By Conner Orr

River got the ball back and was able to drive the ball and kick a field goal, which decreased Hockinson’s lead to 7-3. When Hockinson got the ball back, they again drove down the field and scored again on a fourth down play to put them up 14-3.

River got the ball back but had to punt after three straight incompletions. Hockinson again was driving the ball, and eventually got the ball first and goal from the two-yard line, but River’s defense held strong and forced a field goal. On the field goal, Preston Shearer blocked it and Ha’Aheo Delarose returned the blocked kick for a touchdown.

River scored one more time before halftime and that gave them a 17-14 lead.

The second half was unlike the first half as both defenses held strong, which led to sloppy offensive football. River’s defense caused three turnovers, two interceptions and a fumble, and shut out Hockinson in the second half. 

For River’s offense in the second half, they struggled to get much going. However, after getting a clutch interception late in the game, Ethan Bumgarner and the River offense drove down the field and scored the game-icing touchdown.

River’s next game is against Ridgefield (6-0), which will be their hardest matchup of the year so far. The game will come down to River’s offense against the Ridgefield defense. River’s defense, throughout the entire season, has kept the team in games, and thus River’s offense will need to capitalize on their opportunities.