Jensen leads Richland past Bellevue in first start

To the crowd Friday night at Bellevue High School, it probably looked like Richland had the same guy behind center for the past three years.

That’s because senior Cade Jensen was nearly unstoppable in his first start for the No. 3 Bombers, completing 22 of 27 passes for 328 yards with a touchdown, and engineering the game-winning drive in the 24-21 comeback victory.

“That was the most fun I think I’ve ever had in my life,” Jensen told the Seattle Times. “(Coach Mike) Neidhold since Day 1 said you come to Richland to play in big games, and this one was for sure a big game. I’m just happy I could be a part of it and happy I could succeed in it.”

Bellevue senior running back Isaiah Ifanse racked up 229 yards on 40 carries with three touchdowns, the last of which came with 7:34 remaining to give the Wolverines their first lead of the game, at 21-17.

The game-winning drive started at Richland’s 20 with a little more than 4 minutes to go after a touchback. Jensen completed all 4 of his passes on the possession, including a 46-yard strike to Josh Mendoza that set up Parker McCary’s 9-yard touchdown scamper.

Mendoza caught just four passes on the day, but walked away with 155 yards and a touchdown.

Full stats from the game were not available.

This story was originally published September 2, 2017 at 7:18 PM with the headline "Jensen leads Richland past Bellevue in first start."