MCC football consensus: Until someone knocks off this team, it’s the favorite

Everyone says until some team can dethrone Scott Bond’s Chiawana squad, the Riverhawks are still the team to beat.

The Riverhawks — who lost in the 4A state semifinals last November to eventual state champion Sumner — did lose four standouts to graduation (and college teams): Cooper MacPherson to Eastern Washington; Braxton Feldman and Brian Kuhn to Central Washington; and Julian Martinez to George Fox University.

And with the addition of a third high school in Pasco this school year, Sageview, Bond says his numbers of players turning out have dropped precipitously from 120 in 2024 to 87.

Yet Chiawana has a lot of horses back.

“What will make me happy this year?” Bond responds. “I’m happy already. I mean, c’mon. It’s high school football.”

But expect other teams to push Chiawana for the MCC title.

Kamiakin, Kennewick, Richland will be there too, “but don’t sleep on Southridge this year,” adds Kamiakin head coach Scott Biglin. “Lots of talent coming back.”

Richland especially might have something to say about Chiawana’s run for the title.

Josh Jelinek’s Bombers have talented skill position players in quarterback Jackson Woodard and receiver Brody Bocek, perhaps the best linebacker in the MCC in Sylen Kiesel-Kauhane, and size on the line on both sides of the ball.

“We have more size this fall than we have had in a decade,” said Jelinek, now in his second season as head coach of the Bombers. “It’s exciting to pair that size with a very athletic group of skilled players.”

No non-league games this year

Now the MCC has 10 schools in the conference with the addition of Sageview.

Don Hogue, one of the state’s best defensive coordinators, has moved from Chiawana to run the Sageview Lobos program.

He’ll only have freshmen, sophomores and juniors this season.

It’s similar to what Chiawana did back in 2009 when the school opened its doors.

The difference this time around is Sageview will take on all nine MCC opponents. In 2008, the conference was broken into two divisions, and the Riverhawks and Pasco Bulldogs never met that first season.

Hogue was on Steve Graff’s coaching staff that moved from Pasco to Chiawana, so he knows what to expect.

That first season at Chiawana, the senior-less Riverhawks retook their lumps. The next season, however, with seniors, Chiawana went deep into the state playoffs.

Here’s a quick roundup of each team in alphabetical order:

Chiawana Riverhawks

Bond ends any speculation early in the conversation.

“Gage Williams will be our quarterback,” he said.

Makes sense. Williams scored numerous touchdowns last season from the Red Zone in a running package.

Junior Ender Douglass was the heir apparent at QB in the spring after Julian Martinez graduated. But Douglass injured his shoulder playing for Chiawana’s boys basketball team.

Williams earned the starting spot in spring ball.

“Gage did what we asked him to do,” said Bond. “He’s got a very strong arm. But he’s also a starter on defense. One thing we’re clear on and agree, his defensive play does not hurt him.”

With defensive coordinator Hogue moving over to become Sageview’s head coach, Chiawana will try co-defensive coordinators with Trent Simpkins and Kevin McCallum.

They’ll have some talent back, starting with the Cissne brothers, Cooper and Tayten.

Last year, Cooper led the Riverhawks in tackles as a freshman with 71. Tayten was second with 70.

“Cooper has the chance to be one of the best players Chiawana has ever had,” said Bond.

But it will be Williams and Tayten Cissne who will be leaders of this team.

If there is one thing the Riverhawks need to get together is shore up its offensive line depth. The O-line will be led by senior Brady Knowlton, a three-year starter.

Now throw in kicker Morgan Dodson, who is one of the best high school kickers on the West Coast.

“One thing I need to keep in mind, is let him have those (field goal) opportunities,” said Bond. “He’ll also start on defense and at tight end.”

Hanford Falcons

Second-year head coach Joe Powers says his team’s goal is to “play a meaningful playoff game Week 10.”

It’s not out of the question.

The Falcons return eight players with experience on the offensive side of the ball, including their entire starting offensive line from 2024. They also have Asa Perkes, who led the MCC in receiving yardage last season, catching 49 passes for 710 yards.

“(Perkes) will be a key piece for us on both sides of the ball,” said Powers. “We have to get him involved and keep him healthy.”

Perkes, Sione Nuku and Roman Lewis will be the team leaders.

Nuku will start at middle linebacker and running back.

“I expect him to lead the team in tackles and open some eyes,” said Powers. “Lewis (6-4, 315 pounds) is going to be someone to watch on our offensive line.”

The team went to Whitworth for summer camp, and Lewis came back with an offer from the Pirates.

Powers says also keep an eye on junior Ryan Brown, a tight end and linebacker; as well as Isaac Ngugi — who should complement Perkes as another outstanding receiver.

One thing to keep in mind about Hanford home games: the Falcons will host Walla Walla, Sageview and Southridge at the stadium on the school’s campus in north Richland.

