Hermiston (Oregon) traveled to play Eastside Catholic in the first round of the playoffs. Eastside Catholic entered the game 6-2 and Hermiston 4-5. EC was on a roll after a 42-0 win against Rainier Beach. Hermiston was looking for redemption after a 51-22 loss to Kennewick.
EC gained momentum early on with QB Jake Tiryakioglu throwing a 36-yard touchdown pass to WR Jayden Reyes for an early score. EC continued to put up points with an electrifying punt return by Ambrose Marsh for a touchdown to put the score at 21-6. EC kept rolling with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Tiryakioglu to Asa Thompson. Asa sped past the defense and remained untouched as another 6 points were added to the board.
EC was led through the air, with QB Jake Tiryakioglu and WR Jayden Reyes logging some of the most notable performances. Tiryakioglu had a 66.7 completion rate and 232 pass yards with 4 TDs. Reyes had 4 catches with an incredible 23 yard average and 2 TDs.
Hermiston’s season came to a close as EC ended the game, winning 49-6. EC will face Lincoln in the next round of playoffs. EC is entering as the favored team and will look to continue its state championship campaign. Lincoln will look to upset the Crusaders this coming Saturday at 1 p.m. at on Eastside Catholic turf.
