Catch up on archived RIVERHAWK REVIEW reports! Just click on the links below
Introducing the RIVERHAWK REVIEW (9/5) Richland @ CHS (9/19) CHS @ Walla Walla (10/17)
CHS @ Camas (9/5) CHS @ Southridge (9/25) Kennewick @ CHS (10/24)
CHS @ Wenatchee (9/12) October Games (10/1 - 10/17) CHS @ Pasco (10/31)
Follow THE RIVERHAWK REVIEW as Chiawana makes their way toward another title! Click on the links for the reports
1st ROUND PLAYOFF GAME
11/7 vs LEWIS AND CLARK (Spokane)
Riverhawks 24, Tigers 0

2nd ROUND PLAYOFF GAME
11/15 vs A.C. DAVIS (Yakima)
Riverhawks 47, Pirates 7

3rd ROUND PLAYOFF GAME
11/22 vs GONZAGA PREP (Spokane)
Riverhawks 38, Bullpups 3

SEMI-FINAL GAME
11/29 vs GRAHAM-KAPOWSIN (Graham)
Riverhawks 28, Eagles 12

GO 'HAWKS! FINAL GAME
12/6 vs The Bothell Cougars
Tacoma Dome - 7:30 pm


Saturday, September 27, 2014

9/25 - Southridge Suns Are Eclipsed By The Charging Chiawana Riverhawks


Photo courtesy of Jodie Wilson


September 25, 2014 - KENNEWICK, WASH. - A hint of Fall is in the dry desert air tonight as the Chiawana Riverhawks (3-1) expect to dominate the Southridge Suns (0-4) at Neil F. Lampson Stadium. The Suns continue to struggle as the 'Hawks continue to dazzle. Although there are no "easy games," this one should prove to be more of an opportunity to work on skills and packages than a head-on challenge. Of course, that is why we play the game, and the tale is told here.

Chiawana begins play at their own 31. The Suns are playing run, as they stuff a couple of attempts. The next play is an incomplete roll-out pass. On 4th down at the 25, the 'Hawks are forced to punt. A nice 46-yarder puts Southridge at their own 24.

Southridge opts to start with a pass play, which is immediately picked. The first of many penalty flags comes out, though it is declined. Chiawana has possession of the ball at the 15 of Southridge.

The first play is a pass, which falls incomplete. A screen pass for a loss, then a short run keeps the Riverhawks out of the end zone. Not to be deterred, the mighty 'Hawks make do with a 25-yard field goal to get on the board first with 8:38 left in the quarter.

The Suns start off pinned back at their own 8. A couple of ineffective runs, and an incomplete pass force the punt situation. The ensuing run puts Chiawana in great position at the Southridge 20. A QB keeper picks up ten and a first. A short pass and a couple of runs bring up 4th and goal at the 5. Chiawana takes a time out, and then makes a charge toward the end zone. The determined Sun squad stops the advance a yard short of the goal, and Southridge now has the ball on their own 1.

Three-and-out, starting with a bad snap. An ineffective pass and then run sets up the 4th down. A weak punt combined with a penalty puts the Chiawana team down at their 34.

A run and a swing pass lose a yard. An incomplete pass leads to a punt situation. Lining up for the punt, the crafty Riverhawks challenge with a fake, and run it for 18 and a first, just inside the Suns' territory. A run sets up the sweet touchdown pass. A good extra point puts the 'Hawks up 10-0 with 1:15 left.

Starting at their own 25, Southridge is met with a blitz on their first-down run play. A delay of game, and a couple of ineffective passes later lead to a 4th and 11.

End of 1st Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 10, Southridge 0 

Southridge punts from their own 24. Chiawana starts play at their own 38. A penalty saves the day for the Riverhawks, as an interception is reversed. Instead of a turnover, the ball is across midfield, to the Suns' 48 for a first down. Three consecutive pass plays lead to two dropped passes, and one completion for 8 yards. 4th down, and another fake punt, this time a pass for the first down at the 22. A couple of runs lead to a first down at the 12. Another pounding run picks up some yards. A fade to the tight end is too long, but a short pass on the next play sets up a first and goal at the 1. The tough Southridge line force two attempts, but the writing was on the wall. With the extra point, the score is 17-0, with 6:50 left in the half.

Beginning at their own 32, Southridge gains their first 1st down, with a 28-yard screen pass to the Riverhawk 30. After that, a stubborn Chiawana defense stifles any attempt at advancing the ball. The drive sputters, and Chiawana gets the ball back on downs.

The Riverhawks begin with an air assault. Two consecutive plays, two consecutive passes, two consecutive 1st downs. Their third play is a bruising off-tackle run for another 1st. A nice run is called back, but Chiawana is determined to make the run attack work. Facing a 1st and 20 from the 25, Chiawana goes to the ground-and-pound, and five plays later they hit pay dirt. The boot is good, and with 1:45 left, the score is 24-0.