But homes games versus Kennewick and Kamiakin — which both have big fan followings — will be played at the larger Fran Rish Stadium.

Hermiston Bulldogs

David Faaeteete expects his Bulldogs to be strong with a veteran offensive line and tough linebacking corps.

Angel Ordaz and Max Shilhanek will be the anchors of both sides of the line.

Hayden Larson will be the leader out that linebacking group, and in addition he’ll play running back.

Also, Faaeteete expects big things from DB-WR Nathaniel Henderson.

“Establishing who we are and what we want to do game in and game out (in still something we need to work on),” said Faaeteete. “We still have a lot to prepare for Week 1. So ironing out the kinks is what we are focused on right now.”

Faaeteete also expects a couple other players to bloom in TE-DE Cash Edwards and DB-WR James Young.

Hermiston’s goal is pretty simple for this season.

“Win more than you lose and make the playoffs,” said Faaeteete.

Kamiakin Braves

Biglin’s biggest question he gets is who will be the quarterback for Kamiakin this year.

Trent Woodhouse was a three-year starter who graduated in the spring and is at Spokane Community College to play baseball.

“We have three guys really fighting for the position,” said Biglin.

They include junior Gavin Cronrath and freshman Jagger McKewon.

“Both have had a tremendous spring and summer so fall camp will be a battle. We also have Mike Kori, who will run some QB in different formation and situations.”

Biglin saw his offensive line nucleus graduate (including his own son), but “the group we have right now has been waiting for their moment to shine.”

Kori, just a junior but has an offer in hand from Oregon State, should be one of the top players in the MCC.

Biglin expects wide receiver Mason Severson to be one of the best in the conference, while Ty Farris will be active on both sides of the ball.

Keep an eye out for freshman Noah Starr, “who is probably our No. 2 corner behind Kori,” said Biglin.

Kennewick Lions

Every season, Randy Affholter and his staff find his team making a deep run into the 3A state playoffs.

It could happen again, although some things will have to happen.

“We need consistency in the passing game,” said Affholter.

He’s got the quarterback. Dominic Driver returns as a starter.

But the receivers will have to establish themselves quickly.

One guy Affholter won’t have to worry about is senior Cooper Neer. The Lions plan to get the ball into his hands a lot, and on offense expect him to play tight end. Or halfback/running back. Or out as a wide receiver.

On defense, Neer will also lead that strong linebacking core. It’s why Neer has already committed to Montana.

Every year, the Lions seem to produce a strong offensive line who heads off to college.

This year is no different. Ben Edwards has already committed to Central Washington University.

Other players Affholter mentions are senior free safety Jacob Ball, and junior defensive lineman Peter Smith. Smith is one of the state’s top shot putters in track.

But to repeat, Affholter knows he needs a strong group of seniors to keep this playoff streak going.

“Hopefully our seniors step up to the plate and deliver this fall,” he said.

Pasco Bulldogs

DJ Search replaces Leon Wright-Jackson as head coach.

Search is a Connell High graduate who most recently has been an assistant coach for Richland.

Search says he’ll vary offensive formations, and his defense will have to adjust each week to the various MCC offensive systems.

The Bulldogs return two-way line standout Sawyer Hickam, as well as quarterback Junior Olvera.

“They’re both hard-working kids that make me work hard for them,” said Search. “It’s not fair that they had to have a new coach with new ideas their senior year.”

Search also says to keep an eye out for OL/DL Kamdyn Boyer and WR/DB Max Valencia.

“Watching these kids come in to practice after a game with body language that is consistent and the willingness to keep putting in the work will make me happy,” said Search.

Richland Bombers

Jelinek has already named his stars earlier in the story.

But he says keep an eye on DB-WR Andre Jackson, a sophomore transfer from Louisiana.

“He’s making waves,” said Jelinek. “I expect to see him on both sides of the ball on Fridays this fall!”

Jelinek is also high on DE/TE Jack Kirkham and Gavin Walther.

Walther is a pretty good lacrosse player in the spring season, “but it has translated nicely to his second year at outside linebacker.”

Others to watch include wide receiver Hayden Galloway, who is one of the top baseball catchers in the MCC; and sophomores Pierson Bryant at WR-DB and Derek Hart at OL-DL.

There’s enough talent there that Jelinek and his staff believe they have something really good this season.

“We need to play when it’s snowing,” said Jelinek. “I don’t care how we get there, but if you’re worried about snow games, you are very good.”

Sageview Lobos

Our biggest strength is our coaching staff, energy and the excitement of our players.

Hogue doesn’t know what to expect from his Lobos just yet.

“Pretty much anyone could be a surprise,” he said. “There are no returning varsity impact players, or all-conference players.”

He does have a couple players he expects to lead the team.

Eli Henderson rushed for 499 yards and 7 touchdowns last season at Pasco; while Alex Flores was a backup quarterback for Chiawana.

“I’ll be happy if we have growth from a team that literally returns every player next season,” said Hogue.

