In a strong showing on September 15, 2023, the Kelso Hilanders defeated the River Ridge Hawks with a decisive score of 30-14 in a non-league football game held in Lacey. The victory marked Kelso’s second win of the season, bringing their record to 2-0.
Quarterback Anders Dahl led the Hilanders’ offense by completing 11 of 14 passes for 101 yards, including a touchdown. Meanwhile, running back Zephaniah Rutherford made a significant impact on the ground, rushing for 112 yards on eight carries.
The scoring began in the second quarter when Dahl connected with Kyle McReary for a 10-yard touchdown pass, giving Kelso an early lead. Shortly after, Mason Hanson added to the scoreboard with a 3-yard touchdown run, enabling the Hilanders to take a 14-7 advantage into halftime.
The second half saw Kelso’s defense stifling River Ridge’s attempts to mount a comeback. The Hilanders extended their lead with two more touchdowns in the third quarter. Hanson scored again, this time on a 5-yard run, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run from Kainoa Fili. The third quarter concluded with Kelso ahead 27-7.
In the final quarter, Jay Waddell capped off the Hilanders’ scoring with a 23-yard field goal. River Ridge managed to add a late touchdown with a 59-yard pass from quarterback Nathan Ung to Xavier Street, but it was not enough to alter the outcome.
Kelso dominated the game statistically, outgaining River Ridge 368 yards to 165 and limiting the Hawks to just six first downs. The Hilanders showcased a balanced offensive attack, with several players contributing to the rushing game.
In addition to Rutherford’s impressive yardage, Dahl also contributed on the ground, rushing for 70 yards on six carries. Hanson finished the game with a total of 33 rushing yards, showcasing the team’s depth in their running game. For River Ridge, Ung threw for 59 yards and rushed for 13 yards, while Street was the standout receiver with one catch for 59 yards.
As Kelso prepares for their next matchup, their performance against River Ridge will serve as a building block for the remainder of the season. With a potent offense and a tenacious defense, the Hilanders look to continue their momentum as they strive for further success.