The Suns start at their own 22. Three-and-out sets up a punt with no return. Chiawana start at their own 38. The first play is a pass, which is intercepted. The defensive player loses a handle on the ball after the pick, and the Riverhawks recover. Taking no chances, the 'Hawks kneel to end the half.

End of 2nd Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 24, Southridge 0 

Southridge gets the ball at their own 22. A holding penalty backs them up to the 11. A negative run, then a bad snap lead to a safety. The score is 26-0, with 10:54 left in the quarter.

The kickoff and a penalty puts the Riverhawks at their own 26. Undaunted, the mighty 'Hawks fire through the air, and 74 yards later they poke the pigskin through the pylons. Less than thirty seconds from their last score, Chiawana puts the score to 33-0, with 10:25 left.

The Suns begin play at their own 29. A penalty for leading with the helmet is against Chiawana, but combined with an unsportsmanlike penalty from Southridge, the result is a few yards of lost real estate for Southridge, and an ejection of one of their hot-headed players. First down and 15. Three negative yardage plays later, including a sack, brings up a fourth and 25. The boot puts the ball at the Chiawana 44.

Chiawana cracks the defensive line with a 15-yard run for a 1st down. After a nice run, a couple of pass plays amount to another dropped pass and an offensive interference penalty. On a third-and-nineteen from midfield, another pass play puts an ineligible man down field. The 'Hawks punt, putting the Suns on their own 10.

The Suns start with an incomplete pass, then a run back to the line of scrimmage. They pass on third down, and the opportunistic Riverhawk D snatches the ball out of mid-air for another interception. Starting at the Southridge 8, the relentless Riverhawks keep it on the ground to score again. With 4:07 left, the score is 40-0. Running clock is now in effect.

Southridge gets the ball back at their own 32. An ineffective series settles out with a 4th and 9 from the 33. After the punt, this is where Chiawana starts their possession. A short pass and run place the Riverhawks with a 3rd and 8, at the Suns' 31.

End of 3rd Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 40, Southridge 0 


Chiawana begins play in the fourth quarter on the Southridge 32, facing a 3rd down and 8. Not able to get anything going, Chiawana endures a sack, and then turns the ball over on downs. Southridge stays on the ground, and after a couple of runs, they break one off for their second 1st down of the contest. The drive is throttled by a ravaging Riverhawk rebuttal, however, and a punt puts the 'Hawks in position at the Southridge 47. From there, the Chiawana clean-up crew comes in and holds some practice with the Southridge squad until time runs out in the game.

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Final Score: Riverhawks 40, Southridge 0
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Next Week's Game - vs. Kamiakin (3-1) @ Chiawana (3-1) (Edgar Brown Stadium)
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The Hawk Talker's Two Cents
While it is important to never overlook an opponent, it is also important to recognize the opportunities to work on specific plays, players, situations or designs while you have the chance. Going into this game, this is where my head was. I felt that Chiawana wouldn't be challenged in this contest. In a dominating scenario, my expectations were that the team would take advantage of the situation and work on whatever it is the coaches decide they need to work on. If, for some reason, the Suns miraculously began ripping us to shreds, then we have the fire power and skill to change plans.
What some people may have seen as a slow start from the gate for the Riverhawks I saw as purposeful play calling. A good team will make adjustments continually regarding players and their available roster, and it appeared that this is exactly what the coaches had in mind.
My interpretation of this element of the game is simple: "Offense = Control, Defense = Chaos." With each possession, the team had a job to do. Did it matter that they didn't have a touchdown on every play? Of course not. It allowed time for an offense to find its rhythm, which it did just fine.
The offense controlled the line and the movement of the football, and the defense kept the chaos to a level that shut down the Sun offense with authority. The defense held a high school varsity team to no points and what, like two first-downs? If that isn't a stellar performance, show me another. Using speed and swarming techniques, the eleven-man machine wore out the opposing offense pretty quickly. This is more and more the expectation of this air-tight crew.
Special teams offered up some variety tonight, with two fake punts, and over twenty different players on kickoff or kickoff return teams. Many folks will interpret a fake punt as just being "tricky," but in actuality tonight it was more of a very specific match-up situation. Given the two teams and their skill levels at key positions, it made sense to challenge the defense with a slight bit of trickery, spread the field, and then use your hard-hitting offense as a battering ram. If the play didn't work, no worries. The result would be Southridge ball around their 25 or so. Best case scenario is what happened. Again, sampling your options in a game like this only makes the team better, from my perspective.
There are a couple of areas to work on. A team of this caliber should not have so many dropped passes. At this level, I would expect that a mistake like that will open an opportunity for another player, especially if it is repeated. Not as punishment, but as a learning experience. It is absolutely rewarding for a key player to sit a game out as a spectator one time. They then have a perspective that they will never have otherwise, they have an opportunity to rally other players all game long on the sidelines, and they can reflect as to why they are on the sidelines in the first place.
Going forward, in a blowout I would expect to see more player rotation throughout the game, and earlier substitution of backup players. This helps keep the team healthy, and gives the backups valuable real-time experience. I don't anticipate that we will blow out Kamiakin, however. Their only loss was to Hermiston, perennial powerhouse yet again, and the game was respectable in a hard fought battle for the Braves. I anticipate that ours will be a great game, and that it will boil down to the least number of mistakes. A majority of the game is played between the ears, and this is sure to be a prime example of that. I expect that small things will matter in this contest (like arm tackling), and that "somebody needs to make a play" will be in effect several times in key situations. It is sometimes interesting to see who steps up and who doesn't. I can't wait to see who will shine in this game.

