Reardan spoils Homecoming

RITZVILLE - The Reardan football team came to town Friday, Oct. 13 to face the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos in a crucial 2023 Homecoming matchup and came away with a shutout victory 25-0.

LRS's high-octane offense has sputtered in recent weeks because of injuries sustained by running backs Brody Boness and Brock Kinch, both of whom watched the game from the sidelines.

The Screaming Eagles showed they were ready to play when Hunter Flaa returned the opening kickoff to the Broncos' 25-yard line. LRS's defense dug in and forced Reardan to turn the ball over on downs.

For the rest of the first quarter, the teams exchanged possession of the ball several times, neither posing a threat to score.

In the second quarter, Reardan marched the length of the field to the Broncos' one-yard line. From there, Evan Krupke plowed over the goal line for the game's first score.

With 9:32 left in the half, Reardan led 7-0.

The Broncos could not move the ball on their next possession and turned the ball over to Reardan at their own 40-yard line.

Quarterback Rysen Soliday rifled a pass to Jakari Singleton who made a fingertip catch on the 20-yard line before falling out of bounds. From there, Chilson and Krupke took turns carrying the ball to the three-yard line.

The Broncos' defense stiffened, but on fourth down Soliday tucked the ball and scored on a keeper off right tackle. The kick for extra point failed.

Reardan took a 13-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

At the start of the second half, LRS fumbled the ball on its own 40-yard line, giving the Screaming Eagles a chance for a quick touchdown.

Reardan's drive culminated with a three-yard touchdown pass from Soliday to Singleton to make the score 19-0 with 7:47 left in the third quarter.

Big Jonathan Holdway single-handedly shut down LRS's next drive with a sack and tackle for loss, forcing the Broncos to punt.

Chilson broke through the line, blocked the punt, scooped up the ball and raced into the end zone to increase Reardan's lead to 25-0, which ended up being the final score.

LRS head coach Brenden Bermea did not use the absence of Boness and Kinch as an excuse for the loss.

"We just have to play better," he said. "Losing key players means that other guys have to step up and maximize their opportunities. It's been tough and I feel for our guys, but we're going to keep working,"

"Our defense played extremely well," Reardan head coach Matt Clouse said. "They swarmed to the ball and forced several fumbles. Their huge plays set us up with great field position, allowing our offense to score points."

The Screaming Eagles dominated the ground game, out rushing LRS 233-14. Chilson carried the ball 17 times for 192 yards and Krupke carried the ball six times for 42 yards.

The win improved Reardan's record to 3-4. The loss dropped the Broncos to 5-2.

Reardan's next game will be at Liberty at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20.