia and Walker, a tight end.

The run game with Wilson and Morris will be key.

On the year, that duo has rushed for 526 yards on 100 carries with six touchdowns, 356 and four scores for Wilson.

Seufalemua has completed 55 of 113 passes for 660 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions.

“We have been hit with injuries all year, so it has been a struggle with consistency, but our main guys are still there,” Sugg said. “Our quarterback, Dom, is getting better and better each week. He has shown his grit and toughness, so we know he can handle the pressure. He is starting to feel more comfortable with his receivers and he is starting to read defenses better.”

Hermiston runs the same spread offense as The Dalles, in an 85-15 run-based offense, so there are similarities on both teams.

“The first thing we have to do is stop the run. Hermiston likes to spread people out, so they can be more successful with their running game,” Sugg said. “We will have to keep 6-7-8 guys in the box and force Hermiston into beating us by throwing the ball. If we don’t, it will be a long game.”

Radio station 1440 AM KODL broadcasts the game live at 7 p.m.

Stats are from www. sportsstatservice.com.