 Just my two cents. Please be sure to visit my sponsors. Thanks!

My thanks to those of you following this blog. If you have any pictures, please feel free to send them my way. I will post them as I need them, but I will give you credit when I do. If you like, go ahead and comment below. Who knows how many people are "thinking it" and just need for you to say it? Just be mature, and we can discuss it. If you need to send a pic, or drop me a line, feel free to do so at
hawk.talker@yahoo.com.

H.T.
----------
 Hawk Talker is an enthusiastic fan of the Chiawana Riverhawks football team. His goal is to provide an accurate and honest review of each game in an effort to summarize the play of the team for others who may be interested. Please visit the links at the right of this page and participate in the poll when you have time. Thanks!
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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

9/19 - High Flying 'Hawks Blast Beleaguered Bombers


Photo courtesy of Jodie Wilson


September 20, 2014 - Pasco, Wash. - Excitement is in the air as the mighty Chiawana Riverhawks (2-1) [Stats and recap] play their first home game of the season in the rugged Edgar Brown Stadium against local perennial league rivals, the Richland Bombers (0-3). In yet another game against a returning playoff team, Chiawana has something to prove. They have to prove that they can continue their "Destination: Domination!" run towards another ring by rolling over each tough team. After all, there will be no easy game this year, as there is no flying under the radar. The word is out. Riverhawks are the team to beat, and the Richland Bombers need a win! The situation is perfect for an exciting contest. As the warmth of the day settles into a comfortable evening, the sun disappears, and Riverhawk fans begin to gear up for the big game.

Richland wins the coin toss and elects to receive the kickoff. It is a touch-back, and they begin play at their own 20. A bad snap from the shotgun formation sends them backwards ten; however, a couple of long penalties against the Riverhawks puts the Bombers at first and ten at the 40. Chiawana's defense tightens down and forces a three-and-out from there. The punt is a weak wobbler for only about seven yards, and the 'Hawks have great field position at Richland's 45.

Chiawana begins with a brutal run attack, and a nice pass mixed in. They easily march down the field and punch it into the end zone for six. The extra point is good, and with 7:48 remaining in the quarter, the score is 7-0, home team.

After the kickoff, Richland begins play at their own 32. An ineffective three-and-out brings up the punt. A flag on the punt puts the Riverhawks at their own 16. Back to the ground-and-pound, which moves the ball well enough for a first down. Now it's Richland's turn to show fortitude, as they hold the rumbling Riverhawks and force them to punt.

The Bombers start play on their own 36. Their aerial assault withers quickly, and three straight plays puts them in punt situation. Chiawana begins play at their own 40. From there the Riverhawks help Richland with a couple of self-inflicted penalties. As the drive sputters at around the 24, the ensuing punt puts the Bombers in good field position, at their own 48. An incomplete pass sets up an eight-yard run to end the quarter.

End of 1st Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 7, Richland 0 

Richland runs the ball for a one-yard loss, creating a 4th and 2 situation. A high snap creates a turnover, and the 'Hawks get the ball near midfield, in Bomber territory at the 46.

A hard run and a defensive face mask penalty set up the rare first-and-one situation, where a 23-yard run chews up half of the field for a first down. From the 15, a run play is all it takes to put the pigskin into the end zone. With just over ten minutes left in the second quarter, an extra point puts Chiawana up 14 to zip.

After the kickoff, Richland begins play at their own 20. Sensing a need for urgency, the Bombers begin an air attack. On their second pass play, the ball is picked, and Chiawana sets up shop at the Richland 25.

The Riverhawks take a poke into the end zone with a nice pass to the corner. Although it is broken up, the defender wasn't looking for the ball, and the resulting pass interference call gives the relentless Chiawana squad the ball at the twelve, with a first down. A run and a couple of incomplete
passes tells this red-zone story, and the 'Hawks set up for a field goal. The kick is long enough, but slides just left of the uprights.

Feeling the heat, Richland starts by airing the ball from their own 20. A run sends them backwards a yard. A couple of incomplete passes sets up a punt situation. In a devious act of deception, the crafty Bombers fake the punt and run 22 yards for a first down, just inside Chiawana territory. In an attempt to maintain momentum, Richland races downfield with timely passes. With a first down at the Riverhawk 17, Richland keeps it on the ground for six yards in two plays. A screen for little or no gain put Richland in a 4th down situation. They went for broke, and a sack at the 21 gave the ball back to the hard-hitting Chiawana Riverhawks.

