Six Basin athletes help take home win in Earl Barden Classic

YAKIMA — After a full 48 minutes of scoreless football, the Earl Barden Classic needed an overtime period to decide the winner of the all-star matchup between senior football players from 2A/1A/2B/1B classifications across the state.

“It kind of feels like a dream come true,” Othello wide receiver Sonny Asu said. “I heard about this game when we were freshmen and sophomores, and as soon as I heard about it I knew I wanted to be here. I did everything I could to get here right now.”

Royal running back Kaleb Hernandez scored the game’s first points on a three-yard touchdown run, and the ensuing two-point conversion attempt was true to give East an 8-0 lead. West scored on the ensuing drive, but a defensive stand on the two-point conversion gave East an 8-6 win. With the touchdown, Hernandez earned Offensive Most Valuable Player for the East team.

“I couldn’t have done it without an amazing team, and all these new relationships I’ve built with these new people I met this weekend,” Hernandez said. “I give it all to the (offensive) line.”

One of those offensive linemen was Ephrata’s Wes Kriete, who played a significant role in helping get Hernandez across the goal line.

“I pushed (Hernandez) into the end zone,” Kriete said. “He met someone face-to-face, and I just went right behind him and pushed him in.”

The East defense held the West offense to a limited number of trips into plus territory during regulation.

“I think it’s just everyone hustling to the ball,” Royal linebacker Dylan Allred said. “Being disciplined and getting after the ball every play.”

West ran a very run-heavy attack during the game, with the East defense finding success keeping the run game at bat.

“During practice all week we were grinding the whole time, making sure that we’re all ready and putting in our best effort to get us as ready as we can for this game,” Othello defensive lineman Julian Alegria said. “Since Tuesday, we’ve been putting in 100%.”

Asu displayed a strong connection with East quarterback Kole Hunsaker during Saturday’s game, frequently being targeted by Hunsaker en route to five catches for 60 yards.

“As soon as I saw him on the field on Tuesday afternoon at practice, instantly I knew we were going to have a good connection,” Asu said. “He was hitting me deep, in stride – he’s an amazing quarterback, his accuracy is insane.”

Along with players earning awards for offensive and defensive MVPs for both teams, Ephrata linebacker Travis Hendrick left with a best teammate award, voted on by coaches. The linebacker was given a plaque as well as a check for $500.

“It’s pretty special because I get to come out here with a bunch of people I don’t know, and still show people that I can be a good time,” Hendrick said. “I think that’s kind of special to know, and for people to recognize.”

Saturday’s game was full of athletes moving on to play college football at different levels, creating exciting matchups on both sides of the ball.

“I started off really slow, but as the game went on it really started clicking for me,” Kriete said. “I was going against D1 athletes and keeping up with them – it felt pretty good.”

Practices began on Tuesday, and players had the opportunity to see some new faces as well as relive some previous experiences against one another on the field.

“It’s awesome being here, meeting all these guys,” Alegria said. “Another bond that never breaks.”

Dating back to 2018, East has now won four straight outings of the Earl Barden Classic.

“It’s been really exciting,” Hendrick said. “I wasn’t expecting to play one last football game because I was an alternate, but they brought me up. It’s been super fun, it’s an opportunity that not a lot of people get to have. Super cool to come out here and have a second chance at ending my career with a win.”

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.