Southridge Suns

Matt Johnson has a lot of players who made all-conference last season. So that’s great experience.

“Our biggest strength is our game experience,” said Johnson. “We played a lot of sophomore and juniors last season that return great experience. We have a very solid group of leaders who have been through it all before and know how tough this league is and are ready to make plays.”

Start with running back Gabe Borisch, who easily led the MCC with 1,748 yards rushing and scored 20 touchdowns last season.

But it’s just not him.

“We have a few players to watch,” said Johnson. “Koven Burke is a mismatch problem at wide receiver and a great defensive back.”

Tayten Jackman at RB-DB, Jacob Korotkov at LB-RB (he had 64 tackles last season), DB Chase Ferguson (who led the MCC last season with 6 interceptions) and OL-LB Andrew Wilford are all expected to be leaders for the Suns.

Johnson adds that fans should keep an eye on RB-LB Ramses Chavez, OL-DL Paz Barraza, DL JR Bockman, and a freshman named Toa Haertling, who plays running back and linebacker.

Haertling “is going to be a key contributor at the varsity level,” Johnson says.

Johnson adds the Suns need to finish more drives in the Red Zone.

“What we need to work on most is making explosive plays in the special teams games, and creating more takeaways on defense,” he said.

The bottom line for Southridge: they’d like to finish ahead of Kennewick in the MCC standings. That might possibly mean a home game in the 3A state round of 32 playoffs.

Walla Walla Blue Devils

First things first: the Blue Devils’ home games this season will be on campus at the new stadium — not at Borleske Stadium.

“We’ll be playing at Blue Devil Field this year, and we’re incredibly thankful for the community’s support in making that happen. We can’t wait to open things up on Sept. 12.”

James is expecting big things from two-way lineman standout Mason Gehrett; senior running back Evan King (who rushed for 463 yards in 2024); and junior wide receiver Derrick Bingham (Wa-HI’s top pass catcher last season with 26 receptions for 376 yards).

“All three are team captains and key returners who set the tone for our program,” said James.

2025 MID-COLUMBIA CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Schedule subject to change

All start times 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted

Thursday, Sept. 4

Pasco at Southridge, Lampson Stadium Sageview at Chiawana, Edgar Brown Stadium

Friday, Sept. 5

Kennewick at Hanford, Fran Rish Stadium

Richland at Hermiston

Walla Walla at Kamiakin, Lampson Stadium

Thursday, Sept. 11

Hanford at Richland

Kamiakin at Chiawana, Edgar Brown Stadium

Friday, Sept. 12

Hermiston at Walla Walla, Blue Devil Field

Pasco at Sageview, Edgar Brown Stadium

Southridge at Kennewick, Lampson Stadium

Thursday, Sept. 18

Sageview at Kamiakin, Lampson Stadium

Friday, Sept. 19

Chiawana at Hermiston

Kennewick at Pasco, Edgar Brown Stadium

Richland at Southridge, Lampson Stadium

Walla Walla at Hanford, Hanford High campus

Thursday, Sept. 25

Hanford at Chiawana, Edgar Brown Stadium

Friday, Sept. 26

Hermiston at Kamiakin, Lampson Stadium

Kennewick at Sageview, Edgar Brown Stadium

Pasco at Richland

Southridge at Walla Walla, Blue Devil Field

Thursday, Oct. 2 Richland at Kennewick, Lampson Stadium

Friday, Oct. 3

Chiawana at Southridge, Lampson Stadium

Kamiakin at Hanford, Fran Rish Stadium

Sageview at Hermiston

Walla Walla at Pasco, Edgar Brown Stadium

Thursday, Oct. 9

Hanford at Hermiston

Richland at Sageview, Edgar Brown Stadium

Friday, Oct. 10

Kennewick at Walla Walla, Blue Devil Field

Pasco at Chiawana, Edgar Brown Stadium

Southridge at Kamiakin, Lampson Stadium

Thursday, Oct. 16

Hermiston at Southridge, Lampson Stadium

Kamiakin at Pasco, Edgar Brown Stadium

Friday, Oct. 17

Chiawana at Kennewick, Lampson Stadium

Sageview at Hanford, Hanford High campus

Walla Walla at Richland

Thursday, Oct. 23

Walla Walla at Sageview, Edgar Brown Stadium

Friday, Oct. 24

Kennewick at Kamiakin, Lampson Stadium

Pasco at Hermiston

Richland at Chiawana, Edgar Brown Stadium

Southridge at Hanford, Hanford High campus

Thursday, Oct. 30

Hanford at Pasco, Edgar Brown Stadium

Friday, Oct. 31

Chiawana at Walla Walla, Blue Devil Field

Hermiston at Kennewick, Lampson Stadium

Kamiakin at Richland

Southridge at Sageview, Edgar Brown Stadium

Jeff Morrow is former sports editor for the Tri-City Herald.