The Riverhawks rip some rumbling runs, and wind up with a first down at the Richland 37, and time running out. A nice pass gives them a first-and-ten at the nine. One run later scores a touchdown. The extra point is good, and the score is 21-0 with less than twenty seconds to go in the half.

Chiawana kicks off, and Richland has the ball at their own 46. There is just enough time on the clock for a couple of pass plays. Richland didn't get anything going, and two passes led to two incompletions to end the half.

End of 2nd Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 21, Richland 0 

Chiawana begins the second half at their own 35. A sweet pass peels off 26 yards, and puts them into Richland territory. Then the rugged Riverhawks keep it on the ground. They chew up yards and time all at once as they grind their way down the gridiron. A first down at the Richland four foreshadows foreboding fortunes for the visiting team. A rugged run rips right through, and an extra point makes it 28-0, with 8:15 left in the quarter.

The Bombers dust themselves off, and they begin play at their own 38. They start the drive with a holding penalty. Facing a first and twenty, an incomplete pass mixed in with a couple of stifled run plays forces a punt. 

The Riverhawks get the ball back at their own 23. One spectacular run later - touchdown! The extra point is good, and Chiawana leads, 35-0 with 6:24 left in the quarter.

Starting at their own 8, the Bombers go three-and-out. There is a penalty on the punt, and Chiawana starts at their own 30. A blistering 40-yard run puts them on the Richland 30, with a first down. A penalty and a stiff Bomber defense shuts down the 'Hawks, and they turn it over on downs at the twelve.

Richland wastes no time in getting the ball down field. A nice screen pass sets them up nicely with a first down at the Chiawana 44. The Bombers then tear a page out of the playbook of the opponent, and keep it on the ground. Like their opponent, they wind up turning the ball over on downs. The Riverhawks begin play at their own 25, and chug out a 2-yarder on the ground, as the quarter ends.

End of 3rd Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 35, Richland 0 


Starting at their own 27, the Riverhawks begin a clock-grinding affair of first downs and a  mix of play-calling. They manage to punch the ball in around 9:03, to make the score 41-0, as the extra point attempt fails. At this point in the ball game, Chiawana is working in some of the pine-riders, and keeping the ball on the ground, for the most part. With the "running clock" mercy rule in effect, the contest ends, and the boys head for the locker room after a spectacular showing of class and brass.

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Final Score: Riverhawks 41, Richland 0
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Next Week's Game - vs. Southridge (0-3) @ Southridge (Neil F. Lampson Stadium)
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The Hawk Talker's Two Cents
What a wonderful way to enjoy my first Chiawana Riverhawks home game - at the pit! Friday nights are always so energetic, and given the emotional outpouring of the community during the game, the feeling was more pronounced, from my perspective. It was comforting to be around fans with positive energy and loud cheers!

It was clear from the start that the 'Hawks had this game well in hand. As the defense continues to hit hard and swarm, the presence they have on the field is fierce! The Bombers never had a chance on the ground OR in the air. We pretty much had our way with them on the line, as our defensive front melted their big guys. While the Richland QB was a tall, mobile player, our speed and conditioning showed in this game.

The Chiawana offense was their usual, end zone-seeking selves, as they made the big play look easy. Again, conditioning mattered as our big guys looked fresh at the end of the game, and the smash-mouth game was working all night. You have to appreciate an offense that challenges a defense with, "Here's what we are going to do. Stop it or don't." When the bread-and-butter plays keep working, there is no stopping this team.

Special teams did their jobs well. Everyone was staying in their lanes and blowing people up on kickoffs, only one extra point was missed, and the mentality was always one of a swarming, hard-hitting style of play.

There are always areas to tweak, of course, and at this level, being picky should be expected. For example, one area to pay attention to after this game might be red zone scoring. And maybe the O-line - they were a "9" this week, compared to a "10" last week, in my opinion. Um. Well, I am a special teams fan, myself. This team knows that, all things being equal, a great special teams play can make the difference in an entire game. The Bombers faked that punt, and that burned a bit. Not so much that they did it, but that we fell for it for so many yards. Also, hopefully we get a special teams touchdown soon. That kind of excitement is fun!

I look forward to this week's game. Varsity plays on Thursday this week, due to location availability.  I can't wait to see everyone there to cheer on the 'Hawks!

 Just my two cents. Please be sure to visit my sponsors. Thanks!

My thanks to those of you following this blog. If you have any pictures, please feel free to send them my way. I will post them as I need them, but I will give you credit when I do. If you like, go ahead and comment below. Who knows how many people are "thinking it" and just need for you to say it? Just be mature, and we can discuss it. If you need to send a pic, or drop me a line, feel free to do so at
hawk.talker@yahoo.com.

