Tri-City decks Riverhawks in EFL finale

by Neil Pierson<br>Herald Sports Reporter
| May 31, 2007 9:00 PM

Knights 49 Riverhawks 8

KENNEWICK — The Columbia Basin Riverhawks finished up their first season in Evergreen League football action on Saturday with a 49-8 loss to the playoff-bound Tri-City Knights.

The Knights, who finished in second place in the final EFL regular-season standings with a 6-2 record, overwhelmed the visiting Riverhawks in the first half. Tri-City led 20-0 after one quarter and 42-0 at halftime, using superior depth to do most of its damage. The Knights had 55 players, with the Riverhawks fielding just 23, Columbia Basin head coach Jim Whitaker said.

The Knights were successful in every aspect of their offense and kept the Riverhawks at bay on the ground. Whitaker said Tri-City's defensive front had a big size advantage against his team.

The Riverhawks finished with 144 yards of total offense, with quarterback Czac Conley connecting on 9 of 18 passes for 137 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Columbia Basin was held to 1 net rushing yard, its lowest output of the season.

With a 1-7 record in their inaugural season, Whitaker said the results were disappointing but reflective of the team's small size.

"Traditionally, teams from larger communities have dominated the EFL and this year was consistent with that trend," he said.

Columbia Basin did place five players on the EFL All-Star Team. Wide receiver Emerson Ferguson, linebacker LaFrank Millender, running back Jeff Nelson and center/linebacker Josh Bisnett will all play for the Blue squad in the June 16 all-star game at Kennewick's Lampson Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.

Conley was also selected based on regular-season statistical outputs, but will not play due to a prior commitment.

The EFL playoffs kick off this Saturday. Top-seeded Blue Mountain (8-0) hosts No. 4 Yakima (5-3). The other semifinal contest pits No. 3 Wenatchee Valley (5-3) at No. 2 Tri-City. Evergreen Bowl III takes place Saturday, June 9, at a yet-to-be-determined site.

Blue All-Star Roster

Quarterback: James Phillips (Yakima), Tali Ena (Tri-City). Running back: Jeff Nelson (Columbia Basin), Justin Ramirez (Tri-City), Nate Gowing (Wenatchee Valley). Fullback: Tito Mercado (Wenatchee Valley). Wide receiver: Emerson Ferguson (Columbia Basin), Cody Parker (Yakima), Garrett Stroscher (Okanogan County), Mario Ramirez (Tri-City). Tight end: Dwayne Baker (Tri-City), Lance Ballew (Wenatchee Valley). Offensive line: Ian Zero (Yakima), Matt Martinez (Wenatchee Valley), Tyler Neely (Okanogan County), Beau Van Winkle (Wenatchee Valley), Ben Salisbury (Tri-City), Detrick Trimble (Yakima).

Defensive line: Casey Kelly (Yakima), Tony Armijo (Yakima), Jeff Reidt (Okanogan County), Nick Blasdel (Tri-City), Connor Mathis (Tri-City), Tony Sandoval (Wenatchee Valley). Linebacker: Shawn Townsend (Okanogan County), LaFrank Millender (Columbia Basin), BJ Quinn (Yakima), Mitch Ellerd (Tri-City), Jeremy Rainbolt (Wenatchee Valley), Steve Oldham (Tri-City). Cornerback: Jeff Muai (Tri-City), Robbie Bradshaw (Okanogan County), Keith Raymond (Wenatchee Valley). Strong safety: RJ Elizondo (Tri-City), Anthony Williams (Wenatchee Valley). Free safety: Billy Turner (Wenatchee Valley), Adam Attridge (Okanogan County). Kicker/punter: Joe Smith (Yakima).

Red All-Star Roster

Quarterback: Brett Jay (Blue Mountain), Andy Atkinson (Palouse). Running back: Brandon Tate (Blue Mountain), Justin Blake (Spokane), Travis Herzog (State Line). Fullback: Joe Williams (Palouse). Wide receiver: Mike McGee (Blue Mountain), Greg Frisbee (Palouse), Roman O'Donnell (Blue Mountain), Marshall Smith (Blue Mountain), Raleigh Brown (Spokane). Tight end: Eugene Burgess (Spokane), Kyle Hart (Blue Mountain). Offensive line: Anthony Orosco (Blue Mountain), Trent Aubertin (Palouse), Merrill Coleman (Spokane), Mike Kirkpatrick (State Line), Price Alley (Palouse), Andy Hoenike (Spokane), Dane Weed (State Line).

Defensive line: Josh Queen (State Line), Jonathon Simmons (State Line), Tui Moliga (Palouse), Clark Pauls (State Line), Adam Lindsay (Spokane), Dan Eller (Spokane). Linebacker: Curtis Latour (Blue Mountain), Casey Lawrence (State Line), Scott Word (Spokane), Dave Gove (State Line), Brad Blake (Blue Mountain), John Villaro (Spokane). Cornerback: Kevin Boughton (Blue Mountain), Tony Coburn (Blue Mountain), Brandon Ervin (Palouse), Deangelo Pruitt (State Line). Strong safety: Blake Manley (Palouse), Jake Pinkerton (State Line). Free safety: Trevor Ball (Palouse), Jon Daniels (Spokane). Kicker/punter: Jesse Solis (Blue Mountain).