Sports News

Statistics mirrored the final score in the Burros’ relatively easy 27-6 victory over Thompson Tuesday night in Hillsboro.
Hillsboro rolled to 374 yards rushing in the 21-point win.
The Burros ran 65 plays from scrimmage to Thompson’s 38.
Following the blocking of fullback Andrew Grothmann, Smelden, the Burro I-back, picked up 192 yards on 15 carries, a 12.8 yard average.
Smelden single-handedly outgained the Tommies.
The taller and bigger Tommies moved the first down chains four times in racking up 132 total yards on offense.
In third down efficiency, the Burros were seven of 11 while Thompson was just one of eight.
Burro coach Mark Rerick was reserved in his evaluation of his 9-man football team.
“We played fairly well for most of the game,” said the sixth year coach.
Hillsboro’s second quarter breakdown “could have hurt us,” said Rerick, but the guys did a nice job of “scrambling back to maintain the lead.”
Rerick admits he wasn’t expecting a 190-yard game from Brian Smelden.
“Brian did a great job in his first game as the I-back.”
The Burro coach also liked the play of his fullback, Andrew Grothmann, who Thompson was keying on, added Rerick.
“All of his yards are going to be tough. Teams will continue to key on him.”
It would be wise to keep on eye on Brian Smelden, too.
The final Burro TD drive reflected the spirit and drive of the Burros this year, Rerick wants to believe.
The fourth quarter score iced the victory.
Thompson had a little momentum at that point, offered Rerick, “but that touchdown really deflated them.”
It was the type of drive that will prove essential this year, Rerick and his coaches have been telling the young Burros.
Understanding that, the Burros picked up the ball and ran with it . . .
Central Valley, Hillsboro’s opponent tonight, was hurt by graduation. The Valiants return just two starters each on offense and defense.
The Valiants lack experience, depth and size, according to veteran coach Randy Vigen.
“But they know what it takes to win.”
Players to watch for Central Valley include Jake Johnson (5-9, 150 lbs), Tony Mack (5-8, 140) and Andrew Gjelsness (6-1, 290).
Central Valley edged Hillsboro, 20-18, last year.
The Burros play at Colfax next Friday (Aug. 31). The Richland-Colfax Colts won the 9-man state championship two years ago.