H.T.
----------
 Hawk Talker is an enthusiastic fan of the Chiawana Riverhawks football team. His goal is to provide an accurate and honest review of each game in an effort to summarize the play of the team for others who may be interested. Please visit the links at the right of this page and participate in the poll when you have time. Thanks!
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Friday, September 19, 2014

9/12 - Chiawana Riverhawks Pierce the Purring Panthers




 *- Please note that this review is based on film, and not actual attendance to the game itself. As a result, most penalties are not reported here, and there are few, if any, references to the clock. Also, individual plays may seem unusual without proper explanation. These details will be addressed by my availability to attend games in person. I apologize in advance for any discrepancies. Thanks for understanding!

September 12, 2014 - Wenatchee, Wash. - Another post-season, non-league replay for the Chiawana Riverhawks (1-1), who come against the Panthers of Wenatchee (1-1), again on the opponents' turf. Both teams met up last year, where a dominant display by the determined 'Hawks demolished the desire of the defeated Wenatchee team, advancing Chiawana to the semi-final game.

Chiawana kicks off, leaving the Panthers at their own 29. A run play against the swarming Riverhawk defense gains a couple. The next play is a pass, which is intercepted, leaving the raging Riverhawks with the ball deep in opponent territory. A quick screen for a chunk set up a hand-off up the gut for 33 yards and a touchdown. The extra point was good, giving Chiawana an early lead of 7-0 with less than two ticks gone from the game clock.

After the kickoff, Wenatchee begins play at their own 35. A couple of run plays and a penalty gains the Panthers a first down, near midfield. A penalty took them all the way back to their own 36, where they never quite recovered. On the punt, there was a penalty, which set the Panthers back even deeper. The 'Hawks got the ball back at their own 46.

After an incomplete pass, the Riverhawks began a "stop me if you can" attack of counter trap play after counter trap play. With the big boys pulling down the line, the roaring Riverhawk team mixed in a couple of high percentage passes to march down the grid. It was 14-0 in no time, after a run attack paid off with a punch-through from the one, and the ensuing extra point with 6:28 left in the quarter.

The Panthers began play around their own 36. They started the drive with an old-fashioned veer play to the left. The pitch to the back was good for six yards. After an ineffective pass play, the Wenatchee running back tried running up the middle, but was met squarely in the pie-hole by a determined defensive marauder. However, flags on the play put the Panthers into Riverhawk territory at the 47 with a first down. From there Wenatchee went three-and-out, and were forced to punt.

After a couple of three-and-outs, both teams traded punts. The Riverhawks managed a nice sack in the exchange. As the quarter wound to a halt, the Chiawana offense did a brilliant job of faking the run, for a pass of six yards. A couple of nice runs, and a first down later, the quarter came to an end.

End of 1st Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 14, Wenatchee 0 

Chiawana began play to start the quarter at the Wenatchee 46. Four straight run plays later, the grinding offense found themselves at the 23, and a first down. The next play was a pass which was intercepted, giving the scrappy Panther team the ball at their own 13.

The Wenatchee run attack churned out a few agonizing yards, and even squeezed out a first down. The pass game, however, proved ineffective against a very stingy Riverhawk D, and they had to punt again. Chiawana had the ball back near midfield, at their own 46.

Wasting no time, the opportunistic 'Hawks took advantage of a match-up on the field, and a 25 yard pass ended at the Panther 21 and a first down. The Riverhawks kept it on the ground from there, and some smash mouth football showed that the idea was to soften the Panther defense. It worked, even though Wenatchee showed some grit for a couple of plays on the one-yard line. A run and a touchdown, combined with the extra point, made the score 21-0, 'Hawks with 5:22 left in the half.

Wenatchee began play at their own 30. The drive never really had a chance to take off, as both sides swapped penalties, and again the Panther passing game resulted in two incomplete passes. With little choice, they passed again, only to result in an interception at the Riverhawk 33.

After a couple of plays, Wenatchee had the ball at their own 29. A couple of runs kept the Panthers just away from a first down. However, a defensive penalty gave them new life, and a few run plays later put Wenatchee into opponent territory. An incomplete pass and a sack set them back with third and deep. Undaunted, the Panther found an air attack, and moved the ball to the Riverhawk 23 for a first down. Another sack, and then a touchdown pass. The extra point made the score 21-7, with twenty seconds left in the half. A run play later, and the half ended.

End of 2nd Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 21, Wenatchee 7 

The rest of the game was a primer in football technique and sportsmanship, as the Chiawana defense held to poor Panthers to no additional points. The precise offense continued to pound Wenatchee with an oppressive run attack, and kept them hopping with crisp passes. Wenatchee was never a threat in this contest.

Final Score: Riverhawks 42, Wenatchee7

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Next Week's Game - vs. Richland (0-2) @ Pasco (1-1) (Edgar Brown Stadium)
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The Hawk Talker's Two Cents
This week, I cut the blog short for a few reasons. Mainly, though, I wanted to make sure that proper respect is paid to Coach Graff and his family. I am too new in the community to comment with any authority or knowledge, but in the faith of sincerity and what little I know so far, this group of coaches and community members are top notch. While I have no doubt that the Graff family is strong and capable, their obstacle must be tremendous. The community continues to rally, and I know that the family is in everyone's thoughts and prayers, as displayed throughout the network of people connected to this tragedy in many ways. Take care, Mac Graff, and know that you are an inspiration to many, even those whom you may not know.

