All-MCC football team released; there’s a lot of green-and-gold

The Richland football team’s hard work and success did not go unnoticed during the Mid-Columbia Conference all-league voting.

Outscoring opponents on an average of 47-11 will do that.

The Bombers placed nine players on the first team for offense and defense, and Mike Neidhold was named Coach of the Year.

Richland senior quarterback Cade Jensen was named Offensive Player of the Year, senior defensive back Adam Weissenfels was named Defensive Player of the Year, and senior Jax Lee was voted Lineman of the Year.

“Our kids are well-deserved,” Neidhold said. “They have earned these accolades, and we are grateful for the recognition.”

As for being named Coach of the Year?

“That is a staff award,” Neidhold said. “The staff we have here at Richland is nothing short of amazing. I am blessed to have such great men. They are some of my closest friends. I am fortunate to be associated with this group.”

The Kamiakin Braves, who lost in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs last week to Timberline (26-22), had four players named to the first team, led by senior Champ Grayson, honored as a defensive back and wide receiver, and on special teams.

Chiawana had seven players honored, including sophomore defensive back Riley Cissne, who led the MCC with seven interceptions, and kicker Ryan Lowry, who had 40 PATs and seven field goals.

The Bombers ran the table in the MCC with a 7-0 record, winning the regular season title for the third consecutive year. Richland (11-0) will play at Gonzaga Prep (9-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Class 4A quarterfinals.

“We will play anyone anywhere,” Neidhold said. “We don’t think that playing at Gonzaga Prep is a disadvantage. We played our last two games at Edgar Brown (in Pasco). The last three years we have been deep in the playoffs, to do that you have to be good and have a little luck.

“None of this is by accident. They put in the work, they play other sports to make themselves better football players. It’s a tribute to what hard work does for you. It’s a tremendous amount of pride to play for Richland. The tradition of excellence they have to follow. There is a responsibility to live up to that.”

Jensen threw for 2,563 yards and 35 touchdowns this season, with just 10 interceptions. He completed 63.2 percent of his passes.

Weissenfels, who had six interceptions on the year, was a key factor in the Bombers’ defense that allowed 177.9 yards per game and just 118 points in 11 games.

On offense, Weissenfels caught 35 passes for 412 yards and seven touchdowns. He also was a second-team special teams player. He had 12 total touchdowns, kick 54 extra points, and led the MCC in scoring with 126 points.

Grayson led the league with 56 reception for 902 yards and nine touchdowns. He finished with 11 total touchdowns, and ranked fourth in league scoring with 66 points.

This story was originally published November 14, 2017 at 4:14 PM with the headline "All-MCC football team released; there’s a lot of green-and-gold."