The Wenatchee Panthers never had a chance in this game. They were outmatched at every turn. It was admirable that they never gave up, though. It is likely that they may build and make a run at the post-season. I anticipate seeing Wenatchee in the playoffs, if they get stronger throughout the season.

The Richland Bombers come to Edgar Brown with two losses to avenge. Never a "given," a game with the Bombers requires a team that can smash down walls, all game long. The Riverhawks will need to come into the game with an attitude to dominate. I expect that the team energy will be high, as this is the first home game. A lot of pride will be on the line, and Richland will bring a team ready to compete. Make no mistake - records mean nothing for this game. This year Chiawana will be the team to beat for all opponents, and the Bombers are no exception.

Thanks to those of you following this blog. If you have any pix, please feel free to send them my way. I will post them as I need them, but I will give you credit when I do. If you like, go ahead and comment below. Who knows how many people are "thinking it" and just need for you to say it? Just be mature, and we can discuss it. If you need to send a pic, or drop me a line, feel free to do so at
hawk.talker@yahoo.com.

H.T.
----------
 Hawk Talker is an enthusiastic fan of the Chiawana Riverhawks football team. His goal is to provide an accurate and honest review of each game in an effort to summarize the play of the team for others who may be interested. Please visit the links at the right of this page and participate in the poll when you have time. Thanks!
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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

9/5 - Camas Papermakers Ground the Chiawana Riverhawks


Photo by Patrick Hagerty, courtesy of the Tri-City Herald


 *- Please note that this review is based on film, and not actual attendance to the game itself. As a result, most penalties are not reported here, and there are few, if any, references to the clock. Also, individual plays may seem unusual without proper explanation. These details will be addressed by my availability to attend games in person. I apologize in advance for any discrepancies. Thanks for understanding!

September 5, 2014 - Camas, Wash. - This match up promises to be one of the best games in the state right out of the gate. In a unique circumstance, the contestants in this gridiron battle are the same teams that hammered it out for the state title last year. Even though it is an inter-league contest, the energy surrounding the game reflects how serious the players are about starting their season with this victory under their belts.

After a nice kickoff and a short return, the Camas Papermakers began play on their own 31 yard line. A warm day gave way to a cooler evening, as Camas began on the ground. Following a couple of nondescript runs, the Papermakers roasted the Riverhawk defense for a run of almost 30 yards. After a couple of ineffective run plays, Camas did no better in the air, and turned the ball over on downs at the Riverhawk 38 yard line.

Chiawana decided to set the tone early, and pound the ball on the ground. After two powerful runs, the Riverhawks had first down in the Papermakers' territory. A nice toss through the air set up another first down at the 35 yard line. A bruising run of ten set them up at the 25. Not to be denied, the Riverhawks kept it on the ground, and the running back put an exclamation point on the play as he punished the defender who dared to attempt to block his passage into the end zone. The extra point was good, and Chiawana drew first blood, 7-0.

Camas began play after the kickoff at their own 15. The tested their passing game, resulting in a quarterback scramble for seven yards, then a bubble screen for twelve and a first down. A run play set them up with a second and five. The next play was a passing play, which resulted in eleven yards and a first down, after the pocket collapsed. Sticking to the plan, the Papermakers completed another pass for a first down at the Chiawana 38 yard line. An inside hand off makes it fourth down and five, from the Chiawana 33 yard line. Another bubble screen and a penalty put Camas at the Chiawana 7 yard line, with a first and goal situation.

After an ineffective mix of run and pass plays, the Papermakers set up for a 21 yard field goal. The kick was good, and with 6:30 left in the quarter, Camas was on the board. In what turned out be a consistent theme, the kicker booted the ball deep into the end zone for a touch back. Riverhawks' ball on the twenty.

Chiawana went to the air. The attack seemed to stall the team until a run play breathed new life into the drive. The play call was perfect, as Camas stacked the box and sent some linebackers in on a blitz. The 'Hawk running back broke through the carnage at the line and sprinted through the secondary until he was brought down nineteen yards later. The effort was good for a first down at the 38.

A smart rollout pass made for four yards, but the next play was a vision of blocking beauty. As a patient running back waited for a wall of humanity to form, he then countered in the wake of this advancing tide of doom to scamper for fourteen yards and a first down inside enemy territory. Soon afterwards, the 'Hawks kept it on the ground again for a rip of 22 yards, and a first down at the twenty. After a few short running attempts, Chiawana faced a fourth and short two at the twelve yard line. It wasn't to be, as the run went for a yard, and Camas had the ball back on their own eleven yard line. After some battle with the defense, Camas found themselves at their own four yard line until a pressured quarterback scrambled out to the 18 yard line.

End of 1st Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 7, Camas 3  

Facing 4th down and seven, the Papermakers punted, giving the Riverhawks good field position at their own 46. They start again with their bread-and-butter, and within a couple of plays the Riverhawks tore up a huge chunk of real estate to find themselves with a first down at the Papermaker 25. The running game sputtered a bit, and Chiawana found themselves facing 3rd down and twelve yards to go for a first down. On a designed option, the quarterback kept the ball and made a beautiful romp to the seven yard line. However a penalty brought the ball back, and the mighty 'Hawks faced 3rd down and fifteen, from the 32. The drive wasn't meant to be, as an incomplete pass let to a punt situation, and a touch back. Camas began play at their own 20.

A couple of faulty pass plays started the drive. On the third play, a blazing run moved the ball ahead by about 60 yards for the determined Camas squad. About twenty yards from pay dirt, the Papermakers wasted no time, and hauled in a slant pass up the middle for a score. The extra point was good.

A touch back on the kickoff put the Riverhawks on their own twenty yard line. With a gritty mix of pass and run plays, they managed to make it to about midfield when the drive sputtered. Chiawana made it as far as the Papermaker 44 yard line before turning it over on downs.

Camas started in the air with a wide receiver screen for eleven yards and a first down. A bad snap and a penalty on the next couple of plays put the Papermakers in a bad spot, but a long pass put them in shape to attempt a 50 yard field goal. The snap was good, the kick was strong and true. However, it wasn't meant to be, as the boot fell about a yard short. The Riverhawks were able to run a couple of times before the half.

End of 2nd Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 7, Camas 10  

A strong kick once again puts Chiawana on the 20 after the half. The 'Hawks stayed on the ground, ripping up some yardage until they got to midfield. After a couple of run plays, they found themselves facing a 3rd and 11. The next play was designed to be a pass, and the quarterback was on the scramble. In a strange moment, the player ran into a referee about twenty yards behind the regular line of scrimmage, ending the play. At fourth and a mile, Chiawana punted, giving the Papermakers good field position at their 42. Camas struggled, only managing a decent run. Otherwise, they were three and out. The punt placed the Riverhawks on their own 13 to start the drive.
Chiawana churned dirt and ran the ball for almost half a football field on the next play. The run put them in Camas territory with a first down at their 40 yard line. A couple of decent runs put them at the thirty with another first down. The stingy Papermaker defense stole the ball with an interception in the end zone, however, and they started their drive at the twenty.

From that point Camas used a mix of passes and runs to march down the field in fits and starts. A nice swing pass put them into Chiawana territory with a first down at the 43. The drive sputtered, and the Papermakers just couldn't make anything happen at that point. They punted it away, and the touch back put the ball at the Riverhawks' twenty.

The stingy Papermaker defense seemed to be ready to hold the feisty Chiawana squad for a couple of plays, but then four consecutive battering run plays put the Riverhawks on the other side of the fifty. A nice pass cut that distance in half, and at the end of the third quarter, it looked as if Chiawana was mounting a comeback.

End of 3rd Quarter - Score: Riverhawks 7, Camas 10  

A couple of run plays at the end of the third quarter weren't enough to bring Chiawana into field goal range. They pooch punted, and a nice hustle put the ball down as far back as it can go - the Camas one yard line.

After an incomplete first down pass, a Camas receiver hauled in an impossible catch in perfect coverage, fifteen yards down field. It was an amazing catch. I didn't know VooDoo magic was allowed in high school football, but that is the only explanation I have as to how the completion was made. Either way, first down at the sixteen.

Not to be outdone, the quarterback scrambled for a nice run of about 18 and settled at the the 34. The next three plays were designed passes, and one was almost picked. The other two were incomplete. The drive fizzled, and Camas punted away to give Chiawana good field position at their own forty.

The Papermakers flattened the air attack of the Riverhawks. By now Camas was honing in on pass plays, and anything easy was coming under fire. Three Chiawana passes, three Chiawana incomplete passes, one of which was a screen that was broken by an energetic Papermaker "D." Three and out, and a punt put Camas at their own 30. A penalty pushed them back their 25, for a first down and 15 to go.

A run from scrimmage gained almost all of the fifteen yards. Another penalty makes it second down and eleven near midfield. After a couple of incomplete passes, the Papermakers were forced to punt.
Chiawana started strong at their own 13. A long run and a decent pass set the Riverhawks up at their own 43. Here they appeared to run out of steam, and a couple of run plays led to no gain. An alert Camas defense pounced on a pass for pay dirt. A pick six bumped the score for the Papermakers, but a high snap nulled the extra point attempt.

The kickoff left the 'Hawks at their own 28. With time running down, Chiawana was in pass mode. A quick strike for ten yards and a first down was followed with an incomplete pass. On the third pass, the dangerous Rivehawks scored on a 62 yard screen pass for a touchdown. The extra point was good, and now Chiawana trailed by two.

When Camas took possession, it was no surprise that they would grind it out if they could. The first five plays were runs, to erode the clock. To keep the defense off-balance, the Papermakers tried a couple of passes, which were effective for almost forty yards, and position within the Riverhawk red zone. Camas was content winding down play with a hand off to end the game.

Final Score: Riverhawks 14, Camas 16

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Next Week's Game - vs. Wenatchee (1-0) @ Wenatchee
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The Hawk Talker's Two Cents
Of course there is always something lacking when I am not able to witness a game first-hand. I apologize for the lack of description regarding penalties and related information. However, I hope that you found this summary entertaining, despite this detachment.

This is my first year covering Chiawana Riverhawks football, and I can already see that it is going to be an exciting season! The way the boys looked against a strong team is exactly what I expect to see in a team heading for another deep playoff run. Each week will deliver its own brand of electricity, if I am on the right track here.

My observations this week are not going to be very intricate, as I am learning about the team. I noticed that on occasion the line was a precise, pounding presence, pulverizing puny pretenders at will. I noticed that the team seemed ready to score on every play, from anywhere on the field. I noticed that this team will not accept defeat. Defeat must be earned by their opponent, and it would come at a price if the Riverhawks have anything to say about it!

The offense was brilliant when every player did their job. It is scary how good a team can look on their first game of the season! Disciplined blocking and running set the tone for a hard hitting game. Despite this, there were areas for improvement. After halftime, if I were a Camas DB, I would have my eyes on the QB's eyes during pass plays, since he didn't look anyone off all game. Football can be won on the actions of deception, and this area is one that can be improved upon.

Defensively, any time you hold a high-caliber team to only a couple of touchdowns or so, it is a good day. Even though Camas made attempts to wear down the guys by stretching the field, we came back stronger each play. Not one time did the Camas QB look entirely comfortable, and the pass plays seemed hurried all game. Having said that, and being a defensive-minded guy myself, I saw areas where we could tighten down the screws, so to speak.

We had a hard time covering the WR screen. They broke that play seemingly at will, and it went long several times. This particular play is easier than most to cover, but it requires complete commitment and a specific blitz package, or players with the field presence to sniff it out. Either way, we should expect a team like Wenatchee to test us in this area.

Easy picks should be as rewarded or punished as easy dropped passes. While batting a pass keeps the receiver from catching it, which is good, a pick and especially a pick-six can be a complete game changer. It made a difference for Camas this game, for example. If it turns out that this strategy doesn't work well with our position skills, then punishing tackles on the receivers will keep them nervous in those defensive zones instead. Missed opportunities can be learning opportunities. I think that this description works here.

Special teams - well what can you do, anyway, when a kicker never gives you an opportunity to run one back? Besides that, our guys stayed in their lanes, kept their heads on swivels, and delivered some wicked hits. Pads were crackin' and the play was fast and exciting. I can't wait to see what more this unit will bring to the table in games to come.

Thanks to those of you following this blog. If you have any pix, please feel free to send them my way. I will post them as I need them, but I will give you credit when I do. If you like, go ahead and comment below. Who knows how many people are "thinking it" and just need for you to say it? Just be mature, and we can discuss it. If you need to send a pic, or drop me a line, feel free to do so at
hawk.talker@yahoo.com.

H.T.
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 Hawk Talker is an enthusiastic fan of the Chiawana Riverhawks football team. His goal is to provide an accurate and honest review of each game in an effort to summarize the play of the team for others who may be interested. Please visit the links at the right of this page and participate in the poll when you have time. Thanks!
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Friday, September 5, 2014

Introducing the 'Riverhawk Review'

by Hawk Talker
Students playing video games at CHS Fall sports BBQ
Pasco, Wash. - This season I am proud to announce the introduction of The Riverhawk Review, by Hawk Talker. The Riverhawk Review will summarize each Chiawana Riverhawks game, quarter by quarter, with a brief summary analysis at the end. Fans and critics alike are welcome to contribute their thoughts and ideas, however, please realize that the administrator of this site reserves the right to moderate. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at hawk.talker@yahoo.com.

This season is kicking off with a definite feel of excitement in the air! After a brilliant championship season last year, capped by a thrilling final game, the Riverhawks are certainly expecting to come out on fire, ready to make another run. Led by the experienced guidance of head coach Steve Graff and his talented staff, these student athletes understand that they will have to play hard every game. There will be no easy plays.

Tonight Chiawana opens their season against the Camas Papermakers, the team that they beat for the state championship last year in a nail-biter that went down to the last second. Hoping to settle a bit of unfinished business, the Papermakers would certainly love to hammer the Riverhawks with a hay-maker. This is going to be much easier said than done, as the 'Hawks appear to be firing on all cylinders already this early in the season. Who knows how this one will play out as our Riverhawks travel Camas to make some pulp of the Papermakers?

Follow the blog for a weekly, in-depth update every Tuesday, following game day.  

GO 'HAWKS!

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Hawk Talker is an enthusiastic fan of the Chiawana Riverhawks football team. His goal is to provide an accurate and honest review of each game in an effort to summarize the play of the team for others who may be interested. Please visit the links at the right of this page and participate in the poll when you have time. Thanks!
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